Knights: Legends of Ollanhar (25 page)

"You're right," said Bekka. "This is
foolish." But her emotions were terribly difficult to ignore. The voice in
her head demanded she listen.

Two servants brought their platters of food and goblets of
wine, ale, and water. The food was good, and it helped to relax the Knights.
The captain stayed below deck, and it seemed the tense encounter was behind
them.

"I guess you were right," Bekka whispered.
"Perhaps my recent troubles have put me on edge." She sighed. "I
just don't know."

Aldreya smiled at her. "You have done well,
considering how much you have suffered. You're bound to have setbacks and
irrational moments. But now it is time to relax and let your fears slip
away."

Bekka nodded. She felt she could manage that.

She savored the meal and found herself just enjoying the
boat ride. She drank a few goblets of wine and started to feel drowsy, as the
sparkling waves rolled past.

The bard played a song that seemed to blend with the
deep-blue waters.

One of the muscular oarsmen turned toward Bekka and smiled.
He was deeply tanned from the sun and strikingly handsome. "Drink up, my
good lady. And then drink some more." He winked at her. "It's
free."

She smiled back, but she opted for water instead of wine.
It wasn't wise for a warrior to get too relaxed. A failure to stay alert had
already cost her so much, and she wasn't about to make that mistake again.

***

After departing from Callaboren, it took Lannon and Doomar
a few days of travel to reach Legend Lake. Doomar possessed a detailed map of
Gallamerth, and though it was more than two decades old, it proved to be very
accurate. It also helped that the route was well known and heavily traveled.
Before leaving Callaboren, they had bought horses from a stable just outside of
town, and they maintained a grueling pace, sleeping only a few hours each
night.

The lands between Callaboren and the sprawling lake were
thickly inhabited with farmers, merchants, and fur trappers--mostly Noracks who
were shocked at Doomar's strange appearance. They didn't see Dwarves very often
in those lands, let alone ones that were both Malrog and Olrog. On two
occasions Lannon was accused of consorting with Goblins, with the assumption
being that Doomar was some type of short Ogre who had slipped away from a
nearby Goblin breeding ground called Blackspring Bog. Lannon had been forced to
prove his innocence by having Doomar speak to show he wasn't some beastly
Goblin (though even after the Dwarf spoke, some still doubted he was human).

At last they reached the lakeshore and purchased a boat
ride. Lannon saw immediately that the captain was a pirate looking to rob his
customers, but Lannon kept that knowledge to himself. He was in too much of a
hurry to look for another boat, and he was certain that with Doomar at his
side, the rogues were overmatched.

Soon they were out on open water.

"It's a fine day," said Lannon, enjoying the
breeze. The padded bench was very comfortable beneath him, and if he hadn't
been surrounded by a crew of pirates, he might have chosen to doze off for a
time.

"An excellent boat too," said Doomar, yawning.
"I'm ready for a nap."

Lannon decided it was time to reveal the truth.

He leaned close to the Dwarf and whispered, "Don't get
too comfortable. The captain is a pirate who has robbed countless people. The
crewmen are vicious cutthroats, very skilled with their knives."

Doomar's eyes widened. "I had no idea. They all seem
very pleasant. Do you think they will try to rob us?"

"Why wouldn't they?" said Lannon. "There are
only two of us, and we have goods that are worth taking."

"But not much money," said Doomar. "Perhaps
they will let us be."

 
Lannon shook his
head. "No, they fully intend to rob us. They plan to take only a portion
of our money and our most expensive items."

"But we could report them," said Doomar.
"Surely the Wolfbine officials would have them arrested. Wouldn't that
make them hesitate?"

"The pirates would simply deny it," said Lannon.
"And the Wolfbine officials are paid off and always side with them. It is
a very profitable business for the pirates and those who are in league with
them."

"This is an outrageous scam," said Doomar,
looking disgusted. "People are robbed and then their complaints are
ignored. It makes me angry."

"It troubles me as well," said Lannon.

