Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows (6 page)

Thrake
frowned. "Yes."

"Is
something wrong?" asked Vannas, his eyes narrowing.

"Nothing
I will speak of," said Thrake.

"It's
about Master Shennen," said Aldreya. "Right?"

Thrake
glared at her. "Did you not hear what I just said, Birlote? I don't care
to speak about this topic."

"My
apologies," said Aldreya.

Thrake
slapped his knee and sighed. "I didn't come here to be harsh with you
Squires. Rather, I just wanted to tell you all how proud I am of you. I've
never seen a finer or more talented group of Squires in all my years. And I
would gladly die protecting you, as you are the future of Dremlock
Kingdom."

The
Squires exchanged delighted glances (with the exception of Lothrin whose face
betrayed no expression) and thanked the famed Red Knight for his kind words.
Jerret looked especially pleased.

"Master
Thrake," said Jerret, "you're the greatest Knight of all."

Thrake
chuckled, his face reddening a bit. "No, Jerret, that praise belongs to
our Lord Knight, Cordus Landsaver."

"But
you'll be Lord Knight someday," said Jerret. "I know it!"

Thrake
gazed at Jerret in silence for a moment. Then he said, "If I had a son, I
would want him to be like you, Jerret."

Jerret
bowed, a broad grin on his face. "I appreciate the kind words, Master!
I've learned a lot from you and...and I owe you so much. The training you gave
me in Dorok's Hand did wonders for me."

Thrake
shook his head. "You owe me nothing, Jerret. But you owe it to yourself to
become a great Knight, my young friend. Even if your color class does have to
be Blue." He scowled as he spoke that last statement, then winked.
"Not that Blue isn't a fine class, of course."

Jerret
sighed. "I'd rather be Red like you."

"You
still might get your wish," said Thrake. "Clearly, you were not meant
to be a Blue Knight and this could be a temporary assignment."

"I
can only hope," said Jerret.

"Anyway,
I'm so very proud of all of you!" said Thrake. He drank deeply from a
flask, and the smell of wine was strong in the tent. "Our future is
bright, and we will triumph over the Deep Shadow!"

 
Prince Vannas clapped his hands together.
"Well said!"

"Agreed,"
said Lannon, his mood soaring. He suspected the wine had softened Thrake's
normally cold and gruff personality, but he deeply appreciated the Red Knight's
kind words and optimism.

"I
have something else to tell you," said Thrake, a troubled expression
settling over his face. "I want you to beware of..."

Thrake
let his words trail off as Shennen stepped into the tent. The Lord of the Blue
Knights gazed sternly at Thrake--his shining Birlote eyes contrasting his pale
face. "What going on in here?"

Thrake
shrugged. "Just having a friendly chat with the Squires and drying myself
off. Nothing important."

Shennen's
eyes narrowed. "You're supposed to be standing guard outside, Thrake, not
sitting in here indulging in comforts."

Thrake
nodded. "Sorry, Shennen. But what does it matter? If I'm in here, I'm
still guarding them."

"Because
I want the Squires in this tent alone," said Shennen. "You may check
on them briefly through the entrance."

Thrake
looked troubled. "Why?"

Shennen
hesitated. "Reasons of my own, and none of your concern."

"I'm
part of the Divine Shield," said Thrake, glowering. "So it is my
concern! I find your insistence on the Squires being alone in here to
be...unsettling. I realize there was that assassin at Dremlock, but
still..."

Shennen
glowered back. "I am the Lord of the Blue Knights, Thrake. Are you the
Lord of the
Red
Knights? No, there is someone ranked above you named
Furlus Goblincrusher. So therefore, I am also ranked above you, Divine Shield
or not. So therefore, you will submit to my commands. Is that understood?"

The
Squires exchanged tense looks.

"It's
understood, Shennen," Thrake said. "But know this--I will be checking
on the Squires quite a bit."

"Good,"
said Shennen, giving a forced smile. "I would expect no less from you. And
tell Jace he is not allowed in here either, if he tries to enter."

Thrake
sat in silence for a moment looking almost helpless, then gave a shrug.
"If you order it, I guess I have to obey. But I strongly question this and
will take the issue to Taris when my guard duty has ended for the night."

Shennen
nodded. "Speak to Taris all you want. I care not." His piercing gaze
fell on Lannon. It seemed to hold a warning of doom that made Lannon's heart
sink. "Those who question me should beware!"

