Knights The Heart of Shadows

chapter 18: The Savage Peaks

Nighttime had settled over the land when Shennen, Lannon, Aldrek, and six masked Blue Knights departed from Dorok's Hand. They were the first to abandon the fortress, but they wouldn't be the last, as the rest of the occupants were busy preparing to ride against the forces of Bellis.

They rode out through the gates into a moonlit night--which didn't work in their favor, as it left them visible. An Elder Hawk circled overhead, watching for spies in the rocks and in the sky. Their mission depended entirely on them not being seen as they approached Old Hammer Hall. There was no point in trying to turn invisible, as the range of the technique was limited and they were more likely to be spotted from outside that range. They navigated through the shadows as much as possible and did not talk.

After about an hour of travel through the peaks, the Elder Hawk suddenly swooped down from the sky and landed. The large, black-and-silver bird beat its wings four times--a warning that roughly a dozen Goblins had been spotted. The hawk pecked twice at the snow, indicating that it had also glimpsed a spy and that the spy had seen them. The hawk then motioned with its head in the direction of a narrow valley between two rocky cliffs.

"This is unfortunate," Shennen muttered. "If these Goblins are in league with the Blood Legion, they may flee to Old Hammer Hall and warn them."

"We should strike quickly, Master," said a masked Blue Knight. "Slay them all before any can escape."

Shennen nodded. "Yes, we must eliminate them!"

With that, the Lord of the Blue Knights drove his horse at a gallop toward the valley between the cliffs. The others followed. Beyond the cliffs, the valley opened up into a wide, snowy slope that held a Goblin camp. A number of crude wooden lean-to shelters stood there, and the snow was littered with gnawed animal bones. The spy--a fleeing Jackal--raced into the camp screeching a warning. Four Ogres wearing studded leather armor sat by a campfire roasting a deer, and when they saw the frantic Jackal and the approaching riders, they seized huge clubs and leapt up. The four Ogres and nine Jackals charged toward the Blue Knights.

Lannon reached for his sword, then took out his Glaetherin throwing star instead. He wanted to test the weapon in combat.

The Jackals were swifter than the Ogres, and they reached the Knights first. One Jackal bounded through the air toward Shennen, its claws intent on shredding the Blue Knight's flesh, but Shennen's burning Flayer slashed a bitter wound into its throat. The Jackal toppled into the snow, bleeding its life away. Shennen's Greywind horse reared up into the air and then came down with both front hooves, inflicting further damage on the fallen Goblin.

Lannon hurled his throwing star at an approaching Jackal, speeding it along with the power of the Eye. The star blade flashed in the moonlight as it shot toward the Goblin. It ripped deep into the Jackal's chest, and the Jackal paused in its charge, looking confused. It howled in pain and rage, staggered, and then fell over.

Lannon summoned the throwing star back to his hand, but by the time he plucked it from the air with his fingers another Jackal had slammed into him. Lannon was knocked from his horse to the ground, and the throwing star flew from his hand and vanished beneath the snow.

Lannon looked up into the Jackal's snarling face, and then he shoved the powerful beast off of him and rose. He drew his sword. The Jackal bounded toward him, but Lannon seized the beast with the Eye and then beheaded it with a well-placed stroke.

Before the Blue Knights could finish off the Jackals, the four Ogres had reached them. One of the Blue Knights went down instantly--smashed from his horse by a massive club. He dropped to the snow like a stone, his bones crushed. The Ogre struck the fallen Knight again, ensuring that the unfortunate warrior's life was ended.

With a cry of rage, Shennen hurled his burning Flayer at the Ogre who'd slain the Knight, and it lodged in the giant's skull. The Ogre's humanoid face bore an expression of shock as it clawed at the long dagger. It turned and stumbled away, dropping its club. It paused for a moment, as if contemplating something, and then collapsed.

With the remaining Blue Knights occupied, Lannon found himself facing an Ogre and two Jackals alone. The Jackals charged him first, and he sidestepped them and cut one down. His Greywind horse drove into the other one, knocking it over and seeking to stomp it. Lannon ducked as the Ogre's club ripped through the air toward his head. He felt the whoosh of air as the club passed over him.

Lannon slashed the giant's leg, and the beast dropped to one knee. Its black eyes were full of rage and hatred, and it pointed at Lannon and bellowed something that sounded like "Kill you!" Lannon drove in and pierced its chest with his blade, but the Ogre wrenched the weapon away from Lannon flung it aside.

