Chapter 18
The night brought with it the first academy awards evening. This was a tradition that had long since been lost. It was a night for the trainees who were ready, to be initiated into active duty. The training hall of the academy had been decked out with a huge stage at either end of the great training hall. One stage was for the presentation of the awards, the other stage was for the members of the royal court to observe the proceedings. It may have only been a short time since Paddy took over the role of the master instructor but already, his first batch of soldiers were ready. They had been in training for much longer but Paddy had honed their skills; none more so than James, the ex messenger boy. He had graduated as the finest swordsman the academy had ever seen. He would be assuming the duty of King’s Guard. Only the best of the best gained such an honour. Other graduates would go into the army, navy or town watch. The King was not in attendance on this night but Paddy had made the effort. He had left Isabelle in the care of the king’s servants. Isabelle had taken quite a shining to the young woman who had cared for her in Paddy’s absence.
A special guest was amongst the crowd. She was here to watch James receive his diploma and to watch him receive the colours of his profession. She was also here incognito to have one more look at James to make sure he was definitely the one she wanted. The mystery woman was Anna, now an ordained priestess. She had been ordained earlier than expected. The priestesses had decided just a few days ago to ordain all those that were nearly ready. She had sensed that something strange was going on, something that had the older priestesses worried. She did not know what and was not going to think about it now. Tonight was the night of her (hopefully) future husband.
The ceremony began. The crowd took their seats. Trumpets began to ring out, filling the massive hall with sound. Doors at either side of the crowd opened. Lines of soldiers wearing gleaming silver armour marched into the hall. They proceeded to the front near to the presentation stage. They remained standing until the last remaining soldier was in place and the doors were shut. Paddy Turner took to the stage.
“Tonight, we are gathered here to welcome in a new era. We are not simply here to welcome a new crop of soldiers into the ranks. The reason why this formal ceremony of yesteryear has been resurrected is because the achievements these men have made deserve recognition. The men sat in front of me now have had to undergo the most intense training ever seen in the academy in Thorvale. They have had to use not only their strength, but their minds and hearts as well. We welcome in the era of the super soldier; those who have the strength and skill of a regular soldier but the mind and tactical ability of a general.”
The crowd applauded. Paddy turned the stage over to another instructor who started the presentations. Each person came up to collect their colours in turn. Towards the end of the presentations, there was a row of people who had not been called up. Paddy took to the stage once more.
“You may have noticed that there are a group of people, kitted out in their finest armour, that have yet to be called up on stage. Now I can see they are getting a little worried that we have forgotten them but I assure you, we have not. These people are extremely special. They have finished at the top of the class with the highest honours. They have not simply passed each trial. They have excelled in them. This group of warriors have banded together to show exceptional talent and courage on the field of battle. They are now given the greatest honour of all. They will become members of the King’s Guards. They are the elite of the elite who continue to train until the day their skills are needed for real. They are charged with protecting the palace and the King from harm. Unlike everyone else, they start their duties this night. There will be no festivities for them; for the time being of course.”
There was a booing from the crowd but it was not one of dissent. It was simply done in jest. Once again they were called up in turn. This time, Paddy presented their colours and a special tunic. The tunic was purple with a yellow symbol, depicting a round shield with a crown emblazoned to it, on the chest. It was the symbol of the King’s Guards. As James went up to collect his award, Paddy stopped him.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to James. The reason I do this is because this young man has proved himself to be the best of the best. He is unequalled with the sword. His arrows fly from his bow so straight and true, it would take the mightiest of gales to blow them off course. He is our star pupil for this year and as such we offer him the medal of excellence.”
A large cheer erupted from his fellow pupils. The crowd simply applauded but another cheer caught James’ ear. He looked out to see a caped person standing from her seat. She sat down as soon as he noticed her. James completed his part in the ceremony and darted to where this person was sitting.
“Excuse me.” He said to the person. “May I have the honour of seeing your face?”
“You may not” The voice replied. It was a female voice of such sweet tone that James had no doubt as to who it may be.
“Anna?” he proclaimed, a huge smile crossing his face.
She pulled her hood back and looked at him. James’ eyes lit up. He could not believe that she was sitting in front of him.
“How did you know about the ceremony?” he asked.
“I did not. I only came looking for you. Someone told me that this is where I would find you.” she replied.
“Why have you come now? Three months have yet to pass.”
“It is a long story but I will tell you this much, I have been ordained. I am here to pick a suitor.”
