Knights The Heart of Shadows

chapter 21: The Heart of Shadows

Lannon and the Blue Knights had gotten lucky, for the dead Soldiers' horses were nearby and loaded with provisions for traveling. Then for three days they had tracked Timlin through the mountains and into some forestlands beyond. The going had been difficult, with travel slow in the rugged peaks and very tiring. They barely slept, and at times Lannon was so weary he thought he might topple from his horse. Lannon knew that the Blood Legion was also searching for the Black Flamestone and was somewhere ahead of them. Lannon could sense they were closing in on Timlin, which was why Shennen insisted on such a relentless pace.

As evening approached on the third day of the chase, they set up camp and cooked some rabbit meat in an iron skillet. They found a stream nearby that contained delicious, icy water. Sometimes streams in certain areas of Silverland were contaminated by the Deep Shadow, but Divine Knights were able to spot such dangerous waters easily.

It was a good meal and a badly needed rest. The rabbit meat was seasoned and fried to perfection by Shennen, who seemed to have excellent cooking skills for someone who rarely prepared his own meals. Lannon took a moment to simply enjoy the meat and put everything else out of his mind. He was weary to the core and just wanted a bit of relaxation before they resumed their grim journey.

Lannon drank deeply from his flask, savoring every icy drop. It was so delicious it almost tasted like water blessed by the Divine Essence. He closed his eyes for a moment, imagining he was back at Dremlock in front of a warm fire in the East Tower Library and away from all this madness, and he almost drifted off to sleep.

"No time for slumber, lad," said Shennen.

Lannon yawned and nodded. "Just relaxing a bit." He took another large drink from his flask.

"Amazing water, isn't it?" said Shennen. "This is surely a blessed forest steam, from ancient times. The water relaxes the soul."

"I need it," Lannon mumbled. Again, he yawned. He looked around at the ancient tree trunks--the mossy oaks and twisted beech trees beneath sprawling branches that were like huge arms holding up the forest roof. He wondered what terrible darkness lay hidden behind all that beauty. Timlin was lurking in here somewhere like a deadly viper waiting to strike, and until he was dealt with, Lannon wouldn't be allowed any rest.

"What are we going to do when we catch him?" asked Aldrek, speaking Lannon's thoughts. The sorcerer peered at Shennen from beneath his wide-brimmed black hat. "If Timlin actually wields the power of that Flamestone, he'll kill us all."

"Not if we can sneak up on him," said Shennen. "And that's where you come in, Aldrek. You must get us close to him, so I can run my Flayer through his heart before he realizes we're even there. Timlin is still mortal and can die from a single thrust."

"It's a good plan," said Aldrek, "though I wonder if we'll be able to fool him. Who knows what powers of sorcery are his to command?"

Shennen didn't answer.

Aldrek toyed with the brim of his black hat, looking thoughtful. "I wonder how Timlin was able to learn to wield the Flamestone so quickly. It must have been his link to the Hand of Tharnin--the fact that Timlin was infested with evil from the device. After all, it was Vorden who corrupted Timlin's soul. Thus, the Black Flamestone was probably drawn to Timlin's evil."

"Perhaps," said Shennen. "But I'll leave it to you sorcerers to ponder such things. To me, all that matters is that he has found some way to wield it."

"Yet what this could mean," said Aldrek, "is that Timlin may be able to gain immense power from the stone--perhaps beyond even what Prince Vannas is capable of. It's a frightening thought, yet very possible."

"Timlin will still die," said Shennen, "if a blade finds his heart." He drew his Flayer and skewered a piece of rabbit meat in the pan. He popped it into his mouth and ate it. "Make no mistake about that, sorcerer. He is still a mortal man."

"Timlin could be almost a god at this point," said Aldrek, frowning. "Imagine the power of Taris Warhawk--only ten times greater. Who could possibly challenge such power? With all due respect, not even you, Lannon."

Lannon knew Aldrek was right. Timlin could destroy them all. But he was too tired to worry about dying and had grown quite weary of fretting over his potential demise. He was just going to take things one moment at a time and hope for the best.

"Mere speculation, Aldrek," said Shennen.

Aldrek didn't reply, but continued to appear deep in thought.

Lannon wondered how the battle with Bellis was going--and if it was over yet. "If Dremlock lost," he said, "then Bellis has the White Flamestone."

