Fourteen steps took them down to a hallway that ran for a hundred feet before ending at a door. There they found another indentation, similar to the one in the room above them, carved into the door. Taking the medallion, he placed it within the indentation and the door silently swung open.
The first thing they noticed open was a four foot tall, white marble pedestal standing in the center of the room. Centered on top of it was a small, raised platform which looked to be made entirely of crystal.
James entered the room and a soft glow sprang to life, growing until it spread to every corner. It emanated from the very walls themselves. The room was octagonal in shape, with no discernible exit except the doorway they just passed through. The walls were unadorned, just plain stone, the floor simply dirt. The only thing of interest in the room was the pedestal.
“James,” Delia asked as she crossed into the room after him, “what is this place?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “I’ve never been here before.”
When Cassie entered, she went to the pedestal, looking closely at the crystal platform on top. She ran a finger over it and said, “Remarkable.”
“What?” Jiron asked as he joined her.
“Oh, just never saw such a large piece of solid crystal before,” she replied, still fascinated by it.
Jiron turned to James and asked, “Do you think there may be another way out of here?”
Shrugging his shoulders, he said, “Maybe, after all the High Priest would have wanted a way to get out in emergencies.” He examined the walls and floor. Remembering his and Miko’s time back in Merchant’s Pass, the ceiling as well, but to no avail.
“It looks like something rested upon this platform,” Cassie announced.
They came close and she explained. “Here, in the middle,” she indicated the center of the crystal platform, “Doesn’t it look as if something could have rested in there?”
James closely inspected it and saw a place where something might have at one time rested upon it. There was an open space within its center in the shape of an inverted pyramid. “Wonder what it could have been?” Pressing down on the platform, he halfway expected something to happen and was disappointed when nothing did.
He turned from the pedestal and once more resumed the search for a hidden door.
“What are we looking for?” Delia asked.
“Something that will trigger a release and open a secret door,” James explained. “Of course, there’s no guarantee that there will be one.”
Cassie, still intrigued by the crystal platform, tries to lift it up and it easily lifted off the pedestal. “Look!” she cried excitedly.
Everyone turned at her cry and saw her with the crystal platform in her hand. James rushed over and looked where the platform had been. There again was the indentation in the shape of the Star of Morcyth. Removing his medallion, he set the face of it within the indentation.
The pedestal sank silently into the floor, while at the same time a section of the wall across the room from where they entered, began to rise into the ceiling. The opening revealed a crudely formed tunnel leading away into darkness.
To Cassie, James said, “Replace the platform.” Then to the rest, “Let’s hurry, no way to know if it will close again on its own.”
They hurried toward the tunnel and when Cassie replaced the platform, the section of the wall slid once more back down toward the floor as the pedestal began to rise. She ran quickly to get to the passageway before it closed completely and had to duck her head in order to clear it as she passed through.
Darkness closed in upon them when the wall slid closed. James made his glowing orb which provided ample light to see the passageway. Taking the lead, he followed it for several hundred feet, until it came to an end. There they found an old wooden ladder leading up out of sight, into the darkness above.
Jiron stepped toward the ladder. “Let me check it out.” He disappeared into the darkness above while the others waited at the bottom. A minute passed and then from above they heard him say, “Come on up, it’s safe.”
James climbed up first with the girls following and Tinok bringing up the rear. Upon reaching the top, he found that they were in another deserted basement. He looked around as the rest make their way up, and saw Jiron at a door fiddling with the lock.
Coming to him, he asked, “Locked?”
Without halting what he was doing, Jiron said, “Yeah, but I should have it opened in a sec.”
Jiron used two small, thin, metal tools on the lock. A moment later there was a ‘click,’ and Jiron opened the door.
“Good job,” congratulated James.
“Thanks,” he replied. Opening the door, Jiron stepped through, followed closely by James.
On the other side, they emerged into a deserted alley, wedged in tightly between two buildings. “Do you know where we are?” James asked.
“I think so. If I’m right, we aren’t far from where we can get out of the city.”
“I hope you’re right,” James said as he followed him down the alley.
Following the alley, they came to where it opened upon another, slightly larger one. Jiron held up his hand for them to wait as he peered around the corner. He then stepped into the larger alley and signaled for them to follow.
He headed left, hugging the side as they made their way carefully and quietly to where the alley intersected with a main thoroughfare. He had everyone stop and then motioned for James to come closer. “Look down there,” he whispered.
Jiron directed him toward a gate. “Yeah?” he asked.
“Earlier when I was out, I saw some workmen repairing it,” he explained. “I think they damaged it during the attack and may not have had the time to fix it. If we act quickly, we should be able to get through before anyone realizes we’re no longer in our hideout back at the park.”
“You may be right,” James acknowledged. “Once they realize we’re loose, we won’t stand a chance of sneaking out.” There didn’t look to be any guards in the vicinity by the gate.
“No guards,” Jiron said. “I think they’re arrogant in their own superiority. They probably don’t believe anyone would be foolhardy enough to try to sneak out with thousands of troops stationed around the city.”
