Chapter 8
“So what exactly are you doing?” Hadrenn finally asked. Eertu had gone to work on some project as soon as they had made camp for the night. Spread out before the warlock was various powders and liquids Hadrenn could not identify along with an assortment of crossbow bolts and arrows.
“Well, as Dredrik recently pointed out I have stored in my mind many things. Some things I do not even know that I know.”
Hadrenn cocked an eyebrow. “How does that work?”
Eertu continues to mix different ingredients together completely obsessed with what he was doing. “I have a unique ability. I can absorb others abilities. Not take them away mind you, just absorb the knowledge and in most cases also the ability. My current handicap has forced me seek new ways to be of use.”
“And you came up with this?” Hadrenn said gesturing toward the items lain out before them.
“Yes,” he answered as he began dipping the tips of bolts in the mixture. The tips would glow for a few seconds each time then he would set them inside a quiver.
Hadrenn sighed. It was always hard to get Eertu to just explain something. One had to drag it out of him. Hadrenn suspected Eertu did it just to drive people crazy. “And this would be what?”
“Hand me that crossbow please.”
Hadrenn grabbed the weapon Eertu had pointed to and handed it over. “Would you like me to set it?”
“That will not be necessary.” Eertu set the crossbow in the crook of his injured arm and hovered his good hand over the string. To Hadrenn’s amazement as Eertu drew his arm back the bow string followed until caught in the locking mechanism.
“Neat trick.”
“I have enchanted this one. I do not have telekinesis, but with the right application of knowledge, and necessity being the mother of invention I now have a weapon I can use. The bolts and arrows are for all of us however.” At that Eertu removed a bolt from the quiver and slid it into place. Without warning he straightened his arm and loosed the bolt. The sound of the bolt thumping into a tree was quickly followed by a loud explosion. Fire and flaming debris flew in all directions sending Hadrenn ducking for cover. The tree groaned for a few moments then came crashing to the ground.
Vessa came running from her patrol short bow pulled taut, arrow knocked. Eertu was laughing, Hadrenn picking himself up off the ground, a large splintered oak stump burned, the rest of the tree fallen, the log also ablaze. “What happened here?”
“That was more potent than I expect,” Eertu laughed. “I should have looked into this long ago.”
“I thought you could not cast.” Vessa said.
“He didn’t,” Hadrenn replied as he dusted himself off, “his crossbow bolt did that.”
“Enchanting,” Eertu said by way of explanation. “The skill is all but lost to the world, but I was lucky to have once served as an apprentice to one of the crafts few remaining masters. He never actually taught me anything. His business was lucrative and he saw no reason to create his own competition. I absorbed what knowledge I could from him and moved on to my next subject of study.”
Vessa shot Hadrenn a questioning look and Hadrenn mouthed “I’ll explain that bit later.”
“The resources I could scavenge were limited but I found enough to do this.in the inns storage room, the bolts and arrows Dredrik had supplied in our provisions or we would have scoured the grounds for some before we left. Anyway I would not recommend loosing these at anything you do not wish to kill or destroy. I will leave some as they are for hunting, or in case you find somebody you simply wish to wound.”
“Could you do that to my sword?” Hadrenn asked
“Yes, but it too would explode upon striking and take you with it. I will look into other options when time permits.”
“Eertu ol buddy, you just made my day.”
“You’re both mad.” Vessa said though quickly found herself chuckling as well.
“Quiet so,” Eertu agreed.
“So what is the catalyst? Is it the impact that causes the enchantment to react?”
“That, but it also requires velocity from movement to prime.”
“Ok,” Hadrenn began, “say I was thrown from my horse then landed hard on the ground?”
“The quivers I am filling are warded to keep the enchantments inert. However I am not sure how much of both velocity and impact are required to cause the reaction once removed. I recommend handling with care. Also it may be that velocity multiplied by impact force may change the power of the reaction.”
Vessa shook her head, “You two will be the death of me yet.”
. . . . .
