"The sword should pose no danger to the Squire," said Jace. "It could be used for evil, but it is not evil by nature. It's certainly not any more evil than Lannon's Dragon-bone sword, which possesses dulled and harmless sorcery of Tharnin. In fact, it should react the same way that bone sword reacts--in that will take on the personality of its master, good or evil." Jace chuckled. "It seems the Squires possess two of the most well-crafted and expensive swords at Dremlock."
"Lannon's sword was a gift from Taris," said Cordus. "A rather extravagant gift, yes, but known to the High Council. Vorden simply found his blade by chance and then avoided mentioning the fact."
"Jace is correct, though," said Vesselin Hopebringer, the Lord of the White Knights. "We tested it thoroughly. It contains no trace of dark sorcery."
Cordus frowned. "Very well. We have more pressing matters to concern ourselves with. Vorden, take the sword and use it with honor. Such a blade should only be carried by one worthy of carrying it. You are strictly forbidden to give it away or sell it without consulting with the High Council."
Vorden snatched the spider sword off the table and sheathed it. He bowed and sat back down. "Thank you. And you won't regret it."
"Now," said Cordus, "on to the issue of Timlin Woodmaster. We're all aware of his crime and he does not deny it. We can move straight to deciding on his punishment."
Timlin sat with his head bowed, with his wrists free of irons. He'd been released from the dungeon a few hours before the meeting. The Squires shot each other grim looks, and then Vorden raised his hand.
Cordus sighed. "Speak, Squire."
"I just want to say," said Vorden, "that Timlin is very sorry and he promises never to steal from Dremlock again or break any Sacred Laws."
"Then why are you speaking for him?" said Cordus. "If Timlin is sorry, then let him speak in his own defense. What say you, Timlin?"
Timlin looked up, his eyes red. "I say you might as well toss me out. I am sorry for what I did, but I can't promise it won't happen again."
Trenton Shadowbane scowled. "The lawbreaker has said enough for me. He should be banished from Dremlock immediately!"
Cordus slammed his fist down on the table. "Yes, I've seen enough disrespect from this Squire, talented or not!"
"I do not agree," said Taris. "I believe Timlin has great potential, if we can free his mind of its burdens. I suggest we temporarily strip him of rank and place him with the White Knights, who can work on his mind and perhaps bring healing to him. It is clear to me that he has suffered greatly in life and it is corrupting his behavior. He needs our help."
"Taris speaks wisdom," said Krissana. "Timlin's crime is grim, but not unforgivable. His talent with the bow is unmatched among the Squires--greater even than the young Birlotes. I suggest we send him to the Hall of Healing. And Timlin is one of Lannon's trusted friends."
"We may be able to help the lad," said Vesselin Hopebringer. "If his mind is sick, it can be healed. But it might take time and considerable effort. The question is whether or not such effort is worth it."
"It's worth it," Vorden said. "Tell them it's worth it, Lannon."
"Silence!" Cordus commanded. "I don't want to hear from any Squires right now. Jace, you're not a Knight, but you are a wise man. What do you think?"
"About what?" said Jace, his eyes distant. He seemed to snap back to reality. "Oh, yes, the Squire. Hmm...what to do? Toss him out, I guess. Being a Knight is not for everyone. You have to have strong moral character to begin with. But don't actually toss him out. Send him to the Hall of Healing and give him some help. Get him started on a new way of life." Jace smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Give him a merry bowl of Dremlock's finest rice pudding."
Cordus nodded. "I wholeheartedly agree. We should demote him to the rank of Orange and send him to the care of the White Knights."
Taris nodded. "While I hate to lose his talent, I too can agree with that. My main concern is making sure he receives the healing he needs."
"Agreed," said Krissana.
"Good enough, I suppose," muttered Trenton.
Vorden opened his mouth to speak, but a glare from Cordus caused Vorden to close it again. Vorden sighed in defeat.
"I won't accept that," Timlin said. "Orange is a disgrace. Just banish me instead and get it over with!"
"Timlin, you are no longer a Squire!" Cordus snarled. "Remove your sash at once. If the High Council disagrees, let them speak. We can have a vote."
No one spoke.
