***
11.
The sound of leather-soled boots stealthily creeping along the stone flagged floor was almost indistinguishable over the background noise of the celebrations which seemed like they would never end. Only a man who was trained to notice such detail would be able to pick it out, and Kaiden was such a man.
He thought they would be safe in the city, but it seemed that danger had once again caught up with him.
He deftly slid from his bed onto the balls of his feet, moving as quickly and as silently as he could to the corner of the small where he had billeted for the night. After their long journey Kaiden had jumped at the Arch mage’s offer of a room and clean sheets for the night. He talked at length with the man but it felt as though their conversation was but a side show after he left Alira with the boy Luxon. They had spoken of events in the world, of the war and of dark murmurs emanating from the outer reaches of the realm.
The noise was drawing closer to the room, he was certain.
He drew his Long sword from its sheath, the familiar weight giving him some comfort as he prepared to defend himself. He’d kick himself if it proved to be nothing, but being in the city of the mage’s he wasn’t prepared to take any chances.
The room in which he found himself was comprised of a small chest, bed, a worn out leather backed chair and a tiny window high on the wall. There was no visible way of escape aside from the door in which the footsteps now approached. No access to the outside. Kaiden set his jaw, he would have to make a stand or at least hold them off until he could think of some way out of this.
He was one of the best swordsmen in the order, he had no idea if the people sneaking up to his door knew who and what he was, but he wasn’t about to let them find out. His thoughts flashed to Alira, still in the Arch mages room with the boy. He almost swore to himself, were the mages betraying him because he was a knight of Niveren? It was certainly possible, after centuries of his order hunting rouge mages and magic wielders why would they not want to seek vengeance? With no King and no Kings law there was nothing stopping them from murdering him. The land was in chaos, the other knights would never learn of his fate.
As his mind ran wild the sound of the stealthy footsteps had now stopped directly outside of his door; he knew now for certain that his suspicions had been right, if they were mages he wouldn’t make it easy for them. He positioned himself to one side of the doorframe and waited for his adversary.
The door handle turned slowly, and with a quiet click the door began to silently open.
Kaiden tensed, ready to make his move.
Two throwing knifes flew through the now open door digging themselves deep into the bed right where his head would have been.
The assassin noticed fast that their quarry was not where he was supposed to be and moved into the room, a sharp and lethal curved blade in their hand.
Kaiden wasted no time and immediately hacked his sword in a downward stroke, slicing his attackers arm clean off at the elbow.
The Knight bellowed a challenge and struck again, this time burying his blade up to the hilt into the assassin’s chest. The lifeless corpse slid off the blood soaked blade and slumped to the floor.
Kaiden ducked just as another thrown knife struck the wall where he had just been standing, he immediately threw himself to the floor and rolled to his feet as two more of the robed figures charged him with familiar curved daggers in their hands.
He was now in the main upstairs corridor of the towers dorm area, it was narrow with various doors leading to other guest rooms on either side. His attackers blocked the staircase that would lead him to the the main hall and perhaps to safety. He could see only one other possible escape route, the large window at the far end of the passage.
He parried a quick strike from the lead attacker bringing his elbow up and striking the assassin square in the throat. The robed figure immediately fell to the floor clutching his throat, gasping for air now that his windpipe had been crushed.
The second assassin was more patient, holding back and watching Kaiden for any sign of weakness. The knight didn’t give him the chance and instead charged. As he made a lunge for the assassin’s head the robed figure moved with astounding speed, slashing him in the face. The pain was extraordinary and a burning sensation began to emanate from the wound.
Kaiden had no time to think, as again the assassin was on him, their dagger swinging and stabbing savagely. It took all of his concentration to parry the blows that were raining down on him. The pain in his face had begun to subside, but now numbness was spreading out from it, one side of his face had now lost most of its feeling.
Poison! It was a poisoned blade he realized with horror. Just what poison it could be, he didn’t know, but it would surely kill him if he couldn’t escape and find a healer soon.
