Sword of the Goddess
David Holmes
Sword of the Goddess
Man of Shadows book two.
A novel by David Holmes
Edited by John Murray
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Foreword
The war against the shadows continues, as do the machinations of the gods, both good and evil. Darras, now happily settled in his new world, continues to aid his friends and deal with those who would oppose the plan of Erren, the Goddess of Light. Yet the struggle takes a darker turn when Colanthus, the God of War, takes the side of the King’s Council of Rachtelin and selects his brutal, murderous champions to face Darras, the Agent of Erren.
HD Map of Rachtelin
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AjT-7lz33IcVg5ZWmanrsNCaZz-YoQ?e=1ZE2JC
HD Map of Keelem
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AjT-7lz33IcVg5Yj9h6i7vwsaacHOA?e=5TcTHc
HD Map of Golsten
https://1drv.ms/i/s!AjT-7lz33IcVg5Ym51UZxNTzrNJ5mg?e=w2y3CP
Contents
Foreword
Contents
The Gods
Prologue)
Chapter 1)
Chapter 2)
Chapter 3)
Chapter 4)
Chapter 5)
Chapter 6)
Chapter 7)
Chapter 8)
Chapter 9)
Chapter 10)
Chapter 11)
Chapter 12)
Chapter 13)
Chapter 14)
Chapter 15)
Chapter 16)
Chapter 17)
Chapter 18)
Chapter 19)
Chapter 20)
Chapter 21)
Chapter 22)
Chapter 23)
Chapter 24)
Chapter 25)
Chapter 26)
Chapter 27)
Chapter 28)
Chapter 29)
Chapter 30)
Chapter 31)
Chapter 32)
Chapter 33)
Chapter 34)
Chapter 35)
Chapter 36)
Chapter 37)
Chapter 38)
Chapter 39)
Chapter 40)
Chapter 41)
Chapter 42)
Chapter 43)
Chapter 44)
Chapter 45)
Chapter 46)
Chapter 47)
Chapter 48)
Chapter 49)
Chapter 50)
Chapter 51)
Chapter 52)
Chapter 53)
Chapter 54)
Chapter 55)
Chapter 56)
Chapter 57)
Chapter 58)
Chapter 59)
Chapter 60)
Chapter 61)
Chapter 62)
Chapter 63)
Chapter 64)
Chapter 65)
Chapter 66)
Epilogue
The Gods
God |
Purpose |
Allfather Supreme God.
Bennos God of swamps and marshlands.
Bimmlat God of mines.
Bolgasa God of inebriation.
He is also denigratingly known as the God of drunks.
Bragos Claims to be the God of stone but is simply the God of a Dwarven cult.
Cheelath Goddess of crops.
Colanthus God of war and combat.
Crannok God of lost causes.
Known as the Guider of Destiny to the Lizardmen. And also known as the God of thieves.
Agent… Tiruk, Human.
Dark Lord God of entropy and decay.
Agent… Casal, First One.
Darmela Goddess of wealth and trade.
Doriel Goddess of the woods and woodland creatures.
Known as Lomaris to the forest folk.
Agent… Balat, Human.
Epelmos God of plagues and disease.
Erren Goddess of light, protector of life and growth.
Known as Wenderos to the Elves and Gilmea to the Dwarves.
Agent… Darras, Human.
Hallis Goddess of healing and fertility.
Known as the Goddess of courtesans and, denigratingly, as the Goddess of whores.
Agent… Mirion, Elf.
Lanfross God of the heated depths.
Osruit God of rivers and lakes and the water-folk.
Pelegard God of blacksmiths and craftsmen.
Agent… Klavin, Dwarf.
Rustav God of lightning.
Erroneously believes he is the God of life as electricity runs through all living things.
Saltak God of the plains.
Serulon Goddess of judgement and balance.
Not powerful as such but is the only God who can contact the Allfather directly.
Sorella Goddess of the sea and the denizens within.
Also known as the Stormbringer.
Szavona Goddess of sleep.
Tsumi God of dreams and the Realm within them.
Venicia Goddess of the air and all flying creatures.
In the land beyond the mountains, where tomorrow Rachtelin will be born,
Is the land that birthed our forefathers, the land to which we will return.
Press on, O horses, climbing over the hill of our fallen comrades.
Press on, O brave warriors, to become the earth of the land beyond.
Prologue)
Klea was out hunting, something she was very good at. It was also a way to escape the confines of the village, which had become the capital of the Children of the Sword. Klea was well aware of the other, often unfortunate titles her people had, Dark Kin being about the best of them, though she was also honest enough to realise her people had earned many of them, along with those whom she thought of as the weak kin… when being polite.
Unfortunately, there were many of her people who were not so honest and who carried their hatred as a badge of honour, as if such hate would give them status in the real world from whence they were now exiled. In this, the fools were encouraged by the keepers of the blade and their leader, Colsek, who bore a particular grudge owing to the death of his parents when the weak kin had discovered an enclave of the Children.
Yet Klea knew such hatred could be overcome… in that the two sides didn’t need to attack each other on sight. She had managed it herself when meeting her… estranged kin in the forest of Tornua along with the agent of Wenderos. The hate and loathing between them had initially been palpable, yet neither side had attacked. This had given Klea hope that the time of exile would eventually permit old hatreds to die, though realised that this could take some time, even by Elven standards.
***
“Greetings, daughter,” Galbras, her father, hailed Klea. “How went the hunt?”
“It went well, Father, two plump rabbits skinned and prepared for the pot,” Klea replied. “We shall eat well tonight.”
“That is good,” Galbras nodded. “This land is abundant in game and its soil is fertile.”
“It is, Father; hopefully, our numbers can be renewed here, and old hatreds will be forgotten.”
“Ever the optimist,” Galbras chuckled. “Yet, at least there are some we can talk to.”
“Darras, agent of Wenderos, yes,” Klea agreed. “I have met other Humans, too, who bore me no hatred.”
“From the Voxilla woods?”
“Yes, from the forces of Rachtelin.”
“Should this agent visit… though I don’t see how. You will ensure he and anyone with him is treated with respect,” Galbras replied.
“I will, father.”
“Good. Now, invite our neighbours to share in the feast as we strive to become whole again.”
“Yes, father, a pleasure.”
Chapter 1)
Darras turned and swung his staff at the attacker, though to no effect. The shadow ignored the weapon as it had no power to hurt the creature. What it did do, though, was cause the creature to hesitate, giving Darras a chance to finish off its compatriot, which crumbled away and dissipated on the ground. This also caused the attacking creature to pause and back away as it realised the man could destroy its type.
“Oh no, you don’t!” Darras snarled as, in an amazing turn of speed and agility, he leapt forward to grab the creature by its throat and begin its destruction.
Despite the creature’s desperate struggles as it slashed at Darras with its limbs, Darras was too strong, and the creature collapsed and dissipated on the ground.
“Getting stronger… smarter, too,” Darras sighed as he checked his armour for damage.
‘That they are, my Darras,’ Erren replied within Darras’s mind.
“What were they after?”
‘One of Callani’s ladies in waiting, I suspect,’ Erren explained, mentioning Lady Callani cor Rachtele, wife of Rigilo, the youngest Prince of Rachtelin and currently in dispute with the King’s Council over their attempts to place his older brother Joffar on the throne of Rachtelin.
Joffar, unfortunately, due to birthing complications, was an easily distracted, easily led incompetent, which was why the King’s Council favoured him as he would enable their corrupt practices to flourish. That Joffar hadn’t been named heir by the current King of Rachtelin was down to the King refusing openly to favour either son and leaving the matter to the nobles' conclave.
This was typical of King Ferril of Rachtelin, a man who struggled to decide on anything and who’d more or less abrogated his responsibilities to his Council. Ferril, however, was aware that Joffar was incompetent and had baulked at naming him. This, unfortunately, caused the King’s Council to try and force the issue, though currently to no avail. Erren was pretty much convinced that Ferril’s days were numbered now and had used Darras to eliminate any threats to Rigilo and his immediate family. In this, Darras had some aid from his friend Balat, the agent of Doriel, goddess of the woodlands and Tiruk, agent of Crannok, the god of lost causes. Darras was the agent of Erren, the goddess of light and protector of life and growth.
“Well, it’s over for now,” Darras sighed.
‘Yes, come home, my love.’
“Long ride to Frestap since I dare not attempt to use either of the two gateways in Rachtelin.”
‘Yes, the Council declared you outlaw, though they are currently in dispute with my temple over this, and it’s likely to be overturned soon… officially.’
