Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows (21 page)

Lannon
thought he was going to die, because surely no one could match the Specter's
speed. In fact, everyone seemed to be moving so slowly around him it was
pathetic. The Eye had slowed his perception somehow, but the Specter was
actually advancing toward him in a blur.

But
Lannon was wrong, for Taris Warhawk suddenly turned toward the Specter, his
dagger white hot with fire. Taris flung himself against the creature and
plunged the dagger into its chest. There was an explosion of green and white
sparks and Taris was flung through the air.

Lannon's
perception returned to normal, for the burning, injured Specter had lost its
incredible speed. Taris landed on his back in the snow, blood covering his
forehead from a vicious wound, and he lay still.

The
Specter lashed out with its claws at the closest Knight, ripping the fellow's
armor apart and shredding the flesh beneath.

Flund
Greenhelm charged the Specter, slashing a wound into it with his flaming sword.
The Specter retaliated and caught Flund in the throat with a claw. The Birlote
Knight collapsed into the snow, clutching his throat, as the Specter fled
through the maze of tents.

"Don't
let it escape!" Jace yelled, charging after the Specter.

Shennen
and Daledus ran after him.

The
Squires started to give chase, but Trenton ordered them to stay where they
were. However, Vannas ignored him and kept going. Frustrated at Trenton's
order, Lannon tried to freeze the Specter with the Eye, but even deeply
injured, it was still too strong and easily broke his hold.

The
Knights hacked at it with flaming blades, but the Specter still had enough
speed to dodge the attacks as it fled. It struck down two more Knights and a
Legion Soldier--killing the Soldier with a terrible blow to the head that sent
the man's body hurtling through the air.

 
Jace stumbled over a fallen Knight, taking
three more Knights down beneath his huge body. Daledus tripped over Jace, but
Shennen and Vannas leapt over the fallen men and remained in pursuit of the
Specter.

Shennen
flung his burning Flayer into the Specter's back. The Specter paused, then
ripped the blade from its back and flung it away. It then resumed its escape
attempt, swatting more Knights aside and dodging a large fireball from a
sorcerer's blade. It turned and swiped at the sorcerer, but she shielded
herself with magic and was only knocked away unharmed.

A
roar shook the air, causing Lannon to whirl around. A wolf beast, covered in
coarse grey fur, now stood on two crooked legs where Trenton had once been. Its
demonic eyes were filled with rage and its muzzle was split open to reveal
dripping fangs. The Investigator had once again transformed himself into the
snarling, drooling monster that inspired fear and disgust in many of Dremlock's
Knights.

 
The wolf beast bounded after the fleeing
Specter with a speed far beyond that of any human. Trenton caught up with the
Specter just beyond the circle of tents. The Specter turned and tore a gaping
wound into Trenton's chest, halting his charge and bearing him down into the
snow. The Specter then proceeded to rip into his throat, and in moments,
Trenton lay shredded and covered in blood.

The
Specter turned and started to float away, but the wolf beast rose up behind it,
the injures knitting together instantly by dark sorcery. With a bloodcurdling
howl, Trenton flung himself onto the Specter, tearing into it with teeth and
claws and grim magic. The Specter seemed frozen for a moment as Trenton
attacked it, its head bowed as it hovered, but then it suddenly batted the wolf
beast aside. Trenton was flung several yards away, somersaulting over the snow.

By
then Prince Vannas had reached the scene, and he blasted the Specter with white
fire. The creature shuddered as it burned and finally turned into black smoke.
The smoke itself soon drifted away, leaving no trace of the Specter except for
the Black Flamestone that lay shimmering atop the snow.

Chapter
12:
 
Fortress Duel

With
Taris unconscious and unable to awaken, Trenton (after returning to his human
form) took command of Dremlock's forces. He seized the Black Flamestone and
ordered several Knights to surround him for protection, as the Timlin and his
Legion Soldiers closed in on the scene.

