The Rogue Knight (23 page)

The Dreadknight halted about ten paces from the Rogue Knight. “You dare to challenge me for control of Edgemont?” the Dreadknight asked, his voice a roaring bass.

“I would prefer if you stepped down voluntarily,” the Rogue Knight replied. “I respect your many years of service as champion here. I admire your prowess in combat. You are past your prime. There is no need for you to perish today. Why not retire and enjoy the fruit of your labors?”

“For that insult I will end you slowly,” the Dreadknight thundered.

“Forgive me if I end slower than you expect,” the Rogue Knight replied. “Shall we?”

The Dreadknight lumbered forward, sword raised in two hands, and brought it down as if swinging a sledgehammer. The Rogue Knight sidestepped the swipe and sprang forward to counterattack, but the Dreadknight's blade had not gone into the ground as had seemed inevitable from the force of the swing. The Dreadknight halted the fall of his broadsword and whipped it sideways, bashing the Rogue Knight in the side and flinging him to the dirt.

Cole bit his lip almost hard enough to draw blood. If they wanted access to Blackmont Castle, they needed the Rogue Knight to win! Otherwise, they would be forced to take Mira and run.

The blow had crumpled the side of the Rogue Knight's armor. Blood wasn't apparent, but the brutal impact could have broken his spine.

The Dreadknight advanced on his fallen opponent. From his back, the Rogue Knight deflected a brutal downswing. Still supine, the Rogue Knight kicked at the Dreadknight with both legs. The larger knight spun away from the kick, reversed his grip on the broadsword, and stabbed the point at the Rogue Knight's head.

Cole almost looked away as the tip of the giant blade scraped against the helmet and plunged into the dirt. The Rogue Knight had jerked sideways just enough for the sword to strike a glancing blow. Rolling away, the Rogue Knight scrambled to his hands and knees. The Dreadknight savagely kicked him in the side. Verity flew free as the Rogue Knight went sprawling.

Weaponless and wobbly, the Rogue Knight rose to a kneeling position while the Dreadknight readied his broadsword for a home run swing to the back of his opponent's neck. Unsure whether the Rogue Knight would even see the blow coming, Cole winced as the huge blade hissed toward the fatal strike, but the Rogue Knight ducked it, losing one of his antlers rather than his head. He then lunged at the Dreadknight's legs, wrapping them with both arms like a veteran linebacker. The Dreadknight went down hard, landing flat on his back.

Armor scored and deformed, helmet asymmetrical with the single antler, the Rogue Knight staggered to his feet and retrieved Verity. Sword in hand, he turned to face the Dreadknight as the larger combatant used his broadsword like a crutch to stand up.

“I want you to know,” the Rogue Knight said, “you've given me a better fight than any champion I've faced.”

Back on his feet, the Dreadknight took a firm stance and held up his sword. “You have heart,” the Dreadknight said. “I'll grant you that much.”

Sword down at his side, the Rogue Knight walked toward the Dreadknight with a measured tread. “I will spare you if you join me. I seldom make this offer. Be one of my knights. Help me right the wrongs in Elloweer.”

Roaring, the Dreadknight charged forward. Entirely on the defensive, the Rogue Knight deflected one mighty swipe, then another, and another. The Dreadknight attacked relentlessly—forehand, backhand, forehand, backhand. Though the Rogue Knight managed to knock the swings astray, he had no time for a counterattack before the next one came his way. The Dreadknight tirelessly pressed his opponent back. Each ringing collision of blades made Cole wonder how either man kept hold of his weapon.

After getting backed up to the wall of the battleground, the Rogue Knight changed his grip, keeping one hand on Verity's hilt, but moving his palm to the flat of the blade. Instead of deflecting the next blow, the Rogue Knight stopped it cold. For a moment, the two knights stood frozen, locked in a contest of strength. Then the Dreadknight tried a kick. The Rogue Knight dropped his sword and caught the leg with both hands.

