Beyond the Edge of Dawn (19 page)

Breaking Point

Corso howled in rage and heaved his crystal goblet at the wall. Glass shattered. A guard flinched to avoid being sliced. Corso began to pace. The vein on his forehead pulsed with anger. He couldn’t understand the sudden incompetence of the Fist. Once again, the mercenary regiment had failed him. Once more, the most feared, and expensive, killers in the world had been thwarted by lesser foes.

He supposed he should take some small measure of satisfaction. The Gaimosians were resilient, proving themselves worthy of any accolades. This group was certainly stronger than the last few he’d experimented on. Even so, the hour was almost upon him. Corso now had two problems impeding his task. Fifteen days remained before the eclipse, giving him little time to get the Gaimosians funnels into Gessun Thune and activate the key. The second was the Fist.

They’d done their part, to be sure, but it was sloppy and ineffective. Pharanx Gorg already knew too much, making him a liability. They would need to be dealt with before Corso could continue much further. It seemed each time he felt he was getting a grasp on the situation, another issue arose. The death of the lich was a setback. Put there when the world was young, Corso had been counting on the creature to thin out the Gaimosians. Not even the Gnome had died. Corso cursed. The Gaimosians were proving more his damnation than aid.

“Leave me,” he snapped.

The palace guards filed out silently. Alone, Corso stalked to the back of his expansive office. An ornate orb sat upon a shelf, nestling high above a seldom used fireplace. A small section of the floor opened to reveal a dark and winding staircase. The steps were wide, dust free. He used it more often of late. He had to get to the dark tower quickly and undiscovered. Underground passages crisscrossed the city, giving him fast egress to his safe house. Corso saw an opportunity while the Gaimosians were captive. Fuming, he might just be able to rid himself of one problem now.

They waited in the council chambers until late into the night. Twice, the warden came with fresh fruits and water. He didn’t speak, lest he be denounced as a traitor as well. Pirneon didn’t like it at all. His thoughts were focused on Rantis.

“This is a waste of time,” he snarled.

Kavan yawned. Pirneon’s ravings were growing tiresome. More and more, he was losing control yet it was decided that by virtue of rank that Pirneon would retain the mantle of leadership. Kavan prayed he kept it together long enough to see the task through. They were so close.

“Patience, Pirneon,” he said with a slow exhale. “We have time yet. The Gnomes will let us go.”

“Will they?” he snorted. “Nothing has gone right since leaving Groskus. We have been hounded halfway across Malweir by men and monsters. For what? So we can wage war against a forgotten evil? This quest is getting out of hand. Our talents are better used elsewhere.”

Kavan finally snapped. He rose to confront his one time friend and mentor. “Are you listening to yourself? You rave!”

“I rave? I speak only what is on all our minds. Tell me this is what you envisioned when you came to find me in the desert. Between her unholy magic and our pursuit, I’m surprised we’re not all dead. Come what will this night, I am leaving,” he barked.

Incensed, Aphere fired back. “We’d all be dead if I didn’t take action. Consider it a boon I am here.”

“A travesty of our people, I call it. You mind your own affairs, and I’ll be sure to do the same,” Pirneon threatened.

Geblin hung his head in disbelief. They were on the very brink of imprisonment or worse and were attacking each other instead of finding a solution to their problem. More than anything, he wanted to be done with them. He was about to say so when the door creaked open, and the chamberlain entered. The Gnome slammed his staff twice on the aged marble, and a dozen guards filed into to herd the knights back to the center of the chamber. The elders soon followed.

The eldest looked down on his prisoners. “Step forward, Geblin. It is the decision of the council that…”

His decree was interrupted by a series of bone-chilling howls. Screams followed. Guards drew their swords and crowded around the elders. Geblin felt his knees give way. Only Kavan betrayed no reaction. He knew all too well what sounds disturbed the night. It was a sound he’d hoped never to hear again.

“We need our weapons, now,” he stepped forward and demanded.

Tordin gave him a wild look. “Prisoners don’t make demands. You’ll do nothing of the sort.”