Doomar's hand knotted into a broad fist. "I don't like
violence, but I assume we're not going to accept being stolen from. So what
happens if someone fights back against these rogues?"

"They disappear below the waves," said Lannon.
"Never to be seen again. There are undoubtedly a lot of bones beneath
Legend Lake."

"You glimpsed all that?" said Doomar, in
amazement.

Lannon shrugged. "Sometimes the Eye of Divinity can be
very effective. It depends on certain factors."

"What factors?" asked Doomar.

Lannon sighed. He didn't like this topic. "My energy
level, my surroundings...how deeply I dare to study those surroundings." A
chill crept over his flesh, as dark memories of things he had glimpsed with the
Eye resurfaced. "My sight is very clear on this lake," he added.
"Free of distractions. In fact, I don't ever remember it being this clear
before. I hope it lasts."

Doomar shook his head. "It is truly
extraordinary."

They fell silent for a time, with only the sounds of the
waves, the men rowing, and a few circling birds reaching their ears.

Then the captain paid them a visit. He was a tall, lean man
wearing a large red hat to match his red clothes. He was clean-shaven, his
black hair hanging down from beneath the hat to his shoulders, and he possessed
a hard, weathered face. A curved sword hung from his belt.

"How is everything?" he asked. "I trust you
are comfortable?" When they nodded, he went on, "Would you care for a
drink? We have wine, ale, or water. And my cook is currently preparing some
food."

"Water, for me," said Lannon.

"Same for me," said Doomar.

The captain's eyes widened. "A Dwarf who doesn't favor
ale? I've never seen the like of it." He peered closely at Doomar from
beneath the red rim of his flamboyant hat. "Are you ill, my friend?"

Doomar shrugged. "I drink it now and then, but I don't
really care for it. I usually just drink water, milk, or tea."

The captain chuckled. "No ale for this Dwarf, then.
How odd. Did your mother guilt you into avoiding it or something?"

Doomar looked away. "No, I just don't enjoy it."

The captain patted him on the shoulder. "No worries at
all. Each to their own, my good Dwarf. Each to their own. I can brew some tea
if you'd like."

"Tea would be fine," said Doomar.

The captain placed two fingers atop his hat and bowed.
Lannon noted that he was a very cunning and dangerous warrior. His thick red
tunic and trousers offered his body little protection, but he was a master
swordsman who knew many tricky moves. He had slain warriors much stronger than
himself with those moves. The vast expanse of water around the boat gave the
captain confidence, for he had been born and raised on the distant sea, his
knuckles scarred from many brawls and his blood flowing with the rhythm of the
salty waves. He was as wild as a wolf and would kill anyone who threatened his
way of life.

The captain went off to get their drinks.

When he returned, he fixed his gaze on Lannon. "You
possess a knowing look, young traveler. I sense you are one who seeks the truth
of things." He handed over their drinks, his eyes never leaving Lannon.

"I suppose I do," said Lannon. "Now and
then."

The captain leaned close to him. "And what do you know
of me? What kind of man is in charge of this boat?" He grinned.

The captain was simply playing a game with Lannon to amuse
himself--passing some time before the robbery. Lannon decided to play along.

"A man of conviction," said Lannon. "A man
who believes in himself and his way of life. But a man with doubts."

"Doubts?" said the captain, looking surprised.
"Explain."

"We all have doubts," said Lannon.
"Especially those of us who do things we know are wrong. The truth gnaws
at us."

The captain nodded. "So, something eats at your
conscience."

"Not mine," said Lannon. "Yours."

The captain sneered. "My conscience is clear. Why
shouldn't it be? I make an honest living by fighting for what I have."

"I disagree," said Lannon. "Simply because
you work hard doesn't mean what you do is justified. It may feel right to you,
but that doesn't make it right." Lannon folded his arms across his chest,
gazing out across the water as he waited for the captain's response.

