Knights The Hand of Tharnin

chapter 9: The Hand of Tharnin

It was decided that Vorden would be accompanied by Jace, Taris, a highly skilled Olrog blacksmith named Hench Ironfingers, and Lannon, who was instructed to use his Eye of Divinity from a distance to alert Vorden to danger. No one else was allowed inside the stone chamber where the demon man was bound to an iron table. Jace showed Vorden and Hench drawings of the gauntlet's locking mechanism, and they discussed what needed to be done. Finally, Hench provided Vorden with some advanced tools that he'd forged just for the task. Vorden beamed with pride and confidence.

Lannon was still reeling from what had happened to Timlin, but he couldn't help but look with admiration upon Vorden. The lad from the city of Gravendar was becoming an important figure at Dremlock. Lannon was certain that Vorden was going to become one of the greatest Knights ever to serve Dremlock. While Vorden was a bit reckless and didn't mind breaking a few rules, he had a noble, courageous spirit. The Knights seemed to treat him almost as an equal--perhaps due to his size, which had increased significantly since he'd been training at Dremlock, but also because of his unmatched confidence.

The room was small, and Lannon stood in a corner as far away from the demon man as possible. Jace, Taris, and Hench also stood as far back as possible. Thanks to a smoldering furnace, the room was quite hot. The heat was for the demon man's benefit, as he seemed to weaken drastically--to the point of being near death--when deprived of fire. The Knights didn't want to kill him, if possible. Rather, they wanted him free of the gauntlet's possession so they could question him.

Slowly Vorden approached the demon man and knelt beside him. He glanced at the drawings, muttered something too low for the others to hear, and set to work. Lannon reached out with the Eye of Divinity and probed for danger. He saw that the demon man was asleep and the gauntlet was dormant, the magic subdued. The device did not seem to be aware of Vorden's presence.

"What an amazing young Squire," Jace whispered.

"Indeed," Taris whispered back. "The most promising I've seen in ages."

"The boy has a stout heart," whispered Hench.

Sweat dripped from Vorden's face, and he had to keep pausing to wipe it away. "It sure is hot in here," he mumbled more than once. He was trembling from anxiety and excitement, eager to prove himself once again.

"Just take your time," Taris said. "There is no hurry at all."

"It's a very tough lock," said Vorden. "It's almost like it...it tries to elude me. Like it moves or something. Very frustrating."

Jace raised his eyebrows. "Maybe it does move."

They waited for nearly a half hour while Vorden worked at the lock. Finally, he groaned in frustration and stood up, stretching his muscles. "I just can't do it. I'm certain the lock is resisting my efforts. As soon as I start making progress, the whole thing changes. It's impossible!"

"You need to keep trying," said Taris.

"Perhaps Lannon can assist you, Vorden," said Jace. "Lannon, use your power to seize the lock and hold it, if possible."

"That could be dangerous," said Taris.

"I doubt it," said Jace, though he seemed a bit uncertain. "It should work well, actually."

Lannon glanced at Taris, and Taris nodded. Lannon reached out with the Eye and probed the lock. He discovered that Vorden was right--the lock was capable of changing shape. Lannon seized the lock and froze it. It squirmed beneath the grasp of his sorcery, but he held on. The entire gauntlet surged to life in a blaze of sorcery, but with the demon man unconscious, it made no move.

Vorden worked at it furiously. "I've got it now!" he said. A loud click arose and the gauntlet shuddered. "That was one section of the lock. Just three more to go and then the gauntlet will be released."

"Don't talk," said Taris. "Just stay focused!"

Vorden was utterly soaked in sweat, and he kept rubbing his face on his arm. He muttered to himself as he worked the tools. "I definitely have it now!" Another loud click arose, and again the gauntlet shuddered. "Just two to go!"

Jace and Taris smiled at each other, and Hench grinned in amazement. Lannon was filled with pride to have Vorden as a friend. Soon the gauntlet would be free and there would be hope for Taris once they learned its secrets.