"Exactly," said Shennen. "In which case this mission is even more important. We can't afford to have two Flamestones working against us."

Aldrek shook his head and sighed. "If Dremlock lost, then Taris and Furlus are either dead or imprisoned. I shudder to think of it."

Lannon shared Aldrek's fears.

"It would be a devastating blow," said Shennen, "but Dremlock Kingdom is still intact regardless, and our Lord Knight is still in command. Anyway, we don't know the outcome of the battle and there is no point in fretting over it. We must stay focused on our mission. The Black Flamestone is too powerful and too evil to remain in the hands of mortals. It must be returned to the Divine Essence, or I fear that great suffering could be unleashed upon this land."

"I agree," said Aldrek.

"We've rested enough," said Shennen. "Get the torches ready, for we will ride on through the night."

Lannon groaned, wondering how he would stay awake in the saddle. The Eye of Divinity and his Knightly training weren't helping him resist the black curtain of sleep that wanted to settle over his mind. In fact, the more he tried to force himself to stay awake, the more drained he felt.

The night turned out very dark, with a blanket of clouds blocking out moon and stars. Only their torchlight--and the Eye of Divinity--was there to guide them along the winding trail through the forest. Even the stout horses were beginning to show signs of wearing down, and the riders were forced to slow the pace a bit. Lannon could sense Timlin's presence very strongly and knew they were soon to catch up to him. Timlin was on foot, but somehow he was moving along swiftly and tirelessly toward some destination that only he knew of.

As they rounded a corner, they encountered Omharal and Ethella and six Legion Soldiers. Also present was a pair of Jackal Goblins, two Golden Knights of Bellis, and the two Goblin Lords that always accompanied Ethella. Due to the presence of the Jackals, there was no point in Aldrek trying to conceal them.

Omharal appeared to be deeply injured, with a thick layer of bandages around his midsection. His face was pale and his breathing was labored. He held his colorful, bladed staff loosely in one hand, as if he might lose his grip on it. His green robe was charred and hung in tatters.

"Blue Knights of Dremlock," said Omharal, in a shaky voice. "Masters of invisibility. We were expecting you, which is why we brought these vile Jackals along."

Shennen nodded. "The Poison Claw of Bellis--though you don't look so menacing now. It appears Timlin got to you already."

"Yes," said Omharal, with a grimace. The lean, sour-faced Birlote shifted in the saddle and winced in pain. "I'm finished on this journey. Not much left to keep me going. But I assure you, Ethella will take the Black Flamestone to Bellis."

Ethella bowed. "The traitor Timlin will die, my lord, and Bellis will have what it seeks." Her silver hair had come undone and hung in tangles, and her white face paint was streaked with dirt. Her black robe, adorned with red Legion symbols, was also shredded and charred, and she had an ugly wound in her forehead that looked like a mix between a gash and a burn. She held her crystal staff, and blue fire shimmered along the length of it, sparkling upon the leering, demonic engravings. Her eyes were filled with hatred as she gazed at Dremlock's warriors.

"You fools should turn back," said Omharal. "We have no quarrel with you at this time. If you proceed on, you will be destroyed. You have no idea how to defeat Timlin and his Flamestone. He has become a demon--like nothing this world has ever seen. No weapon can harm him. You Blue Knights don't stand a chance."

Lannon's mask concealed his identity, and he liked the feeling of being hidden from the prying eyes of the Deep Shadow. It gave him a sense of power--the confidence that he could strike from the shadows. This was another unusual feeling for him, yet once again he found himself enjoying it.

Shennen shrugged. "We'll do our best."

Omharal smirked, then ordered the Soldiers and Jackals to continue after Timlin. The Soldiers hesitated, then rode off down the trail with the Jackals bounding along after them. Ethella motioned to her Goblin Lords, who were on horseback, and they too rode off in pursuit of Timlin--leaving only Omharal, Ethella, and the two Golden Knights.

Ethella raised her shimmering staff. "Turn back, fools!"

Shennen turned to Aldrek. "Take the others and get the Black Flamestone. Execute the plan we discussed. I will deal with these foes."

Lannon started to ride away with Aldrek (though he hated the notion of leaving Shennen to fend for himself), but Shennen ordered him to halt. "Not you. I will need your help." Shennen was careful not to speak Lannon's name.

