The Compass Key (Book 5) (13 page)

“And why not?” the Baron asks with a cruel smirk. He laughs in a baritone voice that shakes the chandelier over the table. “I understand, dear Trinity. I remember the days when I had a fleet of griffin knights. Those beasts are magnificent and I would hate to destroy those that have already been tamed.”

“I’m glad you see things this way,” Trinity says. She sits on the corner of the table and rubs at her sore legs. “Then you understand why I wish to return.”

The Baron goes back to his scrolls and quickly forgets about Trinity again. She crackles with lightning
to get his attention, but he fails to look in her direction. After several minutes of silence, the Baron claps his hands and leans back in his chair. He points at a scroll that rolls up and vanishes in a puff of smoke.

“I apologize, your highness, but I had to take care of a small problem. Just some preparations for the future,” the
ancient nobleman mentions. He holds out his hand and a silver goblet filled with wine materializes in his hand. “Is the search going well?”

“The search hasn’t started yet,” Trinity
sheepishly admits. She barely has time to cringe before the Baron’s free hand touches her by the throat.

“Give an explanation,” he politely requests, his grip no stronger than a
gentle caress. “Please, dear Trinity.”

“We had a hard time locking down the docks,” Trinity reports
, gingerly removing the Baron’s hand from her neck. “Two of the docked ships were heavily armed vessels, one from Bor’daruk and the other from Freedom. We had to capture them while taking control of the dockyard and fending off the griffin riders. All of that was accomplished two days ago and we’ve been solidifying our base of operations. Nyder and Vile finished that three hours ago before you plucked me out of Gaia.”

The Baron eyes the chaos elf suspiciously and takes her hands. “Are you trying to blame me for your lack of progress?”

“I’m blaming you for taking me away at a crucial moment,” Trinity wryly answers. She bravely stares into his sapphire eyes before they turn abyssal black, forcing her to turn away out of fear. “As soon as I return to Gaia, I will begin sending search parties into the city. Do you have any more information on what we’re looking for?”

“Sadly, no,”
her master growls, waving his hand and setting all of the scrolls on fire. He gets to his feet and walks to a nearby window to stare over Shayd’s desolate landscape. “The scroll was destroyed by the only champion who managed to get close to me all those centuries ago. I doubt she even knew what was on the scroll and merely wanted to cause me pain before I handled her.” The Baron smiles wistfully and turns back to Trinity. “Fond and frustrating memories. Maybe those glorious days will return once we win.”

“You’re acting odd today,
sir.”

“It’s my
youngest daughter’s birthday, which always makes me wistful and mellow,” the Baron admits with a sigh. He goes back to his chair and rubs at his eyes. “Enough of this prattle. You have a Compass Key to find. I brought you here to send you back to Gaia with some assistance.”

Trinity’s brow furrows at
the nobleman’s words. “A demon?”

The Baron smiles and gestures t
oward an alcove, his spell drawing the thick, black curtains aside. Standing in the alcove is a crystalline beast that lazily opens its six ruby eyes. It waves its long snout that ends in a wide, solitary nostril. The creature’s ears curl and uncurl as it wanders into the light, its steps full of caution. Trinity fights the urge to giggle at the adorable beast, a feat made even more difficult when she sees its stubby tail wiggling behind it. Giving its owner a wide berth, the creature wanders over to its new master and nudges her with its smooth, crystal head.

The Baron takes a deep drink from his goblet, greedily draining the wine.
“It is called a visionaire. I found it in the Chaos Void a few centuries ago and never knew what to do with it. So far, I’ve only used it as a calming pet, but it would be perfect for finding the Compass Key.”

“What does it do?” Trinity asks, patting the creature on the back. The visionaire makes a low bellow through its snout. “Is it dangerous?”

“It can be aggressive if its master is threatened. I believe it has bonded to you, so it will act like a guard dog. Yet, the visionaire’s true ability is that it can sniff out magical items. The more powerful the relic, the more the creature is attracted to it. Something as ancient and potent as the Compass Key will be easy for the beast to find, even in a city as vast as Gaia.”

“Thank you, Baron Kernaghan,” Trinity says, gi
ving a low bow. The visionaire pats her on the head until she smacks its snout away. “Behave yourself, little thing. I’m the master, so I pet you.”

“You two are going to get along very well,” the Baron declares
, clapping his hands with a deafening boom. The shockwave hits Trinity and the visionaire, absorbing them and carrying them through the wall. The Baron chuckles when he senses the fury of his agent’s aura as she is transported back to Gaia. “A few more years and she may pose a problem. Best to finish this mess and give her this wasteland before that comes to pass.”