There was one more loud click, and Vorden turned to grin at them. "Only one more to go, my friends." He started to turn back when yet another loud click arose. The gauntlet split open in a hiss of steam.

"What in Tharnin?" Vorden muttered. "That shouldn't have happened yet." He reached for the gauntlet.

"Don't touch it!" Jace cried.

The gauntlet moved like a living creature with a speed that Vorden couldn't match. In an instant, it had locked itself onto his hand and arm. Vorden gazed at it in disbelief. "No, this can't happen!"

Vorden turned and stared at them, his face pale and his eyes filled with an emotion that he seldom displayed--terror. "Help me!" he yelled. "It's got a hold of me! Do something! Lannon, get it off my arm!"

Lannon tried, but his power was shoved aside.

Jace groaned. "Oh, this is very bad."

As they watched, a shadow seemed to fall over Vorden's face. His eyes shone with a yellow fire. He held up the gauntlet, the two stones glowing blue. The air burned hotter and seemed filled with an aura of crushing power that radiated from the gauntlet.

"Now this is a nice fit for me," Vorden said, his voice a low rumble. He threw back his head and laughed.

Jace flung himself at Vorden and a flash of light erupted from the gauntlet, blinding everyone for several moments. When they could see again, Vorden had fled from the chamber.

"Put Dremlock on full alert!" Taris cried. "Sound the warning!" He took a few staggering steps and then collapsed to the floor.

***

The Knights launched a massive search for Vorden, while blocking all known exits from the kingdom. They even had Lannon searching areas with the Eye of Divinity. But no trace of Vorden was found. The Knights speculated that perhaps Vorden was using the gauntlet's power to conceal himself somehow. Taris Warhawk ended up in the Hall of Healing and was unable to assist with the search, though he was in good spirits in spite of his weakened state.

The kingdom seemed plunged into despair, with grim faces everywhere. Soon everyone knew that one of the most talented Squires at Dremlock had fallen under the spell of the Deep Shadow and, even worse, wielded the Hand of Tharnin. Lannon and his remaining friends were thoroughly miserable, having lost Vorden and Timlin to evil almost at the same time. Lannon blamed himself, wondering what he could have done differently to prevent the ill turn of events.

But with Vorden remaining unfound, life had to go on at Dremlock. Shennen Silverarrow--one of the most trusted and decorated Blue Knights--was added to the Divine Shield to replace Vorden. His addition gave Lannon a badly needed confidence boost, as Shennen's skills at detecting danger were unmatched. Trenton Shadowbane also requested he be assigned to guard Lannon, but he was refused by the High Council. The Investigator of Dremlock was a strange man whom many didn't trust.

One evening, Jerret and Aldreya met with Lannon in his chamber. Jerret brought a pack with him and shoved it under Vorden's bed. "I'm moving in with you," he announced, "by order of Taris Warhawk. I am also to be trained as a Blue Squire henceforth."

"Taris ordered that?" said Lannon. "But why?" Lannon realized he wasn't extremely fond of Jerret. Jerret had been Vorden's friend, and by that connection he had been Lannon's friend. Yet he seemed a bit cowardly and lazy, and he had a tendency to cast an eye on the female members of Dremlock--which was strictly forbidden. Lannon didn't fully trust him.

"I don't know," said Jerret. "I think the Knights believe we're close friends and they want you to have a trusted Squire with you. Or something like that. Who can figure out their minds?"

"Taris is just trying to boost your spirits, Lannon," said Aldreya, who was sitting on Timlin's bed. "He realizes you're suffering over the loss of Vorden and Timlin. It's quite obvious this whole kingdom has been concerned with your comfort. They want to make sure you have trusted friends around you."

Lannon nodded. He wasn't in the mood for talk, his mind still reeling from the recent events. He wanted to be alone.

Jerret patted the bed next to him. "Why don't you sit by me, Aldreya?"

"I'm fine where I am," said Aldreya, her voice cold.

"This mattress is comfortable," said Jerret, winking at her. "That one you're on looks a bit lumpy. Isn't that reason enough to sit by me?"

