The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1) (29 page)

Per Tagjet fell down in a heap. His skin pasty white, his eyes staring. Onyax Lor bent over him, crumpling leaves under Per's nose.

"Is he injured?" asked Sena.

"No," said Onyax Lor. "It is the Kaliga. He is weak and murmurs under his breath as if speaking with someone."

"What kind of thing is that spear?" asked James. "It is evil."

"You may be right," said Onyax Lor. "It is far beyond us. How long we can bare it without losing ourselves, I cannot say. But Per cannot carry it for a day or two at least."

"I will try," said James. "I will take it to the other side of the camp." He looked at Sena. "This is an evil thing. I do not wish for you to wield it."

"I gave my word to Navir. How can I back down now?"

"But it will destroy you!"

"It would do the same for anyone. I am no different."

"You are to me."

"James, your words mean more to me than you know, but I do not deserve to live more than the next person. My life has been restored to me and I know joy again. If I do not survive this task, my life will have no regrets."

"But so short! We have just been brought together. I cannot bear the thought of sundering so soon."

"Be thankful of what is; do not worry about what hasn't occurred yet. Not even the wise can foretell all roads."

"I don't care what the wise say! We will not part."

Sena smiled at him and kissed him.

Lan Tagjet smiled behind them, happy for his daughter. So little joy in the world he said to himself. Everyone deserves a taste of it.

"Most of the Turuck army has moved north chasing a smaller army of Eslendians. I was unable to determine who led the Eslendian army; the colors weren't visible in the darkness. We should be able to enter Riverdowns with little trouble in daylight," said Loric. "I will take Moria and scout ahead. We shall probe the shadows around the town and castle. We will be back before dawn." They mounted their horses and trotted toward the town. Kerreth stared after them.

"Does the Turuck army worry you?" asked Navir. "We are a small company."

"No, I am not worried," said Kerreth. He shrugged. "We are a resourceful group. I believe Tag Makk is overconfident. Everywhere we follow him he has left fewer soldiers to hold the conquered cities. Either he has no concern with his conquests or…."

"Or he is drawing us to him," said Navir.

"Do you think that's possible?" asked Elberra. "We have left no survivors and made sure no messages were sent."

"The Menaloch is aware of much," said Navir. "There is much that is hiding in the shadows that you do not see. He may have left more soldiers behind than you know."

"So it could be a trap?" asked Dvorak Annis.

"Possible," said Kerreth. "We are always wary, they won't surprise us."

"If sorcery is involved I will detect it before it can harm us," said Blackthorne. "Dvorak and I can shield us against anything, even a god."

"Words to live by, I hope," said Kerreth. "Please be vigilant."

"The Menaloch will strike quickly if it senses a threat," said Navir. "Often we were defeated because we were not ready. My commanders did not listen to me and perished. The Menaloch is very powerful and will strike with all its might. It doesn't allow for survivors."

"We're listening," said Hobart Hufflen. "Aren't we listening, Kerreth?"

"We certainly are listening. We will reconnoiter the area and enter Riverdowns if prudent. After we have found out what there is to find, we shall head north. I sense battle to the north. We shall catch them anon."

"How much farther tonight?" asked Taina. "We can't have our campfire seen by the Turucks."

"You are correct. I think we can travel another hour and then we must stop," said Kerreth.

"I agree," said Gorm. "Once out of the hills we will be in view of lookouts from Riverdowns for miles before we arrive."

"Let us cover the distance before the sun rises," said Kerreth. "They may be able to see us in the night, but the dawn will drive them into hiding. I want to enter the city freely and take back what we can without confrontation. We need supplies replenished and fresh mounts to chase the Turucks northward."

They rode down from the hills, Kerreth at the head of the company. In silence they kept their pace as the hooves thundered over the rolling prairie. Gorm and Taina rode abreast with Kerreth, their Daerlan vision superior in the darkness. They scanned ahead while Kerreth kept the pace even. The only sound was the heavy breathing of Dvorak Annis, the fat mage never comfortable on a horse. Blackthorne projected a faint aura of sorcery around them to dull the sound of their passing and to conceal them from watchers.

