Chaosmage (42 page)

With another loud crack like a thunderclap Balfruss hit the monster with his magic, rocking its whole body to one side. Meanwhile the
many
-
eyed
monster that was once Kai dug its beak into the brood mother's side, tearing off a chunk of black flesh. The resulting scream hurt Tammy's head but she grimly pressed forward, pinning one tentacle to the floor and then stabbing down with both hands. The blade slid into the flesh with greater ease but as she yanked it out the wound started to close up. Like its offspring, the brood mother had a regenerative ability, but she doubted it had ever been attacked by three such opponents.

As the flexing tentacles came at her again Tammy spotted a few white blotches on the creature's skin. At first she thought they were merely where the skin was still healing, but then she noticed each was still seeping blood. They also matched the wounds she had inflicted. Staring again at
Maligne
she saw a range of colours swirl across the face of the blade, reminding her of its unique origin.

When the next attack came she swung as hard as she could in a downwards slash. Her sword cut straight through the tentacle, slicing six foot off the end. As it withdrew she noticed it didn't heal immediately and although the wound started to close it was much slower than before.

Working in partnership with Kai, Balfruss timed his attacks to when the brood mother was most distracted. The two huge creatures had a dozen tentacles wrapped around each other and Kai was trying to take out one of the brood mother's eyes with his beak. As the vast serrated maw of the brood mother opened wide Balfruss hit it again in the roof of its mouth. Tammy heard the crunch of bone and saw a hole as big as a horse punch through its upper jaw.

The creature gave up on the idea of escaping into the water and shuffled completely into the cave. Tammy thought this a good thing until she saw its massive tail and more tentacles on its rear half. Flipping around, it struck Kai with its tail, sending the monster back, giving it a moment to focus on Balfruss.

Tammy raced forward, dodging under tentacles and then scrambling up the monster's side onto its back. As it turned, she felt huge muscles under her feet begin to flex. Tammy stabbed downwards with her sword, deep into the brood mother's body. The blade sank right up to the hilt and then she was desperately holding on as it thrashed about in pain, trying to dislodge her. Several tentacles reached for her and Tammy knew she had to move before they tore her apart.

A blast of force from Balfruss ripped off several of the creature's arms, which splashed into the water and then disappeared from view. Torn between fighting the Sorcerer and getting rid of her, the brood mother focused its efforts on what it perceived was the bigger threat. The magic user. Meanwhile Tammy held on grimly but she was aware that sooner or later it would flip over and attempt to crush her. As it started to turn she braced her knees against its body and held on to her sword with both hands. Riding the monster's back as though it were a bucking horse, she tried to maintain her balance as it rocked from side to side.

With a scream it reared up and then came down, slamming the ground hard enough to knock Balfruss off his feet. Kai was starting to recover but wasn't ready to attack, leaving the Sorcerer unprotected. Instead of sliding off its side Tammy ran forward, towards the brood mother's mouth.

The brood mother hesitated, tilting its head to one side and glaring at her with one massive eye. Tammy's sword went straight through it, bursting the eyeball and spraying jelly everywhere. As it thrashed about she yanked her sword clear and jumped from its back.

She landed badly on one ankle but scrambled to her feet and kept running as the monster's shadow fell over her. Just as she reached Balfruss's side it reared up, getting ready to crush them both.

Kai rammed into the brood mother with enough force to punch a hole in its side with his beak. Strangling tentacles wrapped around the creature's head while his beak frantically started ripping the hole wider, snapping bones and tearing out the innards. Balfruss seemed dazed but he gestured with one hand towards the brood mother.

The creature's head snapped to one side before colliding with the cave wall. It was briefly stunned but Kai didn't stop ripping at it with his beak and tentacles. Seeing an opening Tammy ran forward and hacked off several arms before it recovered. This time the wounds were much slower to heal and the dismembered limbs decomposed in seconds until they resembled bits of old leather.

The brood mother's tail slapped at Kai but he wouldn't be dislodged and all of his tentacles were now tight against its body. His head and beak were buried inside the creature's side, ripping away and spraying blood and bits of organs into the air. When it opened its mouth to try and bite, Balfruss hit it again, snapping its bottom jaw and shattering several of its
blade
-
like
teeth.

