The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series (20 page)

Matt introduced him to his comrades. They all welcomed him and brought him over to the fire. The sun disappeared, and they all set about eating their food.

Ambry finished a mouthful. “This is good and thank you for sharing with me. May I ask what you’re doing camped out by my wagon?”

They all let Matt do the talking since it they were friends. “That, Ambry, is a long story.” He took another bite before he continued. He retold the events of the afternoon and Ambry looked on wide-eyed, shocked at parts.

They finished their meals as Matt completed his story. Jaeden collected all of the bowls and set about cleaning them.

Ambry took his time absorbing everything he had shared, and after a moment, he looked at Tirene. “I’m sorry to hear you almost died, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at you.” He switched his glance to Matt. “I can’t believe I almost stumbled upon them myself...”

Liniana got up and helped Jaeden with the cleaning—now that most of her strength had returned. Matt and Ambry were lost in conversation about past times. Tirene took this time to ponder the day's events and where everything had gone wrong.

After a while, Jaeden returned and sat down next to Tirene. “Whatever you did, this is the happiest I’ve seen her since I joined you.” He looked back over his shoulder; noticed Liniana praying by the river and the other two still lost in conversation, and turned back to Tirene. “They are going to talk all night and Liniana will be praying for the next hour. Do you want to practice with me?”

Tirene laughed at the boy. “I almost died today and you want me to get up and practice with you? I think I would rather just relax a little.”

This didn’t please Jaeden. “Fine. Can I have the last watch then? There’s nothing else to do but sleep, so I guess I’ll turn in.”

Tirene nodded and Jaeden got up to gather his blankets. Tirene stopped him. “By the way, I didn’t see you get sick today when you saw the corpses. It seems you’re growing accustomed to the negative parts of battle.”

Jaeden turned his head and looked at him over his shoulder. “I hadn’t even noticed, but I guess you’re right.” A small smile spread across his mouth.

Jaeden laid down his blanket and stretched out beneath the stars. Before too long, he was well asleep and snoring. Liniana walked up and put her arms around Tirene's waist. She noticed Matt and Ambry deep in conversation. She whispered to him, “I think you should get some sleep. I had a nap this afternoon and I will take first watch.” She smiled at him to quash his feelings she couldn’t handle it. “I’m feeling refreshed now and am not very tired. I doubt I could sleep if I wanted to.”

“Nonsense, I’m wide awake too. I’ll take the watch with you.” He smiled at her and stood. He walked over to Matt and Ambry and interrupted their conversation. “Pardon my intrusion, but it’s getting late and we need to be off at first light. We lost a lot of travel time today with our encounter.” Matt nodded his agreement, if a little disappointed. “Liniana and I will take the first watch. If you two don’t mind splitting the next watch, Jaeden will take the last.”

Ambry looked at Matt and then at Tirene. “Now that you mention it, I’m a bit tired. Just wake me when it’s my turn and I’ll oblige.” He turned to Matt. “It’s been great catching up with you. We can chat more later, but I think you should find your way back to Carlith. You've been missed.”

Matt nodded at him as he stood up. “One day, my friend. But now isn’t the time.” They both walked over to their horses and grabbed their bedrolls. They laid them out as Tirene rejoined Liniana by the fire, and before too long the pair were fast asleep too.

Sure, the others were asleep, they embraced each other in a passionate kiss. Her warm breath and soft lips raised the hairs on his flesh. She tasted sweet and succulent. He wanted to the moment to last an eternity, but suddenly thought of his current predicament. He was afraid of his current predicament and what it might mean once his memories were returned. He wanted to protest and stop their actions, but her scent drove him into a dreamy state, and he pressed on. Knowing that they didn’t have all the time in the world together, made this moment all the more significant. They stared at one another for what seemed an eternity, before Tirene yawned—exhaustion finally caught up to him. They kissed one last time, before Tirene approached Matt to take the next watch.

Eldrin grew weary of searching for the keepers from Korloth. His party had headed out in a southeasterly direction, and so far only encountered three farms. He questioned the farmers of each, and none of their questioning had wielded any results. He stopped his horse and surveyed the land, dabbing his forehead with a piece of cloth as sweat trickled down his face. A drop trickled over his cracked lips and it felt refreshing. The heat persisted and they hadn’t had a chance to refresh their water in a day. He squinted and looked off in the distance. He could see smoke drifting up into the air from a homestead due south. He pointed out the house to the Minotaurs accompanying him. They nodded and set out in the direction of the home.

