The Shadowed Land

by Ryan W. Mueller

  Ander advanced on him. "You killed him, you bastard. Didn't you?"

  "Not personally, but I did see it happen." A strange expression flashed across his face. It almost looked like regret. "Look. They supported the Order. It was bound to happen eventually."

  Tylen was holding something back. It was obvious in his unusual fidgeting, in the way he couldn't meet Ander's gaze.

  "And how did the Imperial Guards know they supported the Order?" Ander demanded, clenching his staff so tightly his hands hurt. "They were skilled at protecting that secret." He met Tylen's gaze. "You had something to do with it, didn't you?"

  "We're done with this discussion."

  "You bastard!" Ander launched himself at Tylen. Killing Tylen with his bare hands would be much more satisfying than using magic. Caught by surprise, Tylen didn't raise his weapon. Ander collided with him, and they both crashed to the ground.

  Ander tried to land a few punches on Tylen's face, but Tylen held him back with the kind of strength Ander didn't know he possessed.

  "I'm trying to help you," Tylen said through gritted teeth.

  Ander pushed back, knowing he couldn't win this confrontation. After all this time on the road, he was too exhausted. "I still don't believe you. It wouldn't be the first lie you've told."

  Tylen shoved Ander to the side, then placed his sword against Ander's throat. Ander's staff lay a few feet away, and the captain couldn't interfere without endangering him.

  "How about giving me a chance to explain myself?" Tylen said. "I would prefer not to do this with a sword to your throat, but if you won't be civilized, you leave me no choice."

  Ander felt like spitting in Tylen's face, but resisted the temptation. There were some things a gentleman didn't do. "All right, Tylen. Explain what you want."

  "Are you going to behave?" Tylen asked, his voice dripping with condescension.

  "I will."

  Tylen removed the sword from Ander's throat and, to Ander's surprise, helped him to his feet. The captain stood nearby, looking as if he had no idea what to do. Ander shared a quick glance with him and shook his head to say the captain shouldn't intervene here. Captain Davis nodded his understanding.

  Ander glared at Tylen. "All right. Tell me what you have to say."

  Tylen gestured for everyone to enter the house, then closed the intricately carved wooden door. "You need to get out of here as soon as possible. My comrades don't know what I'm doing here, but they'll find out soon enough, if you don't leave."

  "I don't understand," Ander said. "Why would you give me this information? I know you too well, Tylen. You don't do anything unless it benefits you in some way."

  "Maybe I've changed."

  Ander barked a laugh. "I find it hard to believe that becoming an Imperial Guard would make you into a better person."

  "I was there in Crayden. Or have you forgotten that?"

  "And then you became an Imperial Guard," Ander said.

  Tylen slammed his fist against a nearby table, rattling a couple of red vases. "I had no choice! Can't you see that I'm trying to be a better person? I've never liked you, Ander. Believe me, helping you goes against every instinct I have."

  "And that's why I don't think you're doing it for the right reasons," Ander said. "Maybe this is some twisted plan of Warrick's. You do work for him now, after all."

  Tylen rolled his eyes. "Do you really think Warrick would want you alive? You're members of the Order. He wants to kill everyone like you."

  "Which is why I don't believe you," Ander said. "Helping us puts you in danger, and that's not something you would do."

  Tylen's face was a mask of anger. "Then don't take my advice. Hang around here and wait for other Imperial Guards to find you. You'll end up just like my cousins." Tylen looked away as if he were trying to hide his expression. "I'm done here. I've done my part. Now it's time for you to leave this place, Ander. We own this property now."

  Ander shot Tylen a venomous look. "Gladly."

  With the captain behind him, Ander marched out of the house and down the path leading back toward the city. As much as he didn't want to take Tylen's advice, he had to admit Tylen was right. Imperial Guards would be looking for Ander here.

  Still, Tylen's motives were a mystery. There was something here that Ander wasn't seeing. "It's probably better this way," he said. "We can't afford to rest too long."

