***
In full agreement to continue on, the Squires entered the tunnel. It led them downward at a steep incline and then leveled off. Stone pillars lined the passageway here, grey and smooth in the lantern light, hewn from the mountain's rock. Hanging from the pillars were rusted chains. Still caught in some of these chains was evidence of their grim purpose--a skeletal arm here, a thighbone there. Skulls and other bones lay scattered at the base of the pillars. This was another Olrog punishment hall. The Squires wondered how many such grisly places existed down here.
They left the pillars behind and journeyed for what seemed like hours along the stone passageway, occasionally encountering thick black roots that split the rock here and there (having caused small cave-ins in some areas).
The tunnel gradually began to widen, revealing even more roots, and they had to push their way through fierce tangles of them at times. The gloomy feeling thickened, smothering them, while a sickening stench--reminding Lannon of the Bloodlands--had begun to assail their nostrils. Despair built in their hearts.
"Maybe we should go back," said Lannon.
"Let's go just a little farther," said Vorden.
"I think the others are dead," said Timlin, shivering.
"I feel that way now, too," said Aldreya.
"It has something to do with this area," said Vorden. "It's like the Bloodlands, making us feel as if things are hopeless."
"I feel like everything is crazy," said Aldreya "What are we doing here? What's happening to Dremlock? I never thought it would be this way."
"I didn't either," said Lannon. "It seems like ever since we snuck into Old Keep, things have gotten strange. Now someone wants me dead."
"I know what you mean," said Vorden, stopping and turning to them. "I always imagined the life of a Squire would be somewhat exciting--but nothing like this. I wanted adventure, but not necessarily this much, this soon."
"When I first came to Dremlock," said Aldreya, "I had no idea things were this bad here. I grew up in Borenthia, the great Birlote tree city to the west, and all my life all I ever heard was how wonderful Dremlock was. I dreamt of being a Knight from the time I was a little girl." She giggled, and then sighed. "I finally got my wish, for my parents had it planned for me all along. It is a tradition among my family."
Aldreya bowed her head. "I've worked really hard, but lately I've been starting to wonder what it's all worth. Is Dremlock just going to fall apart soon? I miss Borenthia very much, and lately Dremlock leaves me feeling empty inside."
The others had nothing to say. They wondered the same thing. Would all their training end up being for nothing, if the Goblins prevailed?
Vorden put his hand on Aldreya's shoulder. "It's not really that bad. Somehow, the Divine Essence will make things right. I know it will."
Aldreya blushed. "I hope so."
They started off again. Soon afterward, the tunnel narrowed into a crawl space. The rocks bruised their knees. This didn't last long, and they soon emerged onto a ledge. They stood up, choking on the foul stench, striving to see beyond the lantern light. The ledge was narrow, and a sheer cliff dropped away into the darkness, spider-webbed with black Iracus roots. Down below they could hear hideous sucking and feasting noises, along with swaying and creaking sounds, and an occasional hiss or screech that sounded like Goblins.
Timlin huddled close to Vorden and Lannon.
"What's down there?" whispered Lannon.
"Probably Iracus Trees," said Vorden. "Look at all those roots on the side of the cliff. There must be a lot of those trees down there!"
Suddenly it dawned on Lannon. "That must be the Mother Nest that Furlus mentioned. The Goblins must be feeding. Who knows how many are down there? Vorden, let's get out of here now!"
"Let's just see where this ledge leads," Vorden said. "Then we'll turn back."
"Not this again!" whispered Lannon. Grim memories of Old Keep flooded back, and he silently cursed Vorden. Why did Vorden have to be like this?
"Turn back!" Timlin begged.
"Vorden--you are not putting me through this again," said Aldreya. "This time, we will just leave you behind. I swear we will."
But onward Vorden went, ignoring their pleas. Unwilling to abandon him at this point, the others followed. The ledge ended at another tunnel.
"Come on," he said. " I think I hear water."
They listened carefully, faintly hearing what sounded like a river up ahead. Yet it was hard to tell from this distance exactly what the noise was.