Timlin flung the sash aside and rose, his eyes blazing. He held his chin up defiantly. "So now what?"
"Now," said Cordus, "you can either go to the Hall of Healing, or you can leave Dremlock. But either way, you're finished as a Squire."
Vorden groaned and put his head in his hands. Lannon, Jerret, and Aldreya exchanged unhappy glances.
"I'll go to that stupid Hall of Healing!" shouted Timlin. "They will find out they can't cure me. And then maybe I'll stick my dagger in someone's back before all is said and done!"
Cordus' face turned crimson with anger. He pointed toward the door, where two Red Knights stood. "Just get out of Dremlock! You're finished here. You will never set foot in this kingdom again, as long as I'm the Lord Knight!"
Timlin hesitated, then reached into his tunic and pulled out a red candle. He sat the red candle on the table. His eyes gleamed with malice. A gasp arose from the Knights, though the Squires looked confused.
Timlin drew his Flayer, and it smoldered with the fires of sorcery. He held it near the candle. "Look upon this, Lord Knight!"
Cordus face went from crimson to pale.
Taris only bowed his head, a sad look on his face.
"You've left me no choice!" Timlin said. With that, he lit the red candle and said: "I may be banished from Dremlock, but I will be a Knight!"
Cordus' voice lowered to a menacing growl. "And know that if you join with our foes, your blood shall stain this land in the name of the Divine Essence! Now walk until Dremlock is behind you and do not look back. For once you pass beyond these walls, your fate is sealed!"
With a sneer, Timlin turned and strode from the room.
With a shaking hand, Vorden reached for Timlin's candle but Cordus motioned him to leave it be. "Let his candle burn and seer our hearts and minds, so that all may remember that Timlin Woodmaster has betrayed Dremlock. He has made his intentions clear--he is now our sworn enemy."
"He's just being foolish!" Vorden cried. "He'll soon realize it was a mistake. Timlin has a good heart. You have to believe me!"
"We shall take a break," said Cordus. "I need time alone." His head bowed, the Lord Knight left the chamber. Krissana, Thrake, Willan, and Trenton left as well. Taris simply continued to sit quietly, gazing at the table.
Jace lit up a pipe, took a puff, and blew a poorly constructed smoke ring. "Hmm...I've never quite mastered that skill. Anyway, looks like our young friend won't be getting any of Dremlock's rice pudding after all."
Lannon glared at Jace, thinking Jace didn't seem to care about anyone. But Jace merely smiled back at him. Lannon looked away.
They simply sat and waited for Cordus and the others to return.
Jace drummed his fingers on the table. "I do hope we can wrap this up soon. I'm getting rather hungry."
"I'm worried about my friend!" Vorden snarled. "Not food."
"Of course you are, Squire," said Jace, winking at Vorden. "But I, however, am not. I'm too old to worry about people the way you do. People do all kinds of bizarre things, you know. They have and they will, simply because they can."
"You don't look old at all," said Aldreya.
"But I am old," said Jace. "And when you get to be my age, something funny happens. You stop caring so much about what people do and merely accept it as part of life. You actually do care...but you don't take it so personally when people make bad choices. It's hard to explain. But age definitely has its benefits."
"Cordus cares," said Taris, lifting his head. "And quite deeply. He i
s a very emotional man. Right now he feels betrayed and hurt. In all his years, Cordus had never been presented with a red candle from a Squire. It is a shame that our Lord Knight had to witness a young hopeful turn against Dremlock."
"What will become of Timlin?" said Lannon.
"The Blood Legion may take him in," said Taris. "Timlin will then plot against Dremlock. If it comes to it, we will have to kill him."
"I won't kill him!" Vorden said, his eyes wide. "He's still my friend. And I can't believe that lighting a stupid candle matters so much."
"The red candle is an ancient ritual," said Taris. "Sometimes the red candle is left with a note. Sometimes it is presented to the Lord Knight by a messenger. Regardless, the red candle is symbolic of a Knight's intent to join the Blood Legion."
"But Timlin needs help," said Vorden. "We all agreed on that."
"It doesn't matter now," said Taris. "Timlin has chosen his fate."
"I just need to talk to him alone," said Vorden. "I know I can convince him to abandon this nonsense."