  "I know, but I was looking forward to a night in a real bed."

  "As was I."

  "I guess we're heading for Marion now," said Captain Davis.

  "I don't see any other choice."

  They left the city behind and followed the road northwest toward Marion. Despite their exhaustion, they kept a quick pace. Ander expected Imperial Guards to ambush them, but there was no sign of pursuit. Apart from them, the roads were empty.

  The journey to Marion felt as if it would never end. They encountered bandits one time, but once Ander demonstrated his magic, the bandits decided they could find easier prey.

  Ander and Captain Davis reached Marion in the middle of the night. Marion was one of the Empire's larger cities and was known for its powerful street gangs. Ander kept an eye out for any threats, and they stuck to the main streets, where there were still people milling about, as well as a strong city guard presence.

  Of course, Ander had heard that the guards in this city were often affiliated with various street gangs. It was strange to think that the city's Imperial Guards were probably more trustworthy. Ander felt as if everyone were watching them as they marched through the city.

  They reached one of the city's more prosperous inns. Ander still had a little money, so they could afford a night in a place like this. Most of the patrons here were dressed in the robes of nobility or the clean clothing of well-to-do merchants.

  For the first time since entering the city, Ander relaxed, though he still had trouble sleeping that night. It didn't matter how exhausted he was. He expected thieves to break into the room. How could Warrick claim he'd made the Empire a good place to live when there were cities like Marion? That crime was nothing compared to burning Crayden, but it was another reason Warrick needed to die.

  Unable to sleep, Ander turned the scroll over in his hands. How could something so small and nondescript send Warrick to the Shadowed Land? It wasn't as good as killing the man, but no one had ever returned from the Shadowed Land.

  For the first time, Ander felt uncertain about exiling Warrick. It would make him someone else's problem. Was that the right thing to do?

  Ander wanted to talk to someone, but he didn't want to wake the faintly snoring captain. This was a tough dilemma, Ander realized now. Could he sentence the people of the Shadowed Land to life under Warrick?

  No. Ander had to stop thinking like that. Warrick wouldn't be the first evil sorcerer condemned to the Shadowed Land. There was no guarantee he'd ascend to power there. Perhaps he'd be just another exiled sorcerer, powerful but ultimately unimportant.

  Yes, it had to be that way. Ander couldn't afford to consider any other possibilities.

  Although his mind was racing, he did eventually drift off to sleep. He was woken abruptly, however, when the door began to rattle. They'd locked it with the deadbolt, but it wouldn't hold much longer.

  "By the authority of Emperor Warrick, open this door."

  Imperial Guards. Ander raced over to Captain Davis and shook him awake.

  "What is it?" the captain asked groggily, rubbing his eyes.

  "There are Imperial Guards at the door."

  "Open this door now!" shouted an Imperial Guard. "Or we'll use force."

  Force. That was code for: we're going to kill you.

  "How can we escape?" asked Captain Davis, glancing around the room, eyes wide.

  Could they sneak out through the window? They were on the second story, but maybe there was a way to climb down. Ander peered through the window as the Imperial Guards continued banging on the door.

  There was no way to climb down, but ther
e were some bushes beneath the window.

  "We have to jump," Ander said.

  "You sure about that?"

  "We have no other choice." Ander took a deep breath and jumped. He hit the ground hard. The bushes softened the impact, but it still knocked the wind out of him. He lay there a few moments, trying to breathe again.

  The captain landed beside him, got to his feet first, and helped Ander up. They stumbled through the alley. When they reached its end, they stopped dead.

  Four Imperial Guards waited for them.

  "Let's try the other way," Ander said. They raced through the alley with the Imperial Guards right behind them. Just when Ander thought they'd escape, another four Imperial guards appeared at the other end of the alley.

  Ander swiveled his gaze from one group of enemies to the other. There was no way out of this.

  Chapter 35: Flight to the Land of Storms

  Ander watched the Imperial Guards approach, and to his relief, none carried bows. Maybe there was still a chance. Ander pointed his staff at them and unleashed a wave of fire.