Thrake
thrust out his chin defiantly. "Beware of
what?
"

"You'll
know soon enough," said Shennen, smiling at Thrake. "Sooner than you
think. And the lesson will be harsh."

"Master
Shennen--" Lannon started to protest.

"Silence,
Squire!" Shennen interrupted, dismissing Lannon with a wave.

"Did
you just threaten me?" Thrake growled.

Shennen's
hand slipped down to the hilt of his Flayer. His eyes twinkled. "No, I
just let you in on my thoughts. Now you know them."

"And
I don't like them!" said Thrake. "There is something different about
you, Shennen. I wish I knew what it was. Everyone knows you've been behaving
strangely."

Shennen
laughed. "Think what you will."

Thrake
rose. "Maybe I'll just go and have a chat with Taris right now, so we can
settle this!"

"Have
at it," said Shennen, looking amused. "And Taris will do nothing. So
don't bother wasting your time."

Thrake's
mouth hung open in disbelief. "I can't believe the way you're behaving.
All these years that I've known you..."

"Enough
talk!" Shennen muttered. "Actions are all that matter, so do
something or be silent!" With that, he strode out of the tent.

His
face pale and his knuckles white as he clutched his axe, Thrake followed into
the pouring rain, closing the tent flap behind him.

The
Squires sat there in silence, dismayed and filled with dread.

Chapter
4: Duel on the Snows

The
Squires slept poorly that night, wondering what Shennen was planning. Even the
three Birlotes found the Blue Knight's attitude shocking. Lannon was certain
Shennen hated him above all others, and he lay awake for hours wondering if a
blade was going to end up buried in his throat. He wanted to speak to Taris
about it, but he knew Taris would take no action due to lack of evidence.

When
the light of dawn broke over the snows, the Squires were deeply relieved. But
before the journey could resume, Taris called a meeting in the camp. It was
another foggy day with melting snow, but the rain had stopped. The Squires
assumed Taris was going to address the issue of Shennen's behavior.

But
Taris chose a different topic. "We have news from the Blood Legion,"
he said. "Timlin Woodmaster and some of his soldiers are camped nearby.
They too are on their way to Blombalk Fortress. We are in a race with them,
obviously. We could do battle with them, but that would distract from our goal
of investigating the attack on Blombalk. However, a messenger has informed me
that they wish to duel. The losing party must remain camped here for three
days, allowing the winner to gain a significant head start on the route to
Blombalk."

"Then
let us duel!" said Thrake, raising his axe. Cheers arose from the crowd,
along with chants of Thrake's name. "How can there be any doubt that
Dremlock will prevail? The advantage is ours for the taking!"

"Duels
are for savages," said Trenton, scowling. "I don't know why we still
allow them in this day and age. The Knights of Dremlock should not partake in
this."

 
Taris focused on Shennen. "What is your
opinion?"

"A
duel is suitable," said Shennen. He didn't look at the others, and his
eyes were distant. His bone-white face was expressionless.

Lannon
shuddered, wondering what dark thoughts were roaming through Shennen's mind.
What has those Dragon bones done to him?

"A
duel is preferable to a war, Trenton," said Thrake. "Better that one
person dies instead of hundreds. Or do you disagree with that?"

"This
mission is one of investigation," said Trenton. "Why fight at all
unless we're attacked? Let us simply proceed on to our goal."

"And
what happens when we get to Blombalk?" said Thrake. "Even if the
Blood Legion agrees to allow us to enter the fortress peacefully, their
presence will hinder our investigation. This duel could prevent that."

"This
could be a good opportunity for us," said Taris. "If we win, we would
likely have Blombalk all to ourselves for a few days."

"But
if we lose," said Trenton, "then the Blood Legion will get there
first. It is our belief that some great power source--equal to the White
Flamestone--was being kept there and studied and might still be harbored within
those walls. The Divine Essence revealed this to us and we therefore must
assume it is the truth. Can we risk allowing the Blood Legion to reclaim it and
eventually use it against us?"

Lannon
pondered Trenton's words. The Divine Essence always seemed to know what was at
stake--and it was the one really giving the orders, channeling its will through
its Lord Knight and its Tower Masters. The Divine Essence was truly Dremlock's
king, even though few had ever seen it. Lannon thought back to his encounter
with it--the glowing crystals and the overwhelming, radiant light of truth.
Lannon had seen the Divine Essence as a scared, young, lonely creature--but it
was also wise beyond mortals and able to rule a kingdom.