“Yes, I doubt any bribe will allow easy entry,” Darras chuckled, as until recently, a two silver bribe would make the gateway officials look the other way.
‘If it were anyone but you, it would. You stand out too much.’
“And I’m the only one who can kill these things, too,” Darras sighed.
‘True,’ Erren replied. ‘Now get home soon. I miss you.’
“On my way.”
Darras made his way silently from the inn where the shadows had been possessing two merchants on their way to Miront, where Rigilo and Callani were in residence. The two merchants were currently unconscious, an event that occurred when Darras forcibly removed a shadow from its possession. This had only gone slightly awry when the stronger of the two shadows escaped Darras’s grip, though fortunately, it had remained to aid its companion and not run into the night.
Leaving the village, Darras made his way into the woods where his horse was tethered, finding it guarded by a silent woodnymph who acknowledged Darras’s return with a nod and indicated a path for Darras to head down.
“May Erren bless you, sister of the woods,” Darras gave a benediction to the nymph as she merged with a tree.
As Darras could see exceptionally well in the night's darkness, it was merely twilight, so he could easily follow the indicated path. As he did, he noticed several forest folk peer out to watch his passage, even as the way seemingly closed behind him.
‘Popular as ever,’ Erren giggled.
“Yes,” Darras chuckled. “They’ve always done that since my first trip to Fordel.”
‘You may be going back soon,’ Erren informed him. ‘Balat may need your help as they’ve taken to holding hostages ahead of negotiations on the lumber harvest.’
“Didn’t they learn from the last time that Doriel takes a dim view of that sort of thing?”
‘Apparently, they have them held in the city of Fordel, where most of Doriel’s worshippers cannot go,’ Erren explained.
“Another jailbreak,” Darras nodded. “Wonder if Amina’s people can help?”
‘I’ll ask Crannok.’
“Good. If anyone is skilled at getting into and out of buildings, it’s the Thieves Guild of Dobra.”
‘That they are, Crannok is quite impressed with them, though not so impressed with the title god of thieves,’ Erren replied.
“Understandable, though it doesn’t appear to bother him that much.”
‘I don’t think it does either.’
***
Welcome home, my love,” Erren greeted him happily as the gateway in Frestap permitted his transit to Erren’s domain, a hidden area that no mortal could reach without her permission.
As ever, Darras became clean-shaven the moment he arrived, and he moved to hug the avatar of the goddess Erren whom he had come to love. Although the avatar wasn’t the real goddess, the young woman represented contained all of the being that Erren was, and because it had human emotions, it was deeply in love with Darras. And so the pair had bonded to the mutual happiness of both.
“You stink of horse,” she giggled as they hugged.
“I need a bath.”
“You certainly do.”
“Any more threats?”
“Lots of them, and yes, I know you’re being run ragged.”
“It is what it is,” Darras nodded as they reached Erren’s bathing area, and after disrobing, they both slipped into the hotter area.
“Rigilo and Callani are still safe, though,” Erren replied. “The actions of the King’s Council are dividing the nation, though they still hold the upper hand in numbers of knights at least.”
“And then there are the shadows,” Darras sighed. “Keeping me busy in Rachtelin whilst elsewhere they run loose.”
“That does appear to be part of their plan,” Erren agreed.
“Well, it’s working,” Darras nodded. “How are your other plans working out?”
“Amina and a few of her people are now in Fordel town and scouting out the jail for me. I am financing them as normally they’d struggle to cope… honestly with the high prices there,” Erren replied.
“How would you do that?”
“I control the gateways, so I just ensured the bulk of their copper coins became silver and their silver coins, gold,” Erren explained with a smile. “I also added several precious gems too.”
“Bet they were impressed,” Darras chuckled.
“They were, even Amina.”
“When do you need me there?”
“When Amina offers an answer via an offering to Crannok,” Erren replied. “He has a shrine there.”
“Anything else going on of note?”
“Orcatia, Ralketh and Treen are aware of the potential civil war in Rachtelin and have plans to seize land and/or raid if an opportunity arises.”
“Vultures,” Darras grated out.
“Very much so, though I’m working on Torgillon moving their troops up to the borders of Orcatia and Ralketh to give them something to worry about.”
“Mirion’s doing?”
“Yes, her duties as the agent of Hallis allow her access to the Torgillon noble houses, and they generally support Rigilo, though they have not stated so openly yet.”
“Rigilo’s success in Thenarron will have helped there,” Darras nodded.
“Yes, the Graccen family were deeply impressed, and he’s a good friend of the Earl, their leader,” Erren agreed. “The Earl has the ear of the King and considerable influence within the noble class.”
“And no issues with Mirion being an Elf,” Darras chuckled.
“Not in Torgillon, no.”
“Klavin?” Darras asked, naming the agent of Pelegard, the god of blacksmiths and craftsmen.
“Busy in Burral,” “Erren replied. “Burralsteig mostly, he’s having the proscriptions on you from entering the city removed.”
“Good, still leaves me with most of Rachtelin cut off for me other than by horseback, however.”
“That won’t change any time soon, though Harinas in Iversirion passed on an offer from King Leandomus to place Firios, Tinara and Traskis at your disposal to get you through the woods of Rachtelin to your destinations.”
“That will help, though they’d be in danger if caught in the open,” Darras nodded thoughtfully. “No Annos?”
“She’s retired along with Sondrast to teach at the university.”
“Ah, good.”
“Firios has been appointed a new team member, but Harinas has not mentioned their name to me or simply does not know yet.”
“Guess I’ll meet them if they come along,” Darras shrugged. “Tiruk?”
“Busy in Hilliam, the capital of Crusal, gathering information for me,” Erren replied.
“He’ll not blend in too well there,” Darras chuckled as the people from Crusal had pale skin and blonde to white hair. Tiruk was as dark a skinned man as Darras had ever met.
“He isn’t mistrusted as you were for having the skin tones of someone from Asul,” Erren explained. “As far as they are concerned, he’s from the southern kingdoms of Keelem, the main continent.”
“And is he?”
“No, he’s from Ducloman, a desert kingdom of Golsten.”
“Does he hide that?”
“Yes, the Duclomani have a reputation as bandits and thugs,” Erren replied.
“He seemed pretty… refined last we spoke,” Darras chuckled.
“He is… now,” Erren smiled. “Crannok smoothed a few rough edges off him in the last sixty years.”
“Mirion’s worried about outliving her husband and children, you know,” Darras changed the subject to bring up a delicate situation.”
“Hallis will deal with it, trust me.”
“So her husband at least gets an extended life, or she retires from her position as an agent?” Darras asked.
“Probably retires.”
“Tiruk had to lose his wife and children,” Darras replied.
“I know, but they found good lives under the blessings of my brother, Darras,” Erren explained. “We aren’t heartless… well, most of us.”
“Oh yes, Colanthus,” Darras grimaced.
“Yes, he’s the reason the King’s Council in Rachtelin became far more proactive in keeping you out,” Erren nodded.
“And as the god of war, he’ll try to make the eventual civil war both lengthy and extreme in the way of massacres and reprisals,” Darras sighed.
“I’ll do my best to stop that.”
“I know you will, my love.”
***
Toting a heavy pack, Darras stepped through the gateway of Fordel to face their customs official, who efficiently took down his details and charged him a silver for entry. This was a sum that bordered on outright theft, though, as with much of the economy of Fordel, more was needed to prevent trade. Once given his papers, Darras followed the instructions of Erren to one of the less salubrious parts of Fordel town to an inn where he’d been informed Amina’s people were staying.
“Darras, good to see you,” Amina greeted him as she and her companions sat around a table with a simple meal.
“You too, Amina,” Darras replied, also acknowledging the group, many of whom he was acquainted with.
“Crannok gave us a tough nut to crack,” Amina continued. “That said, not an impossible task.”
“Glad to hear it,” Darras nodded, then glanced up as Balat entered the inn.
“Darras, Amina, friends,” he hailed the group.
“Come sit,” Amina called back. “You’ve grown.”
“Have I?” Balat chuckled.
“Well, filled out, and you carry yourself with more maturity,” Amina laughed.
“Doriel’s doing,” Balat nodded. “I’ve spent what seems like years in her demesne yet was less than a month in the world.”
“Lucky man,” Nemmos, one of the thieves, replied.
“I think so too,” Balat acknowledged. “Still, now we’re here. How can we help?”