James’ smile widened further.
“Do you still want me?” He asked feeling both dread and excitement for the answer.
“I do.” Anna said with a smile.
They embraced each other before James stole a kiss.
“I cannot spend time with you this night.” James began. “It cuts me like a knife but we will have to wait until tomorrow before we can spend time getting to know one another properly.”
“I understand, where and when shall I meet you.” She asked.
“Meet me at the gates of the palace shortly before midday. We shall leave the city and have a picnic by a lovely little lake I know.”
“It’s a date.” She said. It was Anna’s turn to steal a kiss. Then she departed. It took a while for the crowd to leave the hall but once they had gone, only Paddy, the instructors, and the new members of the King’s Guards remained. Paddy spoke;
“I am now going to take you all to your quarters within the palace. You will have chance to return to your homes tomorrow to gather your belongings. Tonight you will be posted and you will meet your direct superiors who will instruct you in your jobs. It goes without saying that I am proud of each and every one of you. Take care out there.”
The instructors led the way to the palace. They dropped each man at their post. Paddy escorted James.
“James, you are going to be in the King’s personal bodyguards.” He began. “Here you will be charged with the duty of protecting the King at all costs. You may even have to forfeit your life at some point. Will you accept this burden?”
James’ jaw dropped. He had risen from messenger boy to being offered a position in the King’s personal bodyguard in just a couple of months. He composed himself quickly.
“I will accept this honour.” He said formally.
“I thought you may.” Paddy replied. He escorted James to meet a man called Tarnoc. Tarnoc was not a large man by any means but he was legendary in these parts. He wielded a short sword but it had been rumoured that nobody had ever seen him swing it. This was because it was swung so quickly, the naked eye could not see it. As James approached Tarnoc, he could see that he was not a young man anymore. He was in his fifties with short cropped grey hair. He stood at about 5’1” tall but he didn’t look that small. He was also quite slender. He was not what James was expecting.
“Tarnoc,” Paddy began, “this is James and he is now under your command.”
Tarnoc said nothing simply shaking James’ hand.
“I will leave you now James. Good luck.”
“Thanks, Paddy, for everything.” James replied.
“You are most welcome.”
It was getting late and Paddy left for his room.
As he entered his room Paddy could feel that it was deathly cold. He lit the lanterns. Isabelle was in her cot but was unattended. None of the servants were around. This angered Paddy as he didn’t want Isabelle to be left alone again. He went over to the cot and looked in. Isabelle was fast asleep. Paddy gently picked her up and cuddled her in his arms for a while. Then he kissed her on the forehead and placed her back in the cot.
“Goodnight, princess.” He said. Paddy readied himself for bed and went to sleep.
Only one hour had passed before Paddy was roused from his slumber. It was absolutely freezing. He tried to sit up to turn his lantern a little higher so he could see the whole room but he could not move. His joints felt like they had literally frozen solid. The only thing he could move was his head. He looked towards the dim flicker of his lantern. It seemed to be surrounded in a thick fog.
“How does a freezing fog get into a room like this?” Paddy asked himself. He then heard Isabelle begin to cry. A faint blue-white flicker came from above the cot. It caught Paddy’s attention but he did not see it clearly. Another small flicker came. Then another and another. Each time they were getting bigger and brighter. It was lightning. Each fork of lightning came closer to striking the cot. Each fork also lit the room for a brief period. A vortex was forming above the cot where the ceiling should have been. The ceiling seemed to have vanished where the vortex was. As the mini storm grew fiercer, Paddy saw a face light up in the vortex. With each flash it grew bigger and bigger. It was heading for Isabelle. Paddy tried to cry out but his voice would not work. He couldn’t even move his lips. He could feel the panic growing within him. This didn’t feel like a dream. It was too real. At last a fork of lightning struck the cot. Instead of the lightning dispersing, it latched on and formed a constant electrical stream from the vortex to the cot. More forks attached themselves to the cot. Soon the cot was completely engulfed. Then the face moved from the vortex into the lightning and down into the cot. A blinding flash of light burst through the room and then all was dark again. Paddy tried to move and found that he could now move his upper body. He reached for his sword and then for the lantern to turn it up. His legs were slowly regaining feeling. There was no sound coming from the cot. Then, a rustling began. It sounded like the sheets in the cot were moving. A thud was heard on the wood on each side of the cot. The wood started to creak as if something was trying to bend it. Paddy tried to will his legs to get feeling in them so he could walk. He could make slight movements. The wood creaked even more, and then snapping sounds came. The bars began to snap one by one. Suddenly, to his horror, Paddy saw a leg grow through the snapped bar. It was growing slowly but it could clearly be seen. Greater feelings of panic started to spread through him. Something was happening to his daughter but he was helpless to do anything. At last his left leg started to move. He pulled himself upright on the bed and tried to stand. His left leg gave way sending him sprawling across the ground. He continued to try to get up. Two legs and two arms could be seen protruding from the cot. Paddy could not comprehend what he was seeing but he was determined to stand. At last he managed to raise himself to his feet. He turned to face the cot but it was nothing more than a pile of wood on the floor. Above the pile, standing at least seven feet tall was the most hideous creature Paddy had ever seen. It looked like a giant who had been burned in a fire and then resuscitated. The teeth stood out. Each tooth, top to bottom, was about four inches long and razor sharp. The creature’s lips were cracked beyond recognition. There were two holes where a nose should have been. Its eyes emanated a strange white light like rays of moonlight only more menacing. The flesh of the creature was blistered, charred and bloody. It was truly a creature from hell.
