Knights The Heart of Shadows

chapter 19: Old Hammer Hall

As Lannon, Aldrek Windspear, and the Blue Knights drew close to Old Hammer Hall, their progress slowed. They left the horses and their Elder Hawk concealed amidst some boulders and proceeded on foot along the mountain path. Thanks to the expert skills of the Blue Knights--and some help from the Eye of Divinity--they were able to avoid being seen by spies along the trail. The spies were mainly watching for a larger invasion force, and that worked to the group's advantage.

Old Hammer Hall was at a higher elevation than Dorok's Hand, and Lannon found himself a bit short on breath as he trudged through the snow. They used boulders, bushes, and pines for concealment and hurried through the open spaces. Soon they could see the fortress in the moonlight--a huge stone drawbridge flanked by two guard towers carved from the mountain rock, along with some wooden stables near the towers.

"There will be Elder Hawks circling above," said Shennen. "Too high up even for Aldrek's power to reach. If they see us, they will screech out a warning and our mission will be ruined. We must move swiftly to the fortress gate and hide in one of the guard towers until the drawbridge opens. Then we will enter the keep."

"If we're spotted," said Lannon, "what should we do?"

"Flee," said Shennen, "for our mission will be a failure. But we will only be in the open for a few moments, so it's unlikely the Hawks will see us. Now is the time to become invisible. Prepare yourselves!"

The group broke into a run--shadows racing across the moonlit snow. Fortunately there were many tracks in the snow leading to the keep, so their footprints didn't stand out. The immense power of Aldrek Windspear kept the guards blinded to their presence, and no cries or warning horns sounded.

Moments later, the grey stone tower loomed over them and they entered into a storage room full of crates and barrels. They ducked down, then began the long wait for the guards to change shifts. They didn't speak.

At last the drawbridge was lowered, as new guards replaced the old. Lannon and the Blue Knights waited until the new guards had climbed the tower stairs, and then they rushed out into the moonlight--just as the exiting guards were crossing the drawbridge. The move had to be perfectly timed, and the group had to be invisible to potential observers from three places. And if an Elder Hawk had happened along at that moment, they would have been spotted. However, no Hawk appeared and no guards seemed to notice them. As much as it astounded Lannon, the invisibility plan worked and allowed them to slip unseen into the keep.

Clearly, the secret of invisibility was immensely powerful. Lannon was not surprised that only a few elite sorcerers and Blue Knights could manage it. If he could master the skill, it would elevate him to a new level of power. The ability to walk unseen by his foes held enormous potential.

Once inside, they found themselves in a large, torch-lit cavern with four thick pillars on either side. They hid behind the pillars, waiting for the Soldiers to exit the hall. Meanwhile, the drawbridge closed with a grinding of chains, leaving them trapped inside Old Hammer Hall. The entrance cavern was watched by ten guards who were playing dice games at tables and two Ogres who'd been turning a crank to raise the drawbridge. The guards glanced up and exchanged some words and laughter with the Soldiers, then went back to playing dice.

Old Hammer Hall was a monument to Olrog Fire, with the symbol of crossed torch and hammer found throughout the keep. A statue of the Fire God, Benezeta, the Lord of the Forge, stood in the middle of the hall. Benezeta was a Gnome, or a Dark Dwarf--a master of weaponsmithing from an ancient race. His beard was like a twisted root, his nose long and crooked, and his beady eyes were filled with cunning and malice. His spiked war hammer was raised high, as if ready to smash Lannon and the other intruders should they get too close. Crimson torches burned on either side of the statue, flickering shadows dancing upon Benezeta's face. While the Grey Dwarves no longer worshipped Benezeta, the statue remained as a tribute to the days when they had an alliance with Tharnin. This, however, was the Blood Legion's answer to the Divine Essence--a god of smoldering iron and dark sorcery, though Benezeta's spirit had not appeared to them in more than three-hundred years. The statue was breathtaking in its evil, and Lannon found he could not gaze upon it without feeling deeply unsettled.