It took them an hour to reach it, but as they approached, it looked like a smith's residence—a true rarity considering their distance from any town. The house and shop—made of stone and thatch—seemed a little out of the ordinary for the landscape too. He crept to the door of the smith's shop and heard the clinking of metal. He motioned for the Minotaurs to secure the house and he slid the door open.

Eldrin spotted a figure he hadn’t expected—a short and stocky Dwarf worked on metal, pounding it with a grace no Human could match. Eldrin watched him for a few strokes when the Dwarf raised the hammer and stopped. He turned around realizing someone had entered his shop.

The Dwarf looked to be old in age with a wrinkled and hard-worn face, and a long red beard stretched down to his waist. He narrowed his eyes as he studied the Elf. “You gonna stand there staring, or you wanna come in here and tell me who you are?”

The forwardness of the Dwarf caught Eldrin by surprise, but would proceed with questioning him. Eldrin summoned his spark to bind the Dwarf, but he just laughed and walked toward him. Eldrin didn’t know how that was possible and tried again, but the Dwarf kept coming closer. “Your incantations won’t work against me. I take it you’re after the Humans who rode passed here a couple of days ago.”

Eldrin's lips parted, confused by the situation. “Who are you?”

“No need for you to know my identity. As for the Humans, aye, I saw them.” He walked outside and motioned for Eldrin to follow. Once outside he pointed east. “They passed by here not too long back. They were up there heading southeast, and I might add, with much haste too. Couldn’t have been easy neither. No water around here unless you have a well, as I do.” He turned and looked up at Eldrin. “Don’t know where they be headin' though. Only thing east of here is the Ruvenka Mountains and no town for weeks.” He gave a mischievous smile.

Eldrin stood in shock, unable to believe that the Dwarf had divulged so much, and without the need for his binding at all.

“I told you what I know. You’re welcome to fill your water skin from my well. I suggest you do it and leave.” He turned and went back to work.

Bewildered at this rather odd turn of events, but pleased with the outcome nevertheless, Eldrin walked over to the well and took the opportunity to stock up on water. He filled his skin and walked back to his horse. He gave the Minotaurs time to get water before they set out for the Ruvenka Mountains. Eldrin felt certain he was finally on their trail.

The afternoon drew on and Carlith sat at their backs after leaving Ambry in town. Tirene couldn’t believe the number of people who had tried to talk Matt into staying. He appeared to be a well-loved man. Carlith wasn’t a large town, but nonetheless they spent the night in a bed. Now that Liniana had succumbed to his advances, he found multiple times to visit her room discreetly, which suited him because it stopped the constant pull toward Norlun. He loved every moment of it and relished her attention—the most enjoyable time he had since waking up with the Goblins over a month ago.

They still traveled north where pine and aspen trees were thick and encroached on the road, forcing them to ride in the middle. They rode two abreast with Matt and Jaeden leading and Liniana and Tirene bringing up the rear. They acted like two lovesick kids, exchanging glances with one another when Matt and Jaeden weren’t paying attention. He couldn’t stop staring; the way her golden curls of hair framed her face mesmerized him. He refocused on the road ahead, but got lost in thoughts of the previous night.

A familiar chuckle filled his head.
You continue to amaze me with all the running around and game playing you’re doing with Liniana. All of this courting is enough to drive me mad.

Milenthia! What are you doing here?”
He asked her.

More chuckling.
Never mind that. I’ve continued to keep my eyes on you from time to time and have held counsel with others of my race. We think you hold an important place in what is transpiring, and we mean to find out what it is.

This confused him.
Others? What others? More telepaths like you? Why haven't I seen you?
His frustration surfaced again.

Aren't you the inquisitive little man today? Yes. The others are telepaths as well. It seems someone else in your party has the capability of communicating with us too, they just don’t know it yet.
More laughter.
Humans are such simple creatures, only utilizing a small part of their brain. You need to learn how to unlock more of your potential. Communication with us is rare, and the fact that there are two of you traveling together in one party has us a little bit on edge. So yes, I’m following you, from a distance that is.

Tirene frowned as Liniana stared at him with a puzzled expression. He told her Milenthia had contacted him again, and he refocused on the conversation.
Someone else has the same capabilities? Who?