The Ogre stood up, raising the club, and Lannon seized the giant with his power as he leapt for his blade. Lannon twisted aside on instinct, as a wounded Ogre charged past swinging its club and bellowing. Lannon whirled around to find the Ogre he'd injured closing in on him. The giant's club slammed down toward Lannon and he didn't have time to move. He froze the club with his sorcery--only a few inches from his forehead. He gazed at the gnarled tree trunk in shock, realizing how close he'd just come to being killed.

In desperation, Lannon drove the Eye into his blade and slashed out at the Ogre. Enhanced by his power, his sword was too swift for the giant to avoid. Lannon cut the beast down with two perfect strokes. The Ogre groaned, tried to rise again, and then lay still.

Meanwhile, blazing weapons tore through the air, as the Blue Knights slaughtered the remaining Goblins. They struck with fury over the death of their comrade, and soon the last of the Ogres went down, black smoke rising from its wounds.

One of the Greywinds had fallen as well--slain by a blow from a club. Shennen surveyed the scene with disgust, as he removed the dead Knight's mask. The face of Ulnsan Silverclaw was revealed. Cries of dismay arose from the Blue Knights.

Shennen shook his head in disbelief. "How could Ulnsan have been caught off guard like that? After all these years of fighting Goblins..."

Lannon groaned. In combat, it seemed that anything could happen. He hadn't known Ulnsan very well--considering Lannon was usually under guard and separated from most of the Knights of Dremlock--but he knew Ulnsan had a reputation for being cunning in battle. So what had happened to make him lose focus? The chaos of battle was such that one slip in concentration could mean one's death, no matter how experienced or clever a warrior was.

"What shall we do with his body?" asked another Knight.

Shennen hesitated. "This death is unexpected, and our mission is too vital to be delayed. We will have to leave his body here."

"For Goblins or animals to carry off and devour?" said a Knight, his voice full of disgust. "Ulnsan deserves far better."

"We will bury the body beneath logs and snow," said Shennen, sighing. "It is all we can do right now, unfortunately. We must continue on."

Lannon hated it when a Knight fell in battle. It always weighed heavily on his heart, even if he didn't personally know the warrior who was slain. He scanned the snow with the Eye and retrieved his throwing star. He realized the weapon wasn't his best choice for close combat, as it took too much time to throw it and retrieve it.

"You fought well, Lannon," said Shennen. "Ogres always make for brutal combat, but you kept your fear in check and showed great poise."

Lannon bowed. "Thank you, Master Shennen."

"Yet that was only a small test," said Shennen. "Far greater dangers await us in Old Hammer Hall. More of us will die. But if even one of us escapes with the Black Flamestone, our mission will have been a success."

Lannon nodded, but he didn't like the sound of that at all.

***

Back at Dorok's Hand, the Squires were restless--unable to sleep even though the fortress was to be completely abandoned at the crack of dawn. Aldreya found herself missing Lannon's presence. Aside from Lothrin, he seemed the most mature and humble of the group and the easiest for her to relate to, whereas Vannas and Jerret seemed arrogant. She was anxious over the coming battle with Bellis--and anxious over her pending decision concerning becoming Taris' apprentice. She hadn't yet informed the other Squires of what Taris had told her.

Aldreya sat on her bed and closed her eyes, imagining she was in her tree city of Borenthia--high above the ground amidst the leaves and branches. She pictured herself in a warm bath in the gardens of her family dwelling, surrounded by flowered vines and twisted limbs. She could almost hear the birds chirp and feel the soft, heated rainwater against her skin. The longing for home was almost painful. Was this the life she wanted? Hiding out in cold caves and preparing for endless, bloody battles?

"What are you pondering?" Lothrin asked. He was seated on a bed across from her. The lean Birlote with the leaf-shaped birthmark on his cheek also seemed anxious.

Aldreya shrugged. "Nothing important." She was going to leave it at that, but she suddenly was compelled to reveal her thoughts. "Taris is considering making me his apprentice, provided I'm totally loyal to Dremlock."

"Will you accept?" asked Lothrin.

"I don't know," said Aldreya. "A year ago I would not have hesitated, but things have changed. I miss Borenthia terribly."