“What’s on the other side of the gate?”
“A large courtyard that separates this gate from the one leading out of the city.”
“What if that gate is shut and locked?” James asks.
“Last night they left it open,” Jiron explained. “My guess is that they see no reason to keep it closed because there is no one to keep out.”
“Yeah, who would be stupid enough to come visit?”
“Exactly,” Jiron agreed. “Last night, there were horses picketed in the courtyard that we may be able to appropriate if they’re still there.”
“Alright,” James said, “you sold me. Let’s not spend the night here jabbering. Let’s get the heck out of here!”
“Follow me,” Jiron said as he took one last look around and then cautiously made his way toward the gate. The rest quickly followed until they were huddled by the gate. Jiron pulled and it swung open, squeaking slightly on rusty hinges.
He pulled it just far enough to allow them to squeeze through and held it there until everyone had made it to the other side. He followed the last person through and closed it again until it once more appeared shut.
James looked around the courtyard but the horses that Jiron had mentioned were no longer there. The courtyard was not completely empty either; four cook fires were spaced around the courtyard, groups of soldiers stood gathered around each. Pulling Jiron close, he said, “There is no way we’re going to make it across without being seen.”
“Maybe we need a distraction.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know,” Jiron shrugged, “what can you do?”
“How about a big explosion with lots of fire and noise?”
Jiron broke into a grin. ?
??I think that will do.”
“All right, you three wait here and I’ll be right back.” James slipped back out the gate and ran up the street several blocks where he entered a vacant building.
After several minutes, Jiron saw him coming back and held the gate open for him. “You okay?” he asked when he saw how he was not walking quite straight.
“The spell took a lot out of me,” he said, pausing before passing through the gate. “I should be okay in a little bit.” He then passed through. Jiron once more shut the gate.
They waited several minutes and nothing happened. They waited several more and still nothing happened.
Jiron glanced to James and asked “Are you sure you…”
Crumph!!!!!
The concussion of the blast knocked them down and a giant plume of fire reached toward the sky. Several buildings surrounding the explosion collapsed from the sheer force of the blast. The soldiers in the courtyard were knocked off their feet and James heard cries of shock as they saw the sky light up with fire. Once they regained their feet, they raced off toward the sound of the explosion, leaving the courtyard empty.
“Damn!” Tinok said as the fireball arched high up to the sky.
“Let’s go,” James said and Jiron took the lead as they raced out into the courtyard. His legs were a little shaky but managed to keep up the pace. Debris hailed down upon them as they made for the gates; dirt and stones pelted them as they crossed the courtyard.
Delia cried out when a sizeable stone struck her left shoulder, knocking her to the ground.
Tinok came to her aid. “Are you okay?” he asked as he helped her to her feet.
“Not really, but I can make it,” she replied with determination as they hurried to follow after the others.
When they reached the gates, they discovered a section missing, allowing easy access to the outside. They passed through to the other side, where they paused momentarily as men raced toward the city from all over the countryside in response to the blast.
Staying close to the wall, they hid in the shadows as they worked their way away from the gates. Jiron grabbed James’ shoulder and said, “Look, over there.” He pointed to a section of the enemy’s camp off to the south.
Scanning the direction Jiron indicated, James saw several horses tied to a tree near a group of tents. Fortune! And they were saddled. A large campfire burned in a pit near them, bathing the entire area in light. They had to make their way through a portion of the camp in order to reach them.
“With everyone running to see what’s up in the city,” Jiron said, “we should be able to get the horses with little trouble.”
“Let’s hope so,” James said apprehensively. “If anyone’s looking when we enter the light, we could have problems.”
“We’ve got little choice,” Tinok said when he joined them. “We’ll never get far on foot.”
Turning to Tinok, James said, “Jiron and I will get the horses, you stay and protect the ladies until we return.”
He waited for Tinok’s nod, then he and Jiron raced for the horses. When they got close, they saw that there were seven horses. They slowed and approached more cautiously when they neared the area illuminated by the fire. They edged around the fringe of the light, trying to get as close to the horses before entering the light and risk being seen.
When they could hold off no longer, James scanned the area and saw that no one was in the vicinity. Signaling Jiron, they hurried over and began untying horses as fast as they could.
The horses made noise as they hurried about their work and all of a sudden, the flap of the closest tent opened and a man peeked out. “What are you doing with my horse?” he asked with an edge to his voice. He exited the tent and approached them. He wore a plain cowled robe with the hood thrown back revealing shoulder length red hair. His eyes were dark and James saw anger smoldering behind those eyes.
James glanced to Jiron and they came to the same decision. Jiron’s knives flashed in the firelight as they sprang to the ready. James took a stone from his pocket and casting his spell, unleashed the magic as he threw it at the approaching man.
The instant before the stone left James’ hand, the man flicked his wrist. When the stone neared him, it hit a barrier and ricocheted away into the night.
Startled by the ineffectiveness of the stone, James hesitated a moment, trying to understand what had just happened.
“The mage!” the man shouted, then his eyes got a calculating look.