"Let's see if the others are by that river," said Vorden. "When we get close enough, you can use the Eye to help find them."
"I guess we can go a little farther," said Lannon, "now that we're past those Iracus Trees. But I'm starting to feel wretched."
"I feel so bad inside," said Aldreya, "and that smell..."
They could walk upright in the next tunnel, and it led them along for a short distance and then into a large chamber. They walked around the edge of this room and saw many tunnels, all of which looked the same.
Finally Vorden paused, fear in his eyes. For several moments no one said a word, while Lannon, Timlin, and Aldreya waited in dread for him to tell them what was wrong. Finally he said, "I made a big mistake. I'm not sure which tunnel is the one we came in here through. Have any of you kept count?"
They shook their heads.
"It looks like we'll have to go back and try them all," said Vorden. "I have no idea which way we should go, and the river sounds like it's coming from all around us now, only still far away. This isn't going to work. I've come to realize we need to go back to Dremlock and get help."
"Good idea!" the others quickly agreed.
"A little late in coming, though," Aldreya grumbled.
Yet before they got a chance to start back, the lantern suddenly died, plunging the chamber into utter blackness. In an instinctive panic, Lannon tried to flee in any direction he could, but cold fingers suddenly gripped his throat, and the whispers of flame burned into his soul, paralyzing him. A quiet laugh reached his ears from mere inches away, and hot breath was on his cheek. Two insane eyes burned in the dark.
"Tenneth Bard!" Lannon thought, his legs going weak.
"Greetings, Squires of Dremlock," came a quiet voice. "Are you surprised to meet me here? Did you think I would be hiding away somewhere, protected by my Goblins? Well, if you want something done right... Anyway, so here I am. We've found each other. Now what do you intend to do?"
"Nnn...nothing," Timlin stammered. "We just want to leave."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," said the Black Knight. "You came here seeking me. And we must see this through."
"What do you want?" Vorden said. "Why are you doing this?"
Tenneth Bard sighed. "My boy, it's not about what I want. I simply desire the downfall of Dremlock, and if I my wish were to come true, I would be content to live out my life in peace. But my master has greater plans, and I owe him so much. Now before you die, I shall allow you to look upon your slayer."
The lantern suddenly began to shine again, only now it was blue--a cold and bitter glow. Tenneth Bard wore a ragged black cloak that seemed to merge with the darkness beyond the lantern light. His face was a mask of shifting shadows. Yet his violet eyes remained the same--crazed and inhuman.
"See how I planned everything out?" said the Black Knight. "Soon Dremlock will be invaded from below--yet not in the manner you might believe. I've created a diversion in these mines. Cordus shall send his Knights down here to battle a few sorry Goblins, while the bulk of my forces emerge from another point--a hidden one. And this army is made up mostly of Knights of the Blood Legion rather than Goblins. Victory will come easily.
"And now I will choke the life from you, boy. Go ahead--try to summon your powers. I assure you that your efforts will be in vain. Beneath my touch, your Eye of Divinity is rendered useless. Goodbye, Lannon Sunshield!"
"Wait!" said Vorden, his voice surprisingly calm. "While you're killin
g Lannon, I'll flee and tell Cordus what you said. Your plans will be ruined."
"Flee if you wish," said the Black Knight. "You won't even escape this chamber before you're destroyed."
"Then maybe we can make a bargain," said Vorden.
"I like you," said Tenneth Bard. "You're a thinker, I can tell--much like I was in my youth. But there will be no deals this night, only death."
"Don't do this!" Aldreya cried. "Let us help you somehow. If you're cursed by the Deep Shadow, the Knights can cure you. I know it is possible."
"I don't need your help," said Tenneth Bard. "Nor do I desire it. I have everything I need. Perhaps if that help had come long ago, it might have saved me. But now I'm quite set in my ways. And now I must finish my task."
"No, you won't!" Timlin suddenly howled, and he flung himself upon Tenneth Bard, ripping his Flayer against the Black Knight's throat. But the Flayer only glanced away, as if striking stone. Chuckling, Tenneth Bard batted Timlin aside.