“Well, we have Darras for direct action, though hopefully he won’t be needed, and you for any magic we may need to weave,” Amina replied.
“I have brought several bounty hunter restraints for you,” Darras added, looking at Balat. “We may not need them, but they could be useful.”
“Aye, they might at that,” Amina replied.
“So, how do we get in… and out?” Balat asked.
“Hardest part will be getting past the guards in the entrance,” Nemmos informed Darras and Balat. “They tend to be both watchful and awake most of the night.”
“Scaling the walls?” Darras asked.
“We can’t, as we’d be in full view of the town patrols,” Amina replied.
“And we don’t have time to dig a tunnel,” Chillik, one of the thieves, chuckled.
“What about the sewers?” Darras asked.
“They have night soil collection,” Amina replied. “No sewers.”
“When’s that done?” Balat asked thoughtfully.
“Early morning, it’s also a potential way out, not in.”
“How many prisoners, Balat?” Darras enquired.
“Twenty-five,” Balat replied.
“Can you cast sleep magic?”
“Yes,” he chuckled.
“That might do for the gate guards,” Amina stated thoughtfully.
“Once inside?” Balat asked.
“Occasional patrols, nothing much,” Nemmos replied. “Keys to the cells are carried by the jailer whom I was told would be sleeping in his chair near the cells.”
“Who told you that?” Darras asked with a slight chuckle.
“His bored wife who bitched for a few hours whilst I was… entertaining her.”
“I’ll not enquire further,” Darras nodded with a smile as the thieves and Balat burst out laughing.
“OK, once we have them out?” Balat asked.
“We use the gateway on the freight run,” Amina replied.
“Won’t they notice?”
“We have two sealed carts ready, and I’m informed Erren can take care of the rest?” Amina replied with a glance at Darras, who nodded.
“She can,” Darras replied after confirmation from Erren. “I’m also carrying healing and stamina potions, just in case.”
“Aye, likely they are in poor condition,” Chillik replied.
“More than likely,” Darras agreed.
“Big question,” Balat began. “Can we do it?”
“I believe so, yes. The guards are complacent, they don’t know we’re coming, and the escape route through the gateway is easy due to the Fordelian's insistence on uninterrupted trade,” Amina replied.
“Issues?”
“The guards, sneaking around is easy, but what people do and when is tricky.”
“We’ll try to avoid casualties,” Darras replied. “That said, if we need to deal with them, we will, permanently.”
“Aye,” Balat agreed. “There’s no call for this. It’s simply greed on their part.”
“According to Erren, they never did this in the past,” Darras noted.
“They are running into issues with various neighbours refusing to trade with them and objecting to their illegal logging practices on the borders,” Balat replied. “That and the forest folk will not increase production due to their previous violations of the trade treaties.”
“Storing up future trouble for themselves, too,” Darras added. “They’ll have no allies to help when the Rachtelin hammer comes down.”
“Why are the Rachtelini so annoyed with them?” Amina asked.
“Fordelian bribes to the King’s Council, giving them exclusive trading rights within Rachtelin,” Darras replied. “High import prices, low prices for exports, set by the Council.”
“Smuggling an issue?”
“For the King’s Council, yes. As is banditry, they once had independent knight commands to combat it. However, most of those got absorbed into the new combined regiments the nobles opposed to the Council set up.”
“Lost their cheap options?” Chillik asked.
“Yes, most were commanded by a non-noble and hence cheaper to fund.”
“It’s time,” Amina stated, hearing a nail drop from the candle clock the inn was using,
“Let’s go,” Darras nodded. “And may Erren, Doriel and Crannok bless our mission.”
“I think that’s a given,” Balat laughed, as did the thieves.
***
It had taken about half an hour to reach the prison entrance as the group had separated and then moved through the back streets to avoid the occasional patrol. The Fordelian national characteristic appeared to be orderliness, efficiency and tidiness still. This meant even the back streets were clear of rubbish and other obstacles and occasionally lit by glowing moss at crossroads. This enabled Darras to be able to see very clearly, and the group with him were able to avoid any patrols with ease.
Two guards stood at the entrance to the prison, ensuring no one unauthorised entered. The main gate was still open, though the courtyard was well-lit and appeared empty from what little Darras could see. Balat had scribed a magical circle and added various symbols to it, making it in the deep shade of a nearby alley as Tarmeet, a young thief, kept an eye out for him as he did so.
Finally, Balat softly chanted a series of unintelligible (to Darras) words, and the two guards slumped back against the wall in a deep artificial slumber. The thieves, as well as Darras and Balat, then moved swiftly to the entrance and peered inside, seeing no one.
“Let’s go,” Amina encouraged them as the group moved around the courtyard's edge to a side door where Amina had ensured they could gain access.
It took less than a minute for Amina to pick the lock, which allowed the group to file silently inside. From there, Amina led the way, using Darras’s keen hearing to warn of any possible trouble ahead of them. The route taken was circuitous, though as the prison was not too large, it didn’t take them long to reach the area of the cells. Nemmos led the way until he pointed out the block they needed. Amina then silently picked the lock and gently opened the door, which, though squeaking slightly, was not too loud and masked by the snores of the jailer sleeping on a cot in an open cell.
Moving up to him, Darras took a potion bottle handed to him by Erren and poured some of the contents of it onto the blanket the man was using as a pillow before nodding to the thieves. This had the effect of keeping the man in a deep sleep which enabled Chillik to search the room and find the man’s keys without disturbing him.
The cells were quickly opened, allowing Darras and Balat to check on the inhabitants and hand out various potions, though the main issue was a lack of enough food. As there was little that the Darras, Ballat or the thieves could do about this, the decision to carry on with the plan went ahead. Balat led the way, accompanied by Amina, with Balat using his enhanced magical senses to look out for trouble. Though happy to be out, the former inmates knew enough to be as quiet as possible as the various groups were split and led outside to the darkness of an alley.
Once all were outside, Balat stepped back into his circle and released his spell on the two guards, who returned to wakefulness, totally unaware of the incident, even as Darras led the group to where two large boxed wagons awaited them. Once inside, the wagons were sealed, and Darras attached a customs seal to the pair that, from what he understood, would not now be disturbed by the gateway night staff.
The wagons were then driven to the rear of the gateway house to join a queue of similarly sealed wagons that were permitted entry one at a time into the large freight area situated below the personal area. Once inside, Amina handed over some paperwork and a gold coin. The horses then pulled the wagon to the central circle, the horses detached, and suddenly the wagon wasn’t there. Chillik did the same with the wagon he was driving, and the same happened.
“Good job,” Darras congratulated the remaining thieves, now headed by Nemmos.
“‘Twas a pleasure,” Nemmos replied. “Profitable, too, thanks to your goddess.”
“Ah, you noticed your full purses?” Darras chuckled.
“Hard not to,” Nemmos laughed. “Enabled a comfortable stay without recourse to our normal activities.”
“Glad of it, I suspect the Fordelians would have raised a hue and cry over such activities and checked out any strangers.”
“Seems likely,” Nemmos nodded. “Tomorrow, first thing at the gateway?”
“Yes, a few gods want to thank you,” Darras confirmed. “Amina and Chillik will be there.”
***
There were no issues at the gateway, though, as ever, it was an expensive business leaving Fordel. Still, the group left and appeared on the lawn, which acted as a gateway for Erren, who was there with Crannok, Doriel, Amina and Chillik.
“Welcome,” Erren greeted them enthusiastically. “And our thanks too.”
“A pleasure,” Amina responded for the thieves.
“My thanks, too,” Doriel added. “Whilst we would not have responded to the provocation of hostages, we did not wish them to suffer either.”
“Are they recovering?” Darras asked,
“Yes, they appeared fleetingly in my demesne, and I restored them, though they would not have realised this.”
“I didn’t,” Amina added with a slight smile.
“Nor I,” from Chillik.
“You didn’t miss much, trust me,” Doriel smiled.
“I take it they are in the Holy Forest village?” Darras enquired.
“Yes, though we have two now, such are our numbers.”
“And no signs of the Fordelians discovering them?”
“No, they are now very wary of penetrating the woods, even if no harm is meant,” Doriel replied as the group made their way to the bathing area to relax. “More to do with them taking hostages and remembering what I did to Gruss the last time they tried that.”
“Still angry with them?” Darras asked.
“No, though only as long as they do not place a priest of Darmela there.”
“They agreed to that?”
“Their crops were failing along with their orchards,” Doriel stated. “Survival instinct cut in, I believe.”
“So they negotiated?”