Chills creeping along his spine, Lannon glanced up at the torch-lit stone ceiling--which was carved in the form of some sprawling monstrosity. Bulbous eyes gazed down on him, and here and there were curved teeth and claws. This depiction of some horrific beast of Tharnin seemed about to descend on Lannon, and with a shudder, he quickly lowered his gaze. This was the dark heart of the Blood Legion--deeper into enemy territory than Lannon had ever been. This was a keep fit for brutal barbarians, a lair of potential torment and death, and it was the last place Lannon wanted to be. He hoped they would quickly succeed in their mission.

Shennen signaled Lannon to scan the fortress with the Eye. Lannon swept his gaze out as far as he could, but his range was limited and he detected no sign of Timlin or the Black Flamestone. He shook his head.

They moved swiftly past the guards--who never so much as glanced their way. They entered a plain tunnel with some storage rooms on either side. Two Jackals were walking towards them on their crooked legs, and Shennen motioned everyone into a storage room where they hid behind some barrels.

Lannon probed the Jackals with the Eye as they approached, to see what their intent was. The Jackals paused outside the storage room and sniffed the air. They caught scent of the invaders and crept into the storage room, trying to sniff out the source of that scent. They stood before the barrels, their sour stench filling Lannon's nostrils. Muscles rippled over their grey, spotted fur, and drool dripped from their long muzzles. Their claws were raised, ready to shred flesh.

As they reached for the barrels, Lannon seized the Jackals with the Eye--even as Shennen and another Blue Knight leapt out and cut them down. Two quick Flayer strokes and the Jackals were dead on the floor.

"I forgot to mention," Shennen whispered to Lannon, "that Jackals can smell us. But there is nothing we can do about it."

They hid the dead Jackals behind the barrels and crept back into the tunnel. Lannon continued to scan for Timlin or the Black Flamestone, as they crept deeper into the maze of rooms and passageways. They carefully slipped past several more guards--all humans--before encountering an Ogre and another Jackal. Lannon sensed the Goblins well in advance, but they were approaching swiftly.

They ducked into two storage rooms, on either side of the hall--Lannon and Shennen in one, and Aldrek and the remaining Blue Knights in the other. The Ogre approached with heavy footsteps, while the Jackal sniffed the air.

Shennen's expression was bitter, for the Ogre could make for noisy combat and give them away. They waited behind some barrels. Lannon watched the Goblins with the Eye as they entered their storage room. Then he seized them with his power, throwing everything he had into containing and silencing the monsters. Meanwhile, he rose and hurled his throwing star at the Jackal. The Glaetherin blade pierced the Jackal's skull and killed it instantly. The Jackal slumped to the floor, knocking over a barrel as it fell.

Shennen rose and hurled a dagger into the Ogre's throat. The Ogre made gagging noises, as Lannon drew his sword and speared it through the chest. The giant glowered at him, then went insane and broke Lannon's hold. It grabbed his shoulders and lifted him into the air, trying to crush the life out of him. Lannon fought to keep from being squeezed into pudding, as Shennen drew his short sword and pierced the giant's side near the heart. Lannon thought his bones were about to break, but then the Ogre's hands went limp and the giant dropped to the floor in death.

Shennen sighed in relief and patted Lannon on the back. "Well done," he whispered. They made an effort to conceal the dead Goblins--though parts of them still showed.

They entered the storage room across the hall--to find the others had fallen victim to a trap. Apparently, they had ducked behind an iron door and the door had locked itself somehow, leaving them trapped behind it. Lannon probed the lock with the Eye, but found it too complex for him to manipulate.

"I could try forcing it," Lannon whispered. "But it might be noisy."

"Fools!" Shennen whispered. "I expected better of them. We can't risk making any loud noises. We shall have to leave them for now."

Lannon studied the door with the Eye. It was an ancient Dwarven creation, designed to create confusion in the keep in the event of an invasion. It had done its job well in separating them. He could sense the others standing in a tunnel beyond, waiting to be rescued. But he couldn't tell where the tunnel led.

"We must continue on," Shennen insisted. "Any attempt to force this door open could alert our foes and spoil the mission. We'll have to figure something out later. Right now we need to find that Flamestone!"

"What about Aldrek Windspear?" asked Lannon. "Don't we need his power to move unseen?"

