Knights The Heart of Shadows

chapter 6: Goblin Town

The next day, Lannon did as ordered and said nothing to Jerret about his encounter with Thrake's shade. He felt guilty for keeping it a secret. Jerret remained sullen and withdrawn, speaking only when spoken to and giving brief, angry-sounding replies. Lannon was certain the news of Thrake's attempt to redeem himself from beyond the grave would improve Jerret's mood, but Lannon was bound by honor to remain silent on the issue.

It was a cold and sunny spring morning. As they rode on through the snow, they caught their first glimpse of the Firepit Mountains in the distance. They planned to ride around the western end of the mountains rather than attempt to pass through the rugged, Goblin-infested peaks. The western half of the mountains was crawling with Ogres and Trolls that were spawned by Dark Mother Trees deep in stone caverns. The Divine Knights were slowly cleaning out such breeding dens, but many areas of the Firepit range remained perilous.

Taris appointed a new member of the Divine Shield to replace Thrake--a Dwarven Red Knight named Daledus Oakfist, an overly cheerful warrior with bushy sideburns and an absurdly wide battle axe that looked too awkward for effective combat. "Daledus is young," said Taris, "but he is an extremely talented warrior and well respected. And he holds the Sacred Laws in high regard."

"I'm proud to be part of this Divine Shield!" said Daledus, grinning. "A fine bunch of Knights, Squires, and..." He gazed at Jace with a puzzled expression. "Yes, a fine bunch of Knights and Squires. I know that I can never replace Thrake Wolfaxe, but I'll do my best to protect Dremlock's future."

"Daledus is an excellent warrior," said Trenton Shadowbane, who rarely gave praise to anyone. "You Squires will be in good hands."

The Squires welcomed Daledus--with the exception of Jerret, who gave him one sullen glance and then ignored him.

"So what skills do you have?" Daledus asked, his gaze sweeping over the Squires. "What's your range? I already know what Prince Vannas and Lannon can do, but what about the rest of you? I fight close range mostly. And medium range on rare occasions." He patted some throwing daggers that hung from his belt. "I can also throw the heavy lance, but I don't carry one with me."

"Sorcery," said Aldreya, smiling. "Medium range."

"What kind of sorcery?" asked Daledus.

"Fire, mostly," she replied. "I can also shield myself, affect the weight of objects, and hide myself fairly well in the shadows."

Daledus raised his eyebrows. "Not bad at all for a Squire your age. Do you think you could use that weight trick to lift me over your head?"

Aldreya looked him up and down and then shrugged.

Daledus patted his bulging belly and laughed. "Maybe not, huh?" He fixed his gaze on Lothrin. "What about you?"

"Bow and dagger," said Lothrin. "Mostly bow. Long range, of course. Hunting, tracking, and survival--basic Ranger skills. I wear a Blue sash, but I'm really classified as an archer along with my cousin Vannas."

"Close combat," said Galvia. "I guess I'm supposed to be a Blue Squire now, but don't let my sash fool you. I'm only trained for Red."

"Is that all?" said Daledus, leaning toward her with a piercing stare. "Come on, lass, tell me everything. Brag a bit!"

Galvia smiled. "Some strong weapon enchanting too--the skill of Fire. But it's still only good for close-range fighting."

"I know all about it," said Daledus, "and I envy you for it. Squires, we're going to be great together! Mark my words!"

Jerret avoided Daledus' gaze, but that didn't stop the Red Knight from questioning him. "What about you, Dragonsbane?"

"Sword," Jerret said. "It's hanging from my belt for anyone to see."

"And?" said Daledus. "What's your range, lad? We Olrogs always want to know about range. Very important topic!"

"Close combat," said Jerret, "obviously. Do you see any bow or dagger?"

"No need to be rude, Squire," said Daledus. "Just trying to be friendly and make a bit of conversation. And yes, I did see your little sword."

Jerret's eyes widened. "Little sword?" He yanked it from its sheath. "This is a broadsword and fairly heavy. Made of Glaetherin."

Daledus laughed. "Struck a nerve, did I? Lad, it's a tiny blade compared to my axe. Or didn't you notice?"

Scowling, Jerret sheathed his sword. "May I speak freely, Master Daledus?"

"Speak away!" Daledus bellowed, waving his arms. "Always!" He was so animated it seemed he might topple from his horse.

"That axe looks too awkward to be useful," said Jerret. "It looks oversized and poorly balanced--like it's all for show."