Aldreya simply gazed at Jerret with a curious look.

Lannon didn't like the sly expression on Jerret's face. "She seems comfortable where she is, Jerret."

"I know," Jerret said, smiling, "but I think she would be more comfortable sitting by me."

Aldreya turned away from Jerret and gazed at Lannon, her face stony. "So how are you feeling?"

"Terrible," said Lannon, grateful for a change of subject. "I still feel responsible for everything that has happened. When Timlin asked me to use the Eye of Divinity to help him, well, I guess I should have helped him. And I was supposed to alert Vorden to danger when he was trying to remove the gauntlet from the demon man, but I lost focus for a moment."

"You can't blame yourself, Lannon," said Aldreya. "Timlin had a dark spirit that was bound to lead him to trouble. And Vorden knew the risks. Take heart in the hope that Vorden can still be saved."

"Except we can't even find him," said Jerret. "Day after day goes by, and no one even catches a glimpse of him. The Knights think he might be in the mines or that he fled the kingdom altogether. I say he's probably hiding in the woods, plotting to kill us or bring about Dremlock's doom. I'm telling you--I'll bet he is in Knightwood somewhere. It's just a feeling I have."

"We've searched Knightwood extensively," said Lannon. "They even brought wolves to seek his scent. I doubt he's hiding in there."

"We still have hope," Aldreya insisted.

"I'm thinking Vorden is beyond hope," said Jerret. "It was just luck that the gauntlet was ever removed from the demon man to begin with. And I hear the demon man is actually a weakling with no combat skills. I think Vorden will be a far more dangerous foe, especially with all of his abilities. It was foolish of Jace to pick someone as skilled as Vorden to try to unlock the gauntlet. That decision could be the doom of Dremlock."

Lannon shrugged. "I don't know. I just have to find a way to save him. I know he would do the same for me at all costs."

Jerret sighed and rubbed his knees. "I'm going to have to be honest here, Lannon. I didn't really want to move in with you and train as a Blue Squire. Vorden had a lot of influence over me, but without him around, I'm just not that interested in being part of all the trouble that you're part of. Does that make sense?"

"Yes, it does," said Lannon. "You would rather be off training with the other Squires and socializing and not risking your life every day by being drawn into my miserable little world."

"Jerret, that's cowardly," said Aldreya, her green eyes flashing with anger. "You came to Dremlock to be a Divine Knight. Now you were asked to be at Lannon's side and give him friendship and support, and you would shun that?"

"Well, yes," said Jerret, shrugging. "If I was allowed to."

"I find that attitude repulsive," said Aldreya.

"Of course you do," said Jerret, glaring at her. "You're a Birlote snob. I've tried hard to...to warm up to you. You're a beautiful girl with a kind heart, yes. But you are also quite clueless."

Aldreya's mouth dropped open. "How dare you insult me?"

"I'm not trying to insult you," said Jerret. "But what happened the other day, when I asked you for a kiss in the trail?"

"I slapped your face, of course," said Aldreya.

"Yes, you slapped my face," said Jerret, looking hurt. "No one was watching, and I just wanted a friendly kiss."

"I should have reported you," said Aldreya.

Jerret rolled his eyes. "Why? Because a man wants a little attention? It figures you would be against that."

Aldreya rose. "Listen here, Jerret, I'm not as clueless as you seem to think. I know the type of attention you want from female Squires. You're just as bad as Timlin in that you seem incapable of acting like a Knight."

Jerret looked genuinely surprised. "You think so?"

"I do," said Aldreya. "You have no manners or respect. Do I speak the truth, Lannon?"

"She speaks the truth," Lannon mumbled, his mind on other topics.

Jerret looked appalled. "You're supposed to side with me on this, Lannon. By the Divine Essence, we're both men!"

"The Sacred Laws are clear," said Lannon. He lay back on the bed, not caring much about the issue between Jerret and Aldreya. He kept thinking of Vorden--how terrified his friend had looked when the gauntlet bound itself to his hand. He couldn't seem to shake the image from his mind.