Taris shook his head. "No, Vorden. He is probably lost to us forever. He swore an oath that Dremlock takes very seriously. He must have planned for it...studied it. Rumors will soon spread across Silverland of Timlin's oath, and the Blood Legion may seek him out. Aside from being highly talented, he is also Lannon's friend and knows some of Lannon's secrets. The Blood Legion will at least be interested in questioning him--and they might even accept him as a member."
"Then why didn't we take him prisoner?" said Lannon.
"The Laws allow for him to leave the kingdom," said Taris. "He is granted that one chance to change his ways. But he won't likely change. He will find the Blood Legion, or their Soldiers will find him. I'm certain of it."
***
After the rest of the High Council had returned, Cordus said, "The issue with Timlin Woodmaster is done with. He has chosen his fate and we shall not speak of it again. Now we shall discuss the issue of the demon man."
"Of course," said Jace. "He is once again in the Deep Forge, bound to a table with Birlote rope. He is being administered a powerful sleep potion. At this point, he is quite harmless. But there is still a great danger. His gauntlet--this Hand of Tharnin--is very difficult to remove. If a mistake is made, it will release a blast of fire that can kill anyone who is near it. Also, the gauntlet chooses its master, and it favors men or women of great knowledge. That being the case, I suggest the attempt to remove it be made by someone younger, such as a Squire. But not Lannon. Lannon's power will greatly tempt the gauntlet. Regardless, it will be very dangerous."
"I will do it!" Aldreya said eagerly.
"Let me do it!" said Vorden.
Jerret said nothing, looking a bit sheepish.
Jace considered the requests. "While I admire your courage, Aldreya, you are quite talented in the use of sorcery. That too could draw the gauntlet to you. I would favor Vorden in this case, as his sorcery is probably much weaker."
"What about another Squire altogether?" said Taris. "There are plenty of highly ranked Squires we can choose from."
"But I want to do it," said Vorden.
"Vorden might be a fine choice," said Jace. "He's not old enough to bear much knowledge, yet he's quite large and strong for his age. It will take considerable strength and lock picking ability to remove the gauntlet."
Cordus nodded. "I suppose that makes him almost the perfect choice, then. But Vorden is a very talented fighter. Won't the gauntlet find that appealing?"
"I highly doubt it," Jace said. "I should think it would be far more interested in magical ability than simple combat skills. My guess is that it would find Vorden quite unappealing."
"But that's a mere guess, correct?" said Taris.
"Well, yes," said Jace, looking uncertain for a moment. Then he smiled reassuringly. "Look, my friends, no matter who we pick, there is a danger. If you know of a younger Squire that possesses Vorden's strength and lock picking ability, then we can use him. It matters not."
Cordus shrugged. "Vorden seems to meet the requirements, and he seems to have no fear of the task. I think he will do fine."
"He showed great heroism," said Krissana, "when he attacked the demon man and pierced his defenses. I think he's earned the chance to do this task."
"He doesn't seem to fear the demon man," said Trenton, "whereas most of the Squires I've chatted with seem terrified of him."
"I'm not afraid of him in the slightest," said Vorden.
"Yet some fear is a good thing," said Taris.
"I'll be very careful," said Vorden.
"Very good," said Cordus, sounding impatient. "So is the High Council satisfied that the three issues have been resolved? Vorden shall keep his sword and he shall attempt to remove the demon man's gauntlet. And Timlin Woodmaster is stripped of all rank and forever banished from Dremlock. Does anyone want to vote on these issues, or are we all in agreement?"
The High Council was in unanimous agreement on all three issues.
Chapter 9: The Hand of Tharnin
It was decided that Vorden would be accompanied by Jace, Taris, a highly skilled Olrog blacksmith named Hench Ironfingers, and Lannon, who was instructed to use his Eye of Divinity from a distance to alert Vorden to danger. No one else was allowed inside the stone chamber where the demon man was bound to an iron table. Jace showed Vorden and Hench drawings of the gauntlet's locking mechanism, and they discussed what needed to be done. Finally, Hench provided Vorden with some advanced tools that he'd forged just for the task. Vorden beamed with pride and confidence.