"Nonsense," said Daledus, raising his weapon. "I've killed more than thirty Goblins with this axe. Split some of them like blocks of oak. How many have you killed with that fancy sword?"

"A few," Jerret mumbled.

"Jerret has become a fine warrior," said Vannas.

Daledus nodded. "I have no doubt about that, my good prince. The lad looks strong enough, and I've heard talk of his deeds. Could stand to cheer up a bit, though. I've never seen such a moody Squire!" Daledus laughed heartily.

Jerret glared at the Dwarf. "Glad you're amused."

"Calm yourself, Jerret," said Aldreya. "He's just trying to be friendly."

Jace winked at Jerret. "Daledus here likes to talk."

"So I've noticed," said Jerret, sighing.

"That's right," said Daledus. "And get used to it. I don't keep my mouth shut. I talk, talk, talk--all day long! I'll say anything I please, and those who don't like what my mouth says can deal with my fist!" He bellowed laughter. "We're going to be great friends and that's all there is to it!"

"Wonderful," Jerret muttered, rolling his eyes.

Jace chuckled and saluted Daledus.

Taris turned about in the saddle, grinning.

Even Trenton looked amused.

"Talk, talk, talk!" Daledus went on, slamming his fist into his palm. He exploded with laughter again. "I'll quit talking when I'm dead!"

***

As they approached a small town named Elder Oak near the shores of the Grey Lake, Taris announced, "Our scouts have reported this village is overrun with Goblins. Elder Oak is built on the ruins of an ancient Olrog city. The earth beneath the town is full of tunnels for hiding in--meaning there is a strong possibility that some of the villagers survived the attack."

"And what of our journey to Blombalk Fortress?" asked Trenton. "Last I knew, we were in a race with the Blood Legion."

"Should we abandon the villagers to their fate?" said Taris. "Who knows how long they have been hiding underground. Perhaps they lack food and water. I believe it is our duty to help them."

"I agree," said Trenton, though he looked annoyed. "I was merely reminding you of the purpose of our journey, as I'm eager to proceed with the investigation of Blombalk. However, it is indeed our duty to give aid."

"Yes, we must help the villagers," Shennen agreed. "We will have to act quickly, though, with a group of our best warriors. I suggest we bring the Divine Shield into the tunnels along with twenty Knights and the Ranger. Any more than that would just clog up the tunnels and make combat difficult."

Taris nodded. "I think that's a good plan. Flund Greenhelm will be in charge in my absence. If we don't return from the tunnels by evening, another twenty Knights will be sent down to search for us. If any Goblins flee to the surface to escape, Flund's warriors will make quick work of them."

The tall Birlote Blue Knight named Flund bowed. "It shall be done, Master Taris. No Goblin will escape from this village on my watch."

Taris called out the names of the twenty Knights who would accompany the Divine Shield below, and they rode into the village. The snow was stained with blood, and here and there lay gnawed human bones. The houses and taverns looked battered, window shutters and doors broken off from hinges and hanging crooked beneath the cold blue sky. A chill, bitter wind blew along the streets. It was a lonely, sad little town that had taken quite a beating.

"Our scouts found an entrance to the tunnels," said Taris, "in the Town Meeting Hall." He pointed to a long, rectangular building flanked by pine trees and with a bell tower rising from its roof.

They swung down from their horses and entered the Meeting Hall through a battered doorway. Inside, benches had been broken apart and the wood (bearing teeth and claw marks) was strewn around. Three huge wolves lay dead--guardians of the village that had fought to the last. Darius sniffed at them and whined. Saranna stroked his black fur, anger in her eyes.

They found a trapdoor in a storage room, with a ladder leading down into darkness. Everyone stepped aside to let Lannon through, and he reached below with the Eye of Divinity, searching for survivors. The villagers had indeed come this way, but Lannon couldn't tell if they were still alive or where they might be. He reported his findings to the others, disappointed that he couldn't be of more help. The range of the Eye sometimes seemed annoyingly limited.

They lit torches and then everyone climbed down (except for Darius, as the wolf had to be lowered by rope). They found themselves in a stone tunnel wide enough that three people could walk abreast. The twenty Knights took the lead, with the Divine Shield and Saranna following.