Taris
was thoughtful for a moment. Then he said, "A duel would be risky, but an
unhindered investigation of Blombalk is a great reward. I think it's worth the
peril. If, that is, we have someone willing to risk his life in combat. Timlin
wants a fighter similar to a Legion Soldier, so a Red Knight is probably the
best choice."

Thrake
turned and winked at the Squires. "I'll do it!"

Cheers
again arose from the army of Knights, along with more chants of Thrake's name.
Jerret, Lannon, and Aldreya looked uncertain. Galvia and Lothrin were
impassive. Prince Vannas clapped his hands and urged Thrake on.

Shennen
suddenly seemed to take interest, looking displeased. "A member of the
Divine Shield should not be involved in the duel."

"Why?"
Thrake said, gazing at Shennen in defiance. "We want to win, don't we? Is
there a Red Knight here who can fight better than me?"

"No,"
said Taris, "and we can't afford to lose."

"Do
what you must," said Shennen, looking disgusted.

"I
demand a vote!" snarled Trenton.

"No
votes on this journey," said Taris, "as you already know. I have full
command of this battalion. The decision is mine alone."

"There
are ways to protest this," said Trenton. "I know the Sacred Laws
better than anyone."

Taris
sighed. "Let it go, Trenton. This is too important."

Reluctantly,
Trenton nodded.

***

A
messenger was sent to Timlin's camp, and soon Timlin and a huge Legion Knight
in black armor and a horned helm rode into the heart of Taris' camp. Timlin's
magnificent white and blue armor was fitted perfectly to his lean frame,
contrasting the bulky, dark form of the giant who rode next to him. The two
came alone, but the Sacred Laws of Dremlock governing duels prevented the
Divine Knights from taking any action against them other than welcoming them.

Timlin
exuded arrogance and power. He didn't wear the Hand of Tharnin as Vorden did,
but his aura left no doubt that he was in charge of the Blood Legion. The air
around him seemed charged with dark energy. His hair was neatly trimmed, and he
now sported a thin beard that made him look a bit older.

"Welcome
back, Timlin," said Taris, with a wry smile.

"Glad
to be here," said Timlin. "That is--if I get to see the blood of a
Divine Knight stain the snow." His words were greeted with boos and
insults from the crowd, which only seemed to amuse him.

Timlin
nodded to Lannon. "I'm disappointed to see you're still alive. I keep
hoping one of these days I'll hear news you've been squashed."

"I
can't say the same about you," said Lannon. Timlin's words stung. Lannon
couldn't understand how Timlin had become so malicious that he wished for
Lannon's ruin. The evil of the Deep Shadow was sickening.

Timlin
laughed. "That's because you're a fool who thinks he can save everyone,
when you can't even save
yourself
."

"I'm
still alive," said Lannon, shrugging.

"Not
for long," said Timlin, smirking.

"Have
you come here to duel, Timlin?" said Taris. "Or just talk?"

"So
who amongst you has chosen to die?" Timlin called out, ignoring Taris. His
words were greeted with more jeering and booing.

"I
have chosen to
fight!
" Thrake boomed, raising his axe. "And
you should feel lucky it's not you I will be fighting, little fellow."

Timlin
leaned over and spat into the snow. "I would take no pleasure in cutting
off the bearded head of a bumbling oaf like you, Thrake. But I'm sure my
companion, Ulmason Deathhand, will be quite happy to do so. Ulmason is prepared
to fight to the death. Is Dremlock's warrior prepared to do the same?"

"Without
question," Thrake growled, stepping forward. "We will fight axe to
axe, with no other weapons allowed. Agreed?"

"Agreed,"
said Ulmason Deathhand. He unsheathed his dagger and handed it to Timlin.

Thrake
gave his dagger to Taris.

"Then
let us proceed with this honorable duel," said Taris.

Lannon
tensed up, glancing at the other Squires. He wondered if they hated duels as
much as he did. Their faces looked tense as well.

"Yes,
let it begin," said Timlin, looking bored. "I hope it's a worthy fight."

"This
is it!" Jerret said, his eyes wide. "Take him down, Thrake!"

Ulmason
swung down from his black horse. Then raised his massive battle axe in both
hands. He looked like a towering, horned demon standing in the snow, only a
single gleaming eye visible beneath his helm. His black armor was lined with
curved spikes that looked like teeth, and runes of sorcery were engraved into
the thick breastplate that were intended to inspire terror in his foes.
"Death has come to you," he said to Thrake.

