Knights: Book 02 - The Hand of Tharnin (12 page)

"What about another Squire altogether?" said Taris. "There are plenty of highly ranked Squires we can choose from."

"But I want to do it," said Vorden.

"Vorden might be a fine choice," said Jace. "He's not old enough to bear much knowledge, yet he's quite large and strong for his age. It will take considerable strength and lock picking ability to remove the gauntlet."

Cordus nodded. "I suppose that makes him almost the perfect choice, then. But Vorden is a very talented fighter. Won't the gauntlet find that appealing?"

"I highly doubt it," Jace said. "I should think it would be far more interested in magical ability than simple combat skills. My guess is that it would find Vorden quite unappealing."

"But that's a mere guess, correct?" said Taris.

"Well, yes," said Jace, looking uncertain for a moment. Then he smiled reassuringly. "Look, my friends, no matter who we pick, there is a danger. If you know of a younger Squire that possesses Vorden's strength and lock picking ability, then we can use him. It matters not."

Cordus shrugged. "Vorden seems to meet the requirements, and he seems to have no fear of the task. I think he will do fine."

"He showed great heroism," said Krissana, "when he attacked the demon man and pierced his defenses. I think he's earned the chance to do this task."

"He doesn't seem to fear the demon man," said Trenton, "whereas most of the Squires I've chatted with seem terrified of him."

"I'm not afraid of him in the slightest," said Vorden.

"Yet some fear is a good thing," said Taris.

"I'll be very careful," said Vorden.

"Very good," said Cordus, sounding impatient. "So is the High Council satisfied that the three issues have been resolved? Vorden shall keep his sword and he shall attempt to remove the demon man's gauntlet. And Timlin Woodmaster is stripped of all rank and forever banished from Dremlock. Does anyone want to vote on these issues, or are we all in agreement?"

The High Council was in unanimous agreement on all three issues.

It was decided that Vorden would be accompanied by Jace, Taris, a highly skilled Olrog blacksmith named Hench Ironfingers, and Lannon, who was instructed to use his Eye of Divinity from a distance to alert Vorden to danger. No one else was allowed inside the stone chamber where the demon man was bound to an iron table. Jace showed Vorden and Hench drawings of the gauntlet's locking mechanism, and they discussed what needed to be done.
 
Finally, Hench provided Vorden with some advanced tools that he'd forged just for the task. Vorden beamed with pride and confidence.

Lannon was still reeling from what had happened to Timlin, but he couldn't help but look with admiration upon Vorden. The lad from the city of Gravendar was becoming an important figure at Dremlock. Lannon was certain that Vorden was going to become one of the greatest Knights ever to serve Dremlock. While Vorden was a bit reckless and didn't mind breaking a few rules, he had a noble, courageous spirit. The Knights seemed to treat him almost as an equal--perhaps due to his size, which had increased significantly since he'd been training at Dremlock, but also because of his unmatched confidence.

 
The room was small, and Lannon stood in a corner as far away from the demon man as possible. Jace, Taris, and Hench also stood as far back as possible. Thanks to a smoldering furnace, the room was quite hot. The heat was for the demon man's benefit, as he seemed to weaken drastically--to the point of being near death--when deprived of fire. The Knights didn't want to kill him, if possible. Rather, they wanted him free of the gauntlet's possession so they could question him.

Slowly Vorden approached the demon man and knelt beside him. He glanced at the drawings, muttered something too low for the others to hear, and set to work. Lannon reached out with the Eye of Divinity and probed for danger. He saw that the demon man was asleep and the gauntlet was dormant, the magic subdued. The device did not seem to be aware of Vorden's presence.

"What an amazing young Squire," Jace whispered.

"Indeed," Taris whispered back. "The most promising I've seen in ages."

"The boy has a stout heart," whispered Hench.

Sweat dripped from Vorden's face, and he had to keep pausing to wipe it away. "It sure is hot in here," he mumbled more than once. He was trembling from anxiety and excitement, eager to prove himself once again.

"Just take your time," Taris said. "There is no hurry at all."

"It's a very tough lock," said Vorden. "It's almost like it...it tries to elude me. Like it moves or something. Very frustrating."

Jace raised his eyebrows. "Maybe it
does
move."

They waited for nearly a half hour while Vorden worked at the lock. Finally, he groaned in frustration and stood up, stretching his muscles. "I just can't do it. I'm certain the lock is resisting my efforts. As soon as I start making progress, the whole thing changes. It's impossible!"

"You need to keep trying," said Taris.

"Perhaps Lannon can assist you, Vorden," said Jace. "Lannon, use your power to seize the lock and hold it, if possible."

"That could be dangerous," said Taris.

"I doubt it," said Jace, though he seemed a bit uncertain. "It should work well, actually."