Timlin struck the floor and rolled, rising up again. But he made no move to attack, and simply stood there in defeat. "Please don't kill Lannon."
Aldreya raised her dagger and cast a ball of green fire at the Black Knight. But the fire deflected away from him, doing no damage.
"See there, boy?" Tenneth Bard said to Lannon. "Your friends cannot harm me. No mortal weapon can damage me. Even those that burn with the flames of Knightly enchantment cannot. I have evolved beyond such weaknesses. Soon there will be nothing in this realm that can bring me harm."
Desperately Lannon struggled to call forth the Eye, even praying to the Divine Essence. But the Eye felt completely closed off to him--blocked by a coldness that spread from Tenneth Bard's fingertips all throughout Lannon's being. Nor could he manage to move, for the whispers held him fast, speaking to his body and freezing it. And slowly the fingers were squeezing tighter on his throat.
Lannon's mind began to go black from the choking, and he felt the end was at hand. Is this what the Divine Essence had intended for him? But the Essence was just a scared, lonely child, and he knew it had not planned his destiny. It may have granted him a divine gift, but it certainly had not written the book of his life.
"Let me tell you a story as you die," Tenneth Bard said. "Once I was a young, hopeful Squire like you, Lannon. I had talent the likes of which few had ever witnessed--not the Eye of Divinity, mind you. But for sheer talent, I was unmatched. I became a great Knight, and brought much glory to Dremlock. But that wasn't enough for them. I fell in love with a woman, thus violating the Sacred Laws, and was banished from the kingdom forever. It ruined my life, and I became a worthless drunkard. My woman left me, and then I had nothing. It seemed the Knights had taken everything from me. Of course I grew bitter towards Dremlock, and eventually sought revenge.
"But you know what? I am bitter no longer. Now I fight against Dremlock for another reason--because my master demands it. If you think I'm still angry about losing my Knighthood so long ago, you're sadly mistaken. I care nothing about the past. A new and glorious age is soon to be upon us. Unfortunately, you won't live to see it."
I guess I won't, Lannon thought dimly.
Then Vorden's words penetrated Lannon's foggy mind--a sudden whisper in the dark. "I've got something for you, Tenneth Bard. I hope you enjoy it!"
A screech arose, and the fingers loosened on Lannon's throat, dropping the lad to the floor where he lay struggling for breath. His vision was a tad blurry, but he saw Vorden leap away from the Black Knight, his dark sword dripping blood. Tenneth Bard staggered, clutching his ribs, in obvious agony.
And then an image of the Divine Essence sprang into Lannon's thoughts. He realized it was a memory he was seeing. The Essence had taught him things about the Eye of Divinity during his encounter with it, but he couldn't remember what he had learned--save for one thing. He now understood how to unlock the Eye on his own.
He envisioned hands reaching into his mind, pulling it in two. The hands were the force of his will, and they effortlessly split his being into separate halves. The Eye of Divinity sprang out through the gap. With Tenneth Bard's concentration disrupted, the whispers departed from Lannon, leaving him able to move. Yet no movement was needed. As the Eye sprang out towards Tenneth Bard, it underwent a change, becoming a physical force that seized the Black Knight in a crushing grasp.
Tenneth Bard howled in pain and fury, but then slowly he began to break out of the clutches that held him. But Vorden sensed his opportunity, and he drove the dark sword unmercifully into the Black Knight's chest. Tenneth Bard convulsed in pain, falling to his knees, blood soaking the floor at his feet.
"Cut off his head!" Timlin cried.
Vorden withdrew his dark blade and raised it up for the kill. But Tenneth Bard suddenly broke free of Lannon's hold and lunged up, staggering away. He turned towards Lannon and hissed, "Not over yet... Just beginning..."
But Vorden flung the sword like a spear, and it lodged in the Black Knight's side. He clawed at the blade, then toppled over and lay still.
Vorden leapt over and retrieved his sword. Tenneth Bard's eyes were open wide, glazed over in death. Blood pooled out around him.
The lantern light changed back to normal.
"That's the end of him," whispered Vorden.