The captain's expression soured. "I never want to
insult a passenger, but you've got a smart mouth and an arrogant attitude. You
obviously think you're superior to everyone around you. I don't care for your
kind."

"You asked," said Lannon. "I gave you an
answer, and you clearly don't like it. I don't think I'm superior to you. But I
do reserve the right to state my opinion, especially if someone asks for
it."

Yet Lannon considered the captain's words. Was he being
arrogant? His ability to glimpse the truth of things put him on a different
level than everyone else. Was it causing his ego to swell?

The captain glowered at him. "I don't forgive an
insult so easily. You're suggesting I'm a man of poor character. That's a slap
to my face, after I showed you great hospitality. I demand an apology!"

Then the Eye of Divinity locked onto the drinks, revealing
that they contained a mild poison that would make Lannon and Doomar ineffective
in battle and much easier to rob. Anger surged through him.

"It appears you're a coward as well, Captain. Afraid
of a fair fight?"

"What are you talking about?" asked the pirate.
"You speak nonsense."

"What
are
you talking about, Lannon?"
asked Doomar.

"Our drinks are tainted," Lannon replied. He
emptied his cup onto the deck. "Isn't that right, Captain?"

The captain's mouth dropped open. "Poison? Certainly
not! Why would I ever poison my paying customers? This is an outrage!"

"Because you're a thief," said Lannon, rising
from the bench. "And a murderer." He drew his sword--the Glaetherin
weapon that Doomar had given him. The gleaming blade flashed in the sunlight.
"Admit the truth."

The captain drew his own sword. He grinned. "A thief I
am, boy, and proud of it. Your insight is impressive--or perhaps you know of my
reputation. It doesn't matter either way. You're the next victim!"

Lannon ripped the sword from the pirate's hand and flung it
into the lake. Then he reached forth with the Eye and lifted the captain into
the air.

"Are you sure you want a fight?" said Lannon.

A crew member ran at Lannon, swinging a heavy oar at the
back of his head. But Doomar grabbed the oar and snapped it in two. A gasp
arose from the other crewmen at this mighty display of strength.

"Stay back!" Lannon warned, lifting the captain
higher to show his power. "I could throw him off the boat if I wanted
to!"

The crewmen backed away, looking uncertain.

"I surrender," the captain mumbled. "Put me
down."

Lannon was getting tired, so he lowered the captain to the
deck. "There's no need for bloodshed. Will you cooperate?"

"That depends," said the captain, his face
somber. "What are your plans? Are you going to put me out of business?
Obviously you are no ordinary warrior." He shook his head in amazement.
"I don't know what you are. I obviously can't fight you, but I can order
my crew to take this boat back to shore."

Lannon glared at him. "I would like to put you out of
business, but I don't have time for that. I have pressing business of my own.
Take me to Wolfbine. I already paid for the journey, and you can keep the
money."

"I don't like this, Lannon," said Doomar.
"This man is a thief and a killer. Are we going to simply let him continue
to hurt people?"

Lannon hesitated. "Right now, we need this boat. Our
mission is too important to delay." Lannon was getting tired of putting
the quest for the Green Flamestone ahead of everything else, but what choice
did he have? Bellis Kingdom was continuing its brutal expansion and had to be
dealt with soon.

The captain turned to his crew, his eyes cold.
"Proceed with the journey. Give the passengers no trouble." With
that, he walked away.

Chapter
14:

The Temple of the Great
Light

As their ship drew close to Wolfbine Island, the Divine Knights
glimpsed lush green hills and many large and shining mansions and towers.
Wolfbine was a rich kingdom that had surrendered to Bellis without a fight.
Business went on as usual in the towns, and those of wealth and noble blood
continued to maintain an existence of luxury under the rule of King Verlamer.
Wolfbine prospered because it offered no opposition to Bellis--except for the
Temple.