The trio traveled three more days before Vessa announced, “We’re here,” as they came to a stop at the base of a large rock plateau in the middle of the woods about thirty feet tall.
“All I see is trees and rocks,” Hadrenn said craning his head around in search of something he must have missed.
“As it was meant to be,” Vessa said.
“I do not see either,” Eertu stated, “but I sense magic at play. Powerful yet there has been an attempt to disguise the magic as well.”
“It’s the work of the keeper,” Vessa explained. “Keeping us safe and hidden is part of her job. Besides the keeper I do know we left four initiates behind so be on guard. And let’s hope I have not overly offended anybody by bring outsiders here. With everything that has happened surely the Keeper will forgive the trespass.”
“Let us hope,” Eertu agreed as he slid from his horse. “Even if I was not injured, this is another’s lair. This place will be attuned to enhance her powers. I will not be able to do anything to protect us.”
Vessa slid from her horse and approached the rock face leading her mount by its reins. She tentatively reached forward, her arm disappearing into the ‘solid’ stone.
“Illusions, a talent I have yet to encounter,” Eertu’s curiosity peaked. “Seamless.”
“Hadrenn,” Vessa said “do try to be on your best behavior. The keeper is a revered figure.”
“Why is it you always assume the worst of me?” Hadrenn replied defensively.
“I don’t think badly of you. In fact you seem to have grown on me.”
Hadrenn smiled as Vessa blushed slightly at that revelation.
“But you do tend to wield your opinions like a blunt weapon.”
“I concede that point,” Hadrenn agreed. “Alright you have my word. I will be on my best behavior.”
Vessa stepped through the illusion, next Eertu both with horses in tow. Hadrenn held his breath closed his eyes and followed half expecting his face to smash against the rigid looking rock face of the plateau. He exhaled and opened his eyes when it did not happen. He now stood in a good sized cave entrance with a gentle slope leading downward into the hillside. He looked back, from this side the entrance was open with bright light shining through unimpeded. Ahead torches began to light themselves first the closest then one after another down the long entrance passage.
“It looks like we are expected.” Hadrenn said.
“The keeper has been able to watch us for some time now. Nobody comes near without her knowing. Come, just at the end of this passage is the stables.”
As Vessa had said a stable was built, or more appropriately carved out at the end of the passage. Water from the rock flowed into basins carved from the rock for use as watering troughs, the stalls also carved from the rock with superb craftsmanship. Some skill in ironwork could be seen in the stall gates. Nearby hay, sacks of oats and grain were stored.
Hadrenn began to notice intricate carvings in the walls as his eyes adjusted to the dimmer light. They were dwarven figures with strange script written below the character carvings. “This place was not made by man.”
“No,” Vessa replied. “According to lore this place was abandoned by the Dwarves when conquering marauding human armies came to claim these lands.”
“I have seen dwarves fight as a unit. Back home they still interact with the humans
in the northlands. Wikkid by himself is a holy terror, how is it the men of Eebrook forced the dwarves out?”
“This current incursion is not the first time armies from overseas have come to conquer.” Eertu answered “The Argile bloodline came wielding great magical powers and force of arms, a pattern that seems to be repeating itself. Also horses are not native to these lands. The dwarven defenders had never faced cavalry before. Dwarves are naturally resistant to direct attacks from magic, but if you blast the ground from beneath someone they do fall, concussion forces still do harm. But for the most part it was the knights and heavy cavalry over open plains. The kings of old knew this. That is why the borders of Eebrook end at the northern mountains. Every attempt to expand into the mountains in search of valuable minerals has ended in tragedy for the royal armies.”
“So that is why the bad blood between the nation of Eebrook and the Dwarves of Mal-Karak,” Hadrenn concluded.
“And why the nation of Eebrook expects no help. The old kings waged war after war when the nation was at its peak. Not just against Dwarves but also other human nations. Or so the archives within the sanctuary say,” Vessa added as she began removing the saddle from her horse.
“And were the archives left behind by the dwarves or built by man later?” Eertu asked.