The tunnel led them downward into the earth for a time before leveling off and opening into a large chamber with three more tunnel entrances on the far side. Four pillars stood in the chamber, adorned with Olrog runes. A musty smell hung in the air. The dust on the floor had been disturbed near the three tunnels, and Saranna, Darius, and Trenton investigated the tracks. Lannon also searched for clues, and the Eye revealed traces of both humans and Goblins having passed that way.

Moments later, from out of the middle tunnel emerged five enormous Ogres, marching single file and holding heavy war clubs. Each wore a thick breastplate of some strange grey hide that was strapped to the chest. They were humming to themselves in voices that sounded almost human--a frightful noise to come from the beastly mouth of an Ogre. Unlike typical Ogres, these possessed blue skin and yellow eyes and had a shadowy look about them. As soon as they entered the chamber, they spread out and attacked--charging forward, bellowing, and swinging their clubs. It was a horrific sight, five giants lumbering along at a speed faster than most humans could run--with clubs that could crush someone into pudding with one blow. Their bellowing was so loud it made the Squires want to clamp their hands over their ears. The servants of Dremlock knew they in for a vicious fight.

As if the Ogres weren't trouble enough, from out of the same tunnel bounded a pack of Goblin Wolves. Like the Ogres, they had a blue tint to their bodies, yellow eyes, and an odd, shadowy look. They howled and growled as they bounded along, drool flying from muzzles full of oversized teeth.

One of the Wolves ran straight for Lannon. He drew his Dragon sword and hurled it like a spear, using the Eye of Divinity to balance it and speed it along. The blade drove deep into the Wolf. The creature skidded across the floor, convulsing. Still grasping the sword with his power, Lannon yanked it back into his hands. Amazingly, the wounded Wolf rose again and stumbled forward. But Darius leapt on it and dragged it down, tearing into its throat and finishing it off.

His eyes blazing, Jerret hacked at a Wolf with his broadsword and cut a large gash in its side. Yelping, the Wolf turned and charged at Aldreya. She hurled a green fireball from her dagger into its face, where it exploded into sparks. Yet the Wolf--now blinded and burned--kept charging, until Shennen cut it down with his Flayer and ended its life with two more quick thrusts.

A Red Knight went down, crushed beneath an Ogre's foot. Another Knight broke his sword on an Ogre's breastplate, before he was batted into the chamber wall by the giant's spiked club. Soon the chamber was full of cries of battle and pain, along with fire and sparks, the stench of burning flesh, and flailing weapons.

As the Knights battled the Ogres and Wolves, the members of the Divine Shield held together. They formed a circle around Vannas. Shennen cut down a Wolf that tried to get to Lannon, and again, it took the Blue Knight multiple strikes to finish off the beast. Daledus lured an Ogre away that was charging at the Squires, hacking at it with his oversized axe. The Dwarf ducked as the Ogre swung its fist at his head, and he taunted the beast. Two Knights raced over to help him.

In frustration, Prince Vannas broke from his circle of defenders to try to get a clear shot at his foes. He blasted fire from the White Flamestone and burned a hole through an Ogre's armor and the heart beneath. The Ogre glanced down in surprise, then toppled over in death. Vannas cried out in triumph, even as a Wolf barreled into him from behind and knocked the Flamestone from his hand. The prince was taken down hard to the floor beneath the beast, and only his training as a Divine Squire allowed him to withstand the crushing weight on his back.

Lothrin shot the Wolf that was crouched atop his cousin, his arrow piercing the creature's eye. The Wolf leapt off Vannas, staggered around with the arrow protruding from its eye, and then went for Jerret--who promptly crushed its skull with his broadsword. Nevertheless, the Wolf somehow tried to rise again, until Jerret struck two more blows that completely beheaded the beast.

Lothrin swiped up the White Flamestone, then ran to check on his fallen cousin. Vannas was stunned but still conscious, a bloody gash in his forehead. The circle of defenders quickly closed around Lothrin and the prince.

"Protect Vannas!" Taris ordered, disgust in his voice at what had befallen the prince. "And guard the Flamestone!"

Jace flung himself at another charging Ogre, trying to strike the creature's head with his fist. Even the giant, cloaked form of Jace looked small in comparison to the Ogre, as the sorcerer leapt through the air. The Ogre caught Jace with one hand, by the throat, and shook him viciously before flinging him into a pillar. Jace dropped to the floor and lay stunned.

Using the Eye, Lannon seized the Ogre that had dispatched Jace and froze it. But the beast was too strong to be contained, and it soon broke free of Lannon's grasp and continued its charge toward the Squires.

