Knights The Hand of Tharnin

chapter 8: The Fate of Timlin Woodmaster

The battle was over quickly. The Knights dispatched the Goblins and freed the High Council with no further loss of life. Some of the Goblins fled below the keep into the mines, but a company of Knights was waiting to put an end to their escape. The Goblins had tried to execute the High Council members, but somehow Cordus Landsaver had broken free of his ropes and slain the would-be executioners. He'd suffered a deep claw wound to the cheek and a broken wrist, but otherwise was unharmed and in good spirits.

That the Goblins had underestimated Cordus was not a surprise, for the Lord Knight of Dremlock possessed many deeply hidden secrets that made him extremely dangerous and difficult to imprison. In his arrogance, Garrin had believed he knew all of Cordus' secrets and that his plan was flawless.

But now Garrin was dead, his broken body sprawled in a bed of flowers beneath the window from which he'd been flung. In the days that followed, Garrin was stripped of his Knighthood yet still given a burial in Dremlock Cemetery in an area reserved from those who had fallen to the charms of the Deep Shadow. The Knights who had died in the tunnels below the North Tower--as well as Zannin Firespear--were given a grand funeral followed by a huge feast. The damaged treasures of the North Tower were repaired, and security was tightened in the mines.

Lannon was deeply troubled over what he'd done, even though it had been an act of self defense. In spite of receiving a new ribbon for his sash and lectures from some of the Knights on how he should be proud, he felt terrible inside. Even Taris, with his deep wisdom, couldn't console Lannon. And Jace--who remained Lannon's closest companion--seemed to dismiss the incident as if it were not worth mentioning, whenever Lannon brought it up.

An equally troubling situation arose when Timlin Woodmaster once again earned the wrath of the Knights--this time for allegedly stealing an ancient, jeweled dagger from the North Tower. The dagger had been torn from a display case by a Goblin, and Timlin had been seen removing it from the Goblin's corpse and concealing it in his tunic. In spite of appearing deeply contrite and apologetic, Timlin had pushed Taris too far. The Tower Master ordered Timlin imprisoned in Dremlock Dungeon until his fate was decided by the High Council. A meeting was scheduled where evidence would be heard concerning Timlin and where a plan concerning the captured demon man would be discussed.

Lannon, Vorden, Jerret, and Aldreya were granted permission by Taris to visit Timlin in the prison below the North Tower. It was a somber affair in the musty, shadowy hall that lay underground. The Dark Knights of Dremlock--Grey Dwarves, mostly--who guarded the mines paced around with the clanking of armor and weapons, their faces grim. The guards moved away from the cell at Lannon's request to give them some privacy.

The four Squires entered Timlin's cell and sat down on a bench. Lannon looked at Timlin and then lowered his gaze. The small Squire was curled up on a dirty cot, his hands wrapped around his bony knees. He looked thoroughly miserable. Lannon couldn't help but pity him.

"You want to know why I did it, right?" said Timlin, a hint of mockery in his voice. "Why would little Timlin throw away his chance to be a Knight?"

"Of course we want to know," said Vorden, his face furrowed in concern and anger. "We're friends. We've trained and fought together."

"What you did was dishonorable!" said Aldreya, leaning against the stone wall and looking almost dazed. "I still cannot believe it."

"You shouldn't be surprised," said Timlin. "I'm not honorable at all. I'm a thief, and I should never have come to Dremlock because I can't control myself."

"Timlin, why would you do it?" said Lannon. "Over a silly dagger? Did you think you could sell it somewhere?"

"I didn't think anything," said Timlin, his eyes narrowing. "I just saw it and wanted it, so I took it. I have no idea how I was caught. There was absolutely no one watching me."

"Taris said something about a spy in the North Tower," said Vorden. "It doesn't matter, Timlin. A Knight doesn't steal!"

"I'm not a Knight," said Timlin.

"And you'll never be one now," said Aldreya. "They're going to banish you from Dremlock. I'm certain of it."

"Well, I'm not so certain," said Vorden. He stood up and paced. "Lannon is in control here. The Knights do whatever he tells them."

Lannon shook his head. "I can't do this anymore. You chose your fate, Timlin. The High Council will have the final say." In spite of his pity for Timlin, he was weary of Timlin's total disregard for Dremlock's Sacred Laws.

Timlin sat up, sneering. "Fine words coming from someone who killed Master Garrin! I don't think I can ever forgive you for that!"

Lannon looked away, stung deeply by Timlin's words.

"That's not fair, Timlin," said Vorden. "Lannon had no choice, and he feels terrible about it. I know you loved Garrin like a father and he really seemed to like you as well. But he betrayed everyone, and he got what he deserved. Like it or not, that's the way it is."

Jerret Dragonsbane stood up and leaned against the cell bars, his hands in the pockets of his tunic. His long blond hair hung partially in his eyes. "Timlin, you just keep making trouble. Taris has gone out of his way for you."

"Who cares what you think, Jerret?" said Timlin. "I never liked you."

Jerret smiled. "I don't care what you think, either. And since you've stated your true feelings, then I'll state mine. You're nothing but trouble--to yourself, everyone around you, and this entire kingdom."