The Temple of the Great Light stood on a cliff above a
sandy beach--a golden dome that had stood there for centuries unchanged. Some
believed the Temple received divine protection from its god to have survived
for so long, though many dismissed that idea as silly. The Great Light itself
was considered by many to be a mere myth, as no living person could boast of
having glimpsed the god that supposedly hovered above the deadly slopes of
Stormy Mountain. In fact, many believed it was the Deep Shadow that spawned the
endless storms above the peak and the flashing lights that erupted in the dark
clouds.

But the Paladins of the Temple were strong in their faith,
and they refused to acknowledge Verlamer as their king. The great stone door
was closed to Bellis and no taxes were paid. Verlamer tolerated the Temple out
of fear of a widespread backlash. The Temple was so ancient and so respected
across Gallamerth that even the ruler of Bellis dared not interfere with it.
And there was no need to. The Temple did nothing to thwart Verlamer's plans
(unlike Dremlock Kingdom, which remained his greatest threat). It simply
existed, and was easily left alone. The Paladins--the sworn defenders of the
Temple--seemed content to remain in seclusion, apparently oblivious to the
troubles of the outside world.

The Divine Knights stood and gazed upon it in awe and
reverence. The great dome was covered in pale, golden scales like Dragon skin,
and a trident adorned with three large white crystals rose from the top. The
crystals blazed in the sun like the Great Light itself. Towering statues of
armored Paladins ringed the building, their faces stern beneath their scaly,
winged helmets and their swords held high. Ancient, crumbling stone pillars
rose from the water--marking a path leading to the beach below the Temple.
Three ships with blue and gold sails, belonging to the Temple, rested in the
harbor. Protruding from the prow of each ship was an aquatic Dragon figurehead
made of polished wood.

"It's not Dremlock," said Aldreya, "but it
feels like home."

Bekka could feel it too. The Temple seemed to welcome her,
to sooth her troubled mind. It was a structure of peace and order in a chaotic
world.

"I don't think I belong here," said Saranna, her
eyes wide.

Brakthas nodded. "This isn't a place for lowly
Rangers."

"I'll stay outside," said Galandra.

"Why?" said Dallsa. "The three of you are as
worthy as any of us."

"I'm not going in, either," said Jerret.

"That's nonsense," said Dallsa. "We will all
go in."

"Not likely," said the captain, shaking his head.
"No one is allowed to enter the Temple these days except the Paladins. I'm
afraid you've come here for nothing. Take a good look at it, my friends.
Beautiful, is it not? We can only wonder how it looks on the inside, yet none
of us will ever know."

Aldreya glanced the captain. "Take us to the
dock."

The captain sighed. "I guess you have to learn the
hard way. But it's a long climb up that cliff, only to be turned away."

The ship passed between the ancient pillars and docked.

The captain gazed at the stone stairway that led up steeply
along the cliff face. He shuddered. "It tires me out just looking at it. I
climbed it once, when I was younger. I was dead on my feet by the time I
reached the dome. I had hoped to get a glimpse of the interior, but I was
turned away." His face showed bitterness. "Perhaps if they had let me
in, things would have been different."

"What things?" asked Aldreya.

"My way of life," said the captain, bowing his
head.

Aldreya gazed at him piercingly. "There is something
you're not proud of?"

"Many things," the captain said quietly. He gazed
at his hands. "So much blood...and pain. And for what? Why should money
cause so much misery? We destroy ourselves with laziness and greed. I will say
no more."

"I think I understand," said Aldreya.

He nodded, his eyes bloodshot. "I think you do, clever
girl. But I've been drinking too much, and my words are foolish. Go now and
make your climb. But when you are turned away, don't become bitter as I did.
Promise me."

Bekka's suspicions were confirmed. This man had done evil
for the sake of money, and it gnawed at his soul. But he chose to ignore his
guilt and surrender to his greed. She felt only disgust for him.

The other Knights gazed at him in pity. They didn't know
what sins he had committed that haunted his conscience, but they could tell
that he was suffering for his actions. The sight of the magnificent Temple
seemed to affect all of them, bringing their emotions to the surface.

All of them except Aldreya.