“You could just kill her, father,” Stephen whispers, materializing in a nearby chair. “I can keep the chaos elves in line.”

The Baron sighs and looks to the ceiling in dismay. With a wave of his hand and demonic curse, he sends his son crashing into the wall. The hard stone becomes putty and wraps around the young man. The Baron walks over to Stephen and gently grabs him by the chin, forcing him to look into his black eyes.

“I have told
you countless times, child. Do not kill our allies,” Baron Kernaghan says in a low, predatory voice. He pulls Stephen free and drops him at his feet. “The Lich had used up his usefulness, so I will overlook your hand in his destruction. Trinity and the others are to be left alone. Remember, my son, that I will not kill you, but there are so many other things that I would commit upon your mind and body.”

Stephen rubs his dislocated jaw before popping it back into place. “I promise to behave, father.”

“I know you will,” the Baron states with a smile. He returns to his chair at the head of the table and snaps his fingers for a feast to appear before him. “I sent you the scroll that you needed, so I would appreciate it if you set out immediately. You and your men must be ready for when the champions raise and cleanse the Island of Pallice.”

“It will be done,” Stephen proudly swears. He gets to his feet and bows his head to his closed fist. Staring at the table,
the black-haired man licks his lips moments before a roasted leg of lamb becomes nothing more than a clean bone. “Thank you for the meal, father.”

The Baron blindly waves at his son, who disappears without a sound.

6

“I’m fine, mom. I’m not lying to you. I’m not bandaged up in the infirmary,” Nyx argues in exasperation. She clutches her purple amethyst necklace, but considers dropping it to end the
long-distance conversation. “I never got touched in the battle. I stayed in the back with the archers. What do you mean that’s insulting to a caster? Look, mom, I’m either going to be safe in the back or living dangerously in the front. There is no middle ground here. I’d like to see you come here and scold me in person. We both know you’re too busy. Oh, he’s got everything under control there. You know, I’m far too busy for a visit. Like you should talk about making up for lost time. Don’t make me regret promising to call you after every battle. Fine. I got a few bumps, bruises, and cuts from falling down the Lich’s stairwell. Are you happy? It isn’t that funny. Stop laughing, mom.”

Everyone ignores Nyx arguing with her mother while they finish preparing waterskins and repairing their gear. The students of Hamilton Military Academy have already gone back to their classes as if their headmistress has not recently returned from a big battle. Luke and Delvin are joking about the unbreakable will of the academy when Kevin Masterson walks by to drag Delvin away. The old warrior spins the young man around and jabs at his chest with a strong, gnarled finger.

“I know you have your eyes on my daughter,” Kevin whispers, rubbing at his bad leg. “I’ve no problem with you and think you’d be good to her. Still, as her father, I want to ask for a favor.”

“Anything, sir,” Delvin says with a small yawn. He lazily smiles at Kevin,
the young warrior’s calm and laidback persona back in place.

“Protect her,”
the veteran politely requests. He looks at Nyx, who is waving her free arm and stomping her feet in frustration. “She has Luke and Timoran, but I know you’re the smartest of the bunch. You’re the best strategist that has ever graduated from this academy. A man like you can pull all of them together, so I want you to drop the lazy act and take this seriously. My daughter’s life depends on you.”

“You know it’s just an act, old man,” Delvin claims, gently tapping Kevin on the bad shoulder. “I’m always thinking and planning. The lazy man
façade puts people off about my true intellect. All part of the strategy.”

“I didn’t hear you agree to my request
. Do I have to threaten your life?”

“I promise on my honor that I will protect your daughter
. You seem to be enjoying fatherhood.”

“I’ve dreamed of threatening my daughter’s friends and suitors,” Kevin admits with a wide grin. He is about to say something else when his sapphire necklace glows and he grabs it out of curiosity. “Damn it! I forgot that activates
this thing. No, I’m not upset that you’re alive, Tzefira. I told you last night that I was happy to hear from you. You cursed a lot too during that conversation. Talk to Nyx about what? She is being careful. I’ve done all I can. I threatened her friends that I’ll hunt them to the ends of Windemere if they don’t protect her. Yes, I know they can only do so much. If you know Nyx will get hurt then what the hell do you want me to do? Damn it, wife, you’ve not gained an ounce of logic since you died.”