Lannon grabbed the lantern. He used the Eye to locate the tunnel they had come through, and then he drew his power partially inside him.
"Come on," he said. "Let's get out of here!"
The Squires raced through the tunnel and out onto the ledge. They could hear the slurping, sucking noises coming from the Mother Nest below. As they ran across the ledge, a clawed hand reached up and grabbed Aldreya's leg, nearly tripping her. She screamed, kicking furiously in an effort to escape.
A small Goblin clung to the roots on the cliff face, snarling. It wasn't much bigger than a Tree Goblin, but already it had clusters of deadly claws. Aldreya kicked its arm, and the Goblin lost its grip on the roots and tumbled back down into the darkness. Bleeding wounds were left in Aldreya's leg.
Vorden searched his pack for cloth to bandage it, but Aldreya grabbed his arm. "I'm okay for now," she said. "Let's just get away from here!"
They continued on and entered the small tunnel where they were forced to crawl upon aching knees. When the tunnel widened enough to stand, Vorden took the time to bandage Aldreya's leg. After that they pushed their way through tangles of Iracus roots. The Squires hurried as fast as they were able. Their backs felt exposed as they raced along, and often they found themselves glancing behind them.
At one point, Vorden again asked the others not to mention his new sword. "I could be cast out for using this blade," he said. "This is obviously no ordinary weapon. It must be magical."
"Then maybe you should leave it here," said Lannon. "Otherwise, you might get caught with it, and get banished anyway."
"I'll take my chances for now," said Vorden, tucking his sword away beneath his cloak. "I just can’t leave it behind! It's extraordinary--better than your dragon sword, Lannon."
"I'm happy with my dragon sword," Lannon replied, shuddering at the thought of Vorden's dark blade which had done so much damage to Tenneth Bard.
At last the Squires reached the stone bridge, and to their delight, they encountered the Knights and Saranna. The adults were on the other side, about to start across. When they saw the Squires, Taris ordered them to halt.
"Come no closer," he said. "The creature yet lives."
"We can make it," Vorden said to Taris. "We did it once already."
Taris nodded. "One at a time, then. And be swift!"
Vorden raced across without incident, swiping up his axe on the way. (He kept his other arm pressed to his body, holding the sword in place beneath his cloak.) Timlin and Aldreya managed to make it, and then it was Lannon's turn.
Lannon suddenly found he had lost his nerve. The last thing he wanted was to be flung into that dark chasm and end up alone--with all the Iracus Trees and Goblins down in these
mines.
Then Lannon's gaze fell on Saranna, and he blushed. Not wanting to appear cowardly in her eyes, he pushed his fears aside and bounded across the bridge. Yet when he neared the pool, a wooden hand suddenly rose up, wiggling its leafy fingers. Lannon froze, watching in horror.
Then Lannon remembered the Eye of Divinity, which was still at the ready, and he directed it at the creature in the pool, hoping it would do more than just reveal things about the monstrosity. Lannon willed the Eye to grasp the beast, and it responded to his command, squeezing the bulky thing motionless. The creature fought fiercely but could not break the invisible force that held it. The hand stayed fixed in the air above the pool.
Still holding the monster in check, Lannon drew his dragon sword and slashed through the wooden arm. The light, ultra sharp blade easily severed it, and the leafy hand dropped into the pool with a splash.
Calmly, Lannon walked the rest of the way across the bridge, while the others watched him with open mouths and raised eyebrows. When he reached the other side, a sick feeling overcame him, and he released the creature and drew the Eye all the way inside him. He held his stomach for a moment, feeling the urge to vomit.
"Are you okay?" Taris asked.
Lannon nodded. "I just need to clear my head."
"What happened to you Squires?" the sorcerer asked.
Lannon explained how they had encountered Tenneth Bard, and how the Black Knight had tried to kill him. "I used my power to overcome him," Lannon said, with a sharp glance at Vorden. "Tenneth Bard is dead."
"So your power has grown," said Taris. "And an old enemy has met his end. This has been a great night for our kingdom thus far. Now, if only we knew what Tenneth Bard was planning exactly."
