Knights: Book 02 - The Hand of Tharnin (11 page)

"I never thought it was evil," said Vorden, his eyes fixed on the sword. "I agree that it's a strange weapon. But it feels right in my hand. I'm sorry for keeping it a secret. That was wrong, and I have learned my lesson."

"It is made of Glaetherin," said Jace, tracing a long finger over the blade. "But molded to an astonishing degree. I've never seen Glaetherin molded or engraved with such detail. Also, there are veins of Birlote crystal that run across its surface creating the spider design. These veins likely contain powerful energy. This sword was designed in similar fashion to the blue stones in the demon man's gauntlet in that some form of energy was bound in Birlote crystal--which is the same crystal used to make Birlote torches and other fine items. However, unlike the demon man's gauntlet, it harbors no demonic intelligence or malice. Anyway, the sword is absolutely magnificent. Aside from being virtually indestructible, it possesses its own sorcery that I'm sure makes it very formidable in combat."

"Can I have it back?' Vorden asked, leaning forward and looking anxious. "I mean, when this meeting is done?"

"Do you deserve it?" said Taris. "You kept it a secret. It could have been a dangerous weapon of Tharnin that ended up possessing you. Give us a good reason why you--a mere Squire--should own such a blade."

"This is actually not a violation of the Sacred Laws," said Trenton Shadowbane, "or even of minor rules. Squires are allowed to carry whatever weapons they prefer. They are not obligated to report carrying a specific weapon unless they feel it might be cursed by Tharnin. So the real question is whether or not Vorden believed it was cursed. Or his fellow Squires, if they knew about it."

"They didn't know," Vorden said quickly. Seeing skeptical looks from the Knights, he added: "What I mean is that I assured them the sword was not cursed and they took my word for it. It just never felt cursed to me. Anyway, if I must turn it over to the High Council, so be it. But considering that my attack broke the demon man's defenses and possibly saved lives, it's clear I've already put it to good use. In light of that, I ask that it be returned to me."

"A bold request," said Krissana, nodding with respect. "You showed heroism and believe you should be rewarded." She fell silent for a moment, then said, "That is good enough to claim my vote. I agree that you should have the sword."

"I disagree
strongly
," said Cordus. "The Squire should have reported it, rules or not. And that sword is clearly a powerful artifact from Dremlock's history. It should be preserved and put on display for all to see."

"On the contrary," said Taris, "it should be
used.
Why place such a fantastic blade under glass to be merely gazed upon? With some reluctance, I agree that Vorden should have possession of the sword."

"I agree as well," said Trenton. "The Squire did nothing wrong. And in fact he fought well with the blade."

"Jace," said Cordus, "you're the most knowledgeable among us concerning magical items. What is your opinion on the matter? And what of our own experts? Was the blade tested by the White Knights?"

"The sword should pose no danger to the Squire," said Jace. "It could be used for evil, but it is not evil by nature. It's certainly not any more evil than Lannon's Dragon-bone sword, which possesses dulled and harmless sorcery of Tharnin. In fact, it should react the same way that bone sword reacts--in that will take on the personality of its master, good or evil." Jace chuckled. "It seems the Squires possess two of the most well-crafted and expensive swords at Dremlock."

"Lannon's sword was a gift from Taris," said Cordus. "A rather extravagant gift, yes, but known to the High Council. Vorden simply found his blade by chance and then avoided mentioning the fact."

"Jace is correct, though," said Vesselin Hopebringer, the Lord of the White Knights. "We tested it thoroughly. It contains no trace of dark sorcery."

Cordus frowned. "Very well. We have more pressing matters to concern ourselves with. Vorden, take the sword and use it with honor. Such a blade should only be carried by one worthy of carrying it. You are strictly forbidden to give it away or sell it without consulting with the High Council."

Vorden snatched the spider sword off the table and sheathed it. He bowed and sat back down. "Thank you. And you won't regret it."

"Now," said Cordus, "on to the issue of Timlin Woodmaster. We're all aware of his crime and he does not deny it. We can move straight to deciding on his punishment."

Timlin sat with his head bowed, with his wrists free of irons. He'd been released from the dungeon a few hours before the meeting. The Squires shot each other grim looks, and then Vorden raised his hand.

Cordus sighed. "Speak, Squire."