She was as stony as ever, the unflinching apprentice of
Taris Warhawk who had seemingly mastered her emotions.

"Come," she said, motioning to the others.
"The Temple awaits us."

***

It was indeed a tiring climb up the stone stairway. The
wind blew against them as they ascended the cliff. Their Elder Hawk circled
above, watching them. Dallsa, who was plump and not used to rigorous exercise,
kept lagging behind. Dallsa was exhausted from constantly worrying about Lannon
in the hours of the night. Finally Galandra put her arm around the healer and
helped her along. Meanwhile, the Birlotes surged ahead, seemingly tireless.

At last they reached the cliff top and stood before the
great dome. Two Paladins, standing atop some marble steps, guarded the towering
stone door. They wore shining blue-and-gold armor and large, sheathed swords
with golden hilts. Like the statues that circled the Temple, they also wore
scaly, winged helmets that were modeled after aquatic Dragons. One was a male
and one a female, but they were roughly the same size and had the same muscular
build. They gazed sternly at the Knights as they approached, but also showed
curiosity.

Aldreya bowed to them, her green cloak billowing in the
breeze. "Greetings, servants of the Great Light. We come here on important
business. We seek to enter and speak with your leader."

The female Paladin spoke. "Outsiders are not permitted
inside the Temple. If you wish to meet with our Lord Paladin, it will take
place out here. But he is never to be disturbed unless it is very
important."

"It concerns Bellis Kingdom," said Aldreya.
"We are Knights of Dremlock and servants of the Divine Essence--the
Messenger of the Great Light. We have journeyed far and faced many
troubles."

The two guards exchanged a surprised glance.

"I will deliver your message," said the female
Paladin. "Knights of Dremlock were always welcome here in the past, but I
must consult with our leader. Wait here until I return." With that, the
two guards pulled open the stone door and she went inside. The great door was
closed again.

The Knights waited in silence.

At last she returned. "The Lord Paladin has stated
that Divine Knights are still welcome to enter our Temple. However, he has
commanded that only
true
Divine Knights may enter. No Squires or hired
help allowed."

"That rules me out," said Jerret. "It's for
the better, I suppose. I wouldn't want to disgrace this holy shrine with my
lowly presence." He sat down on the steps, looking sullen.

The Rangers also sat down. They looked relieved.

"I prefer the fresh air anyway," said Saranna.
"No stuffy temples for me. Give me field, hill, or forest and I'm
happy."

Brakthas nodded. "I couldn't agree more."

"I wouldn't have minded taking a peek inside,"
said Galandra. "But oh well. Life goes on, and there is plenty more to
see."

Jace frowned at the Paladins. "Allow me to introduce
myself. I'm Jace Lancelord--scholar, historian, philosopher, author, adventurer,
and former Divine Knight. Perhaps you have heard of me? I have traveled this
continent from sea to sea. I have been to this Temple before, eighty years
ago."

"Never heard of you," said the male Paladin.

"Only true Knights allowed," the female Paladin
said sternly.

"Well, I never..." Jace shook his head in
disbelief. "This decision is not in your best interests, oh Warriors of
Goldbrine. Dremlock relies on me for wisdom. Anything that is discussed in
there should involve me."

The Paladins said nothing. Their faces were stony.

"Wait with the others, Jace," Aldreya commanded.

Fumbling about in his pockets, Jace produced his pipe, then
slumped down on the steps. "Very well. I guess I'll just sit out here and
have a smoke then." The towering sorcerer glared at the Paladins.
"Smoking
is
still allowed on your Temple steps, right?"

The Elder Hawk landed on the steps next to Jace. It gazed
at him, cocking its head to one side.

"What are you staring at?" Jace muttered.

"What about me?" asked Dallsa. "I'm not quite
a Knight and not quite a Squire." She frowned. "I'm not sure exactly
what I am, besides a healer. Do I qualify?" When no one answered, she
said, "Well, I guess I'll just wait out here then. I wouldn't want to
cause any trouble."