With a keening howl the monstrous parasite fell forward onto the ground but they continued their assault. Kai ripping and gobbling down huge lumps of meat and Balfruss hammering it with blunt force, crushing bone and stunning it into submission. Tammy leapt on top of its head and started chopping away with her sword as she searched for its brain, but all she found was more of its spine. Working backwards she eventually came to a massive bony plate that not even her sword would penetrate. She cut the flesh around it and then whistled to draw Balfruss's attention.

He gestured for her to step back and then brought both of his fists down as if striking with an unseen warhammer. The air rushed directly in front of Tammy's face as a huge invisible force cracked the bone plate and drove down into the brood mother's body. Lifting the thick armoured pieces aside she saw a purple pulsing mass that was either its heart or brain. Wasting no time Tammy hacked away at it. The remaining tentacles tried to reach for her but Kai held them back and ripped them off one at a time. The brood mother didn't have enough energy to scream and its pulsating heart slowed and then stopped. Tammy stabbed it a few more times, waiting for it to heal, but nothing happened. There was one final long exhalation and then silence.

She slid down its body and went around to the front. The brood mother's remaining eye was lifeless and empty. Tammy realised she was covered with dark sticky blood and that her breathing sounded very loud in the silent cave. Balfruss looked exhausted, but otherwise seemed unhurt. They both sat down and took a moment to catch their breath while Kai continued feasting on the corpse of the brood mother.

“What is that?” she asked.

“I do not want to know and I think the answer would only give me fresh nightmares,” he said, grimacing as Kai pulled apart the carcass and continued eating.

Turning away from the grisly feast they retraced their steps along the path to where Roake had died. They found Zannah sat beside the two pieces that remained of him.

“Fenne?” asked Tammy, and Zannah just pointed to a bloodstained body not far away.

“Then it's over,” said Balfruss. “The Forsaken are gone and the brood mother is dead. Voechenka is free.”

Tammy was so exhausted she was tempted to just lie down on the ground and go to sleep. The others didn't look much better but the problem was they were at the heart of the maze and their guide was dead.

“So, how do we get out?” she asked.

“I can show you,” said Kai, coming up behind them. He looked like a man again but he was much taller than Tammy remembered and he seemed to be glowing with health. “I memorised the route. It's time to go home.”

The idea of following him anywhere felt like a bad idea but there was little choice. So the three of them followed the plague priest out of the maze and back into the dawn light of a new day.

K
ai was alone in the banqueting hall for only a short time before the others arrived. Nethun appeared first. As ever he felt awed and intimidated by the old sailor's presence but did his best not to show it. He stood and made a small bow as a sign of respect for his elder. Normally he wouldn't have bothered, but it didn't hurt to be polite. Nethun inclined his head and looked at him critically with one beady eye.

“You're looking well,” he said.

“I had a big meal,” said Kai, patting his full stomach.

“Then it's over?” asked Vargus, appearing and quickly taking his seat at the table.

“The city is clean. The original parasite was summoned by Polganna Naral, from beyond the Veil.”

“That name is familiar,” said Nethun.

“She was one of the Grey Council,” said Vargus. “I thought she was dead.”

“Well, she is now,” said Kai with a smirk, before filling them in on what had happened and how she had met her fate.

“Are you sure the parasites are all gone?” asked Vargus. “If even one remains—”

“I was very thorough,” said Kai, licking his lips. “Every scrap is gone. The shadow that hung over the city has vanished.”

“Did any of the people survive?” asked Nethun.

“And what of Balfruss?” asked Vargus.

Kai nodded. “Our friends are alive, plus some of the local people and a few mercenaries. Even so, I doubt Voechenka will ever be anything more than a graveyard. The source of all that terror is gone but the memories remain. In time that may change, but everyone just wants to leave. It's too painful for them to try to rebuild.”

“What about the land, is it still poisoned?” asked Vargus.

“No. It's strange, but life is already beginning to return to the area. You can smell something in the air, a certain freshness, and birds and insects have been seen in the ruins.”

“Life always finds a way,” muttered Nethun.

“Well at least Shael now has a chance at a future,” said Vargus.

“Yes, they're free to murder each other as much as they want,” said Kai, raising one eyebrow. “Just like the rest of the world.”

“If that is to be their fate then so be it,” said Nethun. There was a hint of warning in his voice. “But it's their choice to make, one without influence from us or forces beyond the Veil.”

“As it should be,” said Vargus.

“I'm just less optimistic than both of you about what comes next,” admitted Kai.