Cole leaned forward to the edge of his seat. The new situation caused a pause in the combat. The Rogue Knight lacked his weapon, but he had his opponent in a tricky position.

“Balance is important when wearing armor,” the Rogue Knight said, holding the leg and walking the Dreadknight backward. The hulking knight hopped on one foot to keep from falling. “Try to swing at me.”

As the Dreadknight pulled back his arm to swing, the Rogue Knight twisted his leg so that the larger knight was at the very edge of toppling. The Dreadknight had to hop wildly to stay up and couldn't bring his sword to bear.

“This is over,” the Rogue Knight said. “One last chance. Join me, and our enmity is forgotten.”

“You've lost your sword.”

“You've lost the fight.”

“We're even at best.”

“Very well. I warned you.”

Cole thought the Rogue Knight would use his hold of the Dreadknight's leg to push him over backward. Instead, the Rogue Knight shifted his grip, heaved the Dreadknight into the air, and body slammed him. As one, the audience gasped in shock and amazement.

The Rogue Knight picked up the Dreadknight's broadsword, turned it so it was tip down, raised it high with two hands, and plunged it between the helmet and the top of the breastplate. The Dreadknight lay still as the Rogue Knight stalked over to retrieve Verity. The Dreadknight's broadsword protruded from the fallen champion like a gravestone.

C
HAPTER

 23 

PRISONER

T
he audience watched in stunned silence as the Rogue Knight crouched and picked up his sword. With a flourish, he raised Verity high, and the assemblage burst into applause.

Cole was on his feet. Everyone else had risen as well.

“No way!” Jace yelled in amazement. “That didn't just happen! Did you see that?”

Cole had seen. The Dreadknight had lost in a big way.

Moving to the center of the arena floor, the Rogue Knight absorbed the adulation for a long moment before sheathing his blade and raising his hands to calm the cheering. The crowd began to quiet down and sit.

The Dreadknight's twelve knights gathered around his still body. They withdrew the huge sword from him and removed his helmet. The arena became silent. Because of the distance and those huddled around him, Cole couldn't see the Dreadknight well, but he could tell that he had gray hair. With the tension of the fight over, it hit Cole that he'd just watched a man die. This wasn't some action movie—it had really happened, right in front of him. He glanced quickly at Dalton and saw that his friend looked ill.

“Now he's the Deadknight,” Jace murmured.

The Rogue Knight raised a hand to speak. “Knights of the Dreadknight,” he called. “Do you confirm that I have won this challenge?”

One of the knights took off his own helm. He had longish brown hair and a trimmed beard. “I am Desmond Engle, first knight of the knights of Edgemont. The Dreadknight has fallen. You are the new champion of Edgemont, Rogue Knight. Have you a name?”

“The people have bestowed on me the title ‘Rogue Knight,'” he answered. “It suits me for now. The alderman of Edgemont and all who serve under him are hereby relieved of their positions. I would like to meet with the former knights of Edgemont in order to discuss possibilities of continued service. The guardsmen of Edgemont are now under my command, and will defend this city from any outside incursion. Until further notice, there will be no tax burden placed on the people of Edgemont.”

Enthusiastic cheers greeted his final statement. The Rogue Knight waited for the reaction to die down.

“It has not escaped my attention,” the Rogue Knight continued, “that during the night, guardsmen from neighboring cities, principally Merriston, accompanied by a large group of legionnaires, have taken up positions at the outskirts of our city. The coward Rustin Sage wants to arrest me as a criminal rather than face the challenge I made to him more than three fortnights ago. I have won all my championships legally, but when I tried to pressure Rustin to do his duty and fight me, he declared me an outlaw. Rustin Sage seeks to escape justice, and in the process, he threatens to undo our system of government.”

Murmurs percolated through the arena. Some people seemed to support the Rogue Knight. Others grumbled against him.

“If you are not a fighter, I suggest you return to your homes,” the Rogue Knight said. “Knights, guardsmen, and fighting men of Edgemont, I implore you to do your duty and defend Edgemont from any aggressors. Merriston has no authority here. Not even the High King has the right to come here and unseat your champion.”