Lannon glanced at Taris, and Taris nodded. Lannon reached out with the Eye and probed the lock. He discovered that Vorden was right--the lock was capable of changing shape. Lannon seized the lock and froze it. It squirmed beneath the grasp of his sorcery, but he held on. The entire gauntlet surged to life in a blaze of sorcery, but with the demon man unconscious, it made no move.

Vorden worked at it furiously. "I've got it now!" he said. A loud click arose and the gauntlet shuddered. "That was one section of the lock. Just three more to go and then the gauntlet will be released."

"Don't talk," said Taris. "Just stay focused!"

Vorden was utterly soaked in sweat, and he kept rubbing his face on his arm. He muttered to himself as he worked the tools. "I definitely have it now!" Another loud click arose, and again the gauntlet shuddered. "Just two to go!"

Jace and Taris smiled at each other, and Hench grinned in amazement. Lannon was filled with pride to have Vorden as a friend. Soon the gauntlet would be free and there would be hope for Taris once they learned its secrets.

There was one more loud click, and Vorden turned to grin at them. "Only one more to go, my friends." He started to turn back when yet another loud click arose. The gauntlet split open in a hiss of steam.

"What in Tharnin?" Vorden muttered. "That shouldn't have happened yet." He reached for the gauntlet.

"Don't touch it!" Jace cried.

The gauntlet moved like a living creature with a speed that Vorden couldn't match. In an instant, it had locked itself onto his hand and arm. Vorden gazed at it in disbelief. "No, this can't happen!"

Vorden turned and stared at them, his face pale and his eyes filled with an emotion that he seldom displayed--terror. "Help me!" he yelled. "It's got a hold of me! Do something! Lannon, get it off my arm!"

Lannon tried, but his power was shoved aside.

Jace groaned. "Oh, this is very bad."

As they watched, a shadow seemed to fall over Vorden's face. His eyes shone with a yellow fire. He held up the gauntlet, the two stones glowing blue. The air burned hotter and seemed filled with an aura of crushing power that radiated from the gauntlet.

"Now this is a nice fit for me," Vorden said, his voice a low rumble. He threw back his head and laughed.

Jace flung himself at Vorden and a flash of light erupted from the gauntlet, blinding everyone for several moments. When they could see again, Vorden had fled from the chamber.

"Put Dremlock on full alert!" Taris cried. "Sound the warning!" He took a few staggering steps and then collapsed to the floor.

***

The Knights launched a massive search for Vorden, while blocking all known exits from the kingdom. They even had Lannon searching areas with the Eye of Divinity. But no trace of Vorden was found. The Knights speculated that perhaps Vorden was using the gauntlet's power to conceal himself somehow. Taris Warhawk ended up in the Hall of Healing and was unable to assist with the search, though he was in good spirits in spite of his weakened state.

The kingdom seemed plunged into despair, with grim faces everywhere. Soon everyone knew that one of the most talented Squires at Dremlock had fallen under the spell of the Deep Shadow and, even worse, wielded the Hand of Tharnin. Lannon and his remaining friends were thoroughly miserable, having lost Vorden and Timlin to evil almost at the same time. Lannon blamed himself, wondering what he could have done differently to prevent the ill turn of events.

 
But with Vorden remaining unfound, life had to go on at Dremlock. Shennen Silverarrow--one of the most trusted and decorated Blue Knights--was added to the Divine Shield to replace Vorden. His addition gave Lannon a badly needed confidence boost, as Shennen's skills at detecting danger were unmatched. Trenton Shadowbane also requested he be assigned to guard Lannon, but he was refused by the High Council. The Investigator of Dremlock was a strange man whom many didn't trust.

One evening, Jerret and Aldreya met with Lannon in his chamber. Jerret brought a pack with him and shoved it under Vorden's bed. "I'm moving in with you," he announced, "by order of Taris Warhawk. I am also to be trained as a Blue Squire henceforth."

"Taris ordered that?" said Lannon. "But why?" Lannon realized he wasn't extremely fond of Jerret. Jerret had been Vorden's friend, and by that connection he had been Lannon's friend. Yet he seemed a bit cowardly and lazy, and he had a tendency to cast an eye on the female members of Dremlock--which was strictly forbidden. Lannon didn't fully trust him.

"I don't know," said Jerret. "I think the Knights believe we're close friends and they want you to have a trusted Squire with you. Or something like that. Who can figure out their minds?"

"Taris is just trying to boost your spirits, Lannon," said Aldreya, who was sitting on Timlin's bed. "He realizes you're suffering over the loss of Vorden and Timlin. It's quite obvious this whole kingdom has been concerned with your comfort. They want to make sure you have trusted friends around you."

Lannon nodded. He wasn't in the mood for talk, his mind still reeling from the recent events. He wanted to be alone.

Jerret patted the bed next to him. "Why don't you sit by me, Aldreya?"

"I'm fine where I am," said Aldreya, her voice cold.

"This mattress is comfortable," said Jerret, winking at her. "That one you're on looks a bit lumpy. Isn't that reason enough to sit by me?"

