The Vlakan King (Book 3) (36 page)

"Rest my friend. Be here when Davan awakens. I will see Ian."

Loric scanned the tree line as he walked through the grisly field of battle. Too many lives lost and he wept. For thousands of years it had been this way and he couldn't guess at how many dead soldiers he had seen in his lifetime. What could these lives have done for Landermass? What was their purpose to die violently at the whim of their leaders? Did the gods know? He guessed the Jungeguds did not for they caused much suffering in Landermass. The Altenguds? Perhaps Cothos could answer his questions but would he even want to give Loric comfort? That was not the way of gods.

He saw Ian and moved quickly to him. Ian was flushed and the brightness of his eyes belied the dark circles under them.

"Ian, are you well?"

"Loric. I am glad I did not kill you. I would've been disappointed if I had. I believe in the legends of the Talos Company you know."

"Come back to Gornst with me."

"No. I cannot. Brevin halted my transformation for a time, but I cannot control it as Belderag did. I am dangerous to those around me."

"Ioane retreated."

"I saw that. She lost a lot of her soldiers; her strength is less than it was. Will you hunt her down?" asked Greyrawk.

"Not without the rest of the Talos Company. Perhaps we will, I do not know. What can I do for you?"

"Send word back to Jaele and Tera that I am fine. I must master the transformation before I see them. I have gained some control and can resist the call of the Celaeri for now. The Vlakan will not fight their wars while I am here. I killed Belderag and in the eyes of the Vlakan I am their leader, so I mean to lead."

"Can I bring Davan to see you?"

"When I saw him during the battle I was so proud that he came all the way to Cresida searching for me."

"He has a tale to tell of his adventure."

"I am not ready to see him yet; I need more control. I will not risk his life. But if he can remain in Gornst for a few weeks, then I should be able to control myself."

"I will come with him to guard him in the event it is necessary," said Loric.

"I look forward to that day. I must go now. Tell Princess Linna the Vlakan will not trouble her people."

"I will do that. Walk in the sunlight, Ian Greyrawk. We shall meet again soon."

Raeind limped to the courtyard near the Grey Fox Tavern and slumped to the stone pavement. A young girl brought him a mug of ale. He drank and closed his eyes. He sensed movement around him but ignored it until someone sat next to him.

"I'm glad you're safe," said Merie. "I admit I was worried."

"Hmm. Thank you, I think. I can't help but look for the cutting meaning of your words."

"I guess I deserved that," said Merie.

"How's Krysta?"

"She's fine although you don't want to see her. Your alter ego has changed her opinion of you."

"Just as well. I've been on the outer edge of society all my life because of that bit of heritage. I'd like to say I am used to it but that's not true. Some hope sticks with me that someone will see past this curse. I've had trouble keeping relationships my entire life. She'd be better off with someone of her own station."

"Hmp, couldn't guess that." She smiled at Raeind. "Well, my brother seems to have her attention now. So don't worry about her."

"Truly, that is perfect. I couldn't ask anything more for her," said Raeind.

"What will you do now?"

"Try to rebuild my glass supplies. Lockwell destroyed them all. I want to return to the peaceful artisan life I once knew."

"You were a spy for the Talos Company."

"I travel the world Merie. I have legitimate reasons for moving from kingdom to kingdom. I concentrated on glassmaking and if I heard or saw anything of import I would send messages. The Talos Company has cultivated a large network of information over the centuries; I was just another piece in their puzzle. I was not an active spy in the strict sense and I also sent messages to my family in Nantitet."

Merie watched him drink his ale and slowly shake the tension from his shoulders. The courtyard was crowded and noisy but she felt they were alone, unconnected to the world around them. It was wonderful.

A dusty soldier approached them but he did not wear Gornst's colors.

"Lord Raeind? I am Althos. King Armana sent me."

Raeind looked up at the man and grasped the importance of the message.

"Be welcome Althos. What news?"

"You are summoned back to Nantitet. At least those were my instructions when I left."

Raeind caught the chance in Althos' voice. "What has happened?"