Lothrin nodded. "As do I. However, I became a Squire to serve Dremlock and eventually become a Knight, and I won't be changing my mind."

"Nor will I," said Prince Vannas, who was seated on another bed with a book in hand. "I'll be at Dremlock until the bitter end. My older brothers were so overbearing that I'm glad to be away from them. Let them worry about the affairs of our kingdom. I'll be busy fighting Bellis and gaining fame and fortune. You should consider yourself very fortunate, Aldreya, to be chosen by Taris to receive his knowledge."

"I do," said Aldreya. "It's just that...life was so good in our homeland, so different. I just need more time to think it over."

Jerret yanked off his boots and sat down on a crate. "What do you think will happen to your homeland if Bellis defeats Dremlock?"

Aldreya gazed at him, startled by the realization.

"That's right," said Jerret, seeing the look in her eyes. "Borenthia will be the next target. Do you think the Birlotes can stop an invasion?"

"I don't know," said Aldreya, horrified at the thought. She imagined the sprawling forestlands crawling with armored Knights and siege engines, the great tree city scarred and burning, and she shuddered. "I guess I don't want to think about it."

"You're not just defending Dremlock," said Jerret. "You're also defending Borenthia by serving the Divine Essence. You had a great life back home, but who is going to protect your precious city if not you? Someone has to do it."

"Jerret speaks true," said Lothrin. "We are defending all of Gallamerth against the Deep Shadow--including Borenthia. If you return home, Aldreya, then you must bear in mind that others are fighting and dying so you can enjoy the comforts of home. I know that sounds harsh, but that's the reality of it. Are you prepared to accept that reality?"

"No," said Aldreya, and she meant it. She didn't want others suffering and dying so she could eat the delicious fruits of the forest and bathe in the blessed waters. She had the skills to make a difference in the world--to help win the war against Tharnin.

"War is not for everyone," said Lothrin. "You could do great things in our homeland as a member of the Elder Family. It is always possible to find a way to be productive. I was just pointing out the truth of things."

Lothrin was right. War was not for everyone, and no one would think ill of Aldreya for returning to Borenthia--especially if she dedicated her life to helping her people. But she couldn't turn her back on the threat of Bellis and the Blood Legion. Too much was at stake, and her skills were too valuable not to be put to use.

"I'm feeling inclined to become Taris' apprentice," Aldreya said. "I believe I can make a firm commitment to Dremlock."

"I'm not surprised," said Lothrin. "I think it was inevitable."

"A wise choice," said Vannas. "You won't regret it."

"You'll be the greatest sorcerer at Dremlock," said Galvia, smiling. Galvia seemed fully healed from her injuries and restless for combat. Her mood was very upbeat. She'd been sparring with Jerret only moments before with wooden weapons.

Aldreya felt herself blush. "Taris will always be the greatest. If I can even be half the sorcerer he is, that will be enough." Taris seemed to hold her talent in high regard, but Aldreya doubted she possessed his vast potential (yet she was eager to find out).

"Maybe he can teach you a few new tricks," said Jerret, "before we encounter Bellis. We'll need every trick we can summon, to win that battle."

Jace had entered the room quietly and was listening to the conversation. "New tricks, huh? First, my dear, you'll have to pass the Trial of Shades, if my memory of Birlote sorcery is correct. And that test is rather difficult and unpleasant."

Jace sat down next to Aldreya and seized her head with his huge palm, giving it a playful shake. "The Trial of Shades will rattle your brain!"

Aldreya laughed. Jace always made her feel special and warmed her heart with his odd antics. She loved it when he chose to visit. "What do you mean, Uncle Jace?"

Jace seemed to ponder her statement for a moment. His black, curly hair was sticking up, as if he'd just awakened, and he looked tired. He yawned.

"What do you mean?" she asked again.

He lit his pipe. "Never smoke a pipe, Squires," he said, licking his lips. "It's nasty and unpleasant and will contaminate you."

"Then why do you do it?" said Jerret.

Jace shrugged. "Never follow my example, if you have any sense."

"Well?" said Aldreya.

Jace gazed down at her. "As I said, never do what I do. I'm a poor role model--too self centered and such. Be like Taris or Shennen. Rigid fellows, true, but very wise and precise. As for myself, I'm sloppy and given to strange fits." He blew a wobbly smoke ring. With a disgusted bellow, he batted it into ruin. "See what I mean?"