He now knew the assassins intent, they would keep him occupied long enough for the poison to take affect and they would watch him die a slow death or perhaps capture him… the realization struck him like a fist, the poison wasn’t intended to kill him, but paralyse him, he could feel the numbness spreading through his body, he had to escape and soon. Questions flashed into his mind. Where they trying to capture him and Alira? Had they been followed on the King’s road? Or were they here for some other nefarious purpose.
Kaiden feinted high with his blade and rotated his wrists so that now his blade was ready for an upward slash to the assassins face. The assassin however moved to parry the cut and as he did so, Kaiden twisted again causing his sword to catch the assassin in the throat.
Scarlet blood hit the corridor wall as the sword sliced clean through the attacker’s throat. The robed figure crumpling to the floor in a heap as blood continued to spurt from the wound.
Kaiden leaned against the passageway wall, his breath now wheezing out of him. His whole face now felt numb and the sensation was spreading through his arms. He made to head for the staircase, but the now familiar figure of yet another assassin was cresting the top step. His dagger was drawn, looking for vengeance for his comrades’ deaths.
Where was the towers security? Where were the mages?
The large window was his only possible escape route; he was in no condition to take on another of these vicious killers. Steeling himself he ran as fast as he could at the window.
With an ear piercing smash he went flying through the air, hoping that there would be something soft to cushion his fall.
The fall felt like forever, and with a bone-jarring thud Kaiden hit the ground, fortunately landing on a hay basket that took most of the impact. His shoulder was dislocated but apart from that he was okay. Dragging himself to his feet he staggered away from the tower. He made it only a few paces before falling into unconsciousness.
The last thing he heard was the cities alarm bells beginning to toll out in the night air. He had escaped…
***
12.
The door to Thanos’s study burst open with an ear splitting cracking of wooden timbers. The alarm bells were tolling loudly outside the Arch tower and the sounds of frightened screams from the partygoers on the streets clawed at Luxon’s nerves. Whatever was happening outside the tower sounded like the entire void had been set free.
Luxon and Alira were hiding behind Thanos’s desk. The sturdy crystalline surface was far stronger than it appeared and its opaque service offered them some semblance of cover. The girl was breathing hard, her nerves were frayed and if she was reacting like himself then her heart was pounding a mile a minute.
Cautiously Luxon poked his head above the lip of the desk. His eyes widened as he saw a robed figure standing in the doorway. The material of the robe was the colour of fresh blood. The hood hid the person’s features, but it was clear as to their intention. In their hand was a vicious dagger and slung across their back was a lethal looking crossbow.
Luxon ducked back down holding a finger to his lips to tell Alira to keep quiet. He could have kicked himself. He hadn’t been trained in combat magic�
��s, all he knew was basic tricks and... The levitation spell! The mages of the lowest ring like he was were only taught the most basic of spells. Things like illumination and basic healing; he’d give anything to be a higher mage with knowledge of the elemental combat magic’s such as Lightening or Flame.
The robed figure stalked into the room, the creak of their leather boots the only sound coming from the assassin, Alira’s eyes widened in fear as she heard the killer creep closer to the desk. Luxon gestured for her to stay still.
He closed his eyes and focused. He could feel a tingling sensation spread up his arm and power flow into his body. He had to refrain from laughing as he felt the magic build within; the tingling becoming more intense as he focused on the heavy desk. He raised a hand slowly. Alira stifled a gasp as the desk began to rock, the noise instantly drawing the attention of the assassin.
The footsteps grew closer. Luxon had his eyes shut tightly as he concentrated.
Alira screamed as the assassin leapt on top of the desk his dagger pointing menacingly at her. She scrambled back away from the killer.
“Luxon! Help me” she cried.
Luxon smiled.
“Of course.”