"I'm sorry, Aldreya," said Jerret. "I'll try to behave more like a Knight." He extended his hand. "Do you accept my apology?"

"It matters not," said Aldreya. "Your actions will determine whether or not you are truly sorry." Yet reluctantly, she took his hand. "However, I accept your apology regardless. This time."

Jerret gazed at her smooth, copper-colored hand. "Thank you, fair lady. You have a beautiful heart." Then he kissed her hand.

Aldreya slapped his face. Then she strode back to Timlin's bed and sat down, her eyes betraying no emotion.

Jerret rubbed his cheek, looking dismayed. "Unbelievable."

Jace strode into the room, closing the door behind him. His huge form seemed to fill up the chamber. The demon man was with him--now dressed in a green robe and looking very small next to Jace. "This is Vellera," said Jace, to Lannon, "whom you've never actually met."

Vellera nodded. "Pleased to meet you, Lannon."

Lannon hesitated, feeling revulsion at the sight of the former demon man. Then Lannon nodded in return. "So is there any news on Vorden?"

"None," said Jace, sighing. "The reason I brought Vellera here is so you can understand that anything Vorden does--anything evil--is by no fault of his own. The gauntlet takes complete control of whoever wears it."

"This is true," Vellera said in a shaky voice. "My sons and I attacked a group of Goblins near our farm. We killed them, and found the gauntlet in their possession. Foolishly, I put my hand in it and my mind was overcome. I fled from my farm and was driven by the desire to do evil. That desire led me to the Blood Legion, who took me in. Together, we formed a plan to kill you, Lannon. I knew what I was doing, but I was powerless to stop it. Rest assured that your friend Vorden cannot control his actions."

Vellera was shaking as he spoke. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry that happened to you," Lannon said. His revulsion faded and was replaced by sympathy.

"That's a terrible story!" said Aldreya.

"Even though I had no control over my actions," said Vellera, "I blame myself constantly. It may be a long time before I can learn to forgive myself."

Jerret stood up, looking uncomfortable. "I'm going to wander around a bit, stretch my legs."

Jace turned a piercing gaze toward Jerret. "Is everything okay, Squire? You have a troubled aura. Don't forget you are part of Lannon's Divine Shield. And until the Shield is dissolved, you are required to guard him at all times. If you need a break, you must ask a Knight."

Lannon looked away in disgust, knowing Jerret was eager to abandon him. He didn't want Jerret as one of his defenders.

"What about me?" said Aldreya, looking agitated. "I can't very well share a room with these boys. It's not allowed."

"Of course not," said Jace. "You will continue to sleep in your own room at night. But during the day, you should be at Lannon's side. Taris was disappointed to hear that you two have not been fulfilling your oath, which is why he gave the order for Jerret to move into Lannon's room."

Aldreya looked horrified. "But I didn't know I was supposed to be with Lannon all the time. I just didn't think about it. No one told me!"

Jace chuckled. "Well, now you know. To be a Divine Knight, you can't wait for people to tell you everything. You need to ask questions, read books--take action. You can't expect everyone to do everything for you. This is a good lesson for you Squires. Make the most of it, and you will impress the Knights."

"Very well," said Jace. "You can have your food, but don't wander outside the tower--for your own good. No one is guarding you, Squire, and an attempt on your life has already been carried out by an assassin who was never caught. The safest place you can be is by Lannon's side, under heavy guard. But go if you must. And bring me back a bowl of rice pudding."

"I will do better next time," said Aldreya.

"Me too," Jerret mumbled. "So, um, can I have a break? I didn't know I was going to be stuck in this room, and I need to take care of something important. It won't take much time."

"I'm not a Knight," said Jace. "However, I am a member of the Divine Shield who has a bit more freedom than the rest of you, since I am also conducting an investigation that Dremlock's own fine Investigator is ill-equipped to handle." He smiled. "I will take over for you. How long do you expect to be gone, and what is your purpose?"

"Just for an hour or so," said Jerret. "I want to get some food. I didn't eat enough at dinner."