Jiron launched himself at the man, knives flashing in a whirling pattern. As if he was dealing with an annoying fly, the man waved his hand.
James felt a prickling along his skin as he watched Jiron being lifted off the ground and thrown a dozen feet away. Understanding came, He’s a mage too! James directed his magic to the ground under the mage’s feet and let it flow.
Crumph!!!!!
The ground exploded upwards with incredible force. When the dust cleared enough, James saw that the man still stood, untouched. A three foot diameter of ground remained undisturbed beneath him.
“Is that the best you can do?” the man asked with contempt, words heavy in accent. He swirled his hand and it glowed red then he flicked it at James. A red light left the hand and streaked toward him, striking him hard in the chest, knocking him backward to the ground.
As the mage made his way through the crater that surrounded him, he said to James, “I was expecting more of a challenge, how disappointing.”
James laid there unable to breathe, gasping as he tried to take in a breath. He saw a knife fly through the air out of the dark toward the mage, but it hit an invisible protective shield and bounced harmlessly away.
Once the mage cleared the crater, he gestured with both hands while staring intently at James. Suddenly, James’ legs cramped. He felt muscles knot and twist bringing much pain. He cried out and in desperation cast a spell, one he used many times back home, role playing. Such was the power of the spell that it used the remaining power within him and left him weak, barely able to move.
The approaching mage chuckled as he saw a clear, shimmering bubble appear, floating in the air between them. “What’s that suppose to do?”
He cast another spell and the bubble sparkled as if fireflies were contained within. The mage’s face lost its look of confidence and began to exhibit worry. The sparkles increased in luminosity as the man’s face slowly turned to a look of confusion.
Jiron came to James’ side. “Are you okay?”
Exhausted from the spell, he gasped, “Will be.” The effect of the mage’s earlier spell dissipated and the pain in his legs subsided. Jiron turned to the mage and with knives ready. James grabbed his arm as he started toward the mage, stopping him.
“Don’t touch him or the bubble.”
“Why?” Jiron asked.
Shaking his head, he replied, “No time to explain, we’ve got to get out of here. Now!” he shouted, then lapsed into unconsciousness and sagged to the ground.
Jiron turned to the mage who was shaking his head with a look of horror as he stared into the bubble; the sparks within continuously grew in size and intensity. “No!” he cried in terror, suddenly dropping to the ground. The bubble became brighter and brighter by the second.
From out of the darkness, Tinok and the girls came running toward them. “Get the horses!” Jiron shouted as they approached.
“What’s that?” Cassie asked as she made to approach the bubble.
`“Get away from it!” Jiron yelled. “James said not to touch it.”
He hollered to Tinok. “Help me get him on a horse.” When he came over, they lifted James up and quickly secured him onto the horse with some rope.
Delia mounted and then looked back to the mage who by now whimpered in terror. His hair, once a vivid red had turned grey. He began to shrivel in upon himself like a grape having spent too much time in the sun.
Jiron mounted and said, “Tinok, stay next to James and make sure he doesn’t fall.” He tur
ned his horse toward the southwest. “Stay close and maybe we can survive this.” He glanced over to the bubble; the sparks had grown until they now filled the entire bubble with a white light whose intensity was painful to look upon. The mage on the ground no longer moved and appeared dead.
Kicking his horse in the side, Jiron rode through the camp, the others close behind. Out of the darkness, several men suddenly appeared. Holding on tight, he rode straight through them, knocking them over. He looked back toward the bubble, and the light was now extremely bright, illuminating a large portion of the camp. He saw dozens of men running toward it, one of whom is wearing a cowled robe just like the mage had. They raced through the tent area and reached the far side of the camp.
They passed soldiers but none seemed to notice, all eyes were turned to the now brilliantly bright light. The guards at the fringe of the camp took notice of their approach and command them to stop. A crossbow bolt flew past, nearly striking Tinok as they raced through. They fled into the dark grasslands to the southwest of town, leaving the guards behind. They didn’t get far before…
Schtk!
They look back at the sound. Everyone held their breath in anticipation of what may happen. Then…
Booooooom!
A giant explosion engulfed the camp, ten times the force of what they experienced when that building blew earlier. They felt the concussion wave as it washed over them. Fortunately they were far enough away that it didn’t hit them with enough force to do anything, just caused their horses to miss a step. They paused and looked back at the camp, or rather what was left of it.
Reaching toward the sky blossomed a massive tower of flame, the roar from which could be heard even though they were now far from it. Its base covered most of the camp. It was unlikely anything survived.
They sat in awe as the flame punched through the clouds and then slowly dissipated, slowly sinking back to the ground.
“By the gods!” Cassie exclaimed.
They glanced at the unconscious James and then to each other. Tinok asked, “Just what have we gotten ourselves into?”
“I don’t know,” Jiron replied, shaking his head as he glanced again at James. “I don’t know.” Kicking his horse, he led them out into the grasslands.
Here follows the complete version of
Shepherd’s Quest
Book One of The Broken Key Trilogy
Chapter One
_______________________