“Their mayor did, he came in person to the Dryads to beg my forgiveness, and that was the terms he was given.”
“Bet the priest wasn’t best pleased,” Darras chuckled.
“He’d already been recalled, and the villagers then turned back the new one.”
“Good,” Darras nodded. “Though I doubt the temple of Darmela learned any real lessons as they tried it again.”
“Clearly not,” Doriel agreed.
Chapter 2)
The thieves had returned home to Dobra, and Erren indicated to Darras that other gods would be there soon to discuss future options.
“I take it that certain moves are afoot?” Darras enquired as Balat listened with interest.
“Yes,” Erren replied. “My brother is gathering his forces in Crusal for what I believe will be a significant move.”
“I assume you have a plan?”
“Yes, though it will involve a team effort, as we’ll need to remove a couple of high nobles in the kingdom,” Erren informed Darras and Balat.
“By remove, you mean kill?” Balat asked though he knew.
“Yes, normally I try to avoid such things. But these two men have passed redemption and are what you’d describe as evil to the core.”
“And no doubt guarded,” Darras nodded sagely. “I’ve killed for you before, my Erren. I trust you to guide my hands when necessary.”
“If my Doriel permits it, then I will aid you,” Balat added, though he looked unsure.
“It will be necessary, my Balat,” Doriel confirmed.
“It’s just so different from war, is all,” Balat reasoned.
“True enough,” Darras nodded. “Though in this, we’ll be nipping a future war in the bud.”
“Indeed you will,” Erren confirmed.
***
By Darras’s reckoning, it was an hour that the gods in opposition to the Dark Lord assembled. All were accompanied by their agent, assuming they had one. Darras had a sneaking suspicion that Erren had fiddled around with time a little to ensure they all turned up at roughly the same time as he knew Klavin, the Dwarven agent of Pelegard, had been in Burralsteig which didn’t have a gateway, nor was the closest gateway in the Kingdom of Jizzard available to him due to the hostility of the local Elves.
Darras was aware of the ongoing issues between the two species, though he struggled to see why they couldn’t resolve them as he got on well with both. But, at a local level, the two species simply did not see eye to eye on anything and would constantly verbally snipe at each other, which often led to violence. At higher levels, the various leaders of the nations/regions reined in any hostilities as both were aware of the need to trade. Occasionally as with the liberation of Thenarron, the two sides allied, though in that case, the Dwarves mostly worked alongside human allies, not Elven ones.
Erren had created the meeting area itself, which was simply a round set of comfortable seating with various tables laden with food and chilled drinks for the enjoyment of all. Greetings were naturally exchanged before all settled to review the issues now developing in Crusal.
“It’s definitely becoming an issue,” Tiruk, agent of Crannok, confirmed. “There are any number of incidents with foreigners which they’re using to rile up the populace to extend Crusal’s power upon Golsten.”
“I fail to see where they could go?” Mirion, agent of Hallis queried. “Korch would not be easy to take, and the lands to the east are empty until you reach the Elven Wold.”
“They plan to use their navy to blockade Asul and move their armies around the borders of Korch to invade from the east,” Tiruk explained. “The nobles in question have been building supply camps in the deep forest.”
“This I can confirm,” Doriel added. “My people have them under observation, though they are respecting forest law, so we have not done anything to resist them.”
“No wholesale logging?” Darras asked.
“No, simply tents to make supply depots.”
“They must have roads, surely?” Pelegard enquired.
“The first ones made a few that are still in reasonable condition,” Doriel replied.
“Ah, preservation magic,” Pelegard sighed.
“Yes, mostly self-sustaining too.”
“Damn them!”
“Indeed so,” Hallis replied. “Plus, the agent of our brother knows of them, so he was able to guide the Crusalians to them.”
“Ah, the mysterious first one,” Darras nodded.
“Yes, though currently, I have no idea where my brother has him,” Erren replied.
“Or, what else he has? We do suspect he has an Ubaid as well,” Osruit added.
“Yes, though where he found them is a mystery,” Hallis replied. “We… we gods at least know how Erren managed with Darras, but a first one and an Ubaid? They are so out of time it’s almost unimaginable.”
“Along with an even older Dragonoid,” Tsumi added.
“Oh yes,” Hallis nodded. “That too.”
“How did Erren manage with Darras?” Mirion asked out of curiosity.
“She brought his soul over and implanted it in a new body she grew for him,” Hallis replied. “Our sister Serulon was not best pleased.”
“I exchanged souls, actually,” Erren added. “One of ours, for one of theirs.”
“Ah, no wonder Dad allowed it,” Hallis nodded thoughtfully. “What are they doing with the soul?”
“She’s a prophetess in one of their religions,” Erren replied. “Helping ease the wounds of the fall of an empire and bring about reconciliation.”
“Dad?” Mirion asked.
“The Allfather, kind of the head god, though, doesn’t normally get involved at our level,” Darras explained.
“Also, the judge of all,” Tsumi added. “Including us gods.”
“You’re safe then!” Pelegard guffawed. “You simply ‘are’, with no priests, temples or acolytes.”
“True,” Tsumi replied with a broad smile. “I just keep an eye on my sister to ensure anyone entering the realm of sleep leaves it.”
“Has she made up with the Dark Lord yet?” Darras asked.
“No, still pissed at his lying to her.”
“A lonely existence then,” Pelegard replied with a rumbling chuckle.
“Might make her improve her wardrobe,” Doriel smiled. “Grey is just not her colour.”
“I’m led to believe she thinks it enhances her image,” Tsumi replied. “Goddess of sleep and all that.”
“I’m the goddess of the woodlands. It doesn’t mean I always wear green.”
“You don’t wear anything in your normal form. That includes Szavona… and the rest of us.”
“True, but my avatar likes to look nice.”
“Mine too,” Erren confirmed, with Hallis nodding as well.
“Anyway, getting away from clothing comparisons,” Osruit chuckled. “Who are these nobles, and how do your agents get to them?”
“They are both Khedives of the high autocrat class,” Erren replied. Khedive Banaslas and Khedive Rhonat to be specific.”
“I know of Rhonat. He is not well regarded by the Fidalgo lower nobility houses,” Tiruk added. “They regard him as a warmonger.”
“And he very much is one, though cloaks it in patriotism to the mercantile autocrats who control Crusal.”
“Ah, followers of Darmela, no doubt?” Darras queried.
“A small minority, though influential in other areas too,” Erren confirmed. “They see a short quick war to seize territory as profitable.”
“I doubt Asul will fall quickly or cheaply,” Klavin predicted.
“It won’t. The whole thing appears to be part of a plot to get the army out of the country and a coup to be attempted by Banaslas or Rhonat, who will look to move the worship base of Crusal to my brother slowly.”
“As Thenarron was?” Mirion asked.
“Very much so, plus Thenarron hasn’t changed much regarding worshipping my brother. His name is still used as a means of emphasis in conversations,” Erren replied.
“So just mentioning his name counts as worship?” a confused-looking Balat asked.
“To him, yes, it’s a kind of affirming gesture,” Erren explained. “To us, with temples, different rules apply.”
“He doesn’t have temples?”
“No, those who are priests and acolytes are chosen personally by him and imbued with power,” Erren replied. “They mostly keep a low profile wherever they reside.”
“And we’re not allowed to touch them,” Darras added.
“Correct, unless we’re at war.”
“How do we deal with Banaslas and Rhonat… and get away safely?”
“Both are somewhat paranoid about their personal security,” Erren replied. “This is more to do with the internal politics of Crusal than any threat Darras is. That said, they both have shadow guardians amongst their people who are aware of the threat of Darras to their machinations.”
“Do they not travel?” Tiruk asked.
“They do, which is why I need you, Klavin and Mirion in Hilliam to watch the gates and pass on a warning to Darras so he and Balat can intercept them.
“Do they travel together?” Mirion asked.
“No, though their destination is often enough the same as they meet the military leaders assembling the army supply camps or those involved in the coup.”
“And it’s merely an assassination?” Darras asked.
“Yes, Banaslas and Rhonat are the ones driving the coup. It will fall apart without them, though the tensions in Crusal will remain with the potential for an invasion of Asul,” Erren replied.
“Which one plans to be the new High Admiral?” Tiruk asked.
“Banaslas, Rhonat plans on becoming the High Commander.”
“Not king?” Balat asked.
“Not named as such,” Doriel replied. “Just a joint command structure heading the Khedive class, one for land, one for sea.”