"I just want to say," said Vorden, "that Timlin is very sorry and he promises never to steal from Dremlock again or break any Sacred Laws."

"Then why are you speaking for him?" said Cordus. "If Timlin is sorry, then let him speak in his own defense. What say you, Timlin?"

Timlin looked up, his eyes red. "I say you might as well toss me out. I am sorry for what I did, but I can't promise it won't happen again."

Trenton Shadowbane scowled. "The lawbreaker has said enough for me. He should be banished from Dremlock immediately!"

Cordus slammed his fist down on the table. "Yes, I've seen enough disrespect from this Squire, talented or not!"

"I do not agree," said Taris. "I believe Timlin has great potential, if we can free his mind of its burdens. I suggest we temporarily strip him of rank and place him with the White Knights, who can work on his mind and perhaps bring healing to him. It is clear to me that he has suffered greatly in life and it is corrupting his behavior. He needs our help."

"Taris speaks wisdom," said Krissana. "Timlin's crime is grim, but not unforgivable. His talent with the bow is unmatched among the Squires--greater even than the young Birlotes. I suggest we send him to the Hall of Healing. And Timlin is one of Lannon's trusted friends."

"We may be able to help the lad," said Vesselin Hopebringer. "If his mind is sick, it can be healed. But it might take time and considerable effort. The question is whether or not such effort is worth it."

"It's worth it," Vorden said. "Tell them it's worth it, Lannon."

"Silence!" Cordus commanded. "I don't want to hear from any Squires right now. Jace, you're not a Knight, but you are a wise man. What do you think?"

"About what?" said Jace, his eyes distant. He seemed to snap back to reality. "Oh, yes, the Squire. Hmm...what to do? Toss him out, I guess. Being a Knight is not for everyone. You have to have strong moral character to begin with. But don't actually toss him out. Send him to the Hall of Healing and give him some help. Get him started on a new way of life." Jace smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Give him a merry bowl of Dremlock's finest rice pudding."

Cordus nodded. "I wholeheartedly agree. We should demote him to the rank of Orange and send him to the care of the White Knights."

Taris nodded. "While I hate to lose his talent, I too can agree with that. My main concern is making sure he receives the healing he needs."

"Agreed," said Krissana.

"Good enough, I suppose," muttered Trenton.

Vorden opened his mouth to speak, but a glare from Cordus caused Vorden to close it again. Vorden sighed in defeat.

"I won't accept that," Timlin said. "Orange is a disgrace. Just banish me instead and get it over with!"

"Timlin, you are no longer a Squire!" Cordus snarled. "Remove your sash at once. If the High Council disagrees, let them speak. We can have a vote."

No one spoke.

Timlin flung the sash aside and rose, his eyes blazing. He held his chin up defiantly. "So now what?"

"Now," said Cordus, "you can either go to the Hall of Healing, or you can leave Dremlock. But either way, you're finished as a Squire."

Vorden groaned and put his head in his hands. Lannon, Jerret, and Aldreya exchanged unhappy glances.

"I'll go to that stupid Hall of Healing!" shouted Timlin. "They will find out they can't cure me. And then maybe I'll stick my dagger in someone's back before all is said and done!"

Cordus' face turned crimson with anger. He pointed toward the door, where two Red Knights stood. "Just get out of Dremlock! You're finished here. You will never set foot in this kingdom again, as long as I'm the Lord Knight!"

Timlin hesitated, then reached into his tunic and pulled out a red candle. He sat the red candle on the table. His eyes gleamed with malice. A gasp arose from the Knights, though the Squires looked confused.

Timlin drew his Flayer, and it smoldered with the fires of sorcery. He held it near the candle. "Look upon this, Lord Knight!"

Cordus face went from crimson to pale.

Taris only bowed his head, a sad look on his face.

"You've left me no choice!" Timlin said. With that, he lit the red candle and said: "I may be banished from Dremlock, but I will be a Knight!"

 
Cordus' voice lowered to a menacing growl. "And know that if you join with our foes, your blood shall stain this land in the name of the Divine Essence! Now walk until Dremlock is behind you and do not look back. For once you pass beyond these walls, your fate is sealed!"

With a sneer, Timlin turned and strode from the room.

With a shaking hand, Vorden reached for Timlin's candle but Cordus motioned him to leave it be. "Let his candle burn and seer our hearts and minds, so that all may remember that Timlin Woodmaster has betrayed Dremlock. He has made his intentions clear--he is now our sworn enemy."