"Certainly," said Jerret, hurrying out of the room.

***

Once Jerret was in the hall, he breathed a sigh of relief. He felt persecuted by Lannon and Aldreya, misunderstood. He thought Aldreya was beautiful, but her heart seemed frozen. Because he couldn't understand Birlotes, he found himself experiencing a growing dislike toward them, but he felt that if he could get Aldreya to shed the icy armor that seemed to cover her from head to toe it might restore his faith in the Tree Dwellers. And Lannon, in spite of his Eye of Divinity, seemed clueless about Jerret's true personality. Jerret was deeply saddened by what had happened to Vorden, but because he was inept at expressing it, Lannon wrote him off as an annoying Squire who only cared about himself.

Shennen and Willan stood guard. Blue Knights always struck fear in Jerret's heart. He knew they were assassins who could kill in the blink of an eye, striking unseen from the shadows. They usually wore blue or black outfits, with only a bit of lightweight armor, so they could sneak around and hide themselves more easily. Jerret hated the East Tower because it was filled with Blue Knights and Birlote sorcerers. It seemed like one huge death trap.

But something even more disturbing nagged at him. He could hear whispers, which he immediately realized were only in his mind. The whispers were so faint he couldn't tell if it was a male or female voice or what any of the words were. He wondered if the strain he'd been under recently, and the constant fear, was getting the best of him. That was the troubled aura Jace had noticed.

"I'm off to get some food," Jerret told the guards. "Is that okay?"

Willan said nothing, but Shennen approached him and looked him up and down. "You will be subject to a search when you return."

"A search?" Jerret said in disbelief. "Who ordered that?"

"I have ordered it," said Shennen. His eyes narrowed in annoyance. "I am the highest ranking Blue Knight in Dremlock right now, and with Taris at the Hall of Healing, I am the Master of this Tower. Is that understood, young Squire?"

"Yes, perfectly," said Jerret. "I just want some food."

Shennen stood motionless for a moment, a shadow in the hall, while Jerret fidgeted nervously. At last Shennen said, "Willan, you will accompany Jerret to the Dining Hall."

"Of course, Master Shennen," said Willan.

"It's not really necessary," said Jerret, chills creeping over his flesh at the thought of a Blue Knight walking beside him. "I'm just going straight there to eat, and then coming straight back."

Shennen said nothing.

"So...is it okay if I go alone?" Jerret asked.

Shennen stood as still as a statue.

Fearing he was pushing the Blue Knight too far, Jerret hurried to the stairs. He was about halfway down them when he realized that Willan was behind him, moving silently down the stone steps. Jerret cringed and kept moving.

The Dining Hall was empty save for a chunky, bald-headed Orange Squire named Breld Shieldbreaker who, in spite of his heroic Knightly last name, was doomed to spend his days at Dremlock making sure everyone was well fed. And Breld never seemed to get over the fact that he would never be a Knight. He complained endlessly about how he at least deserved the rank of Brown.

"Greetings," he said to Jerret and the Blue Knight, as he was prying open a crate. "Is there anything I can help you fellows with?"

"Some leftovers from dinner," said Jerret. "And a bowl of rice pudding."

"I'm all out of rice pudding," said Breld. "I've got stew, but it's cold. I can heat you some if you'd like. And what about you, Willan?"

"I'm not hungry," said Willan. "But I'll have a mug of ale."

"A bowl of stew and a mug of ale--coming right up," said Breld. Whistling a merry tune, he disappeared into the kitchen.

The whispers grew more frantic in Jerret's mind--a voice commanding him to flee the tower. He slumped against the wall, clutching his head and struggling to fight off the whispers. And he was winning the fight. The whispers couldn't claim him from a distance if he resisted. He knew the voice of the Deep Shadow could only claim someone if they allowed it. He'd been taught that by his parents long before coming to Dremlock. But who was trying to get into his head and why?

Willan seized his tunic. "What troubles you?"