"I do know," Lannon said excitedly. "He was planning a diversion. The actual attack on Dremlock won't come from under the Temple. It will come from somewhere else--maybe another entrance to the mines."
"Old Keep is well defended," said Furlus. "As is the Deep Forge. There must be another passage into the mines--one we've forgotten about."
"We must make haste," said Taris.
As they entered the tunnels, three figures suddenly stepped into the lantern light. One was a giant, bearded man dressed in black plate armor, bearing a battle axe that glowed with crimson fire. Two Goblin Lords stood side-by-side behind him, holding twisted staffs. The staffs smoldered with black flames. Though they seemed outnumbered, they regarded the party with calm, focused expressions.
"Your master lies dead," Taris said. "Stand aside, or join him."
The giant spoke in a gruff voice. "No matter. The Blood Legion has functioned without him for a thousand years. We shall endure. And we have other masters who are unknown to you. We have come to destroy you and the Squires. Then Dremlock will follow."
"Looks to me like you're outnumbered," said Caldrek. "And in case you haven't heard, we know how to defeat the Goblin Lords."
The giant smiled. "Yes, but the Goblin Lords have turned the odds in my favor. Or haven't you noticed?"
"I can't move," Shennen whispered.
"I can't, either!" Timlin cried. "What's happening?"
Lannon tried to call the Eye, but it wouldn't work. Nor could he move. A force similar to Tenneth Bard's Whispers was at work within him.
Even Darius was rendered motionless.
"Just some foul magic," said the giant, sighing. "It will hold you fast while I cleave off your heads." He spoke matter-of-factly.
Furlus bellowed with rage, but he too was held immobile by the invisible force. All his strength would not avail him against these bonds.
"I should have been alert to this," Taris said quietly. "I have failed us all." Then he closed his eyes and fell silent.
The Squires could scarcely believe their ears, for never had they heard Taris speak in such a grim tone. Lannon fought to unleash the Eye, yet it seemed to lie just beyond his grasp. He knew in his heart there was a way to reach it, but he couldn't seem to summon the will to do it. His helplessness frustrated him to the point where he felt like he was going to explode, and he begged the Divine Essence to give him even the slightest assistance. But still the Eye of Divinity remained just out of reach.
The giant shook his head. "Don't blame yourself, sorcerer. These are Priests of Tharnin, and their magic is a match even for yours."
"If I could only move!" Caldrek muttered. "I'd show you three. At least finish me first, so I can die with honor."
The giant nodded. "It shall be done." He stepped forward and raised his axe for the kill, a passive look in his eyes.
And then Caldrek struck. The Red Knight lashed out with his blade and cleaved into the giant's armor. For an instant, the Squires' hearts lurched with glee, for they were certain Caldrek would prevail and all would be well. But the giant somehow reacted swiftly enough to twist sideways and avoid serious injury. Bringing his axe down, he knocked Caldrek's blade aside and then stepped back.
Caldrek cursed. "Almost had you--you lucky devil!"
The giant glanced questioningly at the Goblin Lords, but their eyes were narrowed with focus as they struggled to maintain the sorcery they had cast over the party. With a shrug, he calmly waited for Caldrek to make another move.
"Guess your priests couldn't hold us all," said Caldrek. "And now it's just you and me, big fellow."
The giant nodded. "As it should be. A fair fight."
The two men moved in on each other, looking for an opening. Caldrek's blade burned blue as he brought his own sorcery into play. The giant stood guard before the two Goblin Lords, always staying close to them should Caldrek try to disrupt their focus.
Their blades finally met with a clatter and a burst of sparks. Back and forth they went, slashing furiously at each other with their weapons. Then Caldrek caught a glancing blow to the shoulder that staggered him. He retreated a bit.
"Not bad," Caldrek said. "But it will take more than that."
Lannon gave up on trying to call the Eye, and he simply stood and watched, hoping Caldrek was skilled enough to beat this foe. The fact that Caldrek seemed highly regarded by Cordus and his Tower Masters gave Lannon confidence he would find a way to defeat this servant of the Blood Legion. It was the two Goblin Lords that worried Lannon the most, for if they could hold Taris in check, and the Eye of Divinity, who knew what they were capable of?