He flung his arms upwards. Alira screamed as the desk shot into the air, the surprised assassin on top. With a smash the desk, complete with the stunned assassin slammed into the crystalline ceiling, a sickening squelch the only clue as to the assassin’s fate.
Luxon leapt backwards as the debris of the desk and the gory remains of the assassin crashed back to the ground. A red smear clearly visible on the ceiling.
A wave of tiredness threatened to overwhelm him, but Alira caught him before he collapsed in exhaustion. He placed a hand on her shoulder to steady him-self and shook his head to clear the dizziness that threatened.
“Thanks, I forgot how tiring that spell was...” he muttered.
A loud crash came from the hallway outside the chamber. The sound of alarm bells from the city had now been replaced by screams and the sounds of clashing steel. The city was under assault!
A ball of fire zipped passed the doorway accompanied by an agonised scream. A Crimson robed assassin appeared in the doorframe his robes aflame as he writhed on the stone floor. Alira recoiled at the sight and the smell of a man being burnt alive by magic fire.
The Nightblade Welsly stepped over the charred corpse, relief evident on his face as he saw Luxon and the girl.
“Praise be, that you two are safe” he said.
“Welsly, what’s happening?” Luxon asked. The sounds of battle were growing fiercer and louder.
“Caldaria is under attack. Assassins somehow managed to infiltrate the city and open the gates for an army that was hiding in the woods to the southeast. What Nightblades there are in the city will be attempting to retake the gate house, but as for Master Thanos and the other mages I have no clue,” explained Welsly, fatigue evident in his voice. His black leather armour had been ripped by a knife blade.
“Are you hurt?” Alira asked as she noticed the damage. A rivulet of blood was oozing from the tear.
Welsly shook his head in the negative. “No, I’ll be fine, the bastard only dinged me, he took me by surprise is all.’ Tentatively he touched the wound, only for his black gloves to come away sticky with blood.
Cautiously he leaned out into the hallway before gesturing for Luxon and Alira to follow.
“Stick with me and stay close, these Crimson blades may look like ordinary men, but they move like something unnatural. We need to reach the top of the Arch tower. That’s where Thanos and the other masters are likely to be,” the Nightblade explained as he broke into a run, the others close on his heels.
They passed a number of chambers. In several the unlucky occupants lay dead, in one a mage had taken out several assassins, their charred remains releasing a foul smoke out into the hall. In another a female mage was knelt over a wounded guardsman, the light emanating from her palms was her attempt at healing the knife wound in the man’s chest.
The three continued slowly through the towers lower floor. Despite the carnage all around them they had not encountered any more assassins. Finally, they reached the great stair case which led to the levitation platforms that would take them to the tower’s higher levels.
Welsly crept forward, taking cover behind one of the crystal pillars that dominated the base of the stairs. Each step was made of brightly coloured glass which gave the stairs their other nickname of the ‘Rainbow staircase’. Luxon and Alira both took cover behind another pillar.
Stood at the top of the stairs was a young man clad in steel plate armour, a red bird was emblazoned on his mantle.
“Accadus...” Luxon whispered savagely as he recognised him. The youngest son of the Baron of Retbit was barking angry orders to a half dozen of his soldiers.
“Might explain how they knew how to get inside the walls.” Welsly muttered.
The Nightblade drew the hilt of his Tourmaline blade. The special swords were only used by Nightblades as they were the only ones skilled enough to wield them. Comprised of magical energy the blade was pure magic harnessed through the Nightblades own reserves.
“He’s just an arrogant stupid boy,” Welsly said angrily. ‘Who knows how much blood has been spilt on his account this night?”
Luxon knew what the Nightblade was intending as he saw the man’s shoulders tense. He desperately wanted to stop him but Welsly shrugged off his hand as he tried to hold him back. Luxon grabbed Alira’s hand and pulled her further behind the pillar he was hidden behind. The girl resisted at first but relented as she saw the look in his eyes.