“There are some tomes that were left behind, I cannot read them myself but the keeper has studied them. Most are written in ancient languages but have been translated into common by scholars who have served the order or by the keeper herself. There are many books in the library that have been added over time.”
“You keep saying the keeper, not keeper such and such or so and so. Surely there has been many. Legends of the Order of the Black Rose are over a thousand years old.” Eertu said.
“Three that I know of, the current is said to be over six hundred years old.”
“One would think a wrinkle old bag would feel out of place here among so many young beautiful women,” Hadrenn said.
“You will see.”
“Sister Vessa,” a young female voice called out. The trio looked toward the voice to find four young women dressed in garb similar to Vessa’s weapons still in their sheaths, “the Keeper has been expecting you,” and with a glare at the two men added, “your companions as well.”
“What, no demands to put down our arms?” Hadrenn asked only to be rewarded with a what did I tell you look from Vessa. He silently mouthed the word sorry.
“The Keeper has no fear of your weapons,” the previous speaker stated levelly. “Come, Erica and Lesley will see to your beasts.”
. . . . .
The one finally known as Nichole lead them through the elaborately carved tunnel system until they reached a cavernous cathedral room even more elaborately ornamented than what they had seen so far. Large pillars twenty feet apart and stretching the full fifty feet to the edges of the domed ceiling circled a raised circular dais on which a throne of obsidian sat. Upon the throne sat a very attractive woman in very revealing, mostly see through purple garments. Legs crossed, hands resting upon the arms of the throne, long blond hair flowing freely.
“This room is cold, how can she wear that and not be chilled?” Hadrenn questioned in a whisper as they approached.
“She is,” Vessa replied.
“How can you tell?” then with an uncharacteristic coloring of the cheeks he said “Oh, you’d think I’d been the first one to catch that.”
“You must be slipping.” Eertu quipped.
“Or god forbid maturing,” Vessa added.
Hadrenn smirked, “You noticed first.”
Vessa rolled her eyes, “I just told you that you were growing on me, if you want that trend to continue be serious for a short while at least.”
“Something about her is familiar Hadrenn added unabated. “Five gold coins say she comes from my lands. Five more says she is of clan Mergoul.”
“And on what do you base that on?”
“Certain details and no you don’t want to know.”
“You’re on.”
Eertu could not help but let loose a short chuckle. “You do realize he has you playing his game now.”
Vessa sighed, “Yes, he can be damned contagious.”
“Come closer,” the woman demanded as they reached the steps at the base of the dais. Her voice was sweet and soothing yet strong at the same time. “Sister Vessa,” she acknowledged as the trio reached the top. “It good to see some of us still live, though it is a shame what remains is pitted against one another.”
Vessa lowered her eyes, “Sorry milady, I had no choice.”
“I know, I have been in your thoughts since you entered the room.”
“A physic and illusionist,” Eertu observed.
“Not in the normal sense,” the woman replied. I have a bond only with the sisters, and only in line of sight. Sometimes it takes more than honor and code to keep people honest, Eertu from the far south east.”
“Vessa did not know that, how did you?”
“Just one of my many talents, I can read the aura of a person. Vessa I am afraid you owe Hadrenn ten gold.”
“Again I am sorry,” Vessa pleaded. “Hadrenn is thick headed.”
“It is alright, I know my Kin. They are boisterous, outspoken, and frankly refreshing.” She could not help but to smile as Vessa unconsciously moved closer to Hadrenn. “Though Hadrenn would be his clan name. His true name I am sure you will earn in time.”
“I didn’t even know you had a different name,” Eertu whispered to Hadrenn.
“Nobody asked.”
“I know why you have come and what conditions have driven you here and I will allow it. But first,” Her smile became mischievous, “it has been a long time since I have found somebody I would,” She paused looked away as if thinking of the right word, “Entertain. There is a price for what you seek,” she said as she moved within a few feet of the party. “Eertu, come with me.”