“Ah, the Father of the child that allowed me to live again.” The creature said in its deep, gruff voice. “What do you think of your precious little child now? Am I adorable?” The creature laughed out loud.
“Who are you?” Paddy asked sternly. His courage was faltering but he maintained his composure.
“I am the scourge of the earth, the ruler of chaos. I am Bhryll.”
“What have you done with my daughter?” Paddy asked with his courage returning.
“Oh, you need not worry. She is well and truly dead.” Again, Bhryll laughed.
“You find yourself quite amusing don’t you?” Anger had grown within the heart of Paddy. He was ready to cut this so called god into pieces. He raised his sword and pointed it towards the creature.
“What do you think you will do to me with that puny blade, human?”
“I will kill you with it.” Paddy stated boldly. Bhryll reached out his long arm and placed a finger on the tip of the blade. Instantly the blade melted. Paddy was left holding nothing but the handle. He looked around for something else to attack his enemy with. There was nothing. Bhryll started an incantation. There was a blinding flash of light. When Paddy’s eyes had adjusted to the dim light again, he could see that Bhryll had a full suit of armour covering his entire body. Bhryll reached over his shoulder and pulled out a huge black sword with serrated edges. The butt of the handle had a picture of the sun being eclipsed by a vortex with the face of Bhryll in the centre. Then he pulled a smaller sword from the holster on his hip. He tossed this sword to Paddy.
“Now, let us see if you can challenge me.” He said.
Paddy, finding he could move again fully, raised his sword and charged. Paddy controlled his balance as he swung the blade to try to slice his opponent. Bhryll expended no energy parrying the blows. As Paddy stepped in again, Bhryll reached out a huge hand, grasping Paddy by the face and tossed him towards the door. The wooden door shattered and splintered with the force of Paddy’s bodyweight. A nearby guard raised the alarm before running to the aid of Paddy. As the guard neared the door, the huge, horrific figure of Bhryll stepped through. The guard froze; urine trickled down his leg. Bhryll stabbed his blade through the chest of the guard. He crumpled to the ground; his body lifeless. Bhryll then began a quick incantation. He reached down a touched the now dead guard. An orange glow surrounded the body before fading away. The guard then stood up. His skin was pale and grey and he had a stare on his face that would chill any living creature.
“Scout ahead and kill any you come across.” Bhryll commanded. His tactic was sensible. Nobody would suspect the guard until it was too late. He would be able to clear at least part of the way for Bhryll to escape, leaving bodies for him to reanimate along the way.
Bhryll turned back to Paddy.
“I want you to be a general in my undead army.” He said.
“Never” Paddy replied picking himself up off the floor. Paddy charged, mounting an attack far more ferocious than before. Bhryll never missed a single parry. He was playing with Paddy; using him like a rag doll. Occasionally he would throw Paddy to the ground. He would also give him a small cut here and there. Paddy realised that he could not win. He was exhausted. He made one last lunge. Bhryll swung his body around 360 degrees bringing his sword up to the level of Paddy’s throat. Paddy raised his sword to deflect the blow but his sword was cut in two. The tip of Bhryll’s blade just nicked Paddy’s throat. There was a long pause. Both opponents stood looking at each other. Then blood splattered from the nick. Paddy coughed and spluttered then collapsed to the ground. Bhryll quickly reanimated his body. The spirit of Paddy Turner no longer occupied his body. The shell of Paddy was now totally evil; controlled by the will of his new master. When reanimated, the person retains all their skills and memories but loses their soul. This creates a being of unimaginable skill but with no emotion. This is what Paddy had become.