Taris' dagger burned almost white hot, and he flung a massive fireball into the advancing giant. It struck the Ogre's breastplate and exploded in a blinding flash of light that threw large, buzzing sparks and hissing bits of burning hide and flesh all over the chamber. The Ogre stumbled and went down, nearly falling on Shennen (who swiftly sidestepped it), a gaping hole burned through its chest. The Ogre shuddered twice and then went motionless in death.

Two Wolves isolated Galvia. She swung at one with her smoldering hammer and missed, scorching and shattering the stone floor. As Jerret and Aldreya moved to help her, one of the Wolves bit into Galvia's stomach with its oversized teeth. She cried out in agony and dropped her hammer, as the Wolf ripped at her flesh.

Aldreya blasted one of the Wolves with a fireball, and the creature fled yelping into the fray, smoke rising from its fur. With a cry of rage, Jerret drove his burning broadsword into the Wolf that was biting Galvia. The Wolf released Galvia and tried to escape Jerret's blade, but Jerret drove it to the floor and pinned it. Lannon ran over and cut off the Wolf's head with one solid stroke.

Galvia slumped to the floor, blood pouring from her stomach. Her face was pale, her eyes rolled back in her head. Aldreya knelt by her and tried to comfort her, while Jerret charged back into battle.

Lannon froze another Ogre, and three Knights drove their burning blades into it before it could break free. Still, the Ogre staggered around, howling in pain and swinging its club. Lannon seized its heart with the Eye, seeking to end its life. But the heart was protected by dark sorcery and resisted Lannon's efforts. At last, the creature perished from its massive wounds and fell to the floor.

A wave of weariness washed over Lannon. Using the Eye to seize objects--especially objects the size of Ogres--put a great strain on him and quickly drained his energy. He raised his sword and let the Eye falter, opting to fight as a Blue Squire and save what little strength he had left.

The two remaining Ogres, and the remaining Wolves, were dispatched by the Knights, as the Divine Shield simply held formation and waited. When the battle was ended, two Knights were dead and three more injured to the point of being ineffective. Taris ordered Galvia and the wounded and dead Knights taken back up to the surface. Galvia was the most severely injured of the group, and after briefly checking her wounds, Taris looked grim.

Taris ordered some of the Knights to stand guard by the tunnels, while the company regrouped and tended to the wounded. Many of the Knights were injured but still able to proceed with the mission after a few bandages were applied along with a bit of healing sorcery.

They held a moment of silence to honor the fallen Knights. Then Taris spoke a few words of praise for them and their heroic deeds. After that, it was back to business and any grieving was done silently.

Prince Vannas shook off his daze, wiping blood from his forehead so a bandage could be applied. He demanded the White Flamestone be returned to him. "I'm a bit sore and groggy," he said, "but I can continue on."

Lothrin hesitated, his gaze fixed on the Flamestone that was cupped in his hands. His eyes looked distant, as if he were deep in contemplation.

"Trust me, cousin," said Vannas, "I am okay to proceed." He extended his hand, and reluctantly Lothrin gave him the Flamestone.

Taris glowered at the prince. "You may continue on, Squire, but next time you had better stay in formation! I thought you had more sense and were better trained than that. You could have easily gotten yourself killed and lost the White Flamestone to our enemies."

Vannas bowed. "My apologies, Master Taris. It was foolish of me. But I was simply seeking a better vantage point from which to..." He let his words trail off, as Taris turned away angrily and ignored him.

Jerret kicked the body of a slain Wolf. "If Galvia dies, I'll kill every Goblin in Silverland. Mark my words!"

Aldreya put her arm around Jerret. "Galvia is a Grey Dwarf, and I think she'll be fine once the healers tend to her. Her kind can handle such wounds. She won't be happy to be out of the action, though."

Jerret nodded, the usual sullen look gone from his face. He seemed back to his old self, his concern over Galvia perhaps taking his mind off Thrake. "I don't blame her. Not when there are Goblins to be hunted."

Jace groaned and leaned heavily against a pillar, lighting his pipe. He rubbed his shoulder. "Ogres are rather strong, and not as stupid as many believe. These ones had an odd look to them, by the way."

Trenton, who'd done nothing during the battle except hold formation, nodded in agreement. "Yes, I've never seen anything like this. It is almost as if they were a new breed of Goblin, very difficult to kill."