"Nothing," Jerret said, afraid to admit the truth (that in all likelihood Tharnin was trying to recruit him). "Just a bad headache."

Jerret nearly had banished the whispers, when he heard Vorden's voice in his thoughts. It was begging him to give in and listen. Jerret hesitated, thinking it was a trick. But Vorden sounded so terrified and helpless that Jerret felt he had to act. He lowered his guard and let the voice take control

An evil laugh filled Jerret's mind. Suddenly, Jerret didn't care about anything except obeying his master. Vorden's voice became a sinister, inhuman-sounding hiss that could never be refused--as if a serpent was close to his ear. It commanded him to strike a blow to Willan.

Willan leaned closer. "I think we should--"

Jerret drove his fist into Willan's head, a perfect blow that knocked the Blue Knight unconscious. It was such a swift and sudden move that even the alert Blue Knight never caught a glimpse of it. He dropped like a stone.

Jerret felt like some force had moved his hand. He gazed down in amazement at Willan's unconscious form. But Vorden's voice insisted he flee the tower, and so Jerret had no time to contemplate what he'd done.

He fled from the Dining Hall, while Vorden's voice warned him that an invisible spy was watching him and he needed to flee with all the speed he possessed. Jerret was athletic and fast to begin with, but some powerful force enhanced his speed as he raced from the tower and into the woods. Moments later, he heard the Divine Alarm sound--a series of horns that blew out from the towers and along the wall that partially encircled the kingdom.

Jerret was astonished at how quickly his crime had been reported. But he also knew it would take sometime for the Knights to organize a search and then carry it out. As he stumbled between the massive Knightwood trees, where the shadows of evening hung thick, Vorden's voice drove him onward.

At last he came to the bank of a small stream. A stone statue of some ancient, heavily armored Knight stood on the opposite bank, covered in moss. This was a spot Jerret was familiar with, as he'd come here to fish during the brief periods of rest between training sessions.

Vorden stepped out from behind the statue. Although the woods were shadowy, with a few bright stars burning in the evening sky, the blue stones in Vorden's gauntlet cast the area in a pale glow. Vorden's eyes gleamed yellow. He grinned at Jerret. "Glad you could make it, my friend."

"Yes, Master Vorden," said Jerret, wanting only to serve.

Vorden frowned. "Enough of that."

The voice departed from Jerret's mind, and he was free. Terror surged through him, and he considered fleeing--but Vorden's stern gaze warned him against it. Instead, he stood trembling, wondering why he'd been summoned.

"Since Dremlock is searching for you," said Vorden, "we don't have a lot of time to talk. So I'll get right to the point. I'm going to be leaving Dremlock this very night. I will be heading far north, to the very edge of Silverland. There, in the frozen peaks of the Bonefrost Mountains, I will join with the Blood Legion in the fortress called Dorok's Hand. So you will tell the Knights that if they want me, I'll be waiting there with an army of Legion Soldiers. If Dremlock doesn't come to me, I will return and I will invade. Do you understand?"

Jerret nodded, relief flooding through him at the thought that Vorden only wanted him to deliver a message.

"After you give my message," said Vorden, "why don't you ride north? You could fight by my side. The Blood Legion does not turn away good fighters--even lazy and undisciplined ones like you."

"I'll consider it," said Jerret.

Vorden smiled. "You'll consider it, huh? You'll do whatever is best for you, Jerret. Like you always do."

Jerret's gaze was fixed on the gauntlet--the glowing blue stones that seemed to draw him in. He desperately wanted this meeting to end, but he sensed Vorden wasn't done with him. Vorden had delivered his message, but he wanted to play games. And games could lead to Jerret's death.

Vorden held up his gauntlet. "You like this? Apparently, since you can't take your eyes off it. I've never possessed power like I do now. I feel invincible--like I could tear this kingdom to the ground. Do you envy me, Jerret?"

"Yes, very much," Jerret lied, hoping he was saying what Vorden wanted to hear. He was certain that Vorden could easily change his mind about using Jerret as a messenger and simply kill him.