The young boy. The one you call Jaeden. His gifts are still coming to him, but it won’t be long until he starts to understand he can speak to us as well.
She paused.
I saw you had a run in with Goblins the other day, leaving you wounded and near death. I thought you were more aware than that; to be caught in a simple Goblin trap.

Tirene remembered why he didn’t much care for her.
I gave him the benefit of the doubt and tried to help him out. I had a momentary lapse in judgment.
He sighed.
I think because I know Liniana is around and can heal me, I’m a little reckless. It won’t happen again.

More of Milenthia's damn chuckling filled his head.
I should hope not. I understand you’re still hunting Norlun. We spotted him on the other side of the Ruvenka Mountains over a week ago. I don’t know if I should’ve told you that, but I know you have been worried about whether or not you’re on the correct path. Fear not, you’re heading in the right direction. Let me ask you though, how are you planning to gain the cooperation of the Dwarves? They are a stubborn breed and I would be surprised if they let you pass through their halls.

If the daughter-heir to Havenbrook can’t get us through, I have another trick up my sleeve. They will allow us into their halls.

You seem confident. I hope for your sake you’re correct.

You let me worry about that, and just stay out of our business. We can manage on our own,
he told her.

So stubborn. Have it your way. We’ll continue to monitor you from a distance.

Do whatever you have to, but keep your distance. I don’t understand why you’re keeping such close tabs on me if you won’t come out and help. Leave us alone, or help us, but quit popping in and out, as you have been.

That is for me to know. If I feel the need, when the time is right, I will tell you. Until then we have some sort of connection, so you can be upset about it if you want, but you cannot stop me from following you.

He harrumphed and said,
Suit yourself.
And fell in behind the others. He heard nothing else from her as the day wound on.

Frustration filled Lutheras due to the lack of progress they had made in finding the missing orb, and he stalked around the throne room. He pounded his fists on the table he circled, which caused one of the pieces of parchment to fall off. He bent over and picked it up. He glared at it again, willing it to give him something, anything that would help. He tired of waiting and was ready to move on. He hoped to have the second orb to assist in capturing the third, but his time-line continued to face disruptions.

He motioned for Abei to come over. Lutheras said, “Abei, I’ve been informed Audron and Gaelum are in position south of Riverfell. We’ll join them now and get the orb that’s held there.”

Abei bowed as Lutheras walked forward. He motioned for Tuk to join him and then used the incantation that created a doorway in the wall. The brothers stared, still amazed that he had enough power to create a portal without the dagger. It opened and Abei could see rolling hills with thick black clouds of undulating smoke spread before him. He walked through the portal first; the sensation still unnerved him so he traveled through as quickly as he could. He appeared on the other side, startling the Minotaurs and two brothers. One of the beasts reached for his axe but Audron told him to stay his weapon. Soon after, Lutheras walked through the door and it winked out of existence.

Screaming and sobbing permeated the air, blocking out all other sounds. Lutheras allowed a small smile pass over his lips, as he spotted the two brothers and walked over to them. He noticed the hundreds of commoners huddled together, angry and crying. Audron and Gaelum bowed as their master walked into their presence. “Rise!” He told them. He looked at Gaelum and then stared long and hard at Audron. “You should be thankful you’re still alive, Audron. Your mishap at that farm could have cost me. It’s only by my good graces I’ve allowed you to live. Now is your chance to redeem yourself.” His eyes gleamed, making the two increasingly leery.

Audron bowed his head again. He wanted to explain what happened but appeared very hesitant. Instead, he said, “I thank you, my master. I will die before I let you down again.”

Lutheras motioned for him to get up. “Stop groveling. You’re right. If you fail me again, you will face my wrath. Now we have other matters at hand to attend to.” Lutheras spun around and examined the carnage his troops had already unleashed on Riverfell. “It looks like things have already gone well for you.” He turned back and faced Audron. “Tell me, have you found the orb?”

              Audron looked to his feet, afraid to upset his master any further. “Not yet, my Lord.” Audron brought his gaze back up to meet Lutheras'. “But I have a team of Minotaurs searching the city.”

Lutheras appeared displeased and moved closer toward Audron when Brundahl came rushing up. “My Master, there are two prisoners locked in a cell in the town jail. Should we let them die when the building burns, or should we release them?”

Lutheras pondered for a moment. “Let them out and bring them before me.” The Minotaur turned back to the building, motioning for the others to join, before disappearing inside.