A beast had broken into the building, rampaging through the meager Gnome defenses. Loud crashes echoed dully from behind the heavy doors. The werebeast was going to kill them all if Kavan didn’t act.

“Listen to me,” he said in a calm voice. “You are under attack by creatures you can’t hope to defeat. Give us back our weapons, and we can at least give you a chance of surviving.”

“Why should we trust you?” Tordin argued.

Kavan stared blankly. “Because you’re dead if you don’t.”

A shrill scream followed by a fleshy thud on the other side of the doors pushed the council into action.

“Release them and return their weapons,” the eldest told the warden. He leveled his gaze on Kavan. “What awaits beyond that door?”

“A werebeast. More than one, it appears,” he said with the faint glow of a smile. Several howls sprang up throughout the Gnome city.

“We cannot survive,” Tordin whimpered.

“I’ve killed these beasts before. Give me my sword.”

The warden’s hands couldn’t move fast enough. He dropped several of the weapons in a clumsy attempt at passing them out. Another Gnome hurried to unlock the chains on the Gaimosians. The pounding on the door intensified.

“I have a family,” the warden told Kavan as he handed over the sword.

Kavan drew the weapon and cast the scabbard aside. “We’ll do our best. Is there another way out of here?”

“Yes, in the back, behind the table,” the warden said, his skin a waxy pallor.

“Take the elders. There’s nothing more you can do here.”

He sputtered, “But….”

Another thud. One of the doors cracked.

“There is not time. All you’ll be is in our way. Now go!” Kavan barked.

The Gnomes retreated a split second before the doors burst apart in slivers. A pair of werebeasts tumbled in with the debris. Geblin let out a high-pitched scream. The four Gaimosians dropped into trembling battle stances. Any previous doubt bled away at the nightmare sights confronting them. Only Kavan had any experience. Only he made a move, attacking while the beasts were still disorientated.

The first was covered in pitch-black fur streaked through with red and eyes of darkest amber. It rolled through the charge and sprang to its feet. Kavan leapt up to come crashing down on top of it. Steel ripped flesh as gouts of fur and blood splashed away. The werebeast howled in fury and jumped back as Kavan followed through. He slammed a shoulder into the monster. Already falling, the werebeast lashed out to clip Kavan’s boot. Both fell hard.

“Barum, fire!” Pirneon ordered.

Screams outside amplified. Barum strung, nocked, and fired three successive times. The second werebeast staggered back. Dark blood flowed from the wounds, but it wasn’t enough to slow him. Born of dark magic and ancient hatred, the werebeasts were among the premier evil. Killing just one was a test of skill and luck. Pirneon and Aphere followed Kavan’s lead and attacked. Barum drew again but was forced to wait for the right target of opportunity. He eased back to block the escape passage.

Coordinating their attack flawlessly, Pirneon and Aphere slashed and hacked the wounded beast. It bellowed in rage but could do little to prevent more pain. One beast in hand, Barum shifted focus towards Kavan. He and the werebeast grappled on the floor. Claws dug. Teeth snapped. Kavan wrapped a powerful hand around the beast’s throat and fought off being club with the other. Murderous intent flared in both as Kavan and the beast fought for their lives. Barum took the shot. The arrow pierced through both sides of the beast’s right calf.

“Kavan, get clear!” he shouted. “I can’t get a shot!”

Kavan couldn’t hear over the thunderous roar assaulting his ears. This beast was stronger than the ones he’d fought previously. More savage. Kavan threw everything he had at the beast, and it took it with wrath. He squeezed the beast’s throat tighter.

Across the chamber, Pirneon and Aphere systematically dismembered their foe. Body parts lay steaming, rivers of hot blood running away. The werebeast was critically wounded but continued to fight. Aphere lunged in, stabbing the beast through the heart. It let out a gurgled cry before Pirneon severed its head with a mighty blow. Hearts racing, they turned to Kavan.

A squad of Gnomes burst into the chamber, brandishing weapons and shouting war cries. All had blood stains on their skin and clothes. They attacked with reckless abandon. Kavan took an accidental blow from a hammer to the leg before he managed to roll clear. The Gnomes struck with ferocity to match the werebeast and soon stood triumphantly over the corpse.