The two warriors dismounted and stood together, their blades drawn.

Ethella laughed. "Two Blue Knights against me? This should be a pathetic duel. I take it you don't know who you're dealing with."

"Ethella the Heartless," said Shennen. "Isn't that what many call you? Who did you have to murder to claim power?"

"Hoytus Shadowblood," she replied, looking amused. "Omharal killed his fool of a brother at a Council meeting, and Hoytus wanted revenge. So I slew him in his bedchamber when he was alone, so he wouldn't be able to oppose voting me as the Legion Commander or try to order Omharal's execution. With both Dwarven brothers dead, and Timlin now a mindless monster running aimlessly through the forest, that leaves me in charge."

"You did well, my dear," said Omharal, smiling at Ethella. "You have earned high praise from Bellis. The Blood Legion has redeemed itself."

"Is your hunger for power now satisfied?" asked Shennen.

For a moment Ethella's grin vanished and her face looked haunted. "It will never be satisfied." Then she shrugged. "But this is what I've always wanted. Who am I talking to, anyway? Is that you under that mask, Shennen Silverarrow? I would guess the Lord of the Blue Knights would be on this mission."

Shennen didn't reply.

"It doesn't matter," said Ethella. "When you're dead, I'll remove your mask and see for myself." She started toward them.

Lannon summoned the Eye and channeled it into his sword.

"Wait!" said Omharal, raising a trembling hand. "Something isn't right here. I sense...something about that one." He pointed at Lannon. "That one harbors great power and is not what he appears to be. I believe he is a sorcerer--perhaps Taris Warhawk himself in disguise. Let my Guardians deal with them. You're too important to put at risk, and I need you to save your energy to protect me."

Ethella looked disappointed, but she bowed and stepped close to the High Wizard. "I will defend you with my life."

Omharal nodded. "I know you will, but it won't come to that. The Guardians of Bellis are not easily defeated."

The two Golden Knights drew their swords.

"We'll fight them one on one," Shennen whispered in Lannon's ear. "Their armor cannot be breached by blade or sorcery, so it must be removed--preferably the helms. Look for three latches."

"Weird," Lannon mumbled. "The armor, that is."

"Yes," Shennen agreed. "A creation of the Thallite giants."

Shennen moved away from Lannon, and the two swordsmen waited. The Golden Knights casually strode toward them, seemingly in no hurry. Lannon was mesmerized by their armor. It was crafted in stunning detail, with various rune patterns that seemed to draw in the Eye and weaken it. Lannon had never seen armor molded and etched in such intricate detail. It fitted their bodies like impenetrable golden shells, yet moved fluidly with them.

Shennen suddenly dashed off into the woods, and his torch went dark. The Guardians glanced at each other, and then one of them ran after Shennen into the shadows, leaving Lannon alone to face the remaining Knight. Lannon knew that Shennen stood a better chance of winning by using the concealment of the forest, for Shennen was a master at fighting in the shadows and crowded areas where a short blade had an advantage. Lannon, however, lacked such highly developed skills and the woods offered him no edge over his foe.

The Guardian thrust his sword at Lannon's chest. It was an incredibly swift strike--faster even than a Divine Knight could have managed. Lannon deflected it with his own sword, and then hacked at the Guardian's neck to test the golden armor. His sword glanced away without leaving a scratch.

The Guardian swung at Lannon's legs, and Lannon leapt over the blade on instinct. This time Lannon attacked the Guardian's sword to sever it. But the golden sword was as stout as the golden armor.

Lannon blocked a flurry of attacks that drove him backwards. He almost stumbled and went down, which could have cost him his life. Instead, he twisted around his foe, catching the Golden Knight from behind. He sheathed his sword and leapt on the Guardian's back, trying to pry open the latches that secured the helm. He managed to open one of the latches before the Guardian threw Lannon off him.

Lannon did a somersault and then jumped to his feet, drawing his blade. Calmly, the Guardian closed the open latch and then charged at Lannon. Another flurry of sword strokes drove Lannon backwards again. Lannon was at a severe disadvantage, for he couldn't harm his foe at all but a single blow from the Guardian could kill him.