Delvin cautiously
moves away, his steps coming faster as he realizes that Kevin is no longer paying attention to him. He hurries back to Luke and Timoran, who are quietly sitting on the grass. They gesture toward Nyx and her continuing argument with her parents. Delvin takes a seat next to them and lies down to stare at the clouds.

“Don’t you three heroes have a damsel to save?” Selenia asks, approaching the small group with Fizzle on her shoulder. The drite flutters over to Timoran and lands on the barbarian’s knee.

“Nyx said she had the perfect place in Rainbow Tower to send us to,” Luke answers, waving his hand at the flailing caster. “We can’t do anything until she gets out of whatever that mess is. Besides, somebody is still against using the teleportation stones.”

“Walking is safer,” Timoran defiantly argues.

“We need speed and stealth, big guy,” Delvin contends, sitting up and smiling at the larger warrior. “If we get to Gaia instantly and unnoticed, we have an advantage over our enemies who are already entrenched in the city. They don’t know about me yet, so teleporting in can ensure that I remain a mystery.”

“They do not know me either,”
the barbarian calmly states.

“The Lich probably had enough time to
let his friends know about you, Sir Wrath,” Luke gingerly points out. He shrugs helplessly when Timoran stares at him with a stern expression. “I can hold your hand if you want.”

Selenia kicks Luke in his tailbone, causing the forest tracker to roll onto his side and whimper in pain. The others laugh at the sight until
the headmistress picks Luke up by his pointy ears and sets him on his feet.

“Don’t tease your allies about their fears,” she scolds the young half-elf. Once Luke nods to her, she snaps her fingers at Delvin for his attention. “If you run into Daniel Skyblade, let him know that my situation has been handled. Also, tell him to contact me when Gaia is settled because I want to speak with the Grand Counselors about our agreement.”

Her former student stands and salutes. “I’ll tell him, headmistress.”

“Good luck with your adventure,” Selenia says before turning to leave. She pauses and glances at Luke for a few seconds. “Try to keep this one away from my academy for a while. He keeps bringing trouble with him. I’d like to make it a while without having to write the words body count on a form.”

“Let’s get moving!” Nyx shouts as she joins her friends. Her face is red and her hair is a mess from her pulling at it during her conversation.

“Shouldn’t you calm down first?” Luke nervously asks. He can see the fear growing on Timoran’s face as
the caster pulls out the bag of teleportation stones. “You don’t want to send us somewhere else.”

“I won’t do anything wrong,” she snaps. Noticing that
the forest tracker is staring at Timoran, she whirls on the barbarian. “You’re coming with us, big brother. No negotiation. I’ll knock you out if I have to.”

The large man
chuckles at the threat and gets to his feet. He looms over Nyx, who stands with her hands on her hips. She stares up at him, her violet eyes filled with an unbreakable stubbornness. He pats her on the head and laughs until tears run down his cheeks.

“I will go with you, little sister,” he finally says through
gasping breaths. “I cannot say no to someone with a warrior’s spirit like yours. I will, however, keep my eyes closed and ask that you let me decide when to open them.”

“Fair enough,” Nyx agrees. She pulls out five of the teleportation stones and throws them into the air where they hover. “Nobody move or say anything
because I need to concentrate. I don’t want to put you in the wrong room like a practice room or Cyril’s personal library. That can get messy.”

The green stones move through the air, each one stopping over the head of a traveler. Nyx can hear Timoran take in a quick breath as she raises her hands and focuses on the dining room of Rainbow Tower. When
the casters’ hands drop to her sides, the stones fall onto the head of their target. With a blast of light and sound, the heroes vanish from Hamilton Military Academy and are whisked across a pathway of violet energy. As quickly as their trip began, it ends with a warm light and a small drop onto stone. Luke looks across the table at Delvin, who is looking at Timoran standing rigid and tense next to a chair.

The man in the chair glowers at something behind Delvin. The caster’s ebony robe bristles like the fur of an angry cat and his dark
ened brow is deeply furrowed. He clutches his black wood staff and is about to rise to his feet when a delicate cough from the other end of the table causes him to sit down.

“Welcome to Rainbow Tower,” says a musical voice. Delvin turns around to see a beautiful woman in a white gown. Her sun-colored hair runs to her waist and she is the polar opposite of the dark man sitting across from her. “I am Willow and this is my husband, Cyril. It’s so good to see you again, young Callindor. We’ve heard so
many stories about your exploits alongside our Nyx. Now, who are these new faces?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something, dear?” Cyril asks in a deep voice. “Get off the table, Nyx. I’m surprised you didn’t step in any of the food.”