Bhryll and Paddy followed the trail of bodies that lay in the corridors. Bhryll reanimated every single one.
By the time they had burst into the great hall, there were at least twenty of them. The King and his guards awaited them in the great hall. It was the easiest place to fight and the only way in or out of this part of the palace. Bhryll and his undead soldiers stopped on the stairs leading down from the servants’ wing to the great hall. He looked across at the King.
“It seems that you have a mutiny in your palace, my lord.” He mocked.
“Who are you, vile creature?” The King replied.
“I prefer to be addressed with a little more respect. Perhaps you should make your request on your knees. Oh, and one more thing; call me master.”
“That will not happen, not while I have breath in my body and an army to defend me.”
“If that is what it takes.” Bhryll replied. He raised an arm and incanted a spell. A black cloud appeared in front of him. Suddenly, arrows and throwing knives started spilling out of the cloud, firing towards the King’s men. Many fell almost instantly, the rest took cover. James was one of the few who managed to escape. He was trying to survey the damage when he noticed the slumped body of Tarnoc. His heart sank at the sight of such a legend, lying on the cold marble floor without even having the chance to fight.
“Your men are now all but gone. The rest will be too scared to fight. Now kneel before me and ask your questions.” Bhryll said to the King.
“I will not kneel before you. Kill me if you must but you will never get the satisfaction of seeing me kneel at your feet.” The King replied. “More men will be on their way. You will not escape with your life.”
A hearty laugh erupted. Bhryll could barely bring himself to speak. Then he began another incantation. This time all the dead bodies that lay on the floor began to glow. Each one stood up and formed a line in front of Bhryll.
“I could destroy your entire army by myself. That would see me breaking a promise I made years ago. I promised the denizens of the Cursed Isle that they would be given the chance of revenge against the humans who drove them away. If they fail, then I will kill you all.”
“Such a promise was made by one would-be god before being slain by his brother. You must be Bhryll.” The King said remembering what he had learned of the chaos wars.
Bhryll nodded.
“Take your undead men and leave my palace. Make your preparations. We will be ready to fight you.” The King continued with conviction. He was sure that Bhryll would leave.
“I will leave right now. But I cannot depart without the giving of a gift. Call it something to remember me by.”
Another incantation began. From his mouth, fire erupted. It filled the hall, torching anything that would burn. Then Bhryll turned and ran. He had vanished in a flash. The screams of the people could be heard as the God of Chaos ran down the street. He continued to send forth his flames. Cloth, wood and even people all burned. Anna heard the commotion and looked out of the window of her rented room.
“The legend was true.” She said to herself. She hastily packed her belongings and wrote a note. She had a messenger take the note and gave him strict instructions to deliver this to James the next day. She ran into the street only to find her horse had been burnt to death. She stole another from a nearby stable. In all the commotion, nobody noticed. She then departed for the Sacred Hills.
Across the plains, Conrad and Rhyll were escorting John on his journey back to Horton Peak. They had been travelling for quite some time but had stopped to make camp for the night. John had not been able to sleep. He had been staring in the direction of Thorvale all night long, wondering if he was crazy or not. Then, shortly after midnight, a small red glow could be seen in the sky over Thorvale.
“Wake up.” He shouted to the others. Conrad woke at once.
“What is it, John?” He asked.
“What is that over there?” John asked pointing to the red light.
“It looks like the glow of a camp fire.”
“If that is a campfire, it is very big.”
They watched for many minutes. More small fires became visible. Then it seemed like the fires were spreading and joining together. The realisation dawned on Conrad first.
“They are no campfires. Thorvale is on fire.” He shouted. He ran over to Rhyll and kicked him hard. “Wake up you big ox.” Rhyll came too.
“What is going on? Can’t a man get a descent night’s sleep around here?”
“Thorvale is burning.” Conrad shouted. Rhyll looked back along the route they had travelled. His face wore an expression of deep concern.
“I told you.” John shouted. “I knew this would happen. I dreamt this.”
Conrad and Rhyll said nothing. They wanted to investigate first before believing John but like true adventurers, they didn’t rule anything out.
*****