Caldrek leapt in and they traded another flurry of blows, and this time the Red Knight took a partial slash to the ribs that drew blood. Again Caldrek retreated, and this time a shocked look appeared on his face. Sweat dripped from his brow and mustache, and he used his sleeve to wipe it from his eyes. He was panting hard.
"I can't believe it!" he said, with a sideways glance at Shennen. "This fellow is faster than anyone I've ever sparred with."
"Stay focused," Shennen urged him. "You can defeat this foe. If you fail, all of us will die. Do not let that happen."
"Fail?" Caldrek gave a little laugh. "You know me better than that, Shennen. I'll get him for you. Don't worry."
The giant did not speak, and his face remained passive. Again he waited for Caldrek to strike, preferring to stay on the defensive.
Caldrek moved in on him and again they clashed, and this time Caldrek ripped a small wound in the giant's arm. For an instant the Red Knight seemed to gain the upper hand, as the giant retreated, wincing in pain. Caldrek lunged after him, determined to finish him while the giant was off balance.
Yet the giant quickly recovered his composure, and in response, he drove his axe at Caldrek with a slew of vicious strokes. The Red Knight blocked all but one of them--and that one caught him in the throat.
Caldrek gazed in disbelief as he staggered back, clutching his throat. "Can't...believe...you..." His words disintegrated and he collapsed, his sword clattering to the stone floor. The fire died in his blade.
The Squires cried out in dismay, and again Lannon strove to summon the Eye, realizing if he did not, his head would end up separated from his neck. Panic grippe
d him and he gave everything he had, yet still it was not enough. It was like groping unsuccessfully for something only an inch away from his fingertips.
The giant bowed his head with respect to Caldrek, and then started forward. "Time to get this over with," he muttered. "I'm not fond of killing men in this fashion, but it must be done in a time of war." He raised his axe, going for Taris first.
"You must break free now," Taris grunted. "Do it, Furlus!"
Apparently, Taris had been using his own power, working on freeing the strongest member of the party, and now Furlus, his face gone purple with strain, suddenly managed to break the invisible bonds with the sorcerer's help. A flash of blue erupted, momentarily blinding everyone, and Furlus Goblincrusher was free. The others, however, still remained locked in place by the spell.
His bearded face bearing a scowl, the Grey Dwarf leapt towards the giant, and their axes clanged together deafeningly. The glowing crimson axe met Olrog Glaetherin, and a shower of sparks erupted. Growling like a bear, the Dwarf drove the giant backwards with maddened strokes. The giant's passive look disintegrated into one of surprise, so taken aback was he by the Olrog's fury. Furlus shook with rage, and his axe blows were delivered with the legendary vigor of a battle-crazed Dwarf.
The giant was on the defensive, struggling to regain his composure. In a fatal move, he saw a brief opening and tried to take Furlus' legs out from under him. The Olrog leapt over the blade, and in the same motion, Furlus drove his axe into the giant's chest, crunching through armor. The force of the blow sent the giant tumbling into the two Goblin Lords, breaking their spell in a fizzling flash of light. The giant crumpled to the ground and lay still.
The Goblin Lords turned to flee, for even two Priests of Tharnin were no match for the entire party. Still on the attack, Furlus caught one of them even as the Goblin turned, his axe cleaving the creature in two. The other one made it a little farther before Shennen's blade cut him down.
Taris stepped in and destroyed their hearts with his burning dagger.
Furlus quickly searched the corpses, and stuck a couple items in his pack without commenting on what they were.
Shennen lifted Caldrek's body. "It must have been that Goblin Worm’s poison," the Blue Knight said. "He was still weak from it, or Caldrek would have beaten that big fellow. I know it in my heart. He saved us all, and we must honor him well. We survived many perilous missions together. He was my friend."
Furlus bowed his head.
"He shall receive the highest honor," said Taris. "The White Blood will adorn his body, and he shall be promoted to Green. I'll see to it, my friend."
Then the party hurried onward, bearing their slain companion.