"Not necessarily," said Shennen. "I only brought Aldrek to get us into the keep, and he did his job. I can make myself invisible to foes within close range, and I believe you can do the same--if you focus enough."

Lannon hesitated, his gaze on the iron door. How could they just leave them to their fate? It seemed terribly cruel, but what choice did they have?

Shennen grabbed Lannon's shoulder and whispered, "Use the Eye. Make yourself invisible!" With that, he practically dragged Lannon out into the tunnel--where they came face to face with Ulmason Deathhand.

Lannon hadn't had time to attempt invisibility, and Ulmason spotted them instantly. His lips split into a grin beneath his horned helm. He shouted a warning. Moments later, two Legion warriors came running along the tunnel from the opposite direction as Ulmason, their swords drawn--a pair of muscular, bearded barbarians with fire in their eyes.

"Welcome to my keep," Ulmason said. He raised his battle axe, his huge, armored bulk filling the tunnel. "I awoke from a dream...a dream that fools had come into my lair to die. Turns out it wasn't merely a dream."

"Kill the two warriors," Shennen said to Lannon, "and leave this one to me!" The Lord of the Blue Knights moved toward Ulmason. He lifted his mask briefly to show his foe who he was.

Ulmason looked delighted. "Shennen Silverarrow! I've wanted to kill you for years. This will be a true pleasure."

Lannon faced the barbarians--who were closing in swiftly and bellowing--with his sword held ready. He channeled the Eye into the blade and waited. Behind him, he could hear a clash of weapons between Shennen and Ulmason.

It was time to fight or die.

***

At Dorok's Hand, there was a change of plans, and everyone was awakened in the middle of the night and ordered to prepare for travel. No explanation was provided as to why they were leaving in the dead of night, before even being allowed breakfast. The ancient fortress was bustling with activity, as Knights and Orange Squires scurried around gathering supplies and filling the wagons. Had they been returning to Dremlock, the mood would have been festive, for no one--with the exception of a few Grey Dwarves--had any love for Dorok's Hand. Instead, the mood was grim and everywhere were somber, tired faces. A feeling of sadness and defeat hung in the air, for they were abandoning a keep that had cost many lives to secure.

Soon nothing was left but the cold stone hallways, as Dremlock's servants walked from the keep with their heads bowed. They sat on horseback in the chill air in the moonlight, gazing at a fortress that now stood dark and silent.

At Taris' command, Prince Vannas unleashed the White Flamestone upon the gates, and soon they were ablaze, flames and smoke rising high into the air. The white fire made quick work of the enormous logs, and soon pieces of burning timber came crashing down to the snow. Grim faces, cast in the pale light of the fire, watched until the last of the logs had burned away and only a yawning cavern was left to mark the entrance to Dorok's Hand. The statue of Dorok now looked cold and abandoned, a forgotten monument from another age.

Then, with heavy hearts, the servants of Dremlock rode off through the mountains to meet their destiny.

Aldreya rode up alongside Taris. She steadied her nerves and said, "I have decided I am fully loyal to Dremlock, and I would like to undertake the Trial of Shades." She didn't know if it was the appropriate time to bring up the topic, considering they were on such a vital mission, but she was tired of waiting and wanted to let him know what she'd decided. After Aldreya spoke the words, she realized there was no turning back. Honor demanded she proceed.

Taris sat with his head bowed, dark and silent beneath his hooded cloak as he guided his horse. For a moment, Aldreya wasn't sure he'd heard her, but then Taris gave a slight nod.

"Good," he said. "I was hoping you would arrive at that decision. If we survive the battle with Bellis, and we have some spare time on our hands, you may partake in the Trial of Shades. For now, however, I want you focused entirely on this mission. If we win, we will send a strong message to Bellis that Dremlock does not yield to tyranny."

"I will concentrate only on Bellis," Aldreya promised. It wouldn't be difficult, considering what was at stake.

"Yet I have a specific task for you," said Taris. "With Lannon no longer among us, Prince Vannas is the only one we must protect at all costs. I want you to stay by his side and give him guidance, to keep him from doing anything foolish. As you are now pledged to become my apprentice--having passed the test of loyalty--I trust that you will keep Vannas on the right path."