The female Paladin beckoned the others to follow. They
entered the Temple, and the stone door was pulled shut behind them.

They found themselves in a large chamber with the curved
ceiling of the dome high above them. This was the Temple Sanctuary. It was
lined with wooden benches leading to a marble altar inscribed with holy
symbols. Towering windows of stained glass lined the chamber, through which
beams of colorful sunlight entered. Behind the altar was a perfect sphere of
white crystal the size of a cabin, perched atop a golden pedestal, and an
intricate series of windows and mirrors caused the crystal orb to shine with a
radiant glow. The smell of incense was strong in the air.

"This is extraordinary," said Aldreya. "More
wondrous than I ever imagined. Not even our Sacred Temple at Dremlock can
compare to this."

The female Paladin nodded. "Consider this a blessing,
for few outsiders ever glimpse the inside of our Temple these days. Long ago it
was open to the public, but the evil of the Deep Shadow found its way in and
spread like a sickness. It took years to eliminate that evil. Ever since, the
Temple has been sealed to all but a few important visitors."

"We are grateful," said Prince Vannas. "This
is a moment in life I will always treasure." He gave his name and then
added, "I am a Prince of Borenthia and the Bearer of the White Flamestone
as appointed by the Divine Essence." He extended his hand.

She accepted it and bowed. "I am honored by your
presence, great prince. My name is Theradaxa of the Temple Guard."

Aldreya and the others introduced themselves.

"This is a moment I too will treasure," said
Theradaxa. "I had always wanted to meet Divine Knights, and to have such
important ones before me is truly an honor. I know of your struggles against
Bellis and I am impressed. Dremlock is the only kingdom to withstand King
Verlamer's invasion and remain free. The Great Light indeed shines upon
Dremlock and its servants."

"We are sisters," said Aldreya. "I say that
with great pride in my heart. For we serve the same god and fight against the
same evil. It is good to see that unity still exists between Dremlock and the
Temple of the Great Light."

Theradaxa bowed. "Indeed, we are sisters. And I am
sorry that Dremlock has had to struggle alone against tyranny. Perhaps that
will change."

"That is my hope," said Aldreya. "That is
why we're here."

"I must leave you now," Theradaxa said.
"Seat yourselves on the benches. Our Lord Paladin, Edwane Marlacos, will
visit you shortly." With that, she returned to guard duty at the Temple
door, leaving the Knights alone.

Vorden, who sat next to Aldreya, leaned close to her.
"I'm not sure I should be in here. It doesn't feel right. I know it's just
the darkness inside me, but it's squirming about anxiously. I feel
exposed."

Aldreya nodded. "The light of truth always makes the
darkness squirm. It isn't you, Vorden. You must stand your ground."

"It troubles me as well," said Bekka. Like
Vorden, she was feeling the squirming of the darkness inside her. A voice in
her head told her she wasn't worthy to remain in the Temple, that she should
leave at once.

"The lies of the Deep Shadow," said Aldreya.
"Ignore them."

"But if the Deep Shadow is in us," said Vorden,
"we are a danger to this place. Surely the Paladins wouldn't want us here
if they knew."

"Within you and Bekka," said Aldreya, "the
Deep Shadow is broken. It no longer has a will or purpose. It is mindless
sorcery. It cannot be spread to others and it poses no threat to this
Sanctuary. Stop worrying and relax."

"This place is amazing," said Daledus, turning
this way and that to get a look at everything. "If only Lannon could see
this."

"He would love it," said Vorden, smiling.
"He was always so fond of the Sacred Temple at Dremlock." Vorden
sighed. "I hope he's okay."

Bekka shook her head sadly. "What fate has befallen
our High Watchman?" She found herself missing Lannon's presence--his
simple, stubborn, and hopelessly optimistic attitude.

"I don't know," said Aldreya, looking grim.
"But I certainly haven't given up hope that we will see him soon, that the
Eye of Divinity will guide him to us no matter what challenges he faces."