"He's just being foolish!" Vorden cried. "He'll soon realize it was a mistake. Timlin has a good heart. You have to believe me!"

"We shall take a break," said Cordus. "I need time alone." His head bowed, the Lord Knight left the chamber. Krissana, Thrake, Willan, and Trenton left as well. Taris simply continued to sit quietly, gazing at the table.

Jace lit up a pipe, took a puff, and blew a poorly constructed smoke ring. "Hmm...I've never quite mastered that skill. Anyway, looks like our young friend won't be getting any of Dremlock's rice pudding after all."

Lannon glared at Jace, thinking Jace didn't seem to care about anyone. But Jace merely smiled back at him. Lannon looked away.

They simply sat and waited for Cordus and the others to return.

Jace drummed his fingers on the table. "I do hope we can wrap this up soon. I'm getting rather hungry."

"I'm worried about my friend!" Vorden snarled. "Not food."

"Of course you are, Squire," said Jace, winking at Vorden. "But I, however, am not. I'm too old to worry about people the way you do. People do all kinds of bizarre things, you know. They have and they will, simply because they can."

"You don't look old at all," said Aldreya.

"But I
am
old," said Jace. "And when you get to be my age, something funny happens. You stop caring so much about what people do and merely accept it as part of life. You actually do care...but you don't take it so personally when people make bad choices. It's hard to explain. But age definitely has its benefits."

"Cordus cares," said Taris, lifting his head. "And quite deeply. He is a very emotional man. Right now he feels betrayed and hurt. In all his years, Cordus had never been presented with a red candle from a Squire. It is a shame that our Lord Knight had to witness a young hopeful turn against Dremlock."

"What will become of Timlin?" said Lannon.

"The Blood Legion may take him in," said Taris. "Timlin will then plot against Dremlock. If it comes to it, we will have to kill him."

"I won't kill him!" Vorden said, his eyes wide. "He's still my friend. And I can't believe that lighting a stupid candle matters so much."

"The red candle is an ancient ritual," said Taris. "Sometimes the red candle is left with a note. Sometimes it is presented to the Lord Knight by a messenger. Regardless, the red candle is symbolic of a Knight's intent to join the Blood Legion."

"But Timlin needs help," said Vorden. "We all agreed on that."

"It doesn't matter now," said Taris. "Timlin has chosen his fate."

"I just need to talk to him alone," said Vorden. "I know I can convince him to abandon this nonsense."

Taris shook his head. "No, Vorden. He is probably lost to us forever. He swore an oath that Dremlock takes very seriously. He must have planned for it...studied it. Rumors will soon spread across Silverland of Timlin's oath, and the Blood Legion may seek him out. Aside from being highly talented, he is also Lannon's friend and knows some of Lannon's secrets. The Blood Legion will at least be interested in questioning him--and they might even accept him as a member."

"Then why didn't we take him prisoner?" said Lannon.

"The Laws allow for him to leave the kingdom," said Taris. "He is granted that one chance to change his ways. But he won't likely change. He will find the Blood Legion, or their Soldiers will find him. I'm certain of it."

***

After the rest of the High Council had returned, Cordus said, "The issue with Timlin Woodmaster is done with. He has chosen his fate and we shall not speak of it again. Now we shall discuss the issue of the demon man."

"Of course," said Jace. "He is once again in the Deep Forge, bound to a table with Birlote rope. He is being administered a powerful sleep potion. At this point, he is quite harmless. But there is still a great danger. His gauntlet--this Hand of Tharnin--is very difficult to remove. If a mistake is made, it will release a blast of fire that can kill anyone who is near it. Also, the gauntlet chooses its master, and it favors men or women of great knowledge. That being the case, I suggest the attempt to remove it be made by someone younger, such as a Squire. But not Lannon. Lannon's power will greatly tempt the gauntlet. Regardless, it will be very dangerous."

"I will do it!" Aldreya said eagerly.

"Let me do it!" said Vorden.

Jerret said nothing, looking a bit sheepish.

Jace considered the requests. "While I admire your courage, Aldreya, you are quite talented in the use of sorcery. That too could draw the gauntlet to you. I would favor Vorden in this case, as his sorcery is probably much weaker."