“How likely would they remove your priests and temples?” Darras asked Erren.
“Fordel managed it quite easily due to the worship of Darmela in their mercantile class,” Erren replied. “With Crusal, it won’t be quite so straightforward, but that’s what my brother plans, and he will have a plan.”
“Might just be to corrupt the ruling class,” Pelegard replied thoughtfully. “They often enough hate the precepts in our books.”
“Yes, it’s why Darmela remains popular, despite certain unsavoury practices she permits,” Hallis agreed.
“Unsavoury?” Balat asked.
“Infidelity in the seduction of a rival’s partner to gain information, assassination of said rival, or kidnapping their children.”
“She permits this?” a shocked Balat replied.
“She does not proscribe it. Hence her followers occasionally do it,” Doriel replied. “As witness their imprisonment of my followers to influence negotiations.”
“Ah yes, if it isn’t forbidden, then it’s permitted,” Balat nodded.
“Yes. That’s how they see it,” Pelegard agreed. “Totally amoral in outlook.”
“I’m amazed their realms survive with outlooks like that,” Darras opined.
“It’s usually only their elites that have this outlook, and not all of them are openly greedy as to do something like that,” Erren explained. “Particularly those of Crusal, due to the strength of my temples there.”
“So, you weren’t strong in Fordel?”
“Priest-wise no, plus the populace were well under the thumb of the mercantile class.”
“It was done quickly and without warning, performed by the mercenary armies they have,” Osruit went on.
“I see,” Darras nodded, understanding the reasoning of what was basically a coup. “And there’s something similar afoot in Crusal?”
“Yes, the current High Admiral and High Commander are vulnerable with much of their support out of the country preparing for the invasion,” Osruit replied.
“Couldn’t we just warn them?” Klavin asked.
“They are both staunch Darmelans, so no.”
“Ah, they wouldn’t believe us?”
“Correct, Banaslas and Rhonat have never given any indication to the Khedives of their treachery,” Erren replied.
“Guess we deal directly with them then,” Darras nodded thoughtfully.
“We do.”
***
Darras was checked over in the gateway building in Hilliam, the capital of Crusal, situated on the shore of Lake Hilliam in the north of the country. Though ostensibly travelling as a merchant, the clerk clearly doubted Darras’s reasons for being there. This was mainly because Hilliam was not a trading centre but a political hub and didn’t really have any markets like their seaport of Dremmech.
“Well… your documentation is in order,” the clerk finally admitted. “However, your goods do not appear to be of any use here.”
“They are medicines for the various healing guilds of the north, not for sale to the public,” Darras replied, keeping his impatience in check.
“So you aren’t here to trade?”
“I am with the healing guilds.”
“What would they trade in return?”
“Kerrem roots, they use them for the treatment of fever,” Darras explained… again. “There is the usual outbreak of kulan fever in Tophek, near its border with Sthistor. I can sell them there.”
“Will that not deprive Crusal of them?”
“Hardly, it’s a common root here, and they can easily get more.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Are you a healer?” Darras asked.
“No.”
“That’s why, now may I enter Hilliam? I have business to attend to here and in the countryside.”
“Very well, though you will be watched.”
“They’ll be bored, but that’s up to you.”
A seal was affixed to Darras’s paperwork, and he was permitted to reload his pack, leave the building, and head for the healing guild, where he knew from Erren that Mirion was waiting.
“Was that the looking like an Asulian thing?” Darras asked Erren.
‘Yes, as well as them not getting many independent traders,’ Erren replied.
“Better make sure I have the roots when I leave,” Darras sighed.
‘Mirion will arrange it, plus you have the various medicines she ordered.’
“Good,” Darras replied as he made his way through the streets to where the temple of Hallis was, along with the attached healing guild.
“Ah, you made it,” Mirion greeted Darras, looking if anything more out of place than he did.
“I did, despite the gateway staff’s suspicions,” Darras chuckled.
“I have had similar problems, though they are somewhat used to me as a temple inspector now,” Mirion replied.
“Ah, is that how you get around?” Darras enquired.
“Yes, it’s like having diplomatic status in almost all save the Dwarven kingdoms,” Mirion nodded. “Now, let’s go through what you brought and get it parcelled up for distribution throughout the northern towns.”
“I’ll need kerrem roots to prove I was trading,” Darras added.
“No problem. I take it you’ll be claiming to take them to Tophek for the summer fever they are having?”
“Yes, I’ll also ensure your guild gets them,” Darras replied.
“I’ll arrange dosages for transit,” Mirion nodded. “Both Banaslas and Rhonat are currently in residence here.”
“Good, it saves having to go looking, though no doubt Doriel’s people would help.”
“Yes, though I haven’t heard from Balat,” Mirion replied.
“He’ll be around. He doesn’t care that much for cities or towns. Well, not these days, at least.”
“Ah, truly one of the forest folk then,” Mirion replied with a smile.
“Most definitely,” Darras nodded as he spotted Klavin entering the guild.
“Glad you’re here; the local smithy got word that Banaslas intends to travel tomorrow so that you may get a chance at him,” Klavin informed Darras after the greetings.
“Just need to know which gate he’ll use,” Darras nodded. “That will give me a time frame.
“Assuming he’s heading east,” Mirion added.
“True,” Darras nodded. “But let’s assume he is.”
‘Balat is outside the city. It seems Doriel is getting the forest folk to build their own gateway network, including a couple in Rachtelin,’ Erren informed Darras. However, it was obvious that both Klavin and Mirion were told by their gods simultaneously.
“An independent network, interesting,” Klavin mused out loud.
“Yes, could be very useful, if likely remote from any towns or cities,” Mirion nodded.
“They will be,” Darras confirmed. “Though with Doriel’s help, the forest folk will assist in transport.”
“Aye, I reckon they would,” Klavin nodded.
Looking at a map Mirion produced, the three studied the country around Hilliam, with Darras frowning as he could make no real sense of the predicted invasion plan.
“I’m amazed no one in their Khedivate has looked at this and wondered what the hell those two are really up to,” Darras finally concluded.
“I think a lot of it has to do with their historical dislike of Asul,” Mirion replied.
“Even so, going around the eastern border of Korch and cutting through Krunan is utter madness,” Darras stated. “It’s nearly a thousand miles of rough territory.”
“Aye, but the real plan is to have the army out of the country to permit a coup,” Klavin pointed out.
“Well, it will certainly allow that, nor can I believe they’ll have enough supplies to do so,” Darras replied.
“Well, they know trying to go through Korch is not going to be allowed, and they can’t ship them by sea, good as their navy is,” Mirion added.
“True, but sending your army out of the country without easy recall is madness.”
“The Khedives and merchant classes have their own personal guards.”
“Some will side with Banaslas and Rhonat, no doubt.”
“Yes, possibly setting off a civil war… which might be the backup plan,” Mirion conceded.
At this point, Tiruk arrived and informed Darras that he’d arranged watchers over the gates and the two nobles.
“My thanks,” Darras nodded once Tiruk had explained.
“Lot of speculation in the merchant quarter as to what the pair are up to, though none as yet suspect a coup,” Tiruk replied. “Most are happy enough with the High Admiral, at least.”
“Beginning to wonder if a civil war is a primary objective, not a coup,” Darras mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
“Do they have these shadows around them?” Mirion asked.
“According to Erren, they do, though neither of them is possessed,” Darras replied.
“But she wants those two assassinated?”
“Oh, if I get the chance, I’ll take the shadows down too, just that they are much more dangerous to me if possessing someone, too. Particularly in groups.”
“Good point,” Mirion nodded. “Ah, the potions are ready.”
***
Darras left Hilliam through the northeast gate, though he was delayed by another overzealous search of his pack by the guard when they saw the seal on his paperwork. He had been expecting it, and his paperwork included directions from the healer guild to various healers in the villages northeast of Hilliam.
He was soon joined by Balat and led deeper into the forest away from the trail, which seemingly opened up before him until they entered a clearing where a Dryad stood waiting.
“Greetings, Darras. I am Cainee, the keeper of these woods,” she greeted the pair in melodious tones.
“A pleasure, Cainee,” Darras replied.
“The people of the woods will guide you to these men, though they will otherwise not interfere.”
“Understood,” Darras nodded.
“I’m glad,” Cainee replied. “Currently, our goddess Lomarris affects a position of neutrality, and we will follow her will.”
“I know. It’s not the intent of Erren to expose our alliance.”
“We are valued for the information and aid we supply,” Balat added. “Openly joining the war is not in our or Erren’s interests.”