  The flames burst to life just in front of the Imperial Guards, driving them back.

  "You insane?" shouted one of the Imperial Guards. "You're gonna set the building on fire."

  Ander hadn't considered that. Already, the flames licked at the sides of the buildings on each side. He could still fix this. Channeling the staff's power, he sent a massive spray of water at the side of each building in turn. The Imperial Guards didn't interfere. Maybe they were waiting until he put out the fire, and then they'd attack.

  At last, the flames died down, though using so much water had tired Ander.

  "Could you please not do that again?" said one of the Imperial Guards.

  That was strange. These Imperial Guards were more courteous than Ander had expected. Were they truly here to arrest Ander and the captain, or was something else going on?

  "Please lower your weapon," said another Imperial Guard, who wore the uniform of a commander. He stepped forward from the rest of the group, motioning for calm. Ander didn't lower his weapon all the way, but he did drop the tip of the staff so that it was no longer pointing at the Imperial Guards. Maybe there was room for discussion here.

  "What do you want from us?" Ander demanded.

  "We received intelligence that members of the Order were staying at this inn," said the commander. "Now we know the intelligence is correct. You shouldn't have run from us." He narrowed his eyes. "And you certainly shouldn't be carrying a staff like that."

  Ander raised the staff again. "You've seen what this staff can do. If you value your lives, you should let us go without resistance."

  "You know that isn't how it works. We have a duty to Emperor Warrick. Traitors must be arrested and tried for their crimes, and you proved yourself traitors by attacking us. Put down your weapons."

  Ander barked a laugh. "So you can execute us? I don't think so."

  "There are eight of us and only two of you. Do you think those odds are in your favor?"

  "I'd rather die fighting than submit to execution," Ander said.

  "Then I suppose you leave us with no choice." The commander turned to his men. "Attack them."

  The Imperial Guards launched into their assault. Ander used his staff to send another blast of water, but this time he aimed it at the Imperial Guards ahead of them. The force of the impact knocked them all to the ground, including the commander.

  Ander and Captain Davis took off running, leaping over the fallen Imperial Guards. The men scrambled to their feet, but by the time they started their pursuit, Ander and the captain were out of the alley and racing through the dark streets of Marion.

  Buildings flashed by. A few people looked their way as they passed, but no one interfered. In a place like Marion, and all throughout the Empire, people had learned not to interfere with Imperial Guards.

  "Where're we going?" asked Captain Davis.

  "West, toward the river," Ander said. "Beyond that, I have no idea."

  Footsteps pounded behind them, and they hastened their pace. Sweat poured down Ander's face as he glanced back to see their pursuers struggling to keep up. Surely the Imperial Guards, encumbered by their armor, couldn't catch them.

  Ander and Captain Davis sprinted into a rundown section of the city, where shadowy figures watched them from alleys but didn't interfere. Some even retreated out of view.

  Soon Ander grew short on breath. Every movement felt forced, and his muscles burned. "I’m not sure how long I can keep this up."

  Captain Davis nodded in return, looking pale in the moonlight. The Imperial Guards were now gaining on them. They had to think of something, and fast.

  Wait. Ander had magic at his command. Surely he could use it to hold off the Imperial Guards. Without turning, he sent another blast of water back toward their pursuers. Shouts and grunts came from behind.

  Most of the Imperial Guards had fallen, but a few remained on their feet, looking more determined than ever to catch Ander and the captain.

  Ander might have to try something more damaging, something fatal. At least they were out in the street now. He wouldn't burn down anything with a wall of fire. Panting, he pointed his staff back toward the Imperial Guards and released a burst of fire.

  The flames sprang to life in front of the Imperial Guards, and they recoiled, cursing as they tried to brave the heat and go around the flames.

  Ander and Captain Davis raced into the wealthier dockside district, the part of the city that was home to most of its merchants. In a place like Marion, there was still a lot of crime here, but it operated more in the shadows.