Riverdowns was visible in the distance as faint light climbed the sky. Kerreth led them on, not wanting to stop to make camp. His goal was in sight and he would not delay. When they came within a league of the city walls, Moria and Loric moved out of concealment and approached.

"What did you find?" asked Kerreth.

"A few Turucks hidden here and there," said Loric. "Again, the majority of the army moved north. The citizens are in hiding and none would speak to us. It is rumored that the Wizard Lockwell is still in the castle evading the Shadow Runners."

"Of course he is," said Blackthorne. "His magic radiates from the castle."

"I am sorry if my Celaeri blood is too impure to have the sensitivity of the great Sorcerer Blackthorne. I am surprised you even consent to ride with us lesser beings."

"Well, it has been trying," said Blackthorne.

"Can we ride clear into the city?" asked Kerreth.

"Yes," said Moria. "We moved safely down the main road. The sun will be up soon. We can wait for that, but I don't think it will be necessary."

"I agree," said Loric.

"Let's go!" said Elberra. "I want to meet one of these Shadow Runners. I haven't had a tough fight in a long time."

"Be patient my dear," said Loric. "We will bloody our blades soon enough. There are enough Turucks around Riverdowns for you to enjoy yourself. And if you can wait a day or two more we shall catch up to the main army."

"I shall look forward to it!" said Elberra. She flapped her wings excitedly.

"Why do you do that?" whispered Moria. "You get her all worked up."

"Keeps her interest," whispered Loric. "It's not good for an Anethean to be bored. Loses her edge."

"Let's move out," said Kerreth. "Hobart, move through the fields to the east and veer toward the city. Blackthorne, Dvorak, shield us."

A faint blue shimmer rolled over them and vanished. Kerreth knew the blue wasn't necessary but Blackthorne wanted Kerreth to know the request was completed. Blackthorne was independent, following his own counsel in most matters, but he would strictly follow any command Kerreth gave him. Kerreth often wondered if Blackthorne was atoning for some transgression from the time before he joined the Talos Company. Blackthorne, as the other members, did not speak of their previous life although from time to time a person from their past would appear. Kerreth especially enjoyed the Calendian noblewoman who chased Loric around Nantitet for a week. Loric was half Celaeri and long-lived but fled from the gray-haired woman as if she was a demon. Apparently there had been a memorable boat ride back when she was a teen. When she appeared in Nantitet, Loric lost his wits, peering behind every door, expecting her to jump out to kiss him. Thankfully, Dvorak had a spell that would keep her from seeing Loric while they were in town. Dvorak would not use a spell to alter someone's memory. Blackthorne would have for he had no such constraints, but he was not with them at the time. Dvorak was very steady in his values. They had a great laugh at Loric's expense, but Moria was not amused. She lectured Loric for weeks about stealing the affections of short-lived creatures and Taina and Elberra took her side. The males resorted to jokes only when the ladies weren't in earshot.

The gates of the city stood open, but on closer inspection the top hinges had been broken and the right hand gate hung crookedly and would not close. The Talos Company rode slowly through the entrance feeling the eyes of the townsfolk watching from their concealed places. Kerreth kept his gaze forward to the gate of the castle. He saw no guards and no people despite the crowing of roosters nearby. The town should be awake and bustling. No one hailed them as they rode down the streets neither did anyone dare leave their homes to watch the newcomers.

The silence was broken by the sound of clapping. Kerreth saw three figures standing at the gate to the castle. An extremely tall man, a squat person and a young man wearing soiled clothes. Kerreth looked to Blackthorne who nodded.

"Well met, Lockwell," said Kerreth. "You have evaded Tag Makk's nets."

"That I have, Kerreth Veralier. What's more, let me present King Kal of Masina, who wishes to join in your pursuit of Tag Makk."

"You are most welcome," said Kerreth. They had reached the gate and dismounted. Lockwell looked at Blackthorne and nodded in greeting. "Who is this patriot?"

"Ah, this is Quink, late the king's jester, first my comrade in rebellion against Edward, now my comrade in intrigue against the Turucks." Lockwell looked the company over, smiling to himself.

"The Talos Company is quite the collection of misfits and half-breeds. Nearly immortal too! Ah, I miss Altair. Gorm! How are you old friend? Taina? Is it really you?"

"Lockwell," said Gorm. "You are a marvel. I thought you died years ago."