"I don't care about that stuff," said Aldreya. "Tell me about the Trial of Shades!"

"Taris will tell you all about it," said Jace.

"I would rather know about it now," said Aldreya.

"It's a dangerous business," said Jace, in a low, ominous voice. He pressed his face close to hers, until his long nose nearly touched her own. "You could lose your mind, my dear, for a time. But even worse, if you fail you will be drained of your ability to summon sorcery forever. You either pass the test, or you fail completely. It's a very harsh trial, but it is an honored Birlote ritual. If you want to be Taris' apprentice, you'll have to risk everything."

"I'm sure Aldreya will pass it easily," said Galvia. She sat down on the other side of Jace and smiled up at him. "Don't you agree, Uncle Jace?"

Jace glanced at her with one eyebrow raised. Then he said, "Who knows?"

Aldreya felt a bit of irritation toward Galvia for her use of the term Uncle Jace. That was Aldreya's term for him and Galvia had stolen it. She liked Galvia, but she found herself wishing the Dwarf would sit somewhere else.

Jerret rolled his eyes. "When are people going to start calling me Uncle Jerret? Why don't I get any respect like that?"

"You're too young," said Galvia, winking at Jerret. "Jace is two-hundred years old, remember? But I do think of you as a little brother."

"A little brother?" said Jerret, frowning. "I believe I'm a year older than you."

Galvia chuckled. "But I'm stronger."

Jerret had no reply for that.

Jace patted Galvia on the back. "Glad to see you're looking better, lass. You've got a nice healthy glow to you. I take it you have been meditating on your wounds?"

Galvia nodded. "Day and night."

"Good," Jace mumbled. "Very good. We'll need everyone healthy in our battle with the sprawling monstrosity known as Bellis."

"Can we really prevail?" said Jerret, looking skeptical. "Or are we just riding to our deaths? I think we deserve to know the truth."

"Taris plans on us winning, obviously," said Jace. "If he thought we were going to lose, he wouldn't be sending the White Flamestone into battle. Instead, he would send it to Dremlock. But Taris is only human, and his confidence is no guarantee of victory. We'll be riding against the most powerful army on Gallamerth. Most of Bellis' Knights do not possess sorcery like Dremlock's Knights--but they do possess advanced weapons along with outstanding combat skills and strategy. And their siege engines are rather amazing. Bellis knows how to win wars, my young friends. It's what they do best."

"So you think we're going to lose?" said Vannas, with a smirk.

"I didn't say that, oh prince," said Jace. He puffed at his pipe and then sighed. "But in all honesty, I was insinuating it. It will be a tough battle. We must use the White Flamestone wisely to have any chance."

"You could always skip the battle," said Lothrin. "You're not a Knight, Jace. You're here because of your knowledge, not your fighting skills."

Jace scratched his head. "I've considered that. However, I don't want to see this entire continent enslaved by Bellis--as that could open the way for the Deep Shadow. Yes, that little problem again." He gave a wry smile. "Thus, I am obligated to fight."

The reality of the situation weighed heavily upon Aldreya. If Dremlock lost the war with Bellis, the Deep Shadow might prevail at last. The world could be stripped of its independence and made an extension of Tharnin. Most plant and animal life would be corrupted into something akin to the Bloodlands. People would be forced to live under brutal Tharnin law. This was a fight for the survival of purity and freedom.

Jace glanced at her and nodded, as if reading her thoughts. "Yes, this is a rather important battle. That's why I'm here. I didn't join forces with Dremlock because I needed the money, though the pay is certainly welcome. We're facing an enormous threat--possibly equal to that faced by Olzet Ka, the great Birlote King, when the Barloak Demons were trying to destroy or subvert all life on Gallamerth. The only difference is that Bellis is unpredictable and likely has a shaky alliance with Tharnin. Still, the threat is dire."

"I am a descendant of Olzet Ka," said Prince Vannas, looking thoughtful. "According to the ancient legend, he used a Flamestone to defeat Tharnin."

"Yes," said Jace. "The Crimson Flamestone--the Blood of the White Guardian. In his hands, it was the ultimate weapon. The armies of the Deep Shadow could not withstand the Crimson Fire, and the Barloak Demons were driven back into Tharnin. We don't possess power on that scale, but the White Flamestone is nothing to sneer at."