“The old Grey Council is gone, and with them the shadow that has hung over the world for the last few years. There are Seekers abroad again and the Red Tower is in ascension once more. Perhaps this is the end of the age of darkness for magic and the beginning of something new.” Vargus sounded, if not pleased, then at least satisfied with what had happened.

“But what is coming next?” asked Kai, looking towards Vargus for guidance. Nethun raised an eyebrow but the Weaver just shrugged, unable or unwilling to share what might be coming.

“Any change will not happen overnight,” mused Nethun. “A large ship cannot turn quickly and mortals are the same. They will mourn their dead and talk of having moved on during the day, but in the darkest hour of the night they will hold their grudges close to their hearts and plot their revenge. The scars of the war will linger for a while.”

“I fear you're right,” said Vargus with a grimace. “Events will likely get worse before they get better.”

“Blood will flow,” agreed Nethun, “but it will not last forever.”

The others brooded in silence for a while before Kai had to interrupt them. If he was to survive and thrive in the years ahead he wanted a head start.

“And then?” asked Kai, looking at them for some clues.

“Then we see what they will become,” said Vargus. “Many paths will open up and different crossroads appear. For now we must simply watch and wait.”

Kai had no intention of sitting back and doing nothing. He would not leave his fate to chance. He had not felt this strong in a long time and would not let his power just ebb away and risk destruction again.

If the last few years had taught him anything it was that he had to be exceptionally careful and move very slowly and quietly. The lantern boy had been stupid and rash. Now he was nothing more than a fading memory and was already being replaced by the newly revered Lady of Light. Someone had destroyed him utterly and Kai suspected it was someone sat at the table with him right now. Few others had the power or the nerve to do such a thing.

But Kai said none of that. He just smiled and nodded, playing along.

“Watch and wait. That's very good advice,” agreed Kai. He would have to pay very close attention to both of his brothers at the table.

T
wo days after the death of the brood mother everyone in the winery was ready to leave. It was a cold and crisp morning and every brightly coloured scarf, jumper and woolly hat was pulled on tight. Several blankets had been altered to create thick cloaks to keep people warm on the long trek out of the city. As the survivors gathered in the courtyard carrying their belongings, Tammy thought they resembled a bright bunch of flowers in an otherwise grey and white landscape. The splash of colour seemed so out of place and a welcome relief. It spoke of life in the heart of an otherwise dead city.

Balfruss came into the courtyard and joined her on the wall. He too was wrapped up for travel in a garish blue, red and yellow hat. It sat slightly askew on his head but when she mentioned it he just grinned.

“At least it keeps my head warm,” he said, clearly not caring how he looked. Tammy returned his smile and pulled on her equally bright green and purple hat.

“You look much better,” she said, noting the flush of colour in his cheeks. Some of it was probably due to the cold but after a couple of days' rest she felt equally refreshed.

A disturbance in the courtyard drew their attention and the general hum of conversation trailed off to be replaced by an uncomfortable silence. Zannah had emerged from inside the building and now stood at the edge of the courtyard facing a sea of faces. Since returning from the labyrinth the Morrin had said very little, although Tammy knew Balfruss had spoken to her a few times. As usual the local people had very little to do with her and went about their business as if she wasn't there. Now they couldn't ignore her and every face was staring at her yellow eyes, her horns, her alien features. She was not one of them and never would be, no matter what she did or how many lives she saved.

Zannah shouldered her pack, scanned the crowd and eventually her eyes drifted up to the wall where she had spent many long days and nights. As their eyes met, Tammy raised a hand in farewell and Zannah inclined her head, ever so slightly. As usual, the taciturn Morrin preferred to let her actions speak for her.

Eyeing the people in the courtyard Zannah rolled her shoulders and took one step forward, bracing herself as if expecting she would have to fight her way through the crowd. As one the people of Voechenka stepped aside, creating a narrow channel. She looked at the faces to the left and right, trying to discern what the gesture meant. Then, fearless as ever, she strode forward through the crowd. No one cursed or spat. No one beat her or frowned. As she walked past each person they placed their right hand over their heart, just as Alyssa had done when praying to the Blessed Mother.

Zannah was slow to notice, but when she did so Tammy saw her increase her pace, trying to distance herself from them as quickly as possible. When she reached the gate two people stood blocking the way. It was Monella and Rheena, the girl Tammy had rescued from Fenne's camp.

The girl had seen unspeakable acts of horror committed by a Morrin, and for a moment she stared at Zannah's face and horns, a shiver running through her. She started to say something, but in the end just bowed her head and stepped aside.