Lutheras’ red eyes were cast down upon the hundreds of prisoners sitting before him. They were all lined up in rows. Lutheras walked toward them. The smoke from the burning buildings grew thick and made it tough to see the streets. The flames burned fast and hot, devouring anything standing in its path; they could feel the heat on their flesh

Lutheras reached the prisoners, many looked toward the town in anguish. This had been their home and their livelihoods for as long as most of these people had known. Almost all of the captured people cried now. Many dropped to their knees as they shrieked and yelled, witnessing their town as it fell to ruin. The winds stirred dust into the air, giving the appearance the captives cried dirt. Children wailed while their mothers tried to console them.

Lutheras’ face registered his elation as he scanned the complete annihilation he was responsible for. He ordered the captives to file in with the other prisoners, and they obliged. Loved ones and friends ran and embraced one another after being reunited. When they all collected together, Lutheras paced back and forth in front of them. He turned and faced the frightened group. “You will all calm down and be quiet for a moment.” He waited for the sobbing to subside. “That is better.” He grinned, which pronounced his eyes even more. “Your houses have been destroyed. So too has your city and all of your livelihoods. Your fields have been burned and there is nothing left for you here. I can undo all of this.” His grin broadened. “I can bring back all of your homes, all of your fields, and restore your town, but I need one thing from you before I will do as I’ve said.” He glanced around the group of prisoners who gave him different looks. Some baffled, others curious, even more were suspicious. He could tell right away many of them would speak up. This pleased him. “I’m looking for an orb hidden somewhere in this town. Tell me where it is, and everything goes back to almost the way it was.” He looked around waiting for anyone to speak up. “Anyone?”

Mumbles spread throughout the group of people as they tried to figure out what he wanted. A young man in his mid-teens that had a puzzled look on his face spoke first. “There is no orb here. I’ve never seen one and I thought they were items from children's tales.”

A haggard old man with gray hair stood—bent over his walking stick—and looked at the young man before he added. “Orbs are real, young man. I’ve seen one once before in my life.” He turned his attention to Lutheras. “There is no orb in Riverfell, wherever you’re getting your information, it’s mistaken.”

Lutheras flashed his hands in the old man's direction as energy shot out and ravaged him. He screamed in pain and agony as he slumped over and fell to the ground. Others backed away screaming, and watched helpless as the old man died right in front of them. Lutheras looked to the others. “Anyone else who doesn’t cooperate will come to the same end as the old man. Now tell me where the orb is.”

More mumbling as people conversed with one another. Mutterings about orbs and other comments flashed between several of the townspeople. Lutheras glared at them, angry they weren’t being very cooperative. He heard people state they had never heard of an orb held in Riverfell, but nobody wanted to speak up, fearing for their lives. This forced Lutheras to address them again. “Maybe I acted a little too hasty with the old man. I need the orb, and any information offered is welcome. I will control my anger if you help me.”

This brought about an influx of people trying to speak. No one had seen or heard of an orb in the town. He was getting nowhere and his aggravation level rose. One of the two men held in the prison stepped forward, fear written all over his face. “What is an orb?”

Lutheras walked over to him, forehead creased. “What is an orb? You mean you have never heard of them before? You should’ve at least heard of them in stories.” The prisoner shrugged and Lutheras sighed. “An orb is an artifact of great power, at least for those who know how to use them. I know one is here and I’m not leaving until I have it in my possession.”

Both prisoners looked at one another, unsure of whether or not they wanted to get involved. The prisoner who had laughed said, “It isn’t here. We swear it.”

This vexed Lutheras and he directed his anger toward the prisoner. He started to choke and clasped his hands on his neck to try to alleviate the pain, but it proved futile. “Well if it isn’t here, then where is it?”

The other prisoner rushed to speak over his friend's choking sounds, trying to share what he knew.

Lutheras raised his hands to quiet him and stopped the choking. Lutheras stared at him, urging him to tell him where it had gone. He shared his tale. “One of our group, Matt, helped them and in return he joined their group.” He spat at the ground when he spoke of Matt. “They left town the other day after they learned the man they sought had left.”

Lutheras already knew whom they were talking about, and it angered him.
If he has control of the orb now it will be almost impossible to get it from him
. Perturbed none of his plans were going according to the way he had been promised they would, he slammed his fist down on the ground. Before he came he had formulated his plans, and so far, two of his attacks had been thwarted. At this rate, his whole endeavor seemed destined for failure; he needed to correct it now. “Who hired you? Did he give you his name?”