“I have given my word to protect him, I cannot allow him to leave unescorted,” Hadrenn protested.
“My dear Northman, I give you my word I mean him no harm. Well not much. And I am sure he will want privacy for what I have in mind.”
“Hadrenn,” Eertu said resting his good hand upon his shoulder. “Do not take this wrong, but go away.”
“Well, if she sucks the life from you don’t come bitching to me. You don’t know the women from home.”
. . . . .
The Keeper led Eertu to a shoddy wooden door completely at odds with the dwarven craftsmanship all around. Apparently the current owners were unable to recreate the strongholds original splendor. The room on the other side of the door however was large and very well furnished. The main section dropped six inches at the doorway and was big enough for two comfy oversized well cushioned chairs on one side and a divan on the other separated by a stone coffee table in the center of the indention. To the right a kitchen and a small dining table with matching chairs. The cabinets were more of the same stonework they had seen throughout the hideout so far. What appeared to be a cook stove was tucked away in a corner between two stone counters though there were no sign of wood for fire. Toward the back a raised section of flooring separated by a semitransparent veil of some fine mauve colored cloth functioned as the bedroom.
“You haven’t given me a name to call you by,” Eertu said as he studied his surroundings.
The keeper had gone to the cabinets and retrieved two silver goblets and was pouring a dark sweet looking liquid from a glass bottle. “Anja will do.” She retrieved the goblets and walked to the living area to stand before Eertu. “I have seen and heard many things over the past few weeks, how is not important, but one thing I know for certain is that you are feared. The sorcerer who holds the true power of the invaders knows of you, what you are, and what you represent. He has come up with two options concerning you. The first you know of and many have already paid the price in blood. Even more will be spilled in the pursuit of your death.??
?
“And the second option?”
“What if I were to tell you he would accept you as an ally in a heartbeat? That in return he could give you power, wealth, or almost anything you could ever desire. All you would have to do is pledge yourself to him. Before you say no think for a moment. He and his armies are powerful, posed to sweep across this nation like a wildfire. Everything in its path will be annihilated. At his side you would be behind the fire. Safety guaranteed, a life of leisure yours for the taking. What would you say?”
Eertu listened carefully as Anja spoke becoming ever more concerned about his predicament. The woman spoke only in a cool soothing voice, but he was sure if she did not receive the desired answer in this place she could kill him at will. The truth then he decided no matter the cost. “There was a time I would have taken that offer, but not anymore. I would have to decline that offer. I know what the world thinks of the darker powers warlocks wield, but I am the sum of my character and deeds. A good friend of mine helped me realize that. Since coming to these lands I have learned a lot of true friendship and acceptance. All things I had given up on at one time. Nothing was asked of me other than to pull my own weight, contribute to the survival of my new found people. This sorcerer would want me only as a weapon to wield, something to be discarded when it suited him. My companions on the other hand would stand with me until death if need be. If you brought me here to join some twisted cause or hope to convince me to act in self-preservation you have wasted your time.”
Anja studied Eertu’s features carefully as he spoke careful to keep her own expressions neutral. She was an expert at reading people’s faces as well as their aura’s A skill she had found to be priceless over her many centuries when aura’s could be masked. She had no doubt Eertu could do so if properly trained. He is so very powerful. There was no lie in Eertu’s words. “In that case you will not want to drink from this cup.” With a simple twitch of the hand one of the goblets simply vanished. Then she drank deeply from the remaining one. “That one was poison.” she said as she handed Eertu the remaining goblet.”
“A test?”
“I know of your abilities to absorb knowledge and power. With what we are about to do you will absorb much. I needed to know where your loyalties lie before helping you to unlock your untapped potential. What we are about to do we do for pleasure as much as necessity. Teaching you would take time we do not have. This is faster.” Anja took Eertu by the hand and led him to the bed chamber. “Come, you are about to experience something unlike anything you have ever done.”
“I have made love before,” he said defensively.
“Not with a being as equally powerful as yourself. I think you will find this evening especially stimulating.”