Taris,
Flund, and several other Knights were seriously injured and were taken inside
tents by the healers. Dremlock's dead were gathered up and given a funeral,
while the Blood Legion held its own rituals for its fallen Soldiers. The
Specter was dead, but the grieving remained.

Once
the injured and dead were attended to, Trenton and Timlin met to discuss the
situation. Timlin expressed outrage over Trenton seizing the Black Flamestone,
and he demanded the planned duel proceed at once.

"It
was Dremlock that defeated the Specter," Trenton reminded Timlin. "As
far as I could tell, the Blood Legion never struck a blow. Our great Tower
Master, Taris Warhawk, may have sacrificed his life to slay the creature, for
he may never awaken. Now you dare ask for a chance at the Flamestone?"

"It
doesn't matter," said Timlin, as the two stood face to face near
Dremlock's circle of tents. "We had an agreement, and Dremlock is bound by
its own Sacred Laws to see it through."

"But
Flund fell in battle," said Shennen. "Therefore the duel cannot take
place, for lack of one of its participants."

"Nonsense!"
said Ulmason Deathhand, shaking his huge fist at Shennen. "If Flund is too
injured to fight, then I will duel someone else."

"Then
fight
me!
" Shennen snarled, stepping toward Ulmason.

Ulmason
grinned. "It would be my pleasure."

"No,"
said Trenton. "Taris already rejected you as a participant in the duel,
Shennen. Therefore, if we must have a duel, I have to respect Taris' wisdom and
choose someone else."

"Then
you're a fool," Shennen said. "I am the most qualified to fight in a
duel of blades. And I have proven my loyalty to Dremlock time and again."

"I
agree with Shennen," said Lannon, remembering how the Blue Knight had
saved him from being murdered by Thrake Wolfaxe. "He should fight the
duel."

The
other Squires voiced support for Shennen as well--along with Jace and several
of the Knights.

"So
you disagree with Taris' opinion, Lannon?" asked Trenton, raising his
eyebrows. "If so, then admit it out loud and perhaps I will be
swayed."

Lannon
hesitated. Was he really qualified to disagree with Taris Warhawk?

"Well?"
said Trenton. "What say you, oh bearer of the Eye?"

"I
can't disagree with Taris," said Lannon, reluctantly.

Shennen
nodded, his expression bitter. "I saved your life, Lannon, and that's how
you repay me? By deciding I'm not fit for a duel?"

"I'm
sorry, Master Shennen," Lannon mumbled, feeling caught in the middle.
"I just don't think I have the right to defy Taris."

"The
lad speaks his heart," said Trenton. "Leave him be, Shennen."

Shennen
sheathed his Flayer. "So be it."

"Who,
then, if not Shennen?" asked Daledus, an eager look on his face.

"I
will fight the duel," said Trenton, drawing his sword.

"Not
a chance!" Timlin protested. "You're a sorcerer, Trenton, and based
on our agreement, a sorcerer isn't allowed. This duel is to be fought blade to
blade only. And you have a rather unfair advantage--in the form of that vile
beast."

"The
beast will not return this day," said Trenton.

"It
doesn't matter," said Timlin. "No sorcerers and their wretched
tricks. Choose someone else."

"Let
me fight!" Daledus Oakfist roared, raising his massive axe. The Grey Dwarf
was a wall of armor, muscle, and beard. "I couldn't defeat a Specter, but
there is no living man on Gallamerth that I fear!"

Cheers
arose from the Divine Knights.

Trenton
hesitated. "You are young, Daledus. But Taris did choose you for the
Divine Shield, so I have to assume you are fit for this duel."

"I
strongly disagree," said Shennen. "Taris would not have chosen
Daledus for this duel. He chose him for the Divine Shield because he is closer
in age to the Squires--not because he is the best fighter amongst the Red
Knights. If you won't choose me, I suggest you choose Velgar Steelheart."