Lannon tried to drive his sword into the thin creases between the armor plates, but each time the blade encountered something impenetrable. Even the creases were staunchly defended, yet still allowed for fluid movements. Lannon thought this Thallite armor might end up being the death of him. He hoped Shennen would return to assist him, but aside from some crashing noises in the woods, there was no sign of his presence.

The duel of swords wasn't working, and Lannon was confronted by the Golden Knight's sinister will. The Guardian was using some kind of mind power on him, trying to make him falter and surrender to fear. Lannon struggled to resist, because most of the Eye's power was being channeled into combat. Lannon realized he wasn't fighting a human foe. The Golden Knight was simply too swift and powerful to be human. Yet Bellis refused to directly use Goblins as warriors, so Lannon had no clue what sort of creature lurked beneath that armor. Whatever it was, it was more powerful than any Goblin.

As the Guardian drove against Lannon with blade and will, Lannon's legs began to weaken beneath him. He withdrew the Eye from his blade and channeled it into his body. Then he seized the Golden Knight's arm and ripped the sword from his hand. Lannon flung the sword aside and then sheathed his own blade.

The Golden Knight had another weapon: his golden fist. He slammed the metal gauntlet down at Lannon's skull, but Lannon caught his arm and, summoning all the strength he could muster, hurled the Guardian into a nearby oak tree. The Knight struck the tree so hard that its branches shook, and then he slumped to the ground, stunned.

Lannon ran to him, lifted him, and again slammed him into the tree. Lannon's body was now charged with the full power of the Eye, giving him the strength of a giant. The second blow was more devastating than the first, and the Knight simply lay with his back to the tree trunk, his head sagging forehead.

Lannon glanced at Ethella, but she was still close to Omharal, her eyes wide with shock. Omharal too looked amazed at what Lannon had done. Lannon quickly opened the three latches and yanked off the Guardian's helm. He stepped back in surprise, and the helm dropped from his fingers.

Lannon was staring at a greenish-blue reptilian face. There was no doubt the creature was some form of man-shaped reptile. Its snake-like eyes gazed at Lannon and seemed to be trying to hypnotize him. Lannon shuddered, sensing some great conspiracy would be revealed if he dared look closer with the Eye. He tried to hold his power in check, not wanting to glimpse things he didn't feel he was ready for, but a few images slipped through. What Lannon saw was a banner of four stars, in a diamond pattern, that was raised above the land and that represented four mighty kingdoms. In that time of the darkest darkness and the brightest light, the Tower King would rule with a scaly fist and a scepter bound in starlight, and he would fear a sleeping warrior who dwelt across a sea of blackness.

Lannon shook his head, shrugging off the bizarre vision revealed by the Eye. It made no sense to him--something from a distant age that had no bearing on the present. Yet it was something that was linked to the monster before him.

The creature was beginning to regain its senses. It started to reach for Lannon, and he drew his sword and beheaded it. Lannon turned away, feeling cold inside over what he'd witnessed. He pushed it from his mind. The things the Eye revealed to him were often unsettling and impossible for him to understand, and so they were best forgotten.

Moments later, Shennen stepped from the forest--holding the golden helm of the Guardian he'd been battling. He flung the helm into the trail.

Omharal was so stunned that the Guardians had been defeated that he went into a coughing fit, with blood leaking from his mouth. He swayed for a moment, looking dazed, and then toppled from his horse.

With a cry of despair, Ethella knelt by him.

Shennen and Lannon started toward them, but Ethella raised a trembling hand. "Leave us alone!" she said. "I must take my lord back to Old Hammer Hall, if it is his wish. Let us go peacefully and you will not have to fight me."

"I must have healing," Omharal mumbled. He coughed out more blood. Clearly, Timlin had brought him extremely close to ruin. "Let us..." His eyes rolled back in his head. He shuddered once and then lay still.

Ethella gazed down at him in despair. "My lord?"

Shennen nudged Lannon and pointed at the horses. Lannon nodded, and they climbed into the saddles. They rode off down the trail, leaving Ethella and Omharal to their fate.

***

"I believe Omharal is dead," said Shennen, as they rode along the winding forest trail. "He was a disgrace to the Birlotes, a ruthless killer of innocents. Yet Bellis has more so-called wizards waiting to take his place."

"He must have tried to stop Timlin from fleeing Old Hammer Hall," said Lannon. "He was probably caught by surprise--not expecting Timlin to have such power."