Lannon was still reeling from what had happened to Timlin, but he couldn't help but look with admiration upon Vorden. The lad from the city of Gravendar was becoming an important figure at Dremlock. Lannon was certain that Vorden was going to become one of the greatest Knights ever to serve Dremlock. While Vorden was a bit reckless and didn't mind breaking a few rules, he had a noble, courageous spirit. The Knights seemed to treat him almost as an equal--perhaps due to his size, which had increased significantly since he'd been training at Dremlock, but also because of his unmatched confidence.
The room was small, and Lannon stood in a corner as far away from the demon man as possible. Jace, Taris, and Hench also stood as far back as possible. Thanks to a smoldering furnace, the room was quite hot. The heat was for the demon man's benefit, as he seemed to weaken drastically--to the point of being near death--when deprived of fire. The Knights didn't want to kill him, if possible. Rather, they wanted him free of the gauntlet's possession so they could question him.
Slowly Vorden approached the demon man and knelt beside him. He glanced at the drawings, muttered something too low for the others to hear, and set to work. Lannon reached out with the Eye of Divinity and probed for danger. He saw that the demon man was asleep and the gauntlet was dormant, the magic subdued. The device did not seem to be aware of Vorden's presence.
"What an amazing young Squire," Jace whispered.
"Indeed," Taris whispered back. "The most promising I've seen in ages."
"The boy has a stout heart," whispered Hench.
Sweat dripped from Vorden's face, and he had to keep pausing to wipe it away. "It sure is hot in here," he mumbled more than once. He was trembling from anxiety and excitement, eager to prove himself once again.
"Just take your time," Taris said. "There is no hurry at all."
"It's a very tough lock," said Vorden. "It's almost like it...it tries to elude me. Like it moves or something. Very frustrating."
Jace raised his eyebrows. "Maybe it does move."
They waited for nearly a half hour while Vorden worked at the lock. Finally, he groaned in frustration and stood up, stretching his muscles. "I just can't do it. I'm certain the lock is resisting my efforts. As soon as I start making progress, the whole thing changes. It's impossible!"
"You need to keep trying," said Taris.
"Perhaps Lannon can assist you, Vorden," said Jace. "Lannon, use your power to seize the lock and hold i
t, if possible."
"That could be dangerous," said Taris.
"I doubt it," said Jace, though he seemed a bit uncertain. "It should work well, actually."
Lannon glanced at Taris, and Taris nodded. Lannon reached out with the Eye and probed the lock. He discovered that Vorden was right--the lock was capable of changing shape. Lannon seized the lock and froze it. It squirmed beneath the grasp of his sorcery, but he held on. The entire gauntlet surged to life in a blaze of sorcery, but with the demon man unconscious, it made no move.
Vorden worked at it furiously. "I've got it now!" he said. A loud click arose and the gauntlet shuddered. "That was one section of the lock. Just three more to go and then the gauntlet will be released."
"Don't talk," said Taris. "Just stay focused!"
Vorden was utterly soaked in sweat, and he kept rubbing his face on his arm. He muttered to himself as he worked the tools. "I definitely have it now!" Another loud click arose, and again the gauntlet shuddered. "Just two to go!"
Jace and Taris smiled at each other, and Hench grinned in amazement. Lannon was filled with pride to have Vorden as a friend. Soon the gauntlet would be free and there would be hope for Taris once they learned its secrets.
There was one more loud click, and Vorden turned to grin at them. "Only one more to go, my friends." He started to turn back when yet another loud click arose. The gauntlet split open in a hiss of steam.
"What in Tharnin?" Vorden muttered. "That shouldn't have happened yet." He reached for the gauntlet.
"Don't touch it!" Jace cried.
The gauntlet moved like a living creature with a speed that Vorden couldn't match. In an instant, it had locked itself onto his hand and arm. Vorden gazed at it in disbelief. "No, this can't happen!"
Vorden turned and stared at them, his face pale and his eyes filled with an emotion that he seldom displayed--terror. "Help me!" he yelled. "It's got a hold of me! Do something! Lannon, get it off my arm!"
Lannon tried, but his power was shoved aside.
Knights: Book 02 - The Hand of Tharnin Page 11