The
onlookers moved back a bit, allowing a circle to form around the two
combatants. Thrake walked forward until he stood a few feet away from the Dark
Knight. The two giants stared each other down. Few men surpassed Thrake Wolfaxe
in size, but Ulmason was one of them. Thrake wore the crimson armor of an elite
Red Knight--made of steel reinforced with veins of Glaetherin. The breastplate
was molded to look like a muscular torso partially covered in Dragon scales.
Thrake was the Red Champion of Dremlock and a sure bet for the High Council,
but he was still overshadowed by the massive Dark Knight.

"No
one shall interfere with the duel!" Taris commanded. "If either man
falls, he is left to his fate until the duel is officially ended." Taris
gave Lannon a stern look. "You, Lannon Sunshield, interfered in the last
honorable duel. Furlus told me all about it. You will
not
do so again.
Is that understood?"

"Yes,
Master Taris," said Lannon, wondering how he was supposed to stand by and
let Thrake be slain if it came to that.

"If
you violate the Sacred Laws like that again," said Taris, "even the
Divine Essence may turn against you."

"I
understand," said Lannon, chills flooding over him.

"I
wouldn't be surprised if the coward does interfere," said Timlin.
"Lannon doesn't know the meaning of honorable combat."

"He
will not interfere," said Taris, his gaze still on Lannon. "Dremlock
honors its vows. Those who fail to uphold the Sacred Laws will be banished from
this kingdom--regardless of their rank, skills, or importance to Dremlock. And
that means anyone who interrupts this duel."

Lannon
bowed his head, feeling the stares of everyone present. "I will never
again interfere with a duel, Master Taris." He wondered if he could keep
that promise, if in fact he was fit to be a Divine Knight at all.

"Then
let us proceed!" said Taris.

The
crowd fell silent, standing like armored statues in the melting snow. The two
Elder Hawks circled above, as if watching the duel from on high. Two bearded
giants with heavy armor and smoldering battle axes stood face to face, eager to
shed blood. They continued to stare each other down, while tension rose amongst
the onlookers. Lannon dreaded what was about to happen, fearing he would see
Thrake cut down and be unable to help him. Jerret, however, seemed filled with
battle lust and confidence, his eyes blazing as he gazed at the two foes.

And
then the giants clashed, the magically charged axes throwing sparks into the
snow. Thrake seemed to immediately gain an edge, driving Ulmason backwards as
the crowd parted. It seemed the Blood Legion warrior was about to go down
beneath the fury of Thrake's attack. But then Ulmason struck back with his own
flurry of blows from his long axe, until he'd regained his balance.

Thrake
swung low at Ulmason's legs, but the Legion warrior showed great agility in
leaping over the blade. Ulmason landed a glancing blow from his axe handle on
Thrake's shoulder, knocking Thrake back a bit.

Ulmason
laughed mockingly from beneath his horned helm. "I'll split that red armor
yet and see what lies beneath!"

Enraged,
Thrake swung at Ulmason's head, but this time Ulmason ducked the blow. The
Legion warrior mirrored Thrake's previous move and hacked at his legs, but
Thrake managed to bring his axe down in time to deflect the stroke. Their axes
clashed together several more times.

 
Then Ulmason lunged forward in a bold move
and seized hold of Thrake, seeking to crush him in a bear hug with his powerful
arms, his axe falling to the snow. Thrake's own axe dropped from his hand as he
fought to break the hold. Thrake's thick armor and the stout muscle underneath
prevented Ulmason from cracking his ribs. At last, Thrake wrapped his legs
around those of Ulmason and tripped him. Then the two giants were down in the
snow and rolling around, punching and grappling and trying to choke each other.
They respected each other's beards, however, and there was no yanking of hair.

Thrake
ended up on top of Ulmason, and he ripped off the Legion warrior's helm to
expose the scarred face underneath that had one eye missing. The crowd of
Divine Knights cheered wildly. Timlin yawned.

 
Thrake punched Ulmason in the jaw, but the
Legion warrior seemed unshaken by the blow, and he shoved Thrake off of him.
Covered in wet snow, the two combatants seized their fallen axes and rose.

"It's
the end for you, Ulmason
Demonspawn
!" Thrake roared, as he charged
his foe while swinging his glowing axe.

Thrake
struck with such fury and precision that Ulmason was again thrown off balance,
and this time it seemed certain the Dark Knight would fall. Ulmason's remaining
eye widened in shock as Thrake drove him backwards, and the cheers of the
surrounding Knights and Squires grew deafening.