"Mordyn attacked Nantitet. On the road I heard news that King Armana was dead."

"Nantitet is lost?"

"No, no. The Mordyn were defeated but the King is dead. The whole Talos Company helped defend Nantitet."

"Armana was a good man and of good health. He should have been king for many more years."

"The crown is yours now, Lord Raeind."

"King?" said Merie. "You are the king of Calendia?"

"It would seem so. I was Armana's closet male relative." He released a deep exhale. "I can charge a bit more for my glassware now."

"Yes, your majesty," said Merie. "You certainly can. And Eslenda will order many pieces."

Raeind grinned. "Thank you, Merie. I feel better already."

"We need to leave soon," said Althos. "A king is needed for Calendia, someone to reassure the people."

"I will prepare immediately. Merie, I thank you for your companionship."

"Truly?" she laughed.

"Well, recently it has improved. Don't forget me."

"I cannot," said Merie. "I will write."

"I look forward to your letters. Come, Althos, I need supplies and a horse."

The great city of Nantitet survived for centuries defended by the heirs of Weracht de Arayr. It will survive until Zidar and Men no longer walk on Landermass.

From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

Across the sea and far to the southwest the Mordyn forces were dismayed by the prowess of Kerreth Veralier and as he stood before the gate of Nantitet, Mordyn waits, uncertain of what to do next. The Celaeri vanguard had been wiped out and only the Mordyn soldiers remain. Their squad leaders pulled them back and assessed their situation. No one has a clear idea of the next steps. The communication from Pashar Bei never arrived to signal the taking of the west gate of Nantitet. As the sun began to set, the glowing shape of Kerreth changes. Shrinking and its inner light fading, the body of Kerreth falls away into mist leaving a skeleton in Kerreth's armor. A Mordyn soldier darts forward but the skeleton moves quicker and raises its sword and then crushes the Mordyn soldier with a single blow. Kerreth's skeleton strode toward the Mordyn lines.

Slowly as in mute agreement, the Mordyn soldiers turn back toward their home leaving the bodies and weapons where they fell. The Calendian soldiers did not pursue. Taina Talos ordered all the bodies of the defenders be gathered and left the Mordyn dead to the scavengers. Kerreth stopped a hundred yards out from the city walls watching the Mordyn retreat.

Taina kept tight control of the city as the wounded were cared for and the gates repaired. No one questions the grim faced Daerlan and soon the normal activities of the city began to return. High King Armana's advisors offered Taina all the aid at their disposal.

"We cannot stay here forever," said Taina. "You will have to take command of the city."

"In another day we shall be ready," said Baer Patros. "King Armana had sent a summons for Raeind Arayr. Perhaps he was prescient that another Arayr would be needed."

"Perhaps. Is Raeind ready for the kingship?"

"I do not know but he will be crowned. What payment would you accept for the Talos Company's aid to Calendia?"

"Food and some gold," said Taina. "We will not beggar Nantitet. Determine the amount yourself. I trust in your fairness Baer."

Moria watched the skeleton of Kerreth as the dawn's light peered over the horizon. The golden light caressed the white bone and flesh began to form once more. Fascinated and horrified at the same time, Moria could not turn away until the face reformed and the black eyes stared out again.

Blackthorne and Hobart returned to the group. Blackthorne ignored the dagger stares he received. Taina kept between Moria and Blackthorne.

"The Mage Academy needs a new High Mage. Artus is dead and his successor did not survive our questioning. Hobart got a little rough."

"He was lying, it was obvious," said Hobart.

"Hobart got rough?" asked Dvorak. "Interesting. I didn't know you were interested in torture."

"It becomes more interesting over time," said Blackthorne. "Hobart wanted to give it a try, but in fairness, Artus's murderer was close to death when Hobart started his prodding." He grinned at the Tuor with paternal pride.

"So you defeated Pashar Bei and then went to the Mage Academy?" asked Taina. Hobart stared at the ground.

"Yes. The battle was raging in the Mage Academy so Hobart and I stood by and let them sort it out. You will be please to know that our friends Berlo and Dimont proved victorious. Apparently their time with us aided their decisiveness. However, Dimont did not wish to assume the mantle of the High Mage.