"You are a liar," said Vorden. "You think I'm hopelessly possessed, my mind overcome by the demon. Yes, I am possessed, but I'm also the same person I always was. I know perfectly well what I'm doing. I have just been shown a new way--a better way. I embrace it willingly. I was a fool to want to be some heroic Knight battling the forces of Tharnin. I now realize this world is ugly and evil compared to the world of Tharnin. Now I am truly a Divine Knight!"

Jerret said nothing, fearing that any words at this point would work against him. He found he couldn't look Vorden in the eye, for the evil there was too terrible. Vorden was overflowing with dark sorcery.

"You fear I will kill you," said Vorden. "But that's not my goal. Yes, you are a pathetic excuse for a friend, but you are still my friend--until you betray me. Lannon and Timlin are my friends as well."

"What about Aldreya?" said Jerret.

Vorden hissed, and Jerret shrank back. "No Birlote is a friend of mine, least of all a member of the royal house! The Tree Dwellers are the enemy of Tharnin and all that is sacred. Do not speak her name again."

"Sorry," Jerret said. "I promise I won't."

Vorden sneered. "You're a wretched coward. You just do whatever I tell you. You can't stand up to me or think for yourself."

Jerret nodded. "I'm afraid."

"Of course you are," said Vorden. "You're trapped in a kingdom full of misguided fools. Lannon bears a great power, but he wastes it in the service of some filthy beast lurking below Dremlock that some call a god. You should be afraid. I was afraid too, though I hid it well. Not anymore. I fear nothing! I have a clear purpose, a grand purpose--to bring justice and peace to this world. Now I want an honest answer. If you lie to me, I will kill you. When you have delivered your message, will you ride north and join us in our cause?"

Jerret hesitated, certain that a wrong answer would mean his death. So he simply didn't answer.

With a scowl of rage, Vorden reached out with the gauntlet and seized Jerret's throat, the metal fingers locking down tightly and partially cutting off his air. "I will crush your throat! Now give me an answer!"

Jerret squirmed under the iron grasp, struggling to breathe. The grip loosened a bit so he could talk. His fear gave way to sudden anger. "The answer is no. I'll never betray Dremlock or join the Blood Legion. Yes, I'll come north. You bet I will! I'll be riding with the Divine Knights into battle!"

Jerret couldn't believe what he'd just said. He was astounded at his own courage. He believed he was about to die for his words.

Vorden's eyes widened, and then he nodded. He shoved Jerret to the ground. "Bold words. Honest words. I like that. Give the Knights my message, and then get out of Dremlock. I don't want to have to kill you."

Still overcome by anger, Jerret said, "I came here to be a Knight. And I'm going to be a Knight, if I can help it. So save your words, Vorden!"

Vorden raised his gauntlet, and the air grew so hot Jerret had to shield his face. "I guess I will kill you after all!" Vorden bellowed. Flames rose up around him as the gauntlet descended toward Jerret.

Jerret cried out in dismay, but the Hand of Tharnin paused in its descent. Vorden threw back his head and laughed. "Just kidding, my friend. But I'm deadly serious when I tell you to flee Dremlock. Tell Lannon to do the same. The end of the Divine Knights is coming soon. I hope not to see you again, unless you've chosen to fight by my side. And I wish you luck, as weak and lazy as you are!"

"I wish you luck as well," Jerret said. "I hope you can free yourself and come back here. I hope you can still be a Divine Knight."

"I have already freed myself," said Vorden, smiling. "Actually, the Hand of Tharnin has freed me. At last, my heavy burdens are lifted. Maybe you'll come to understand what I mean. Eventually." With that, Vorden turned and strode off amongst the trees.

"Don't count on it," Jerret muttered. He rose to his feet, and drew his sword. The gleaming blade caught the starlight from above the river. Jerret was shaking with rage, and he continued muttering aloud to himself. "I'm not the coward I thought I was, Vorden. The Knights were right when they recruited me as a Squire. You should have killed me. In fact, Tharnin will come to regret that my life was spared, and so will you!"