“Sorry, Master Cyril, I didn’t know you moved the furniture,” the half-elf apologizes, hopping off the long, oak table. She snags an apple off a platter and tosses it to Fizzle, who greedily snatches it with his tail. “Oh . . . are we allowed to join you for the meal?”

“W
e didn’t move any furniture and it appears to be too late to stop you from dining with us,” Cyril mentions, his face still a mask of annoyance. “Is this the daughter that returns to us? Maybe we should send you to your birth mother.”

Nyx freezes with her lips touching a slice of melon. “You two spoke to my mom?”

“She contacted us a few days ago through an illusion message,” Willow answers with a warm smile. She elegantly glides around the table to give Nyx a tight hug. “We are so happy that you found your parents. I hope that you still think of us as family, little volcano.”

“I don’t think you have to worry,” Luke interrupts, taking a seat at the table. He pops a few blueberries into his mouth and leans back in the chair. “Nyx is still labeling everyone as a brother or sister. It’s a pleasure to be welcomed back in your home. I promise to use the front gate one of these days.”

“I sense you made your usual first impression here, my friend,” Timoran whispers to the half-elf as he blindly takes a chair. He slowly opens his eyes to see a plate of meat move in front of him. Timoran looks up at Cyril, who gestures toward the steaming food. “Thank you for your hospitality. My name is Timoran Wrath of the Snow Tiger clan.”

“I have heard of your
people. They are known for their wisdom and strength,” Cyril claims with a faint grin of curiosity. He notices Delvin taking a seat across from Luke and shoots the warrior a paralyzing look. “May we be graced by your name, young man?”

The young man
stands up again and puts his hands behind his back. “My name is Delvin Cunningham. I’m a high-ranking graduate of Hamilton Military Academy and the current holder of the title, Mercenary Prince. Though I should probably find a replacement since I’m no longer a mercenary. Thank you for letting me into your home and I hope to return the favor by helping your city.”

Delvin
sits down when Cyril motions for him to enjoy the food. Willow escorts Nyx to a chair next to the warrior before returning to her seat. The heroes quietly enjoy the small meal on the table, noticing that neither of their hosts is eating. Timoran is the first to stop and nudges Luke in the side until the half-elf looks up from his plate of turkey and strawberries.

“Excuse me, but why are you not eating?” the barbarian politely asks.

“We already ate. This meal is for you,” Willow replies, her amber eyes twinkling with warmth. “An old friend stopped by a few hours ago and let us know that you would be showing up. We decided to be ready with food and drink to discuss the situation. It’s always best to discuss such things over a meal.”

“I
agree with your philosophy, milady,” Timoran replies, grabbing a hunk of bread to sop up some gravy on his plate. “What is the situation? I do not hear the sounds of battle, but I assume that is because your tower prevents outside noises.”

The masters of Rainbow Tower
exchange worried looks before Cyril nods and stands. He puts out his hand and creates a detailed illusion of Gaia along the table. The food sits within the transparent illusion, but only Nyx continues eating while the others refuse to risk disturbing the image. Tiny forms fly out from the large mountain near Luke and he can feel the griffin spirit calling to them. A green glow rises from the dockyards and moves a few blocks into the city before the light turns into a border of swords.

“That is the extent of the invasion,” Cyril states
as he lets the rest of the city illusion fade away and enlarges the docks. “The chaos elves anchored their ship beyond our sight and slipped into the city. Soon after, a small fleet of seven ships arrived with more invaders. They conquered the dockyards and some of the surrounding area with minimal resistance. All ships that were en-route have been stopped, but those that were in port have been claimed by the chaos elves.”

“What made them stop advancing?” Delvin asks, leaning over the illusion.

The dark-skinned caster lets the illusion disappear and scratches the side of his face. “We don’t know for sure, but we believe they are searching for something. I have received reports that Queen Trinity is involved, but she has kept a relatively low profile. It was probably her that fought back the griffin riders. Her low profile and their refusal to push any further into the city is why we think they want something that is inside the city.”

“There have also been reports of scouting parties of no more than three, minimally armed chaos elves,” Willow adds, folding her hands on her lap. “They always retreat the moment they’re discovered, which is strange for an attack force. Still, we can’t let them get whatever they want. All of our men are stationed to keep them contained and the Grand Counselors are discussing the best course of action. Everyone hopes that this can be ended with minimal casualties, but that might not be possible with Queen Trinity there.”