"In any case, perhaps Brevin can be persuaded to return as Headmaster. He is the only qualified mage alive."

"We will talk to Gerrand," said Taina. "What happened to Pashar Bei?" She looked not at Blackthorne but at Hobart.

"He escaped," said Hobart without a pause. "In the confusion of the battle. Blackthorne dispersed Pashar Bei's spells and his Celaeri soldiers were confused. The Calendian soldiers charged them and I never saw Pashar Bei again."

Taina looked from Hobart to Blackthorne disbelieving the honest expressions on their faces. She sighed.

"I assume you are going to your estate and not returning to Toraba."

"I may stop to see how Wotba is getting along, but I do want to see Wynne soon."

"Oh boy," muttered Dvorak Annis.

"Shh," said Hobart.

"Let's get ready to ride," said Taina.

Hobart found a horse large enough to support Kerreth and the giant mounted without urging and waited for the others to ride. Taina led them from Nantitet and Kerreth rode alongside Moria who could not help but reach a hand toward him. Kerreth reached out and delicately took her hand. She looked into his black eyes and they did not seem so dark now. Perhaps it was the changing light. She smiled then gasped when she felt his hand gently squeeze hers.

There is magic about an inn; warm fire in the hearth, cold ale, and hot stew, buxom women serving weary travelers or workers at the end of the day. Of all the things they could have contributed to Landermass, the Men gave us the inn. And we are in their debt.

From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

When Davan came to he was in a soft bed with warm blankets over him. On the table beside the bed was a steaming bowl of soup. He started to sit up and reach for the soup when a small hand pressed him back.

"You just rest there, Davan Greyrawk," said Elly Picker. "Grandpa said you are a special guest and are to get the best hospitality we can offer."

"You're pretty," said Davan. He realized what he said and blushed. "I'm sorry. I mean. I didn't mean to offend you."

"Offend me? Why would a compliment offend me? You are obviously still a little muddled from the battle. Your ankle wasn't broken but it will be some time before you can put weight on it. Just lean back and I'll feed you this soup."

"Where's Jarius?"

"Mother has taken him under her wing. He has a knack for brewing ale. We've never seen so much business."

"He's a sorcerer! What's he doing working in a tavern?"

"You speak as if working at a tavern was demeaning."

"Elly, I meant no offense. I always think of mages and sorcerers as advising kings and such things."

"I don't know about that; I just serve food in a tavern. But I do know this; Jarius is as happy as anyone I've ever seen. His grin is infectious and has cheered Mother so since father was wounded."

The door opened and Colly walked in.

"How's everything going in here?" asked Colly.

"Fine, Grandpa. Shut the door behind you when you leave," said Elly.

"Now wait a minute Elliane," said Colly.

"Dad, let them be," said Danni, entering the room behind Colly and pulling him out. "Glad you're still with us Davan. Get some rest." She looked meaningfully at Elly. She shut the door.

Davan watched Elly feed him several spoonfuls of soup. He held his hand up for her to wait.

"I'm sorry about your father, Elly. He was a brave man. He killed a lot of the Celaeri. I'm no soldier but I could see he was something special. Will he live?"

Tears rimmed Elly's eyes and she filled the spoon again.

"Thank you Davan. That means a lot, but it doesn't stop the pain. Yes, I think he will live but he will lose his arm. It's a good thing we have the tavern; most other vocations require two good arms. I heard all about the first Celaeri war from Dad, thinking I understood what war meant but now watching war first hand; why do people have to die so?"

Davan swallowed the soup, set aside the bowl and pulled her close.

"I don't know Elly; I'm just a tavern boy."

Elly looked into his face, searching.

"I'm just a tavern girl. Keep holding me."

A raspy voice sang outside their window. One of the beggars in the alley found a jug of wine and settled himself in a dry spot. The tune was a nursery rhyme that both Elly and Davan remembered but these were older words from a different time.

Elly buried her face on Davan's shoulder.