Kavan looked up to see the warden, blood stained and exhausted, standing over him with a wry grin.

“I told you we can fight,” he rasped.

Kavan flashed a salute with his sword. “Thank you. Where is the council?”

“Safe. Locked away in a chamber far below ground.”

Limping, Kavan dropped to a knee to look the warden in the eye. A flicker of compassion crossed his hardened face. “What cost?”

“We killed two others,” the warden said, white-faced. “I’d guess some fifty plus Gnomes. The blood is…”

He trailed off. His eyes were unfocused, staring far away. Though he professed to be a fighter, he’d never seen the horrors of war firsthand. Now that he had, it was all he could do to try and forget. Those weren’t just bodies on the streets. They were friends. Family. Tears threatened to spill, but he was too proud to let them in front of such warriors.

“I am sorry for your losses, friend. We never wanted any of this to happen. They only came here because of us. A very powerful, ancient evil seeks to stop us from reaching our destination. We must leave Creidlewein before more of your folk are killed,” Kavan explained.

The warden bowed his head submissively. “There is a trail north, into crags known only to us. It should lead you through the mountains and into Aradain.”

“I know it,” Geblin said, coming to stand beside his friend. “A small goat path our hunters use in winter.”

“Is it big enough for horses?”

“Should be,” Geblin answered.

“There’s more,” the warden continued. “I heard more of these…beasts in the surrounding hills. They continue to stalk you.”

Kavan gave a sincere smile. “The story of our lives. See to your people while we escape. Thank you for your help. We shall not forget the bravery of your actions.”

“Luck to you, lad,” the warden replied.

The Gaimosians busied themselves with battle preparations. Blades were tested. Bowstrings were drawn for pull. Daggers were strapped to thighs. Mental preparation was made in the hope that their cunning and strength would see them through to the source of this evil. Geblin finished before the others and went to the warden. The two Gnomes stared at each other. The warden spoke first.

“Father would be proud.”

“I am sorry for what happened, but I couldn’t save him,” Geblin admitted with sorrow. “I….”

“It’s all right, little brother. He knew before the end,” the warden said.

They embraced.

“Geblin, it’s time to go,” Kavan interrupted gently.

Another howl shattered the moment.

“Go, and may the gods protect you,” the warden wished.

The brother separated. Kavan led his group towards the broken doors.

“Not that way,” the warden cautioned. “Use the tunnels. They are large enough for a grown man and run the length of the city. I will have your horses waiting for you on the other side.”

One by one, the band of would-be heroes darted into the dark tunnel. One brother stood watching until they disappeared and closed the door after the last entered. One brother led the group through the tunnel with tears in his eyes. He had the overpowering feeling that he was never going to see home or family again. It was the hardest thing Geblin had ever undertaken. He led them on with stifled sobs.

Escape

They fled. Down through dark tunnels and winding passages far beneath the Gnome city. Geblin’s brother had planned well and was true to his word. Their horses and bags were already waiting in a safe house under a dozen guards. The Gaimosians were impressed and grunted appreciation as they climbed aboard. Dawn wasn’t far off, the first grey fingers streaking through the far horizon. Kavan hoped they could make the mountains before the werebeasts caught up to them. It was the only chance they had. Lose them in the confusion of the Crags, and they just might reach Rantis.

Torn between destiny and his past, Geblin was helped aboard the packhorse. He closed his eyes in prayer. There was nothing more he could do. Come the dawn, he’d be just another dead Gnome. He prayed for his brother, somehow knowing that his people would be safe when he and the knights were gone. Whatever evil wanted them dead was willing to slaughter anyone in its path. Women and children were meat.

“Geblin, we must ride,” Kavan said.

The Gnome nodded solemnly. “I know.”

The Vengeance Knight nodded back. Gently tapping his heels to shank, Kavan began their desperate flight into the Crags. Barum waited until everyone passed and then followed. His bow and arrow remained permanent fixtures in his skilled hands. Covering the rear was just as important as the front in this instance. He may not be a knighted man, but he was every bit as deadly.