  A few city guards watched as Ander and Captain Davis flew by, but the guards didn't interfere. Ander glanced back and saw that his spells had only delayed their pursuers. He had to send another burst of fire. When he tried, however, he felt as if he were straining against a heavy weight. A few meager flames flickered to life, then died.

  Great. His exhaustion was affecting his magic now. He'd have to try something else.

  He sent a burst of lightning at the Imperial Guards. This spell was a little stronger, but it fizzled quickly. When he tried to channel wind, all he could produce was a gentle breeze. Sweat had drenched him. His muscles felt as if they were about to cramp.

  They reached the docks at the edge of the river. For a moment, Ander considered swimming, but the river looked too wide to swim across while exhausted. They had to commandeer a boat. It was stealing, yes, but this mission was important enough to justify it.

  Ander and the captain raced along the docks and spotted a small boat tied to the dock. The ropes looked weak enough that Ander could cut through them with his sword. They hopped into the boat.

  "What the hell do you think you're doing?" demanded a nearby city guard.

  "I'm really sorry about this." Ander pointed his staff at the guard. "But we need this boat right now." He sent a blast of fire in the general direction of the guard, but not so close it would hurt him. Ander met his eyes. "You don't want to mess with us, all right?"

  The guard nodded, backing away, his face pale in the moonlight. From behind him came the Imperial Guards. Ander swung his sword in a quick arc, severing the ropes.

  He and Captain Davis grabbed the oars and began rowing, pushing through fatigue.

  The Imperial Guards had reached the edge of the docks, watching Ander and Captain Davis as they rowed away. Ander expected the Imperial Guards to commandeer another boat, but instead they remained where they were.

  "That's strange," said Captain Davis. "They aren't chasing us."

  "I know. Maybe they think the plains will take care of us."

  "Sounds like a safe assumption to me."

  "It can't be impossible," Ander said as they rowed. "Nadia managed it, and she didn't have a magical staff."

  "Didn't seem like your staff was working too well back there."

  "I think I'm just exhausted—physically and mentally."

  "I know what you mea
n. I just want this quest to be over."

  "That's the thing about quests," Ander said. "They sound much better in stories than they really are. When you're on a quest, it's days and days of endless exhaustion. We have to focus on our goal."

  "Can't disagree with that."

  About halfway across the river, the captain wanted to stop rowing, but Ander told him it would be harder to start again if they stopped now. Ander had never known his body could endure such torture.

  At last, they reached the other side of the river. Ander and Captain Davis stumbled out of the boat. When Ander hit the muddy riverbank, he collapsed, making a mess of his traveling clothes, or perhaps making them more of a mess.

  "Should we rest here?" asked Captain Davis.

  Ander got to his feet shakily, then peered across the moonlit plain. Tall grasses stretched as far as he could see. "We should make a little progress tonight. I don't want to give the Imperial Guards any chance of finding us."

  Captain Davis groaned. "I thought you'd say that."

  They pushed through the tall grasses, leaving the river far behind. Ander had no idea how long they walked that night, but eventually they couldn't go any longer and decided to rest. Only when they woke up the next morning did Ander realize someone should have stood watch.

  The morning passed without incident, but late that afternoon, dark clouds appeared on the western horizon. After all the stories he'd heard about the plain's infamous storms, he wasn't looking forward to facing one. Already, he was battling hunger.

  In their haste to flee, they hadn't purchased any food. Nor did they have cloaks to protect them from the elements. How could Ander call himself a leader when he committed such grave and foolish mistakes?

  The rumble of the storm grew louder.

  "What should we do?" asked Captain Davis.

  Ander gazed at the sky. "No idea."

  "Guess we'll just have to brave the storm and hope for the best."

  Ander chuckled without humor. "It might be time for some prayer."

  "To tell you the truth, I've never been much of a believer."

  "Neither have I," Ander said, "but I'll take any help I can get." He shook his head. "I don't know if He exists, and if He does, He sure doesn't seem to care about us."