The crowd reacted with some outrage, but Cole didn't think it felt like enough. Many people mumbled to one another uncertainly. Some men and women shook their heads. Several in the crowd began to make their way toward the exits.

“I hope the neighboring cities are bluffing,” the Rogue Knight said. “If they have come in earnest to violate the laws of the land and wrest away my championship, we will resist them. I will now retire to Blackmont Castle with my knights and the Dreadknight's men to make preparations.”

“Permission to remove the Dreadknight's remains before we join you at the castle?” Desmond asked.

“Granted,” the Rogue Knight replied. “But I need access to Blackmont.”

“Understood,” Desmond said. “I will send Oster with you to acquaint you with the accommodations and defenses. You fought well today, Rogue Knight. Your victory was duly earned.”

Scattered applause greeted the observation. Most people were now leaving. Cole wondered how much support the Rogue Knight would have against the soldiers who wanted to apprehend him.

The Rogue Knight strode over to his knights. He gestured toward Mira in the stands, and Cole saw her coming down a ladder to join them on the floor of the arena. Her obedience appeared voluntary.

“We have to get down there,” Cole said. “This could be our only chance to join up with them.”

“Right,” Jace agreed. “Come on.”

As a tide of bodies flowed toward the exits, Cole, Jace, Dalton, Skye, and Sultan worked their way toward the arena floor. Mira now stood near the Rogue Knight. Several guardsmen approached him, perhaps seeking orders. Working together, four knights carried the Dreadknight between them. A fifth reverently bore his broadsword.

“Let's shed our seemings,” Skye announced. “Nobody is going to bother us now. If Mira sees us, she might help us get access.”

The others suddenly looked like themselves, so Cole assumed that he did too. The Rogue Knight and Mira moved toward a door on the arena floor that led under the grandstands. Cole tried to hurry, but the press of people in the overfilled arena made it difficult. He saw Mira scanning the crowd, but her eyes never settled in his direction. If she left with the Rogue Knight, it would be hard to catch up! The castle would be sealed against intruders.

A flicker of motion off to the side caught Cole's eye. He turned to see a winged figure soaring over the crowd and down toward the arena floor. A couple of knights reached for weapons as the figure landed with a shimmer of insectile wings, but Mira ran to Twitch and waved the knights away.

Turning, Twitch pointed up to the stands. Following his finger, Cole saw Joe making his way down toward Mira. By the time Joe reached the base of the grandstands, Cole and his companions had as well. Mira finally looked Cole's way. Her face lit up when she saw him, and she motioned for him to join her.

Cole found a ladder down to the arena floor. He, Dalton, Jace, Skye, and Sultan caught up to Mira at the same time as Joe. Mira was beaming. “I'm so happy you all found me!” she said. “I was watching for you!”

“Are you all right?” Cole asked, still unsure whether they needed to make a run for it while the crowd continued to pour out of the arena.

Mira glanced toward the Rogue Knight. “Pretty much. At least we have a way into Blackmont Castle.”

“You're not a prisoner?” Cole checked.

“I am,” Mira said hesitantly. “But the Rogue Knight isn't all bad. We're kind of working together for now. Is that— Are you Dalton?” she asked Dalton.

He smiled back at her. “Yep.”

Cole beamed with excitement. “We found him at the confidence lounge, and he's coming with us now, to help us find Honor.”

“We can explain everything later,” Jace cut in. “Where were you?” he asked Twitch.

“Joe and I couldn't get in for the duel,” Twitch explained. “But after people started leaving, nobody checked who entered.”

The Rogue Knight approached them. “Mira, we have to go.”

“These are my friends,” Mira said.

“I remember all but these two,” the Rogue Knight said, indicating Sultan and Dalton.

“I'm here to help,” Sultan pledged.

“We could use help,” the Rogue Knight said. “I expect an attack within the hour.” He gestured at Cole. “Some among you have more to them than meets the eye. Mira, you want them with us?”