Pirneon slowed the pace once he felt confident they were far from Creidlewein. “Geblin, what is the fastest path into the mountains? The werebeasts will find our trail soon.”

“If they haven’t already,” Kavan added.

“The path begins not far from here. I’ll lead,” he told them.

Kavan bit back his pride. Much as he wanted to argue the point, he wasn’t going to insist on being in charge when a better-qualified person was available. “I’ll be right behind you, just in case.”

Geblin snorted his amusement while Kavan turned his attention back to Pirneon.

“This doesn’t feel right. We’re being pushed. The two I battled killed were solitary monster who killed to eat, often for the sheer pleasure of it. These were different. Someone wants us dead. I don’t know if we can best this evil.”

Pirneon eyed his former pupil sharply. He knew Kavan was right, but what choice did they have?

“Does it matter?” he asked frankly. “We’ve been hunted and pushed from the day you found us in Groskus. Our hand has been guided by this unseen force. It seems our lives are not our own. The oracle confirmed as much. What choice do we have but to keep pushing ahead?”

“So we push on,” Kavan agreed. He looked to each of the others for confirmation.

Golden rays of sunlight began to filter down through the clouds.

“To what end?” Aphere asked.

Geblin merely shrugged. He’d learned there was no point in arguing when one of them made up their minds. It didn’t help any that the oracle had effectively locked them into going on, whether they wanted to or not.

“We’re wasting time,” Geblin said.

Pirneon gestured, and they were off. It wasn’t long before they began the climb up into the mountains.

Daylight made their task easier, but the Crags were not known for their kindness to travelers. The path grew increasingly narrow and winding. Often, when cresting the height of a mountain, heavy winds and snows would sweep down and threaten to carry them away. Rumors of haunting were spread through local communities. People whispered of a restless spirit stalking the broken heights. More often than not, it could be attributed to howling winds caroming off the rock face, but folks were superstitious, especially during these troubling times.

Spirits or no, the Crags were the definition of danger. The range took its name from the sheer amount of broken and jagged peaks stabbing up into the sky. Shadows and rain turned the paths into slick spots ripe for potential disaster. Winds turned to screams when caught in the right canyons. People did their best to avoid this lonely part of the world.

Midway through the day, the knights made it into the upper reaches. Pirneon halted them for a quick meal and for Kavan to double back. The old knight chewed absent-mindedly as he waited. The stone around him was dismal grey, void of life.

“I wonder now if some of those stories are true,” he said after a long pull on his canteen.

Aphere tested out the stiffness of her shoulder. “How can you have doubts after all we’ve been through?”

He pretended to ignore her. She possessed tremendous quality, but that didn’t prevent him from continuing his growing dislike. As far as he was concerned, she wasn’t the same woman.

“Damn it, Pirneon. Look at me when I speak to you!” she snapped. She was just as tired of the game as he was. She also knew that the only way they had any chance of survival was through complete cohesion.

He raised a hand. “Stay your arguments. I know what it is you have to say, and I’ve no desire to listen. I think your powers are an abomination of all our kingdom once stood for. Yes, you have saved our lives, and that places me in your debt. However, I cannot and will not accept you. When this task is finished, I shall go and have a talk with Kistan.”

She threw her hands up in exasperation. “To do what? Eh? Pout and scold him for being himself? You are a fool, old man.”

He spied Kavan riding back into the defile.

“There is no sign of any werebeasts,” he reported. A haggard look burrowed deep into his face.

“What of the Fist?”

Kavan shook his head. “None that I could see. The only tracks are ours.”

“They will not have given up so easily. The added threat of the werebeasts means their masters have upped the price. It is more important than ever that we reach Rantis.”

Kavan remained silent, glanced at Aphere. Her face was twisted, distracted. Clearly, something stressful had passed between them in his absence. He decided to avoid the subject for now.

“I wish these clouds would pass,” he said. “It would make it easier to spot those damned flying beasts.”

“True, but they also provide cover. We have need of every advantage. Geblin, how much further to the crest of the range?” Pirneon asked.

“Less than a league. It will take the rest of the day so long as the weather holds.”