Aldreya bowed. "I will guard him closely."

"Also," said Taris, "I'm putting you in charge of the Squires."

Aldreya wasn't sure what to make of that. She didn't think Lannon would mind, but Prince Vannas was a different story. She wondered what her duties would be as the leader. "Am I required to give orders?" she asked.

Taris glanced her way and smiled. "Are you afraid to give orders?"

"No," she said, "I'm just not sure how they will react."

"It doesn't matter," said Taris. "I'm placing you in charge, and that's the final word on it. The topic is not open to debate. I believe it will be good for Lannon, Vannas, and Jerret to have another Squire to answer to. Galvia seems humble enough, but she might benefit as well."

Aldreya nodded, but she couldn't imagine giving Lannon and Vannas orders--and Jerret would simply laugh in her face.

"Now that you are in charge," said Taris, "I will give you instructions from time to time and you will pass them along to the other Squires. This is the chain of command."

Aldreya wondered if Taris was serious--if he really expected her to be the leader. Sometimes Knights played games with Squires for their own amusement, and sorcerers were notorious for having hidden agendas. This could simply be another test related to becoming his apprentice. However, it was her duty to take him at his word and carry out his commands.

"If I may change the subject," she said, "why did we leave in the dead of night?" It made no sense that they should travel when everyone was tired and hadn't had breakfast--especially with Bellis' army still distant.

"It's a matter of timing," said Taris. "Our Elder Hawks are constantly bringing us information that influence our decisions. We want to catch Bellis at the right time and in the right place. Our key to victory is to pull off a clever ambush. However, I can say no more about that at this time. Now go and inform the other Squires that you are their leader. Make them respect you."

Aldreya sighed, then slowed her horse--allowing the others to catch up to her. She rode next to Vannas in silence for a time, then cleared her throat and awkwardly informed the Squires of Taris' decision. Meanwhile, Vannas gazed at her with an expression of amusement and contempt.

"I'm pleased that Taris has taken an interest in you," said the prince. "I truly am, my cousin. But this business of putting you in charge is completely unnecessary and does not fit with the Sacred Laws governing Divine Shields. Do you know the ways of the White Flamestone better than I? Do you know the Eye of Divinity better than Lannon? No, so how can you give worthy commands? It appears that Taris is either trying to make you feel privileged as his apprentice or just testing you. Regardless, don't take it too seriously."

"I wasn't planning on it," said Aldreya. "I'm just doing as ordered."

"I have no issue with it," said Lothrin, "as long as we don't lose our spirit of cooperation, for that is more important than anything else."

"We won't," Aldreya promised.

"It's fine by me," said Galvia, with a shrug.

Jerret chuckled. "I don't have any issue with it--but don't think you're going to boss me around or anything, Aldreya." He grinned. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? To give me orders. Well go ahead then, princess. What's my first command?"

Aldreya glared at him but didn't reply, refusing to take the bait.

"It's not her choice, Jerret," said Galvia. "We have to respect Taris' decision."

"Of course," said Jerret. "And I'm ready to serve." He winked at Aldreya and then bowed. "I await your orders, oh wise leader."

Aldreya's temper boiled over. "My first order is to be quiet!" She wished Taris had not bestowed this task upon her.

Jerret bowed several times, nearly falling off his horse. "It shall be done, my queen. You will not hear a peep out of me!"

Daledus roared laughter. "You Squires amuse me." The Dwarf reached over and patted Jerret on the back. "I like you, lad!"

"You're all my friends," said Aldreya. "Even you, Jerret, though you never fail to annoy me. It's not my intent to be bossy or stern with you. As Lothrin said, the spirit of cooperation is what we need most."

"Nevertheless," said Lothrin, "if Taris expects you to be a leader then you need to act like one. You may be required to give an order to someone who disagrees with it and then insist it be obeyed." He lowered his voice. "Taris will be watching you, Aldreya, and evaluating your performance."

Aldreya nodded, realizing the truth. This was likely a test to see if she possessed leadership skills. She needed to prove to Taris that she was worthy of his knowledge, and it would be no easy feat.

She fixed her gaze on Prince Vannas. "I am required to stay by your side and watch over you. That's a direct order from Taris."