“Yes,” she said.

“Very well, join us in the castle. There is much to be done.”

Surrounded by knights, Cole exited the arena through a tunnel under the stands. He fell into step beside Mira. “You're really okay?” he asked quietly.

“I'm better now,” she said. “I was worried I'd never find you guys.”

“Does he know who you are?” Cole whispered, glancing ahead at the Rogue Knight.

“Yeah,” Mira said. “He knew when he took me. I didn't deny it.”

“What's he like?” Cole asked.

“Except for kidnapping me, he's been great. He's considerate and protective. He's reasonable and fair. It was my idea to come here.”

“He knows about your sister?” Cole asked.

Mira nodded. “That's how I convinced him. It's the main reason we came. He wants to find her too.”

“What if he takes you both captive?”

“It's a possibility,” Mira said. “Better him than Blackmont Castle. He's against the High King. We'll have to play it by ear. I'm so glad you tracked down Dalton!”

Cole turned and motioned Dalton forward. Dalton trotted closer and gave a little wave. “I've heard a lot about you.”

“Same,” Mira said. “I'm glad Cole found you. It's been his top priority.”

Dalton grinned. “Things have gotten more exciting since he showed up.”

“Hold on tight,” Mira replied. “It's going to get worse before it gets better.”

Cole couldn't resist smiling. It was weird to see worlds colliding—his best friend in Elloweer talking to his best friend from back home.

They exited the arena and moved up a wide, paved road toward Blackmont Castle. Cole noticed Jace hanging back. He tried to get his attention, but Jace deliberately avoided eye contact.

The Rogue Knight was speaking to the knight Desmond had sent with him. Cole edged forward to hear better.

“. . . most of them don't want anything to do with you,” Oster was saying. “We were approached last night by men speaking for Rustin Sage. In the event of the Dreadknight losing, they promised we would all be reinstated as knights under a new champion if we helped defeat you. The Dreadknight threw them out. He told us that if he fell, we needed to serve the new champion. But most of the knights met with those emissaries privately. You won't see most of them again unless they attack you. I expect similar loyalty from the guardsmen. Desmond will hold true, as will I, which is why he sent me with you. Raul will hold true as well. Probably no others.”

“It's less than I hoped, but more than I expected,” the Rogue Knight said. “I appreciate your candor and loyalty. It will be rewarded. Our first order of business will be to visit the secret prisoner.”

“There is more than one,” Oster said.

“One is more secret than the others,” the Rogue Knight said.

“Perhaps, but that prisoner—” Oster began.

“Is now under my control,” the Rogue Knight finished. “We cannot win the coming battle by force. Bargaining may be necessary.”

Oster tapped the side of his nose. “Savvy thought. You're no fool.”

“It's seldom listed among my faults,” the Rogue Knight said. “Can you confirm the identity of the prisoner?”

“I have no idea,” Oster said. “Only the Dreadknight knew, along with a few of those Enforcer types who come and go. The rest of us never even glimpsed the prisoner. But you're right. You now have the authority to find out.”

“Make that our first destination,” the Rogue Knight said.

They walked through the yawning gates of Blackmont Castle and into a courtyard built to intimidate. Jace pointed out a row of brownish skulls mounted on spikes. Cole noticed a collection of yellowed rib cages. The Rogue Knight ordered the gates closed behind them. He then sent three of his knights to ensure they stayed shut.

Oster led the way into the castle itself. They climbed stairs and traversed halls. Guardsmen saluted as they passed. At length they reached a sturdy iron door guarded by two men in armor.

“Meet the Rogue Knight,” Oster said to the guards. “He's the new champion of Edgemont.”

“Open the door and stand aside,” the Rogue Knight ordered.

The guards glanced at each other uncomfortably. One of them cleared his throat. “We can't let you pass.”

“I'm the champion of this town and the master of this castle,” the Rogue Knight said, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Step aside, or you will be executed for treason.”