Aldreya bowed her head. "Sadly, Jerret speaks true, Timlin."

"If you all hate me," said Timlin, "then why did you come down here? All my life people have hated me, and I've got the scars to prove it. I've never had any real friends and I don't need any now."

His face turning crimson with anger, Vorden seized Timlin's tunic. Vorden was huge compared to the little Squire, muscles rippling down his arms. Timlin shrank back. "Don't you dare say I'm not your friend! I'm the best friend you could ever have, Timlin!"

Timlin nodded, looking startled. "Fine, you're my friend. And Lannon is my friend. But these other two are not. Especially Jerret."

The color fading from his face, Vorden released Timlin. "We're all your friends, even Jerret. And we're going to help save your chance at Knighthood. There is simply no way I'm going to give up on you."

Lannon sighed. "And how will we do that, Vorden? Timlin was seen stealing a sacred dagger, which he doesn't deny."

"It's a very serious situation," said Vorden, smoothing back his neatly trimmed black hair and adjusting his black tunic. "Very serious. But we are not ordinary Squires. Aldreya is Taris' most prized pupil and a member of some Birlote royal house. I am--with no attempt to be vain in saying this--the most talented Squire at Dremlock. And you, Lannon, are the most valuable of anyone at Dremlock. We can get this done and give Timlin one more chance."

For an instant, Timlin's eyes lit up with gratitude. Then he slumped down on the cot and bowed his head. "It won't happen. I'm finished."

"I do regard myself as your friend, Timlin," said Aldreya. "I also respect your amazing skills with the bow. You shoot as well as the best of the Birlotes. I want to help you. But you must promise that you will never break the Sacred Laws again for any reason."

"I can't promise that," said Timlin. "I already told you that I can't control myself. My life is not very enjoyable. The nightmares never let me get a peaceful sleep. And I always feel like I want to punish myself."

"Timlin, what happened to you as a child?" Aldreya said softly.

Timlin's body trembled. He hunkered down further. "I don't know. Different things. Wretched things. I keep trying to forget and move on, but I know I won't let myself. It's like I'm trying to get thrown out of Dremlock."

Lannon rubbed his temples in frustration. "That's what I can't understand. You have a bright future here. You have way more talent than I do. You could do many great deeds and retire as a wealthy Knight. Why can't you just relax and let things happen, instead of ruining everything?"

"I don't know," said Timlin. "It doesn't make any sense. I guess I'm stupid or evil. What else is there to say?"

"You're neither of those things," said Vorden. "You're still just finding your way. In time, you'll learn to behave like a Knight."

"I doubt it," said Timlin. "I have something wrong with my thinking. Nobody understands that or listens to me. The Knights only understand acting like this or acting like that. And I know they speak the truth, in a way. Yet...I don't know. Something just ruins everything I try to do."

"You think about it too much," said Vorden. "I had a rough childhood, but I don't let it bother me. I just do what I need to do."

"That doesn't work for me," said Timlin. "I always do something stupid, no matter how hard I try to avoid it."

"You need to live like a Knight every day," said Aldreya. "Then many good things will come your way."

"What do you know, Aldreya?" said Timlin. "You grew up in some shining Birlote kingdom and had a great life. It's easy for you to live like you were taught. For me, though..." He turned away and wiped his eyes. "I can never explain it, so why try? I want to talk about what happened, but..."

"You should never talk about it," said Vorden, patting him on the shoulder. "You should just block it from your mind and move on."

"I agree," said Aldreya. "Whatever haunts your mind is best forgotten, Timlin. Just let it go and concentrate on the present."

"Bad idea," said Jerret, sitting down on the bench.

Vorden glared at Jerret. "Why is that a bad idea?"

Jerret shrugged. "It just seems like a bad idea for him to forget his past, or he'll be doomed to repeat it or something. I don't know. Maybe I'm not making sense. What do you think, Lannon?"

"I don't know," said Lannon, being truthful. "But I do know that Timlin has a knack for getting in trouble and I just don't see that changing."

"Just go on and forget about me," said Timlin. "All of you."

"I told you that's not going to happen," said Vorden.

"So you can't promise to obey the Sacred Laws, Timlin?" said Lannon.

"I can't promise to obey them," said Timlin. "Sorry."

"Then I'm not going to try to help you," said Lannon. "Honestly, it's not worth it. You have to make your own fate, Timlin."

"It will be a bad fate," Timlin whispered.

Lannon rose, concerned by Timlin's tone and grim expression. "What does that mean?"

"You heard me." Timlin's eyes smoldered. "If you don't believe me, use your Eye of Divinity and look into my soul. See for yourself what's in there. Look deeper than before, deep into my past."

Lannon's eyes widened. "For what purpose?" He was afraid to look too deeply into Timlin's soul. He sensed something terrifying.

"To understand me," said Timlin. "Because I can never tell you, and no one ever listens anyway. If you're my friend, at least do that much. Then you will understand me. I want someone to know what happened. I need someone to know."

Lannon gazed at Timlin, considering Timlin's request. It seemed pointless and frightening. "I've seen the scars on your back. I know it must have been terrible. What does it matter if I know the details? "

"It matters," said Timlin. "I don't know why, except that it's like I'm in a prison of silence or something."