“Accadus!” Welsly shouted as he stepped out into the open. He pointed his sword threateningly towards the boy.
“Well, well, well if isn’t the high and mighty Welsly.” Accadus sneered. The group of soldiers gathered behind their leader swords and spears at the ready. Each wore a tunic with the red bird of Retbit upon the jupon and a suit of chainmail underneath.
“I can take your goons Accadus.’ Welsly said confidently as he stepped closer to the base of the stairs. “Why are you here? What do you want?”
Accadus laughed.
“I want payback for the shame bestowed upon me, I want Luxon and his fat friend hanging from hooks, and oh yes I want the power of the mages so I can give it to my father so he can end the war and claim the Sundered crown and become King!” he shouted, a tinge of madness evident in his rage ravaged voice.
“Kill him!” he screamed.
The Retbit soldiers charged down the staircase, it was six against one but Welsly did not turn to flee. Instead, he readied his blade and waited. As the first soldier got within striking distance the Nightblade raised his left hand and unleashed a bolt of lightning from his fingertips. The blast sputtered out of existence. Welsly’s eyes went wide in surprise.
The soldier smiled wickedly.
“Ok, so no magic...” the Nightblade muttered. With a flick of his wrist his sword struck like a flash to strike the chuckling guard in the throat.
With a gurgled cry the soldier collapsed to the ground his hands feebly trying to close the wound which pumped crimson onto the shiny floor.
The other troops hesitated, a fatal mistake. Like a blur Welsly fell upon them. His bright yellow Tourmaline blade flicked and slashed in all directions as he carved his way through limbs and armour. He parried a spear thrust and lashed out with a blast of flame which blinded his attacker allowing him to bury his sword deep into his chest.
Within moments all six of the Retbit soldiers lay dead at the Nightblades feet. Not a single sword or spear had even come close to wounding him.
“Well done...” Accadus laughed sarcastically, his slow claps echoing up the staircase. “How about you take on someone a bit more akin to your own skills?”
Welsly raised his arms as if to challenge the arrogant boy.
“Comparing yourself to a Nightblade just shows how stupid you are little man. Come and pay for what you’ve d
one here.” Welsly challenged.
Accadus simply smirked. He clicked his fingers.
Luxon held his breath in anticipation. The sight of the Nightblade in combat had been incredible; Welsly confirmed all of the tales about their legendary feats. He narrowed his eyes at Accadus. The boy had always been a bully, but never had he seen him so cocky, so sure of himself, not even the sight of his men being slain had fazed him. Something was terribly wrong he could feel it. Just as he was about to shout a warning to Welsly a Crimson robed Assassin leapt from the shadows.
The Nightblade swung about to face his attacker but was too slow to counter the impossibly fast dagger thrust. The vicious blade sunk deeply into his abdomen causing him to cry out in surprise and pain. The Assassin pirouetted upon his left heel delivering a vicious round house kick sending the Night blade flying to crash into a heap at the base of the stairs.
Visibly stunned Welsly staggered back onto his feet but before he was able to raise his weapon or use magic the assassin was on him and reigning savage blows. He was being beaten to death and all the while Accadus cackled.
“I must be leaving now Welsly. Send my regards to the other dead mages you’ll soon meet in the afterlife.”
*
Luxon darted out from his hiding place, Alira hot on his heels.
The assassin was focused on the Nightblade who was desperately trying to defend himself. Blood poured from the knife wound, but still he fought. Accadus meanwhile had stepped onto one of the levitation pads and was now flying upwards to the towers upper floors.
Luxon watched helplessly as the assassin parried a sword thrust and grabbed Welsly’s arms. The Nightblade tried to break free but to no avail. The Assassin twisted. A sickening popping noise reverberated round the hall quickly followed by the NightBlade’s agonised screams. Welsly collapsed to the floor unconscious from the pain, his arms flopping uselessly to his sides.
Heir to the Sundered Crown (The Sundered Crown Saga) Page 8
