“Assemble a platoon. Return to the village and track this filth. Observe only, do not engage, I need to know who employed them. Be very careful, use stealth, you must not be detected.”
***
“So what is he exactly?” asked Hannock.
“He’s a Vikkery,” replied Faylore.
“A what?” asked Hannock.
“A Vikkery. Now how would you put it? A shapeshifter.”
“That explains a lot,” said Jared, “I was wondering how somebody his size could defend himself in the wilds, but I never would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it.”
“They are a very peaceful race and prefer their own company, hence the frosty reception,” said Faylore.
“Now we know what he is, I’m glad he didn’t get too upset at our first meeting,” said Hannock with a gentle laugh, “here he comes now.”
“We’ll be there in a couple of hours. Oh and by the way, we Vikkery also have excellent hearing, so next time ye want to know something ask me, not her.” Grubb snorted and strutted off.
Hannock was fascinated by Grubb and wondered just how to approach him without being either obvious or offensive. “We appreciate your help a great deal, Grubb. I don’t know what we’d have done without you when those wolves attacked.”
“You have plenty weapons, and a magician, you’d have coped easily enough.”
“Maybe, but you saw them off by yourself before we even had time to act.”
“Enough of this crap. What do ye really want?” snapped Grubb.
Hannock immediately went on the defensive. “I don’t know what you mean dear chap, just being friendly, you know.”
“We aren’t friends, ye don’t even know me and I didn’t help ye for the sake of it, I just don’t like wolves. Devious sneaky creatures they are, talking about people behind their backs.”
“Talking? Wolves? I don’t understand. Wolves don’t talk,” said Hannock.
“Like I said, we Vikkery have excellent hearing. Just because your kind can’t hear ‘em, doesn’t mean they can’t speak.”
“Fascinating. Please forgive me for asking, but do you hear other animals speak?” asked Hannock.
“A few. Most of ‘em are as they appear, just dumb animals. It’s the hunters ye have to be careful of ye know, wolves, bears and the like.”
“What if you met with one of those, erm, things, like the one you changed into when you chased off the wolves?” asked Hannock, arriving at the subject he really wanted to discuss.
“My word, ye have no idea do ye’? That’s just something I made up. There’s no real beast like that, four arms! Ye aren’t right in the head if ye believe in such things,” he tutted.
Hannock realised that he was now being mocked by Grubb, but not in a facetious way, and decided to keep the conversation going as long as possible. “Are you able to change into many beings, or just imaginary ones, Master Grubb?”
“Firstly, I told ye it’s just Grubb and secondly, why do ye want to know?”
“Idle curiosity, Grubb, nothing more,” replied Hannock trying to look as innocent as possible, but at the same time, yearning to have his question answered.
“Well it’s like this,” said Grubb leaning forward, Hannock leaned closer, “mind your own bloody business.”
Hannock laughed, bowed to Grubb, and moved a polite distance away from him.
Jared looked Hannock up and down as he approached. “You just can’t leave things alone, can you, Hannock?”
“I have no idea to what you are referring, Your Highness.”
“Don’t, Your Highness me. Honestly, you’re like a child with a scab, you just can’t resist picking at it.”
“I asked a few simple questions that’s all, I meant no offence.”
“And luckily he took none, but Faylore said that the Vikkery like their privacy, you could have really offended him.”
“We’ve never met anyone like him before. I couldn’t help myself, I mean, to be able to transform yourself like he does would be pretty useful at times. Do you know something? I think for the first time, I’m actually jealous. Is this how normal people feel when they meet me?” There was a huge grin on Hannock’s face.
“Can you just bear with me a moment, Hannock? Only, I’m wondering how big the noose needs to be to get over that big fat head of yours.”
“That’s the exit from the cavern just up ahead. Turn to yer right as ye leave, follow the trail and it’ll lead ye to the bridge, Reiggan is just the other side. Don’t worry, ye can’t miss it,” called Grubb.
Jared turned to face him. “I rather hoped you’d join us, Grubb. You have been most helpful and I feel that you should receive some form of payment.”
“Don’t need anything, don’t want anything, I belong here, not in some wizard fortress. They’ll be worse than him with their questioning and prying,” replied Grubb, pointing at Hannock. “No, I know me place, and it’s not in there with them. Farewell, and try not to come back, well not too soon anyway.” He turned and walked away, only taking a few steps before morphing into the huge, four-armed beast. “Goodbye, Captain,” it growled, disappearing into the gloom.
***
The scouting party had climbed as high as possible on the rock face and were now looking down on the Dergon camp, that sprawled into the distance. The men were whispering to one another.
“This doesn’t look good, corporal.”
“No… no it doesn’t, I’d say there’s about five hundred of these things. It seems as if there’s some sort of ranking system, but no difference in… well, uniforms, I suppose you’d call them.”
“I’ve not seen any of them giving any orders. It’s difficult to see who’s in charge. Hang on, something’s happening.”
One of the Dergon had appeared, larger than the rest and far more imposing and as he did, a hush fell about him. It was Ramah. To the soldiers, he looked the same as the rest, but began to give a speech that seemed to rouse his followers, which was apparent by their cheers.