Vannas glared at her. "Ah, so I must be looked after like a child now, even though I'm seventeen years old and by many standards an adult. Well, if that's the way it must be..." He lowered his voice. "Just don't get in my way, when the time comes to make the important decisions. Keep in mind that I am the Bearer of the White Flamestone. The Divine Essence chose me."

In Borenthia, Aldreya would have been forced to bow before Vannas because he was a prince. All her instincts told her she could not possibly defy him. But this was Dremlock and Taris had given her an order. Her future depended on obeying. Shoring up her will, she gazed defiantly at Vannas. "I understand your view on it, but I can promise nothing. I must do as I was ordered."

The prince nodded. "We'll see, when the time comes."

"Yes, we will," Aldreya said firmly.

"After this coming battle," said Galvia, "perhaps none of it will matter. I hate to sound gloomy, but I wonder if any of us will survive. I had a nightmare recently of a hilltop covered in the dead--all that remained of our army."

Aldreya wondered that as well, but she believed that part of her new leadership role was to inspire confidence. "Taris thinks we can win, and who are we to disagree with him? If he believes it, then so do I. We are vastly outnumbered, but if we employ the right strategies and make good use of our abilities, we have a chance."

"I wish things were simpler," said Lothrin. "I wish we were just going to war with the Goblins--the way it's supposed to be at Dremlock. I joined the kingdom to battle foul beasts from the Bloodlands, having no idea I would be involved in this epic war." He chuckled. "I think my timing is rather poor."

"This war is going to be ugly," said Jerret, "whatever the outcome. None of us can even imagine the carnage to come." Yet Jerret did not seem disturbed by his own words. In fact, there was a hint of eagerness in his voice.

"It will indeed be ugly," said Lothrin. "Prince Vannas, you may have to unleash that Flamestone onto hundreds of human warriors if we are to have any chance at victory. Are you prepared to take that many lives?"

Vannas nodded. "I've thought much about it, and I've dreaded the notion. But if Bellis isn't stopped, then its evil will spread everywhere and will eventually reach Borenthia. If ever killing was justified, this is the time. In a way, I envy Lannon, who won't be present for this battle."

"Yet we have no idea," said Aldreya, "what Lannon will face in Old Hammer Hall. He may have to do just as much killing as the rest of us."

Jerret laughed. "Knowing Lannon, he'll spare more lives than he'll take--unless he's facing Goblins. He has no problem with killing Goblins. But when humans are involved, Lannon forgets how to fight."

"Unless Lannon has no choice," said Aldreya. "Sometimes it is impossible to avoid taking human lives."

Jerret waved dismissively. "Regardless, Lannon probably has it easy right now. All he has to do is sneak around and look for that stone."

***

When the two charging barbarians reached Lannon, there was no discussion of surrender. They tried to cut him down where he stood, their bearded faces contorted with fury. These were Legion Knights, and their blades were enchanted by sorcery. They swung at him viciously, their strokes guided by their magic. But thanks to the Eye, Lannon's blade was faster and he blocked their attacks.

Lannon seized one of his foes by the wrist, and--with his power surging through his arm--hurled the man against the tunnel wall. The barbarian struck the stone hard and collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

The remaining barbarian's eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe the strength Lannon possessed. He drove his sword at Lannon's chest, but Lannon sidestepped the thrust and struck the barbarian in the head with his sword hilt. The warrior fell to the floor, bleeding from a head wound.

Both warriors were still alive but unable to fight, and Lannon left them where they lay. He whirled around to find Shennen still battling Ulmason Deathhand. The two Knights were locked in a vicious duel, and when Lannon started toward them, Shennen ordered him to hold back.

"This one is mine!" Shennen hissed. "Guard my back, Lannon!"

Lannon glanced behind him, but the hall was empty.

Ulmason grinned. There was no doubt that the Dark Knight believed he was invincible. Aside from winning duels against Dremlock, he'd also slain many Divine Knights in combat. His heavily muscled body was covered in scars beneath his armor from his many battles. Luck had always been on his side.