“Though you have made my tasks easier,” Darras acknowledged with a smile.
“Heh! It’s been fun.”
“You may remain here tonight,” Cainee informed them. “It is central to any route they may take to the north or east.”
“My thanks,” Darras replied. “And may Erren bless you.”
“May Lomarris bless you,” Cainee nodded, using the name for Doriel the forest folk used.
“How are things in Fordel?” Darras asked Balat after Cainee faded away.
“On the surface, calm. A great deal of confusion and anger among the ruling class at the loss of the hostages,” Balat replied with a wry smile. “This coupled with the negotiations not going too well for them with the Dryads airing their displeasure over Fordelian attempts to coerce the forest folk.”
“I’ll assume the Dryads are treading a fine line here?” Darras enquired.
“Yes, merely letting Doriel’s displeasure known, not forcing them to desperate measures.”
“I’m sure they’ll be looking for wood from elsewhere,” Darras shrugged.
“Indeed so, from this continent, in fact,” Balat nodded. “Expensive for them, though.”
“I take it they have issues with their neighbours?”
“Yes, the Forest Kingdom refuses to trade and, with our aid, protects Gilvarion as well. Coromina and Hurinass will no longer deal with their unscrupulous business practices, and Rachtelin has similar issues in obtaining wood beyond a certain point.”
“I take it they could increase production if you permitted it?” Darras enquired.
“Yes, easily, though currently, Doriel is covertly supporting Rigilo by tightening the finances of the King’s Council.”
“Fordelian bribes no longer helping, I presume?”
“There are other things they can get, but not wood, mostly ores.”
“Every little helps, though so far Bimmlat, the god of mines, isn’t interested in the dispute.”
“Doriel believes he’s covertly supporting the Dark Lord, though she has no proof,” Balat replied.
“No doubt he’ll switch sides if the tide turns,” Darras nodded, feeling Erren’s agreement in the background.
“Most likely, though he has ties to Colanthus, he’s currently on his high horse with Erren over Thenarron and siding with Rachtelin.”
“That’s only because Colanthus doesn’t get on with Pelegard regarding armour-making,” Darras shrugged.
“Not all smiths follow Pelegard,” Balat pointed out.
“The best do, though.”
Chapter 3)
Darras swiftly set up a camp as Balat cooked them a meal, both men enjoying a skin of wine with it as supplied by Mirion. They then retired as darkness fell, knowing that no one could harm them, protected as they were by the forest folk. Both woke early, stowed their equipment and waited for word to come of the path Banaslas was taking.
‘Southern gate,’ Erren informed Darras, as Doriel undoubtedly informed Balat.
“This way,” Balat indicated as he led Darras deeper into the forest though heading in a southerly direction.
‘They are heading toward Hurev, a town in Korch,’ Erren added more information. ‘They are travelling fast, though you should be able to cut them off before the Korchian border.’
Darras and Balat picked up the pace as they reached what Darras presumed was a hidden path, though he could not tell this as it seemingly opened and closed ahead and behind the pair. Every so often, Balat would pause and touch a tree, clearly communicating with the forest folk about the position of Banaslas and his party.
“The forest folk are slowing them down somewhat by diverting onto a side route… though their party is unaware of this,” Balat informed Darras.
“Magic?” Darras asked, suspecting it was.
“A glamour of sorts,” Balat confirmed. “That’s as far as they’ll currently go, though.”
“Good enough, however. I’d prefer to catch them at night, if possible,” Darras informed Balat.
“It should be if Banaslas keeps to his current path,” Balat confirmed.
***
The night was falling when the two made it to within sight of a guarded campsite set in a clearing near a stream. Balat using a concealed light spell, drew a map of the camp, marking who was where and where they would end up sleeping.
“For some kind of noble, he does appear to be roughing it somewhat,” Balat concluded his description.
“I don’t think there’s room for a pavilion,” Darras replied with a smile.
“True, though they all, according to the watchers, appear used to this activity.”
“I’ll go about my business once they settle for the night. You needn’t involve yourself, Balat,” Darras informed the young man.
“I can help you,” Balat insisted.
“Balat, this will essentially be an assassination. There’s no need for blood to be upon your hands,” Darras replied firmly.
“But all right for you?” Balat countered firmly.
“I’ve done it before, both in this and in my previous life. There’s no need for you to involve yourself, Balat.”
“Very well,” Balat sighed. “Doriel agrees with you.”
“What you can do is keep an eye out for unexpected movements, Banaslas has shadows around him, and they do not sleep.”
“Understood, that at least I can do,” Balat nodded.
Taking only his bow and knife with him, Darras moved silently towards the campsite, feeling the wrongness of the shadows within it, though unable to see them yet. Balat moved just as silently behind him though stopped a little way back from the edge of the encampment where he had a reasonable view of the central area.
Darras crept forward at the edge of the encampment until he reached the back of the tent. He had been informed Banaslas was sleeping in, fortunately alone. He then paused as he could feel the presence of a shadow nearby, though as yet out of sight. Very carefully, Darras undid the flap, his every sense alert as the very wrongness of the shadows made him both slightly nauseous as well as setting his teeth on edge. Parting the flap very carefully, Darras peered inside, seeing only the recumbent form of a sleeping man. This enabled Darras to slip past the flap and use his knife to sever the jugular of Banaslas and then leave. Darras then retied the flap carefully before slipping back into the woods and a waiting Balat.
“Done?” Balat asked.
“Done,” Darras confirmed. “Feels wrong leaving the shadows, but there are far too many men at arms around to make taking them out achievable without someone realising Banaslas wasn’t around.”
“Their day will come,” Balat nodded. “Now I believe you have deliveries to make?” he finished with a grin.
“That I do, and I’m behind schedule.”
The pair retreated to the hidden path, quickly finding it, then began the gruelling hike back to the original campsite. The sun was well over the horizon when the pair returned to find Cainee waiting for them, along with an Elf friend Darras knew very well indeed.
“Firios, it’s good to see you, my friend,” Darras greeted him.
“Erren asked Harinas to get me out here,” Firios replied. “Good to see you both.”
“I’m glad she did. Your farstriding ability will be helpful,” Darras confessed.
“We will permit you to use the hidden paths,” Cainee added. “Your schedule will easily be met.”
“My thanks, Cainee,” Darras replied.
“There is consternation in the camp of the former Khedive Banaslas,” Cainee went on. “Though none as yet know how it was done.”
“Hopefully, it will end that path of rebellion,” Darras replied thoughtfully. “Though there is yet Rhonat to deal with.”
“And no doubt he will be extra cautious,” Balat added. “Though possibly only around his fellow Khedives.”
“I hope so,” Darras nodded. “Though he may simply go to ground in Hilliam.”
“Well, you have a team to deal with that circumstance too.”
“True, though I’d prefer not to bring them in as they’ll stick out like sore thumbs as I do.”
With the aid of Firios, Darras quickly reached the first of his destinations by mid-day. However, Firios and Balat chose to remain in the woods, Balat out of preference and Firios because Elves were uncommon in Crusal.
Again Darras was delayed by the guard on duty as his pack was checked and notes placed on his documentation. On entry, Darras found the town healer, handed over the packages Mirion had supplied him, and enquired about Kerrem roots.
“We do have some,” Healer Rancom replied. “I’ll get them packaged for you. Pick them up in the morning.”
“My thanks,” Darras nodded. “How much?”
“Fifty coppers, it’s a common herb easily obtained.”
“Not where I’ll be selling it.”
“Ah, Tophek?”
“Yes.”
“Smart move. I’ll make sure it’s well preserved.”
“My thanks,” Darras acknowledged before taking his leave and seeking a room in an inn.
***
The following morning after collecting the roots, Darras rejoined Firios and Balat in their encampment after a lengthy delay whilst the gate guard checked the contents of his pack. However, Darras warned him not to open the sealed root packages as he’d be charged for them. This the guard agreed to, though Darras was sure Healer Rancom could expect a visit later that day.
Erren had informed Darras that the Khedive Rhonat had begun preliminary action against a couple of Khedives he saw as rivals, falsely suspecting them of the assassination of Banaslat. And, after beefing up his security, he intended to visit the senior commander preparing the invasion encampments.
“So, he doesn’t suspect it’s actually a counter-plot to end this invasion foolishness?” Balat asked.
“Apparently not. He assumes it was politics, and Banaslas got careless,” Darras replied with a shrug.