"Where is the Crimson Flamestone these days?" asked Galvia.

"Didn't you pay attention during history lessons in the Temple, Galvia?" said Vannas. "We've all heard the story more than once."

Galvia shrugged. "My mind always wandered."

"I seldom paid attention either," said Jerret, with a laugh. "I hate history lessons. Takes valuable time away from training."

"The Crimson Flamestone rests far to the north," said Jace. "After Olzet Ka won the war, he placed the gem on a bed of straw and no one has since been able to remove it. The Flamestone is guarded by an evil sorcerer known as Carth Lang, the oldest man alive according to some accounts. He endlessly seeks to possess its power, but cannot remove it from the straw. It is rumored that only a certain descendent of Olzet Ka, bearing a divine birthmark, has the power to pluck the Crimson Flamestone from its resting place."

Lothrin smiled. "Just a silly legend? Or a prophecy waiting to be fulfilled?" He tapped his cheek. "I have a strange birthmark."

Jace gave him a piercing stare. "Yes, you have a mark--but your mark is shaped like a leaf that does not burn. So close...yet not the same."

Lothrin touched his birthmark. "It is supposed to be a leaf that burns?"

Jace nodded and sighed. "You're almost the one, Lothrin. Almost. But the mark you bear is slightly different. I believe the time is nearing when a descendant of Olzet Ka who possesses the sorcery of old will be revealed--someone who can lift the Crimson Flamestone from its bed of straw and use it against the Deep Shadow."

"So who is the one?" asked Lothrin. "Someone from Borenthia? From the Royal Family?"

Jace shrugged. "Perhaps he or she is not born yet."

"Perhaps he or she will never be born," said Vannas, with a dismissive wave. "The Crimson Flamestone may be lost forever in its resting place. But we have a powerful stone in our possession and someone chosen by the Divine Essence to use it. Why worry about ancient legends when we have something real on our side?"

"Because we must keep all our options open," said Jace. "But rest assured, my good prince, that your importance to Dremlock is not underestimated. The White Flamestone offers hope in the face of overwhelming odds."

"And the Eye of Divinity?" asked Vannas.

Jace frowned. "Too unpredictable to rely on."

"Will Lannon succumb like the Dark Watchmen did?" asked Jerret. "Be honest, Jace. As his friends, we deserve to know what you think."

Jace glared at him. "When am I not honest, Dragonsbane? I don't shy away from giving my opinion, sometimes to my chagrin."

"So what is your opinion?" asked Aldreya, dreading the answer.

"I believe Lannon is in great peril," said Jace. "The Dark Watchmen were strong and wise and seemingly incorruptible. Yet look what became of them. Can Lannon overcome the snares that doomed his predecessors? I have my doubts."

"Then why did Dremlock recruit Lannon?" asked Vannas, "knowing what could result? It seems very foolish."

"Desperation, of course," Jace replied. "It was a grave risk, considering the Dark Watchmen almost brought down Dremlock Kingdom. The decision to recruit Lannon was not an easy one to make, but the Divine Essence was behind it and the Knights had to obey."

"Our god appears to be growing very desperate," said Lothrin. "Aside from surrendering a piece of itself to its followers, it also chose to recruit another potential Dark Watchman--in spite of what happened so long ago."

Aldreya prayed Lannon would be shielded from the darkness, that the Divine Light would protect him as he ventured into Old Hammer Hall. Lannon had a noble spirit, and it angered her to think of the Deep Shadow wanting to corrupt him as it had Vorden and Timlin. Because of the Eye, Tharnin wanted Lannon above all others.

"Has the Divine Essence actually grown desperate?" asked Galvia.

"I believe so," said Jace. "And it is because of Bellis--and perhaps Tenneth Bard, who may be behind all of this. Yes, there are definite signs of desperation, and make no mistake--the Divine Essence is uncertain of Dremlock's survival."

Aldreya wanted to pay Taris a visit and tell him she would partake in the Trial of Shades. It was a simple choice. According to Jace, if she failed the test then her ability to function as a sorcerer would be impaired. She would have nothing left at Dremlock and would return to Borenthia. And if she passed the test, Taris would extend his vast knowledge to her and she would be better equipped to fight the Deep Shadow. But it was too late to visit Taris, and they were scheduled to abandon Dorok's Hand in the early morning.

The Trial of Shades would have to wait.