This was not an official duel, and there were no rules. The combatants were free to unleash everything they had--and in that regard, Ulmason had the advantage. He was known to fight dirty, using tricks that an honorable Knight would sneer at. Shennen, however, was still bound by Dremlock's sacred laws that governed combat against human foes.

"I love killing Birlotes," said Ulmason, laughing. He swung at Shennen's neck with his huge axe. Shennen ducked and the axe tore stone from the tunnel wall. The axe was smoldering with crimson fire amidst which dark shadows squirmed. This was a Gnome-forged axe from ancient times, fused with evil sorcery.

In spite of missing his target, Ulmason continued to grin, swept away in his own glory. Always he'd found some way to prevail over his foes, and killing Shennen would just be another badge of honor in a long and bloody career as a Legion Dark Knight.

But Shennen's eyes were cold and focused beneath his mask. He was a swift and deadly shadow in the torchlight, twisting and dodging, and Ulmason struggled to match his speed. Shennen's Flayer, which burned with the green flames of divine fire, slashed a wound in Ulmason's shoulder, cutting through his dark armor and into the flesh beneath. The Dark Knight bellowed in pain and stepped back.

Lannon could have interfered and perhaps helped end the battle quickly, but he obeyed Shennen's commands and held back, staying alert for enemies while keeping an eye on the battle. This was an unofficial duel and a matter of honor to Shennen, and Lannon had no right to interfere. But Lannon didn't like it. They were here to find the Black Flamestone, not fight duels--but when it came to matters of honor, logic didn't seem to always apply.

Ulmason threw all his strength and fury into one blow, driving his blazing axe down in an effort to split Shennen in two. The blow was so swift that Lannon thought Shennen had been caught off guard--but Shennen somehow dodged it and the axe slammed into the floor, throwing up blinding red sparks and chunks of stone. For a moment, neither combatant could see.

Yet Shennen's Flayer slashed out blindly and on instinct--and this time it caught Ulmason Deathhand in the throat. The giant staggered, dropping his axe. His single eye was wide with shock beneath his horned helm. Still charged with sorcery, Ulmason lunged at Shennen and tried to get him in a bear hug, but Shennen twisted out of his path and ended up behind the giant.

Ulmason cried out in pain as Shennen's Flayer drove into his back. He tried to turn, but the damage was too much and he collapsed to his knees. He cursed Shennen and all Birlotes, and then slumped forward in death.

Shennen motioned to Lannon. "We must try to free the others. We need Aldrek's power or we're doomed."

They raced back into the storage room and Lannon seized the iron door. Now, with all the noise of battle having alerted the Blood Legion to their presence, there was no need for stealth. They pulled furiously at the door handle--as Lannon tried to break the lock with the power of the Eye--and there was a loud crunch of metal as the door came free.

Aldrek and the other Blue Knights stepped through the doorway, relief on their faces. "What happened out here?" Aldrek asked.

"No time to explain," said Shennen. "Now that our foes know we're here, they will use Jackals to try to sniff us out. We must hurry!"

They stepped out into the hall, to find six Legion Soldiers running toward them, as a loud warning horn blew throughout the keep. But the Soldiers didn't even glance at them. Instead, they checked on the fallen men--then ran right on past. Aldrek's power had come through for them once again.

Dremlock's warriors hurried off down the hall, staying close to the walls like shadows, as more Soldiers rushed past them. Lannon continued to scan for Timlin and the Black Flamestone. Old Hammer Hall consisted of three levels--the Soldier Barracks at the top, the Dining Hall, Kitchen, and Library on the middle level, and the Old Forge on the lowest level--aside from the many tunnels and chambers that connected these areas. It was a broad expanse, crawling with Legion Knights, Soldiers, and Goblins. Searching the fortress without getting caught was extremely difficult and required a bit of good luck--but luck seemed to be on their side as they managed to avoid being sniffed out by Jackals.

At one point they overheard a conversation between Soldiers and learned to their frustration that Timlin had fled the keep before they even arrived--and he'd taken the Black Flamestone with him. They learned of a second exit from the fortress that Timlin had used to escape. Their only choice was to leave Old Hammer Hall through that passageway and set off in pursuit of Timlin, who was already several hours ahead of them.