“Probably thinks someone sold on the route he intended to take,” Firios agreed. “Nor do these shadows suspect you had some sort of hand in it as you let them be.”
“They were simply lucky,” Darras replied. “But yes, in hindsight, it worked in my favour.”
“Well, you need not hold back with this Rhonat,” Firios noted. “Ending him ends the plot.”
“It will, though I may take the time to deal with the shadows plotting in Hilliam.”
“True, you don’t want them moving onto another ambitious noble.”
“Yes, as they most certainly will,” Darras agreed. “I’m glad Leandomus agreed to let you assist me in Rachtelin.”
“It will be a pleasure. You don’t often come to Dorlianath these days,” Firios replied with a smile. “Though admittedly, this has eased some of Tinara's stresses with Fintra.”
“Has he shed some of his arrogance?”
“Some, not all,” Firios stated thoughtfully. “He is involved in the university's administration and has to deal with the Human and Elven applicants for the various courses.”
“And not reject Humans out of hand, I presume?”
“Harinas has Annos and Gallira going over the various candidates alongside him, and he has been informed race is not grounds for rejection.”
“I should think not,” Darras nodded. “Ability is the sole standard, surely?”
“Mostly, there are considerations to be made regarding the ability to live within an Elven community… though that mostly applies to certain lizardfolks.”
“Ah, humidity and temperature?”
“Yes, there currently have been no Dwarven applicants, though no doubt there will eventually be some,” Firios replied with a wry smile.
“Let’s just hope the Elves and Dwarves behave if they do.”
‘Rhonat intends to ride out tomorrow, though his route is not known as yet,’ Erren informed Darras, who passed it on to the others.
“Whichever way he goes, I can get you there,” Firios confirmed.
“Might need your abilities with a bow, you too, Balat,” Darras replied. “If he has shadows, they are going down!”
“Yes, the need for caution has gone,” Balat agreed.
***
Firios was currently collecting Tiruk, Mirion and Klavin to assist in the taking down of Rhonat, each now having a reason to leave Hilliam on contracting work for the healer guild for Tiruk and Klavin and as an inspector of the guild in the case of Mirion. None of them had anything like the bother Darras had when leaving or entering a town and were soon transported to Darras and Balat’s encampment.
“Well done on Banaslas,” Mirion congratulated Darras. “There is much confusion amongst the Khedivate and a minor campaign of vendetta in prospect if they don’t rein in their paranoia and jostling for power.”
“It does appear to have whetted Rhonat’s desires to seize absolute power as well,” Tiruk confirmed. “First though, he needs to gain the full support of the army commander planning the invasion.”
“Hence his trip,” Darras nodded.
“He will be travelling with extra guards, several of them were with Banaslas, and I’m assuming these may be the shadows.”
“May well be,” Darras agreed.
“Planning on killing them all?” Tiruk asked.
“Just Rhonat and the shadows, though it may come down to it,” Darras replied. “I’d rather avoid unnecessary bloodshed if possible.”
“I can use sleep spells, though that may allow the shadows to escape,” Balat added.
“Really could do with Sondrast,” Darras chuckled. “His barrier magic was instrumental in situations like this.”
“True, but he’s retired now, along with Annos,” Firios replied with a smile.
“I can do barriers,” Mirion stated.
“You can? Good!” Darras exclaimed.
“Hallis taught me how to construct them not so long ago. I guess I know why now.”
“Seems the gods are living up to their name,” Klavin added with a rumbling laugh.
“I thought barriers were an attribute of dark magic?” Balat enquired.
“In a sense,” Mirion replied. “However, as with a few spells, any magic user can construct them at the lower-level potency, though it will not prevent a magic user from breaking through.”
“Wonder if I can get Doriel to teach me?” Balat mused as the pair moved to one side and began an in-depth conversation on magic.
Darras and the others began putting up the tents Klavin had brought with him as well as preparing a meal. This was done in companionable silence, though all gave a blessing when a Woodnymph appeared with several rabbits, edible fungi, and some wild garlic. These were rapidly skinned and went into the pot, along with some herbs Mirion carried.
‘Rhonat will be leaving by the west gate. It appears he is in some hurry to consolidate his potential new power base,’ Erren informed Darras, who passed the message on.
“No rush,” Klavin commented. “I’m sure young Balat will know exactly where they camp and that Firios can get us there quickly.”
“I will,” Balat confirmed before returning to his conversation with Mirion.
‘Rhonat has moved up his schedule. He is leaving within the hour!’ Erren warned.
“We’ll be ready,” Darras replied after passing the news on.
***
Darkness descended when Firios brought Darras and the other agents of the gods to an encampment west of Hilliam on the rarely travelled route to what the Crusalians called the Hinterlands. Both Crusal and Korch nominally claimed this area. However, it was so sparsely settled that neither nation felt any urge as yet to fight over it, particularly as the forest folk inhabited the eastern pinewoods of the area and would make life difficult for any fighting armies. Neither nation found any valuable minerals in the low sprawling hills of the eastern part, or at least not in any significant quantity enough to establish complete control over the area.
This made it ideal for Crusal to move its army unnoticed by other nations. However, the distances involved in going around Korch made for a deplorable military decision to do so. There was also the issue of the increasingly hostile tribes of the Elven Wold which were now involved in an alliance to end the slave raids by Asulian traders. The Elven warriors were now moving in some strength into the minor kingdom of Krunan and were not minded to consider the nation of any armed Human they met. The King of Krunan, seeing a chance to throw off the influence of Asul, had ordered his small army to ignore the Elves and remain in barracks and warned his people not to interfere with the activities of the Elves. The Elves mostly avoided farms and settlements unless engaged in combat and, so far, had not caused any significant issues for Krunan.
“He has fifty men around him,” Balat informed the group.
“Definitely some shadows, at least five, probably more,” Darras added.
“I don’t think my sleep spell is powerful enough to down fifty men,” Balat admitted.
“Just wait till they bed down and take out the sentries,” Darras advised.
“I may have a solution for the ordinary men,” Mirion added diffidently.
“If you believe it will help, say on,” Darras replied.
“These darts are tipped with a paralysing agent,” Mirion began, handing over a small package with about twenty small needle-tipped throwing darts. “If you men use them on the sleeping occupants of the tents, it should make the fight manageable.”
“It will,” Tiruk nodded. “I expect Balat might be able to deal with those left.”
“Not easily, but yes, I can do it,” Balat confirmed.
“Good,” Klavin nodded. “Now, let’s all practice our patience.”
***
It was near midnight when Darras led Firios, Klavin and Tiruk into the encampment to initially deal with the guards. His primary target was a guard possessed by a shadow constantly wandering randomly throughout the encampment. For the others, it was simply getting within range of the guards sitting near the fire to use the paralytic darts. Darras caught the possessed one as it rounded one of the sleeping tents, wrenching the shadow from the man, causing him to collapse and the shadow to desperately struggle against its nemesis, though to no avail. Darras was too strong. This was the signal for Firios, Klavin and Tiruk to dash forward and throw the darts at the rising and startled men.
Unfortunately, one of the men shouted before collapsing and alerting the possessed. They emerged rapidly from several tents even as Balat prepared his spell. Firios, Klavin and Tiruk beat a hasty retreat chased after by the shadows who had not noticed Darras, who moved swiftly up behind them as Mirion sprung her barrier trap leaving nine possessed along with Darras inside it even as the three pursued changed direction heading back towards the encampment to take out as many guards as they could with the darts.
Darras swiftly took a lagging possessed down by ripping the shadow from him, though this alerted the others who charged back at him. Darras was forced to release the wounded shadow, though he used his staff to knock two possessed guards to the ground, ripping the shadow from one of them even as a spear took him in the back. The armour Darras wore, though, had been constructed by Pelegard and was mithril chain covered by hardened leather plated over vital areas and flexible leather over his internal and external joints. This meant the spear did not penetrate, and its wielder collapsed, gasping as Darras used his staff to wind the man who, like the others, was not wearing much in the way of armour. Again and again, Darras could take out a guard as he was faster and stronger than they were, even as he destroyed a shadow before grabbing another.
Amongst the shadows, there was increasing desperation; this was the agent of Erren whose very touch was poison to them, and they now realised they were trapped in a barrier with him. Nor could their shouts penetrate Mirion's barrier, and they realised they had been tricked.
Firios, Klavin and Tiruk initially dealt with guards disturbed by the possessed charge in the encampment itself. They then used what remained of the darts to deal with any sleeping men in the tents before heading back towards Balat and observing Darras as he fought against the shadows.