“More than enough time for our enemy to consolidate and attack.”

Geblin added, “The pass reduces the number of ways for their advance. These walls are too steep to climb, even for monsters such as they. It’s front, back, or nothing.”

“Gain the crest, and we look for a place to hole up for the night,” Pirneon ordered.

Kavan and Geblin started forward. Pirneon waited long enough to give them a substantial lead before taking the others. He nodded to Barum in passing. The squire was growing more troubled the longer the quest went on. His master wasn’t himself, and there was no obvious reason why. Barum watched Aphere and felt sorrow. Mixed emotions flushed her face. More and more, she realized her place was back at Ipn Shal, not here in the wide world.

“He was wrong,” Barum offered in encouragement.

Aphere glared sharply. “It doesn’t matter. He said his piece and is on his own. Sometimes our words can be as cruel as the most tempered blade.”

“There is much stress in him these days. This task is taking a heavy toll on us all, him most of all. He just needs time to gather his thoughts. That’s all.”

Barum knew the problem went much deeper. An unsettling rage was growing deep within his master. One he couldn’t figure out for the life of him.

“Pray for him Barum, pray for us all.”

She rode past and said no more.

Nightfall dropped on them sooner than they anticipated. Occasionally, they caught the faint echo of an ominous howl. Geblin reassured them that the beasts were following other trails through the Crags. After all, he reminded, these mountain held hundreds of twisting paths, but only a select few ran through to Aradain.

That being said, they found a sizeable cave to spend the night. Pirneon allowed a small fire in the very rear for warmth and to cook a simple stew with supplies thoughtfully stashed in their saddlebags by Geblin’s brother when the horses were escorted around. The mountain heights were cold, sapping strength from their bones. They found scrub brush in one of the cuts and pulled it over the cave mouth for cover. Geblin volunteered for first watch, eager to be away from his bickering companions.

For a time, the only sound to be heard was the gentle crackling of burning wood. The Gaimosians stewed over earlier events. Only Kavan was left in the dark, though he’d mostly guessed the source of their problems. Tension filled the cave. Something needed to be said, if for no other reason than to calm nerves.

“Another day, and we’ll be down in the foothills,” he said.

Pirneon barely acknowledged him but said, “We’ll make good time back in the flats. Unfortunately, so will our enemies.”

“Is there anything along the path that can hinder us between here and Rantis?”

“No,” Pirneon said. “The city is surrounded by a vast marsh on three sides. Previous monarchs built bridges to span the mire. It makes for good defense.”

Kavan wasn’t so sure. “Who in their right mind would build a city in the middle of a swamp?”

“A man afraid of something very powerful.”

“How far are the ruins from Rantis? Do we go straight there or wait to scout things out first? I don’t like going into any situation blind, but time is just as much our enemy as these damned monsters and Fist.”

Pirneon finally raised his gaze from the fire. “What did you say?”

“Huh? About the monsters?” He shrugged. “Who else could have an interest in stopping us? The only logical conclusion is they are being controlled by someone with clear vendetta.”

Light dawned in Pirneon’s eyes. The thought proved disturbing but made total sense. Magic was an ancient tool that had practically been bred out of the bloodlines. Most kingdoms outlawed the practice after the last war. That someone still practiced arts long thought dead spelled ill for the people of Aradain.

“That line of thought puts us in a dangerous place. There’s more, though. None of this feels right. It almost seems as if we’re being herded towards a destiny beyond our grasp. An unknown darkness threatens to consume us. I know the taste of fear again for the first time in decades.”

The Knight Marshal went quiet and returned his gaze to the fire. He felt changes coming. They taunted him, manifesting in his dreams with promises of unparalleled violence. More than once, he found himself thinking about the taste of blood. Why? What significance did that hold for a proven knight of Gaimos? Certainly, his honor and pride were stronger than the animalistic pull of the subconscious. He shuddered softly and tried to sleep. The others followed suit. Tomorrow promised to be long.

Dawn saw them back on the goat path heading north. By dusk, the knights rode down into the plains of southern Aradain. Rantis was still many leagues ahead. Thirteen days remained before the eclipse.