"This is foolish," said Vorden. "You're playing games again, Timlin. You just need to start acting like a Knight."

Aldreya just looked on with pity and uncertainty.

Jerret frowned and scratched his head. "If I had that Eye of Divinity power, I would do it. And I don't even like Timlin."

Lannon hesitated, seeing the intense, hopeful gleam in Timlin's eyes. Slowly, he reached out with the Eye and saw anguish and bitterness--a Squire in constant torment. But that was only the very surface. He probed a bit deeper and heavy gloom washed over him, merged with hopelessness and terror. And still Lannon felt that Timlin's secrets ran much deeper--into a place he feared to look.

Lannon broke contact and turned away. "I don't see the point, Timlin. If you have problems, we can work on them. We can..."

Lannon turned toward Timlin again--to find he'd curled up on the cot and was now facing the wall. And Timlin would not speak again during that encounter.

***

The meeting took place that evening in the North Tower and consisted of the same people as before--with the addition of Trenton Shadowbane, the Investigator of Dremlock, and the absence of the deceased Zannin Firespear. It was another cold spring night and the fireplace was raging. The faces of those gathered at the table were tense. Taris first addressed the condition of Furlus Goblincrusher, revealing that Furlus was recovering steadily after suffering a setback that had nearly taken his life--a vicious infection. But Furlus had managed to fight it off with his strong will and the healing arts of the White Knights, but the West Tower Master was still spending most of his time in bed.

The second issue to be addressed was Vorden's spider sword. Jace had been in possession of the blade for the past two days, and now he laid it on the table for everyone to see. "I have tested it thoroughly," Jace said, "and found that it's not cursed by Tharnin. Rather, this is a Knightly sword--though a very strange one. I couldn't find many references to it in the Dremlock records, but I did find some clues that seem to indicate it may have belonged to one of the Dark Watchmen. I'm still researching that, so I can't yet produce a name."

"It is clearly a very powerful blade," said Taris. "It struck a stout blow to the demon man." Taris' face was shockingly pale, and he seemed to be trembling slightly. The sickness from his facial wound was clearly growing more potent, yet still Taris sat up straight and with an aura of power and dignity. He gazed sternly at Vorden. "And had it failed to strike such an impressive blow, we might not have noticed it, since Vorden never saw fit to mention it."

"I never thought it was evil," said Vorden, his eyes fixed on the sword. "I agree that it's a strange weapon. But it feels right in my hand. I'm sorry for keeping it a secret. That was wrong, and I have learned my lesson."

"It is made of Glaetherin," said Jace, tracing a long finger over the blade. "But molded to an astonishing degree. I've never seen Glaetherin molded or engraved with such detail. Also, there are veins of Birlote crystal that run across its surface creating the spider design. These veins likely contain powerful energy. This sword was designed in similar fashion to the blue stones in the demon man's gauntlet in that some form of energy was bound in Birlote crystal--which is the same crystal used to make Birlote torches and other fine items. However, unlike the demon man's gauntlet, it harbors no demonic intelligence or malice. Anyway, the sword is absolutely magnificent. Aside from being virtually indestructible, it possesses its own sorcery that I'm sure makes it very formidable in combat."

"Can I have it back?' Vorden asked, leaning forward and looking anxious. "I mean, when this meeting is done?"

"Do you deserve it?" said Taris. "You kept it a secret. It could have been a dangerous weapon of Tharnin that ended up possessing you. Give us a good reason why you--a mere Squire--should own such a blade."

"This is actually not a violation of the Sacred Laws," said Trenton Shadowbane, "or even of minor rules. Squires are allowed to carry whatever weapons they prefer. They are not obligated to report carrying a specific weapon unless they feel it might be cursed by Tharnin. So the real question is whether or not Vorden believed it was cursed. Or his fellow Squires, if they knew about it."

"They didn't know," Vorden said quickly. Seeing skeptical looks from the Knights, he added: "What I mean is that I assured them the sword was not cursed and they took my word for it. It just never felt cursed to me. Anyway, if I must turn it over to the High Council, so be it. But considering that my attack broke the demon man's defenses and possibly saved lives, it's clear I've already put it to good use. In light of that, I ask that it be returned to me."

"A bold request," said Krissana, nodding with respect. "You showed heroism and believe you should be rewarded." She fell silent for a moment, then said, "That is good enough to claim my vote. I agree that you should have the sword."

"I disagree strongly," said Cordus. "The Squire should have reported it, rules or not. And that sword is clearly a powerful artifact from Dremlock's history. It should be preserved and put on display for all to see."

"On the contrary," said Taris, "it should be used. Why place such a fantastic blade under glass to be merely gazed upon? With some reluctance, I agree that Vorden should have possession of the sword."

"I agree as well," said Trenton. "The Squire did nothing wrong. And in fact he fought well with the blade."

"Jace," said Cordus, "you're the most knowledgeable among us concerning magical items. What is your opinion on the matter? And what of our own experts? Was the blade tested by the White Knights?"

"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 is 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.