Balat’s magic intensified the deep slumbers of those guards not paralysed, though it took quite a bit of effort on his part. The task itself had been made easier by Darras taking the possessed out of the encampment, and hence Balat only had to deal with twenty-three sleeping men, one of whom he hoped was Rhonat.
The fight was coming to an inevitable conclusion within the barrier as all the possessed were now unconscious. Darras was taking out the shadows one by one despite the limited effect the guards’ weapons now wielded by the shadows had upon him. Finally, it was done, and the last shadow dissipated into the ground. Darras signalled Mirion to drop the barrier, which she did before approaching Darras to heal him.
“A moment,” Darras held up a hand to stop her. “I would deal with Rhonat.”
“Ah, yes, of course.”
It didn’t take long. Darras severed Rhonat’s jugular as the man slept before leaving the tent to join the others. Mirion then used healing magic to deal with Darras’s cuts and bruises before the party set off to their original encampment.
“We worked well as a team,” Darras commented to the group when they arrived.
“We did,” Klavin nodded. “Though those shadows look to be tough customers.”
“All the worse because I’m the only one who can deal with them,” Darras nodded. “Though I believe Erren, Hallis, and Pelegard are looking into a shielding amulet to protect those they need.”
“Protect, but that is all,” Mirion added. “Whatever it is about you, they cannot easily duplicate.”
“I’m basically endowed with the antithesis of magic,” Darras explained. “I can’t use it, though, as these shadows are magical creatures. My touch is pure poison to them.”
“Ah, I see. I suspect you can’t be manipulated magically either,” Mirion nodded.
“I don’t know, possibly,” Darras shrugged. “You could probably kill me with a fireball, though.”
“That’s not magic as such,” Balat explained. “Simply a physical effect of a spell.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Mirion agreed. “Now we’d best get some sleep as some of us will need to get back to our official tasks come the morning.”
***
Morning came, with Darras sleeping late, waking to find Firios was taking Klavin, Tiruk and Mirion back to Hilliam. Balat was merely tending the fire, though he had a stew ready after Darras had seen to his ablutions.
“How will you get back?” Darras asked.
“I’ll be meeting Cainee, and we’re taking a trip to the forested part of the Hinterlands to set up a gateway for the followers of Doriel,” Balat replied.
“That might be handy for future reference,” Darras nodded thoughtfully.
“I’m sure it will. Doriel is keen to link her people and allow them to support each other,” Balat agreed. “She’s also willing to allow certain others, such as our friends, to use it if necessary.”
“Yes, the two in Rachtelin, along with Elven farstriding, will make my life much easier,” Darras replied.
“Yes, that’s all part of Doriel’s support in this ongoing war.”
“Good.”
Several hours later, Firios returned and guided Darras to his next official destination before taking his leave and returning to Dremmech. Balat, after saying his farewells, left with Cainee and headed west to increase Doriel’s power over her followers.
***
“Our plans in Crusal have come to an abrupt halt,” the dark figure informed the enthroned one.
“How?” came a hissing reply.
“The Humans we were influencing were assassinated.”
“Guarded as they were by the scales?”
“They did not realise this agent of Erren was in the country for the first assassination,” the dark figure explained. “He apparently had help for the second one that enabled him to deal with the scales.”
“Help?”
“According to the surviving guards, yes. An Elf, a Dwarf and a Human aided him and one, perhaps two magic users.”
“An unpleasant development,” the enthroned one almost snarled.
“Indeed so,” the dark figure agreed. “Your response?”
“Rebuild our network in Crusal and increase our activity in Rachtelin. I want this lesser servant of a powerless goddess to be concentrating all his energies trying to prevent the inevitable civil war about to erupt there.”
“I will see to it.”
Chapter 4)
From Hilliam, having picked up a pack from the gateway freight office, Darras headed where Erren had a task for him, due west around Lake Hilliam and headed further northwest towards the town of Prajol. Prajol was a natural port and the northern base of the Crusalian navy. However, Darras’s target was not them but rather the merchant port and its privateers, many of which were becoming notorious as slaving vessels.
“So, slip in, sink them and leave?” Darras asked, smiling slightly.
‘If only it were that simple,’ Erren giggled. ‘Despite the risk to innocents, I’m afraid you’re going to have to burn them.’
“Thought as much,” Darras sighed. “And target any surviving captains afterwards?”
‘Yes, an unpleasant task to be sure, but if you wish the abetting of slavery to end in Crusal, very necessary.’
“I do, and I will.”
‘Thank you, my love.’
Darras’s problems began when he reached the town gates. The guards, adamant that he was an Asulian spy because of his bronzed skin, were determined not to let him into the town—nor did appealing to a higher authority go any better, as Darras correctly suspected that the appeal was deliberately delayed until the day was nearly over.
Fortunately, Erren was able to envision one of her priests coming to vouch for Darras, and he was grudgingly permitted into the town a few minutes before the gates closed officially and shifts changed.
“My thanks, that was most annoying,” Darras said to the senior acolyte.
“Unfortunately, all they look at is the skin colour, not any documentation,” the Acolyte replied with a friendly smile. “They’d even try to stop a tanned Elf from entering, despite being an Elf.”
“I never thought it could be worse outside the capital, but I was wrong,” Darras chuckled.
“You should be fine in the town; it’s just the guards who are paranoid,” the Acolyte replied before saying goodbye outside an inn.
Darras was easily able to rent a room and arrange for a meal; it turned out that his money could overcome any issues over his presumed place of birth. Nor was he taken much notice of once the inn patrons heard his accent, other than an initial stare.
Darras slept well and, in the morning, headed to the Healers Guild to order the kerrem roots and then to the town's market to rent a stall and display his wares. Despite his looks, he soon attracted customers with the quality of his jewelled goods and some reasonably priced rare spices.
‘The local authorities are checking on you, though your purchasing of kerrem roots has them stumped as you’re doing everything you said you would,’ Erren informed Darras. ‘Also, the assassinations have them under pressure to find a culprit, though your paperwork is all in order and proves you couldn’t be where the killings took place.’
“Going to be problematical if I burn down their merchant fleet, as they’ll immediately suspect me,” Darras murmured.
‘Probably, however, I’m sure you’ll find a way.’
“Might be best to take out the owners or captains than the ships,” Darras mused.
‘You’ll have to do it in one night if you do,’ Erren warned.
“I know. If there are any unexplained deaths, I’m the one they’ll suspect. I’m sure they’ll count the time it takes to return to Hilliam.”
‘They will; the guard commander is not best pleased that you got in,’ Erren replied.
“I doubt he wants to cross the temple, though.”
‘He doesn’t, but expect a demand that you leave once you have the kerrem roots.’
“And I will; I suspect Amina’s people would be better suited to this,” Darras sighed.
‘You may be right.’
After a successful day’s trading, Darras collected the kerrem roots from the Healers Guild and went to the inn, only to be stopped and questioned by the town guard. This ended up with his pack being searched, though a warning by Darras not to unpackage the roots was heeded. Darras was then told he was to leave the town first thing and not return.
‘Tinara will be waiting outside; all you’ll need is a way back in unnoticed,’ Erren informed Darras.
“We seem to be putting our friends to a lot of trouble,” Darras nodded as he reached the inn and ordered a meal.
‘Fortunately, they are glad to help,’ Erren replied.
“For which I’m grateful,” Darras smiled. “Do you have a list of targets?”
‘Yes, this will bring the slave trade here to a stop, particularly if you leave a note saying why it was done,’ Erren confirmed.
“It will be done,” Darras nodded.
Darras followed instructions and left the town as soon as the gates opened. Although the guards had been expecting him, they still searched his pack and delayed his exit. Once out of sight of the town and anyone on the road, Tinara appeared and led Darras to a campsite where she had made herself comfortable.
“Sorry to put you to so much trouble,” Darras said as he set up a lean-to to get some rest under.
“It is of no matter,” Tinara replied.
“No issues from your husband?”
“There would be if Fintra knew,” Tinara thinly smiled. “Hence, he was not informed.”
“Probably for the best,” Darras nodded.
“Do you have a way back into the town?”
“Yes, there is a smuggler's entrance; I’ll use that,” Darras replied. Erren has given me a list of targets; I should be able to get it done in one night.”
“I will guide you there and back,” Tinara nodded. “Try not to be spotted.”
“That would be bad,” Darras chuckled. “The last thing I need is to be on a wanted poster or for Erren to have to disguise me.”