"No such luck. I am trapped in this world for eternity it seems. Nothing seems to be able to claim my life."

"You have not faced the Menaloch," said Navir.

"No, I haven't and I mean not to face it. Navir, you are the one trapped," said Lockwell. "You do not wish to live, so why exist?"

"I cannot answer that, only my time is not yet finished. There is more for me to do."

"Ah, the Altenguds still rule us, be they dust or not," said Lockwell.

Navir did not answer. He wandered inside the castle.

"Sour old puss, isn't he?" said Lockwell.

"He'll never change," said Gorm. "Ten thousand years plus he's been that way."

"Is he really that old?" asked Quink.

"Yes, he is," said Kerreth. "Navir is unique in his great age. But there are many with life spans far beyond men. Every one of us has seen at least three hundred summers."

Quink looked at the faces of the Talos Company.

"Some look human."

"Half breeds, as Lockwell indicated," said Blackthorne. "Now why do we waste the daylight?"

"Lockwell, lead us through the corridors and we will remove the Turucks from Riverdowns," said Kerreth. "Then we shall go find Tag Makk."

The Talos Company separated into two groups, one led by Lockwell; one led by Quink, and entered the castle. Lockwell used his magic to search for the Turucks and Blackthorne, in Quink's group, used his sorcery to find their quarry. Dvorak Annis lagged behind with Hobart Hufflen and used his own magic to search. Soon, they were separated from the other groups.

"How do they hide in shadows?" asked Hobart. "I never understood that. They are flesh and blood aren't they?"

"Yes, the Turucks are, but the Shadow Runners are no longer alive," said Dvorak. "The sunlight does something to them, dissolves their physical form so they drift into the dark places. If they were trapped in the sunlight, they would slowly burn away like a puddle in the hot summer sun."

They moved slowly through the corridors, peering into empty rooms until they found themselves in the sitting room where Henry had been killed. The blood still stained the floor.

"Well, it might have been a cozy room," said Hobart after noticing the blood.

"Might as well wait for the others here," said Dvorak. "I cannot sense any Turucks, not that I really know what to look for in these shadows. Blackthorne rarely shares knowledge with me."

"Don't complain. I bet there's stuff in his old head that you don't want to know about. Things have a way of jumping loose out of a sorcerer when he reveals secrets. The damn things piggyback on thoughts and the like. Awful creepy. Are you sure you're not a sorcerer?"

"A mage, Hobart. I am a mage. There is quite a difference you know."

"No, I don't know. I've never been comfortable with magic and traveling with the two of you for years hasn't made my mind easier."

A door swung open and a surprised face stared at them. Before the newcomer could move, Dvorak immobilized him. The man stood stiff, his eyes wide and darting around.

"Who is it?" asked Hobart.

"I don't know but he came through a secret door. I think we better keep him right where he is until Lockwell gets back."

A moan came from the man when Lockwell's name was mentioned.

"Ho, sounds like he doesn't like that idea," said Hobart. "Wonder what he's done?"

"Done?" said Quink, standing in the doorway. "He's a traitor to Eslenda. He deserves to be hung for that alone."

"Easy, Quink," said Lockwell. "Don't enrage yourself. This type of thing needs to be done carefully."

"Who is it?" asked Kerreth.

"Roger Diggs," said Quink. "A physician and traitor. I believe he killed Henry. Look, he came through a secret door. When Hal left Henry, Diggs came through that door, killed Henry and left again. He framed Hal!"

"I didn't kill Henry," gasped Diggs. "I only took Hal's knife when I bumped into him earlier. Edward ordered me to steal the knife. I didn't kill Henry. I'm a physician, I save lives!"

"Who did you give the knife to?" asked Lockwell.

"Cane! I gave it to Cane!"

"Cane murdered Henry?" asked Quink.

"I don't know. I was already drinking in the great hall when the news came. I only gave him the knife. I didn't ask any questions."

"Is he telling the truth?" asked Kerreth.

"I can find out," said Blackthorne.

"No need," said Lockwell. "I will have time to question him closer after you are on your way. Quink and I will find out everything Diggs knows."

"He's fainted," said Quink.

"No worry, we will revive him."

"You will stay here?" asked Kerreth.