“I can’t hear a word he’s saying, corporal. Shall I try to get a bit closer?”
“No. You might give away our position and I don’t fancy our chances if we are discovered.”
“So what do we do then?”
“Exactly what the king told us to do. They aren’t being manipulated by any lord or king, they have their own agenda, whatever that may be and the king must be told. We head back to Borell and report our findings,” replied the corporal.
With this they slowly backed away.
CHAPTER 9
The companions had reached the bridge and now stared in awe at the fascia of Reiggan Fortress. Carved into the mountain itself, but with far more skill than any mason could have achieved, were four statues. Each was at least a hundred feet tall and contained such detail that it appeared as if any one of them could turn their head or blink at any moment. The hooded robes in which they were adorned looked as if the slightest breeze would cause the folds to flutter or reveal a chest swelling, with an intake of breath.
“To reveal such beauty from solid rock is a rare gift,” said Faylore.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. I wish I’d have tried harder the first time I was headed here,” added Lodren. “Oh well, we’re here now. Shall we?” He held his hand out in a gesture for them to proceed.
“Well we didn’t come all this way just to stand on the doorstep,” said Hannock.
Jared said nothing. Yes, it was impressive but there was something inside him, in his very being that warned him not to enter this place. Convincing himself that it was merely a fear of the unknown, he moved forward. The doors to Reiggan stood before them, these too seemed to have been carved from pure rock. They hesitated for a moment, but before any could speak, there was a crack and then a rumble as the doors, parting in the centre, began to slide open. A large circular courtyard lay before them. The boundary wall was virtually hidden by life-size robed statues, carved from pure white marble, a burning torch placed between
each one. The flagstone floor was black with red runes and a compass painted onto it, and on each point of the compass sat a large brazier that burned brightly.
“Your Royal Highness, may I introduce the Head of the Administration, Barden Oldman. Barden, His Royal Highness Prince Jared Dunbar of Borell,” announced Emnor, who had awaited their arrival with eager anticipation.
The two shook hands, and with formalities addressed, Barden made no secret of the fact that he was eager to deal with the removal of Karrak to secure quarters. With a wave of his hand, six robed figures approached the covered cart. Reaching inside, they gently lifted Karrak onto a stretcher and swiftly bore him through a double doorway, immediately behind Barden.
“Should we not escort them?” asked Jared, a little concerned for his brother.
“He is quite safe here, Your Highness, of that I can assure you,” replied Barden.
“My apologies, Barden, it’s just that… oh never mind, and please, call me Jared.”
“As you wish… Jared. We shall visit your brother presently, once he has been settled into his new residence. He must remain asleep for the time being, you understand?”
“No not really, I thought he’d be secure here, unable to harm anyone.”
“And he will. His mind will be in a state of unrest for some weeks yet and this precaution is for his protection against himself, more so than others. Over time he will understand his position, and hopefully come to terms with it.”
“And should he not come to terms with it, Master Barden. What then?” asked Jared.
“We have dealt with many cases such as his. Given time he will embrace his power and use it only for good. He is not evil, simply tormented by confusion.”
“I applaud your confidence, but you don’t know him as I do. Although I love him as my brother, I would fear him as an enemy even more,” said Jared.
Emnor stepped forward. “Jared, you must trust us. Your brother could be in no better hands, now enough fretting, come with me, I’ll take you to your rooms.” Emnor escorted Jared and Hannock and, as he recalled his previous meeting with Lodren and Faylore, asked one of his colleagues to show them to the orchard, understanding their preference for the outdoor life.
Jared and Hannock accepted the hospitality of their hosts and dined and drank with them but would have preferred dining with Lodren, who had really spoiled them with his cooking. Lodren had been permitted to build a small campfire in the orchard, allowing him to tend to his and Faylore’s needs. The four met a little later and decided it best to retire for the day. Jared could visit with his brother the following morning, feeling that they could both benefit from a good night’s rest.
***
Karrak was awake. He had been given no tonic, draught or elixir, he had awoken naturally, but found that he could neither move any of his limbs nor open his eyes. He was not bound in any way, but somehow paralyzed. There was no panic in him, no rage, in fact no concern of any kind. He was warm and comfortable and felt very contented, more contented than he had been for many years. How strange, he thought.
He became aware of the voices around him as he was referred to in the third person. At first, only key phrases registered, ‘dead to the world’, ‘out like a light’, but behind the others there was one faint, high voice. Although faint, it seemed to transcend all others. It was the one he perceived most, but alas, the one he could not hear clearly. Neither could he decipher a single word, but it was quite obvious to Karrak that it was he with whom it desperately wished to communicate. Karrak tried to speak, tried to call to the voice, ask it what it wanted, what it needed, but could make no sound as he lay there, as helpless as a newborn child. The voice faded and he could hear it no more. There were garbled discussions he could not fathom, talk of potions, hexes and spells. Although he did not fully understand, he found himself spellbound in his safe and insular world. His world of one.