Aldreya simply gazed at Jerret with a curious look.

Lannon didn't like the sly expression on Jerret's face. "She seems comfortable where she is, Jerret."

"I know," Jerret said, smiling, "but I think she would be
more
comfortable sitting by me."

Aldreya turned away from Jerret and gazed at Lannon, her face stony. "So how are you feeling?"

"Terrible," said Lannon, grateful for a change of subject. "I still feel responsible for everything that has happened. When Timlin asked me to use the Eye of Divinity to help him, well, I guess I should have helped him. And I was supposed to alert Vorden to danger when he was trying to remove the gauntlet from the demon man, but I lost focus for a moment."

"You can't blame yourself, Lannon," said Aldreya. "Timlin had a dark spirit that was bound to lead him to trouble. And Vorden knew the risks. Take heart in the hope that Vorden can still be saved."

"Except we can't even find him," said Jerret. "Day after day goes by, and no one even catches a glimpse of him. The Knights think he might be in the mines or that he fled the kingdom altogether. I say he's probably hiding in the woods, plotting to kill us or bring about Dremlock's doom. I'm telling you--I'll bet he is in Knightwood somewhere. It's just a feeling I have."

"We've searched Knightwood extensively," said Lannon. "They even brought wolves to seek his scent. I doubt he's hiding in there."

"We still have hope," Aldreya insisted.

"I'm thinking Vorden is beyond hope," said Jerret. "It was just luck that the gauntlet was ever removed from the demon man to begin with. And I hear the demon man is actually a weakling with no combat skills. I think Vorden will be a far more dangerous foe, especially with all of his abilities. It was foolish of Jace to pick someone as skilled as Vorden to try to unlock the gauntlet. That decision could be the doom of Dremlock."

Lannon shrugged. "I don't know. I just have to find a way to save him. I know he would do the same for me at all costs."

Jerret sighed and rubbed his knees. "I'm going to have to be honest here, Lannon. I didn't really want to move in with you and train as a Blue Squire. Vorden had a lot of influence over me, but without him around, I'm just not that interested in being part of all the trouble that you're part of. Does that make sense?"

"Yes, it does," said Lannon. "You would rather be off training with the other Squires and socializing and not risking your life every day by being drawn into my miserable little world."

"Jerret, that's cowardly," said Aldreya, her green eyes flashing with anger. "You came to Dremlock to be a Divine Knight. Now you were asked to be at Lannon's side and give him friendship and support, and you would shun that?"

"Well, yes," said Jerret, shrugging. "If I was allowed to."

"I find that attitude repulsive," said Aldreya.

"Of course you do," said Jerret, glaring at her. "You're a Birlote snob. I've tried hard to...to warm up to you. You're a beautiful girl with a kind heart, yes. But you are also quite clueless."

Aldreya's mouth dropped open. "How dare you insult me?"

"I'm not trying to insult you," said Jerret. "But what happened the other day, when I asked you for a kiss in the trail?"

"I slapped your face, of course," said Aldreya.

"Yes, you slapped my face," said Jerret, looking hurt. "No one was watching, and I just wanted a friendly kiss."

"I should have reported you," said Aldreya.

Jerret rolled his eyes. "Why? Because a man wants a little attention? It figures you would be against that."

Aldreya rose. "Listen here, Jerret, I'm not as clueless as you seem to think. I know the type of attention you want from female Squires. You're just as bad as Timlin in that you seem incapable of acting like a Knight."

Jerret looked genuinely surprised. "You think so?"

"I do," said Aldreya. "You have no manners or respect. Do I speak the truth, Lannon?"

"She speaks the truth," Lannon mumbled, his mind on other topics.

Jerret looked appalled. "You're supposed to side with me on this, Lannon.
 
By the Divine Essence, we're both
men!
"

"The Sacred Laws are clear," said Lannon. He lay back on the bed, not caring much about the issue between Jerret and Aldreya. He kept thinking of Vorden--how terrified his friend had looked when the gauntlet bound itself to his hand. He couldn't seem to shake the image from his mind.

"I'm sorry, Aldreya," said Jerret. "I'll try to behave more like a Knight." He extended his hand. "Do you accept my apology?"

"It matters not," said Aldreya. "Your actions will determine whether or not you are truly sorry." Yet reluctantly, she took his hand. "However, I accept your apology regardless. This time."

Jerret gazed at her smooth, copper-colored hand. "Thank you, fair lady. You have a beautiful heart." Then he kissed her hand.

Aldreya slapped his face. Then she strode back to Timlin's bed and sat down, her eyes betraying no emotion.

Jerret rubbed his cheek, looking dismayed. "Unbelievable."

Jace strode into the room, closing the door behind him. His huge form seemed to fill up the chamber. The demon man was with him--now dressed in a green robe and looking very small next to Jace. "This is Vellera," said Jace, to Lannon, "whom you've never actually met."

Vellera nodded. "Pleased to meet you, Lannon."