Both of them nodded. “Norlun! He agreed to pay us a large sum of money and ordered us to return the orb at all costs.”

The shock of this surged through Lutheras as his eyes burned with hatred. “Norlun! It would figure my old teacher would be involved in this somehow.” Everywhere he turned, someone from his past circumvented his every move. All of his calculations and careful attention to detail crumbled before his eyes. He hadn’t remembered Norlun existed here because he lived so far from Havenbrook, but he reveled in the possibility of facing his former teacher; wishing he stood here in front of him right now. The old man would be no match for him. With rage simmering just below the surface, he turned to face the prisoners again. “Where did the party go?”

They both shrugged. “We were locked up when they left town. Maybe one of the people from the city knows where they went.”

Lutheras turned his attention to the rest of the captives. They slunk back as his attention focused on them. “Well? Does anyone know where these four were headed?”

No one spoke and a couple of people tried to step back and hide behind others, which Lutheras noticed. He questioned one of them, a younger woman. “Do you have information as to where they headed, young lady?”

She wouldn’t look into his eyes and cowered in front of him. “I don’t… I mean they…”

He raised his hands, letting a little energy flicker between his fingers to remind her what he could do.

She still wouldn’t look up into his eyes, but instead kept them focused on the ground at her feet. “They went north in search of Norlun. The man named Tirene seemed very interested in the crazy old man, and they were determined to catch up to him. Only the gods know why. They will have a hard time catching him, though. He left eight days before they arrived.” She still refused to look Lutheras in the eyes as she finished telling of the conversation she had had with Tirene at the bar.

Lutheras spun around and started issuing orders. “Brundahl, take your troops,” he turned around and pointed toward the two prisoners, “and these two with you in search of them. They left two days ago, so you will have to make haste and limit your resting time to try and catch them.” He turned and faced Audron. “You and Gaelum will accompany Brundahl north. Be quick, but remember this man is very dangerous. I would limit my reliance on the spark and resort to physical combat if I were you.” He turned his attention back to the two prisoners. “You will accompany my men in search of these four people. I assume you have some sort of tracking skills, and they will come in handy. Refuse my offer and you can starve with the rest of these pathetic wretches.”

Excitement spread across both of their faces at the prospect of being freed and doing some work again. One of them spoke up. “We’ll assist your troops to find them. I would like nothing better than to see Matt dead. One question though, how much will we get paid for this?”

Lutheras had been walking away from them with Tuk a step behind, but at this comment, he swung around with his lips curled in disgust. Tuk almost ran into him. He sidestepped the Goblin with a frown and said, “How much will you get paid? Do you wish to ask me that? Be lucky I’ve allowed you to live. How is that for a payment?”

“My apologies my Lord, I just assumed we would be getting paid for this. Never mind what I said. We’ll do this for you. Thank you.” He bowed as he finished.

Lutheras finalized his plans with Audron and then took his leave. He released the bindings on the captives. They all seemed dubious and looked around at what remained of their town in disgust. One brave soul, an old man, got up the courage and asked, “Excuse me, sir. I thought you said you would repair the damage to the town if we cooperated with you. You cannot leave us like this. We now have no homes and no food. We’ll starve and die before we can undo what you have done.”

He shot the man an evil stare. “You incorrectly remember what I said. I asked you to give me the orb. Had you done that, I could’ve undone all the damage I created. But the orb isn’t here, now is it? Without the orb I’m afraid there is nothing I can do.” They all looked bewildered by what they heard. “You see, the orb allows the holder—assuming he knows how—to turn back time. If I had it in my hand, I would go back to the point before I started attacking the town, and I would call off the attack as there would no longer be a need. Without it in my hand, well…” He gave a robust laugh. “Well, there is nothing I can do for you, I’m afraid.” He turned and created a doorway. The people of Riverfell sat in complete demoralization at what they witnessed. Lutheras spun around one last time. “Besides, I let you all live, did I not? At least for now.” He turned around, walked through the doorway and disappeared, Tuk following at his heels

Audron prepared the troops, an easy task because the Minotaurs refused to ride. They filed out of town and headed north. The people of Riverfell chased after them urging them in vain for assistance, their heartbreak and desperation ringing throughout the streets of town.