"Yes," said Shennen, "though we'll likely never know exactly what took place. Omharal was a powerful sorcerer. Yet I get the feeling that Timlin defeated him with ease--along with Ethella. I wonder why her injures were slight in comparison with Omharal's."

"Timlin was probably in a hurry," said Lannon, "and Omharal was in his path, so the wizard got the worst of it--along with those slain Soldiers we encountered."

Shennen glanced at him. "Yes, that makes sense."

Suddenly a figure stumbled into the trail, nearly getting run over by the horses. It was Aldrek Windspear. He had burns on his cheeks and forehead, and his hat was missing. His face was deathly pale and his eyes held a wild look in the torchlight. He was clutching his ribs and looked to be in agony.

"Everyone is dead!" Aldrek said, groaning. "Killed by Timlin. We tried to sneak up on him but he saw through it. I was at the rear, which is why I survived the...the dark sorcery. I fled into the woods and he let me go."

Shennen bowed his head and sighed.

"Everyone is dead!" Aldrek repeated. "Blue Knights, Legion Soldiers, Goblins--all blasted into ruin. He cannot be defeated, Shennen!"

"We have to try," said Shennen. "Aldrek, wait for us here. I can tell you're too injured to be of any help. If we don't return, save yourself and retreat."

"But you will be killed too," said Aldrek. "Even Lannon is no match for Timlin. We will lose the Eye of Divinity!"

Shennen shook his head. "We came to get the Black Flamestone, and we will proceed with the mission. We cannot allow this evil monster to escape and terrorize the land. Lannon, you must remove the Flamestone from his hand."

Lannon nodded, wondering if such a thing were possible.

Aldrek sat down with his back to a tree, looking defeated.

As they rode on, they discovered the bodies of those who'd dared to challenge Timlin's might. Soon afterwards, they entered a small clearing and encountered Timlin Woodmaster, who was standing in the snow holding the Black Flamestone. Timlin's eyes were black in the torchlight, and his face held an insane look. He was grinning and staring off into space. When he noticed the riders, he fixed his gaze on them and the grin broadened.

"More of you, huh?" said Timlin.

Lannon quickly removed his mask, opting to try to reason with him first. "Timlin, it's me! You're being influenced by that Flamestone!"

Timlin shrugged. "So what, Lannon. You're influenced by that wretched Eye. If people won't let me live in peace, then they will surely die."

Shennen sat motionless on his horse, Flayer in hand.

"I want to let you live in peace," said Lannon, "but the Black Flamestone will never allow it. It has turned you into...something you're not supposed to be. It's destroying you, Timlin!"

Timlin laughed. "Do I seem like a wild beast to you, old friend? Well, I am a wild beast that is being constantly hunted--a wild beast who will fight furiously when cornered. The Black Flamestone has freed my soul from the grasp of the Deep Shadow. Tharnin is gone from me, Lannon. Every last bit of it. Now all I want is peace."

"A greater evil has replaced it," said Lannon. "Now you're just a prisoner of that stone. It belongs to the Divine Essence, Timlin. Hand it over and allow me to take it to Dremlock. Then you can truly be at peace."

Timlin hesitated, then sighed. "Lannon Sunshield, fool to the extreme. You want to save everyone, but this time you've got it wrong. I don't need to be saved. I'm complete now in a way that, sadly, you can never understand. All the bad things in my life have been erased, and now all that matters is this." He held up the Black Flamestone. "I spent my childhood beaten and starved by my father, living in a hole in the ground. And my mother did nothing to protect me. It always made me hate life and myself. But now I love life...because of this."

"Let it go, Timlin," Lannon pleaded.

"Okay," said Timlin. "I'll let it go!" A beam of fire shot from the Flamestone at Shennen. The fire was like a shimmering mass of dark-blue and red serpents, writhing furiously, and Lannon thought Shennen was about to be burned to ash.

But the agile Blue Knight somehow had anticipated the attack, and he was in the process of flinging himself from the saddle when the beam struck. Shennen's horse was, sadly, completely obliterated and Shennen was flung across the clearing--his armor split open and smoking. Shennen lay still, possibly in death.