Zannah stared at the weathered and hard face of Monella, waiting for the old woman to blame her for what had happened to Alyssa. Instead she covered her heart with her right hand and stepped aside. This final gesture made Zannah pause on the threshold of the camp that had been her home. A moment later she was striding away down the street and those at the gate watched until she was out of sight.

“Where do you think she will go?” asked Tammy.

“I don't know and I don't think she does either,” said Balfruss. “She was a soldier and now she is not. She can go anywhere and do anything. She is free.”

“You sound a little envious,” she said, and Balfruss grunted.

“I am, but only a little.” Balfruss turned towards her and his expression became serious. Tammy had been waiting for this moment and dreading it. Reaching over her shoulder she retrieved
Maligne,
holding it for a moment before offering it back to him.

Much to her surprise Balfruss held up both of his hands. “You should keep it. The blade is yours.”

“Why?”

“You earned it, but more than that I think you may need it in the future.”

“Why do you say that?” asked Tammy.

Balfruss's expression softened, becoming almost sympathetic, but she didn't know why. “Because I see a fire burning inside you. Something is driving you forward,” he said, tapping her on the chest. “It's why you left everything behind to come here. I don't know what caused it, but I sense you're not ready for a quiet life in Perizzi, being a Guardian for the rest of your life.”

“You're right,” said Tammy. It had been on her mind since the moment the brood mother had exhaled its final breath. The Khevassar was expecting her to return and give a full report of what had happened. After that she would be thanked and then put back to work on the streets, hunting down murderers and chasing criminals. It was important work, but after being out here it seemed so small.

“Do you know what you will do?” he asked, and Tammy could only shake her head. “Well, you'll have a long trip back to think about it.”

“You're not coming?”

“No. My path leads to the Red Tower.”

Given what Balfruss had told her about his years studying at the Red Tower and Polganna, she was surprised by his decision.

“Why now?”

Balfruss looked out at the city for a moment as he collected his thoughts. As she studied his profile Tammy noticed that the scar tissue on his face stood out as livid white marks against his rosy cheeks. He ran his fingers around the tattoo on his wrist and a strange smile touched his face.

“Ever since the Grey Council abandoned their posts I've spent a lot of time worrying about the future of magic and the Red Tower. At first I thought the Council would reappear, admit they'd left on a fool's errand and everything would go back to normal. As the years passed I realised they weren't coming back and I watched the school begin to decline, but I did nothing. I saw magic become a shadow of what it used to be, and still I did nothing. Those who remained became Battlemages, living magical weapons created for war.” Balfruss shook his head ruefully, most likely at himself. “For years I kept wondering who was going to restore the Red Tower to its former glory. It needed to be done and I knew someone would do it. But I was always too busy, too angry or too hungry for knowledge. So I left it to other people. Those more suited to the task, I told myself.”

“And now?” asked Tammy.

“Now, after travelling the world for years and seeing many wonders, I realise I was being selfish and ignoring my responsibility. I was needed then and I am needed now. I can nurture and protect a thousand children at the school and if another Warlock, or another Polganna, should rise up, we will be there to oppose them.”

“You sound confident it will happen.”

“I'm not an Oracle, but I suspect that one day it will. But if I want to live in a world where magic and the Red Tower is strong, I must create that future, or others will take us down another road.” Balfruss turned towards Tammy and gathered her into a hug. She squeezed him tight, kissed his grizzled cheek and then stepped back.

“Take care of yourself,” she said.

“And you, my friend. If you ever need my help, send word to the Red Tower. I will be there.”

Balfruss gathered his belongings, went down to the courtyard and said his final farewells before setting off for the heart of Shael and the Red Tower. Tammy couldn't help smiling as she watched his progress through the streets by tracking his brightly coloured hat. Eventually he turned a corner and was lost from sight, but her smile remained.

“Are you ready to go home?” asked Kovac, coming up the stairs. Once the final battle against the Forsaken was over most of the mercenaries had disappeared before old scores were settled. A few, like Kovac and his friends, had remained behind and they would travel with the local people until they reached safety.

“I think so, but I have a feeling I won't be staying in Perizzi for long.”

“Not quite ready to settle down, then?”

“Are you?” she asked.

“No, but maybe one day,” he said, sharing a smile with her.

Tammy went down into the courtyard and led the survivors out of the winery and out of Voechenka, towards new lives and a new future.