The passageway was located in the Old Forge. The Forge was guarded by a pair of Jackals, who'd been sent there to sniff out the invisible intruders should they try to escape by that route, as well as three Soldiers and an enormous Ogre (the largest Lannon had ever seen). The Forge also contained several blacksmiths hard at work crafting weapons and armor--muscular men who would be sure to seize weapons and join in the fight if the intruders tried to overcome the guards.

Lannon found this chamber quite bizarre and ugly compared to the Great Forge at Dremlock. Four pillars stood in the room, carved with evil, leering Gnomes. The furnaces were molded to look like great iron faces with bloated cheeks and gaping mouths--waiting to be fed weapons and armor. The evil of the Deep Shadow hung about the forge. This was an ancient chamber where the Dark Dwarves had crafted malicious weapons, a forge that remained unchanged for centuries and still harbored a wicked aura even though the Gnomes were extinct.

The intruders hid behind pillars, wondering how they were going to get past the Jackals without a fight. Finally, Shennen shrugged his shoulders, drew his Flayer, and nodded toward the guards. He signaled to Lannon and the Blue Knights that they would strike quickly and by surprise.

They moved as close to the Jackals as they could--until the Jackals began to sniff the air and growl--and then charged at the guards. Shennen cut down one Legion Solider before the unlucky fellow knew what hit him. Three of the Blue Knights--and Aldrek the sorcerer--went for the Ogre, knowing the massive beast would be very difficult to kill, leaving Lannon, Shennen, and two Blue Knights to deal with the smaller foes.

Lannon felt a rush of power as the Eye flooded into his blade. He almost felt invincible--like he could toy with his foes and dispatch them easily. It was a feeling Lannon had never experienced before, but he liked it. He beheaded a Jackal with ease, and the feeling grew stronger.

One of the Soldiers--a stocky fellow with a thick black mustache and insane eyes--charged at Lannon, his chest puffed out to show his strength. The soldier's helmet was shaped like some bird that reminded Lannon of a duck. If the helmet was supposed to be intimidating, it fell well short of the mark. The soldier paused, shaking in mock battle fury, and pointed at his helmet while nodding. Lannon simply stood and stared, unable to comprehend the gesture.

With a growl of frustration, the Soldier swung his battle axe at Lannon's neck. Lannon ducked the blow and then hurled the Solider into the cavern wall. The Soldier slumped to the floor, his battle axe slipping from his fingers. His precious duck helmet lay next to him, and he pulled it close before passing out.

Meanwhile, the massive Ogre managed to grab one of the Blue Knights and crushed the poor fellow in a bear hug, killing him instantly. The Ogre flung the dead Knight aside and roared in triumph. But its victory celebration was brief, as a pair of burning swords pierced its torso.

The blacksmiths did indeed seize weapons and join the fray, but they were dispatched quickly (being poorly trained for combat). Shennen killed the remaining Soldier, and Lannon slew the other Jackal with a sword thrust through the Goblin's dark heart.

All that remained was the Ogre, wounded by several sword strikes but still on its feet. It swung at the Knights with its fists, but was unable to make contact. Soon the giant was pierced by multiple blades, smoke rising from its scorched flesh. It staggered and then finally went down.

They didn't check to make sure it was dead. Instead, they ran for the passageway that they hoped would lead them out of the keep and to the Black Flamestone. They could hear shouts coming toward the forge and a clanking of armor. Now that the Jackals were dead, they became invisible again as they entered the narrow tunnel--though Aldrek complained that his energy was running low and he didn't know how long he could sustain the illusion.

Eventually the tunnel led them to a Glaetherin door with a wheel lock--but the door stood open. Not far beyond that was the tunnel's end, and they soon found themselves standing beneath the night sky in the chill air. The scent of some nearby pine trees filled their nostrils. They stood in silence for a moment, mourning the Knight the Ogre had crushed, and then Lannon scanned the snow with the Eye in search of Timlin. He found traces of Timlin having passed that way, and they set off in pursuit.

A bit farther along the trail, they found five dead Legion Soldiers--their armor scorched black and split open by some terrible sorcery. The Eye revealed the truth: It was the power of the Black Flamestone.

Somehow, Timlin had unlocked it.