Horrified, Lannon seized the Black Flamestone with his power and yanked it from Timlin's hand--all the while cursing himself for trying to reason with Timlin. He brought the Flamestone to him and thrust it in his cloak pocket.

"You struck down Shennen!" Lannon cried.

"I don't care!" Timlin hissed. "Anyone who gets in my way must die!"

Lannon groaned, wishing Timlin could somehow catch a glimpse of reason. "Haven't you done enough damage?"

Timlin's face contorted with rage and hatred. "It was you fools who came after me! And now you're going to steal the Black Flamestone from me, because I wouldn't give it willingly?" He still appeared to be charged with dark energy, and he strode toward Lannon, drool running from his mouth.

Lannon raised his sword. "Stay back, Timlin!"

Timlin paused, still seething with rage. "I'm ashamed that I once called you a friend. You're nothing but a dirty, wretched thief!" Timlin drew his Flayer, and it burst into dark-blue flames. "You've earned yourself a death sentence this night, Lannon! You could have stayed away from me and played your little Knightly games. Instead, you dared to come steal from me that which has brought my life joy and meaning and set me free!"

Lannon glanced at Shennen with the Eye, and found he was injured but still alive. "I'm sorry, Timlin. But if you try to take back the Flamestone, I'll be forced to kill you. And I don't want to do that. I spared Vorden, but I won't be able to spare you...not with all that evil sorcery inside you."

"I don't want to be spared," said Timlin. "If I can't have the Black Flamestone, then I'd rather die. I ask for no mercy, and I will give none!"

The power radiating from Timlin was so immense that it overwhelmed Lannon, and something began to stir inside him. It was the Dark Wave, the mysterious power released by the Eye on rare occasions. It was the power that had blasted Tenneth Bard into ruin. It grew inside Lannon, and his whole body began to tremble. Lannon realized that this could be his lucky break, but he would only get one shot at Timlin. It would mean killing him, but Lannon knew he couldn't hope to take him prisoner. Timlin was far too dangerous for that.

As Timlin drove forward with his burning Flayer, Lannon unleashed the Dark Wave straight at his chest--and missed. Somehow Timlin dodged the beam of sorcery, twisting to one side. Lannon's energy struck an oak tree instead, blasting it into fragments.

Instantly Lannon felt drained, and he collapsed to one knee. Timlin resumed his charge and swung at Lannon's face, but Lannon blocked the stroke and shoved Timlin backwards. With one hand, he took out his Glaetherin throwing star.

Timlin shook with mindless rage. "You...you thieving wretch!" He threw back his head and howled. Then he stumbled toward Lannon.

Lannon was down to his last shot. If he failed, he had nothing left to counter Timlin's might. With a flick of his wrist, he flung the throwing star at Timlin's chest--willing it along with all the power of the Eye he had left. The blade shot out faster than an arrow and tore through Timlin's stout armor--deep into his chest.

Timlin glanced down, his eyes smoldering. "What did you...?"

Lannon yanked the star blade from Timlin's body.

Timlin staggered, his eyes wide. He clutched his chest. "Only true Glaetherin could pierce this armor..." He sat down in the snow, bleeding profusely.

"I'm sorry, Timlin," said Lannon, feeling horrible inside.

"I think I'm dying," said Timlin. "Can I hold the Black Flamestone one last time? If I die, I will never...never get to hold it again..."

Lannon shook his head, hating what things had come to.

Timlin growled and tried to rise, but slumped down again--facedown in the snow. "I did this all to myself, didn't I? I'm the one to blame?"

"I don't know," said Lannon, sighing. Certainly Timlin wasn't to blame for what had happened in his youth, but betraying Dremlock and joining the Blood Legion had been his choice. He could have battled his demons instead of surrendering to them. Still, Lannon had no answer for him. "You did your best, I guess. But at least it's over now. And at least you're no longer a puppet of the Deep Shadow. Goodbye, my friend."

"Goodbye..." Timlin whispered, closing his eyes.

Lannon continued to gaze down at him, overcome by sadness. Then he remembered that others still needed him, and he went to Shennen and helped the Blue Knight to his feet. Shennen was dazed, scorched, and bleeding--but not critically injured.

"Is Timlin dead?" he asked.

"I believe so," said Lannon, thinking Shennen would be pleased. "If not, he will be soon. I couldn't save him."

But Shennen only bowed his head in sadness.