Trenton
considered it, then shook his head. "The choice is mine to make, and I
know Daledus is more than capable of winning. Besides, Velgar Steelheart is
overconfident."

"And
Daledus isn't?" said Shennen.

"Daledus
knows his limitations," said Trenton, shrugging.

Daledus
grinned and bowed. "You're a wise man, Trenton. You won't be
disappointed."

"Yet
some refuse to acknowledge my wisdom," said Trenton, with a glare at
Shennen. "Regardless, I have made my choice, which should not be
questioned. Daledus will fight the duel for the Black Flamestone."

Shennen
sighed. "This is a mistake, Trenton. Think carefully. I know you like
Daledus for some reason, but we need an experienced Knight to defeat this foe.
Don't oppose me simply because you can. Don't forget that I was on the High
Council once, if only for a single day."

"Enough!"
Trenton snarled. "I'm not an idiot, Shennen, in spite of what you may
think. Yes, you were appointed to the High Council--but you refused to take the
Sacred Oath and were promptly removed. While I understand why you refused to
claim Kealin Lightsword as your Council Brother--it shows that you aren't yet
wise enough to make important decisions. You're too stubborn for your own good.
Again, the choice has been made. Let the duel proceed at dawn."

***

The
Squires didn't sleep for the rest of that night (though dawn was only a couple
hours away regardless). They were worried about Taris and the other injured
Knights, and anxious over the coming duel. Lannon felt wretched for siding against
Shennen, and he kept wondering if he'd made the right decision. He couldn't
understand why Taris had rejected Shennen from participating in the duel, but
Taris had wisdom far beyond that of Lannon. Lannon suspected it had to do with
Shennen's former obsession with the Dragon bones. Perhaps Taris still didn't
fully trust the Blue Knight. Lannon, however, was confident Shennen was firmly
on Dremlock's side.

"I
think Daledus is a good choice," said Jerret. "He seems like a stout
fighter." His anger and sadness over Thrake having diminished some, Jerret
had taken a bit of a liking recently to Daledus and his brash attitude.

"I
couldn't disagree more," said Prince Vannas, with a disdainful expression.
"Daledus is vastly overconfident--the doom of all Knights."

"I
guess you know all about overconfidence," said Jerret.

Vannas
glared at him but didn't respond.

"I
agree with you, cousin," said Lothrin, to the prince. "I think
Daledus is the wrong choice. This Ulmason fellow is very experienced and full
of tricks. Daledus is young and strong, but I suspect Ulmason will outsmart
him."

"I
think Daledus can win," said Galvia, who was still lying atop her quilt
and holding her stomach. Her breathing was heavy from pain. "His strength
is unrivaled--except maybe by that of Furlus Goblincrusher."

"I
understand Taris had his reasons," said Aldreya, "but I would feel a
lot more confident if Shennen was fighting the duel."

"Because
he's a Birlote?" said Jerret, sneering.

"No,"
said Aldreya, looking annoyed, "because he has a great deal of combat
experience and he is simply the best swordsman at Dremlock."

"What
about you, Lannon?" asked Jerret.

Lannon
shrugged. "I don't know much about Daledus. But I do agree that Shennen
would have a great chance of winning the duel. It doesn't matter, anyway. It
will be Daledus, at dawn."

They
fell silent for a while, focusing on staying warm.

Then
Aldreya said, "What if Taris never recovers? He had a very nasty head
wound. That type of wound can change someone--make them strange or feeble until
the end of their days."

"I'm
sure he'll be fine," said Vannas. "He survived a vicious attack from
the Hand of Tharnin. He can survive this."

"Taris'
skills have been improving lately," said Aldreya. "He has reached
levels that only the Birlote wizards have obtained. Who knows how far he could
go? If he should die now...like this..."

"Taris
is very resilient," said Lothrin, "and I'm certain he'll be back on
his feet soon enough."