He actually began to enjoy this strange feeling, an invisible intruder in this secret world around him. Strangest of all was the feeling of power. He felt strong, healthy, invigorated, as if he could fight an army single-handed when in fact, he could not so much as twitch a finger. Flashes of light and images came to him, as if he were dreaming or could actually see through the eyes of another and then his realisation of the truth, this was no dream, this vision belonged to someone else.
He was looking down at his own face as the hand in front of him wiped his brow with a damp cloth, and then dried it with another. Many thoughts and questions ran through his mind. Was this a dream? Had he gone insane? Was he dead? Maybe I’m a ghost. No, that doesn’t make sense, a ghost doesn’t wash people’s faces.
No, this was something quite spectacular. If he could see through someone else’s eyes, perhaps he could also control their mind or body. Or, better still, both.
He felt elation, but at the same time, exhaustion. He could no longer see, he could no longer hear, as his fatigue caused him to slip back into serene slumber.
***
“Your Majesty, they were alone. However, they appear to have their own agenda and the big one seemed to be giving the orders,” reported the corporal.
“But that’s impossible, they’re not capable of rallying themselves. They receive orders, they don’t give them. How can the Dergon raise their own army?” Tamor asked himself.
“We estimate their number to be around five hundred, Sire. Surely so few cannot be a threat to us. We outnumber them two to one at least. We should quell this uprising now, before their number is increased.”
“Do not take them so lightly, corporal. They are savage and bloodthirsty and when that bloodlust is upon them, they are not brought down so easily. A precision shot with an arrow or bolt is sufficient, but to face them on the bafflefield is something entirely different. I know, because I have done so. I ran one clean through with my sword and it barely slowed it. Only beheading it did the trick, and that took all the strength I could muster, for their flesh is much tougher than ours. By the time we make ready their number could increase, and we shall not be caught off guard so easily. No, corporal, we must number at least twelve hundred before we attack. Make preparations. We shall leave in three days and eradicate this scourge for good.”
Tamor dismissed his soldiers and advisors, still unsure of his decision. He had fought the Dergon in the past and knew their savagery, they cared not who they faced in battle and were willing to die without thought or hesitation. Tamor’s other concern was the mention of the apparent leader. Who was he? What was he? How was he managing to control, let alone lead, this rabble? If the Dergon were being led by one of their own, was there a possibility that they would fight harder than they would for a mere payday? Whatever their agenda, it could not bode well for any. Would it have been easier if his sons were with him, or better that they were out of harm’s way? If Jared were here he could use magic against their foe but if that were the case would he then be the largest target? No, better that he was with his brother, away from this madness.
***
The companions met in the courtyard of Reiggan the following morning, and for the first time in weeks, felt well rested and at ease now that Karrak was secure. Faylore and Lodren were bound by no oath but had become loyal friends to both Jared and Hannock and showed no intent of leaving their company any time soon.
“Good morning to you all. Barden sends his apologies for his absence and will join us shortly. He thought it wiser to oversee Prince Karrak’s care personally this morning,” said Emnor.
“How tenacious of him,” said Hannock, a slight hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“Quite,” replied Emnor, not impressed by Hannock’s attitude.
“Is my brother well, Emnor?”
“He’s fine, Jared, perfectly fine. He’s still resting. We do however, believe that it would be best if neither of you have any contact with him until well after his treatment has begun,” replied Emnor, looking from Jared to Hannock.
“Why?” asked Jared.
“Your last encounter was a little fraught, best not run the risk of a repeat,” replied Emnor.
“But I’ve been facing him every day since we left Borell. Why should this time be any different?” asked Jared.
“You woke him with a potion that deliberately causes amnesia. We shan’t be using the same technique. We shall wake him naturally when the time comes. He needs to understand the error of his ways in order for him to repent.”
“Well I hope you’ve got some strong chains on him before you do. He’s not going to be happy when he wakes up in a cell, you might want to stand back a bit,” advised Hannock.
“There will be no chains, Captain. Barden can cope with Karrak easily enough,” stated Emnor.
“Especially with you helping him, eh, Emnor?” said Jared, a knowing smile on his face. He knew just how powerful Emnor actually was.
“Oh no, no, no, I shall have nothing to do with your brother’s rehabilitation,” replied Emnor.
“Why ever not? You know him much better than Barden does,” said Jared.
“Yes that may be true, but he does not know me, and that’s the way it must be kept for now.”
“Emnor, I just feel…”
But Jared’s feelings were not to be heard. Emnor waved his hand indicating that he would discuss the matter no further. He turned toward the double doors, through which the robed figures had carried Karrak, and beckoned the companions to follow him. The doors, unaided, swung open silently. They travelled through passageway after passageway until, reaching a double door, Emnor turned to face them. “Your brother is within. I shall not be joining you. Once you have said your goodbyes you will not see him for some time. Do not mention his misdeeds. This is the beginning of a healing process and you must forgive his past… indiscretions. I’ll wait here. When you are ready, I shall escort you back to the courtyard so that you can make preparations for your departure.” Stepping aside, Emnor leaned against the wall and waved Jared forward.
The Ascension of Karrak Page 12