"But
his mind may have been damaged," said Aldreya. "I studied the wound,
and it had penetrated his skull." She shuddered. "I fear greatly for
him. If Dremlock loses Taris Warhawk, how will it endure?"

"Good
question," said Lannon, his heart gloomy. He couldn't imagine losing
Taris. The sorcerer seemed more important even than the Lord Knight. He was the
wisdom of Dremlock, and his power was unmatched. Lannon thought back to when
Taris had seemed to be dying from the injuries inflicted by the Hand of
Tharnin. Now it was happening all over again. Aldreya knew a thing or two about
wounds and healing, and Lannon trusted her opinion on the matter. If she felt
Taris was in grave danger, she was undoubtedly correct. Who would Lannon turn
to for guidance if Taris passed on? No one else seemed to know as much about
the Eye of Divinity.

"Everyone
should try to get a bit more sleep," said Lothrin, pulling his quilt over
him. "Worrying will do us no good."

But
no one, including Lothrin, took that advice.

***

The
next day, warmer spring weather crept back into the land. The sky was still
overcast, but the snow was beginning to melt again, water dripping from the
rooftops and log walls. It was warm enough that some removed their fur cloaks
to reveal armor and color sashes. The duel arena was the fortress grounds, in
an area apart from the Knightly tents. As before, the Knights and Soldiers
formed a circle around the two combatants, with Trenton and Timlin on either
side. Daledus Oakfist and Ulmason Deathhand faced each other in the circle.

Ulmason
towered over Daledus, his horned helm dark against the grey sky and his huge,
heavily armored body looking like it possessed the strength of a bear. But the
stout Dwarf was very wide in the shoulders and his limbs were knotted with
muscle. Daledus' battle axe was even bigger than that of the Blood Legion
giant. And perhaps most meaningful of all to Daledus--his beard was longer and
thicker than Ulmason's beard.

Daledus
matched Ulmason's sneer of arrogance with a broad grin that showed just how
cocky the young Olrog was. It was clear that Daledus firmly believed he had no
chance of losing.

"This
is not a duel to the death," Trenton reminded them. "If either
warrior submits, his life will be spared. Is that understood?"

Daledus
nodded.

Ulmason
laughed. "It might be difficult to speak words of submission when one
lacks a head atop the neck."

Daledus
roared laughter of his own. "True enough!"

 
Trenton turned to Timlin. "Are you in
agreement with Dremlock's rules of fair combat, Timlin?"

"I
am," said Timlin. "Let's get on with it."

Trenton
held up the Black Flamestone. "We all know what this is. We have
identified it, and both Dremlock and the Blood Legion seek to posses it--even
though its rightful place is at Dremlock. Rather than bloody the grounds with a
war, this duel will settle the dispute--at least temporarily. So let combat
begin!"

The
Squires glanced at each other anxiously. Galvia had emerged from the tent and
stood watching, though she still appeared to be in great pain. Lannon hated
duels and would have preferred not to watch, but it would have been
dishonorable for him to not be there to show support for Daledus.

The
two warriors pressed close to each other--beard to beard, their eyes fierce
with bloodlust. They stood locked in a struggle of wills, oversized battle axes
ready to clash. They stared each other down, and Daledus stroked his beard to
draw attention to the fact that it was broader, while the Knights of Dremlock
cheered. But Ulmason wasn't intimidated and only gazed down at the arrogant
Dwarf with a glint in his eye that promised death.

Then
Daledus balled up his fist and smashed Ulmason in the jaw, knocking his helm
half off and sending him reeling backwards. The Knights roared laughter and
howled with delight, as Ulmason adjusted his helm and spat blood. The two foes
circled each other.

 
Daledus grinned. "How does your jaw
feel?"

Ulmason
didn't reply. His one remaining eye was narrowed with focus. As Daledus turned
briefly to wink at the crowd, Ulmason lunged forward and swung viciously at his
neck. Daledus barely got his axe up in time to deflect the blow, and the cocky
grin vanished from his face.