"We were wise to investigate these tunnels," said Taris, "for it seems we have encountered a new mystery and another significant threat to Silverland. Aside from being very resilient, these Ogres and Wolves seemed more cunning in battle. The Deep Shadow was much stronger in these foes."

"Definitely more cunning," said Shennen, leaning down to examine a fallen Ogre. "The Deep Shadow was indeed more potent in these creatures--perhaps whispering to them and guiding their actions. These Goblins may have come from the realm of Tharnin itself."

"How can that be?" asked Daledus, wiping Ogre blood from his huge battle axe. "There aren't any portals around here."

"None that we know of," said Shennen, a strange expression on his face. "But that doesn't mean anything. The portals could be new."

"I highly doubt it," said Trenton. "Portals to Tharnin cannot be opened easily. It requires a catastrophic blast of energy to create a portal that will remain open for longer than an instant."

"Regardless," said Jace, "I don't believe these Goblins came directly from Tharnin. Only a few creatures from the Shadow Realm can survive in our world, for the energy of living things here is like poison to Tharnin dwellers."

"They were probably modified somehow," said Taris, "just as the Goblin Lords were. The Legion alchemists and sorcerers are always tinkering with Goblins, trying to make them stronger and more cunning. They probably did it here in this world--meaning a portal to Tharnin would not be necessary."

"I suppose that makes sense," said Trenton.

"Not to me," said Daledus. "I don't understand a bit of it."

"But you're not a sorcerer," said Taris, "like Trenton and I."

"Trenton is a sorcerer?" asked Daledus, raising his eyebrows in what could have been mock surprise. "I never noticed."

"Indeed," Trenton said coldly. "What did you think I was, Dwarf? Do I look like an armored Knight, or carry the bow of an archer?"

Daledus shrugged. "I always thought of you as...well, the Investigator I guess. I've just never seen you use sorcery in battle."

Taris smiled. "Trenton is actually the most talented sorcerer I've ever known. At least, for the type of sorcery he practices."

"I just do what is required," said Trenton, his face reddening.

"Who would have suspected?" said Daledus, grinning.

Trenton scowled. "Yes, I don't brag about my abilities, and I can't throw fireballs all over the place. Thus, most people don't think of me as a sorcerer. Yet I assure you that is exactly what I am."

"So what can you do?" asked Daledus. "I mean, aside from..."

"That is the business of a Green Knight," said Trenton, "which means it is none of your business. Ask me again when you're on the High Council, Daledus, and I might be inclined to provide an answer. It seems you're too young to understand your place--or the ways of sorcerers, for that matter."

Daledus' grin vanished. He bowed. "Meant no offense, Trenton. I just figured I would ask, since we're all in this Divine Shield together."

Trenton nodded. "You are strong and exceptionally talented, Daledus. I'll give you that. But you have a lot to learn about the ways of Dremlock."

They rested a bit longer, and then Taris ordered everyone back into formation. Lannon probed the three tunnels and found that two of them contained traces of the villagers having passed that way--including the tunnel the Ogres and Wolves had come from. They opted to explore the Goblin tunnel, acting on the notion that the villagers who'd gone that way might be in greater peril.

Stone steps lead them sharply downward, and the air grew foul smelling. At the bottom was a long tunnel. They started along it and came to a square pit with rune-covered stone blocks lining the edges and iron ladder rungs leading down into darkness. Lannon searched the pit and felt the presence of powerful sorcery. He also glimpsed ancient traces of pain and death.

Taris decided that they would leap over the pit and continue to search for the villagers. "Whatever evil lurks below," he said, "is best avoided for now. That pit reeks of an Olrog trap."

One by one, they leapt across the pit. It was a dangerous leap, but the Knights and Squires used their sorcery to remove any fear and guide their bodies across. They referred to such techniques as sorcery, when in fact they were based on the power of the mind--the ability to create extreme focus through meditation and cause the body to do extraordinary feats. Yet all special Knightly abilities depended upon the strength of one's Essence (or divine energy) and thus were classified as mystical in nature. Lannon didn't have much Essence, but he used the Eye of Divinity to help spring him across. Saranna the Ranger lacked Essence or Eye, and in spite of being quite agile, she was hesitant to make such a long jump. But Aldreya used her sorcery to help guide Saranna, and the two of them made the leap together. Darius the wolf fearlessly bounded over the pit after them.

Then they started along the tunnel again. Taris examined the stone walls, frowning, and then ordered everyone to halt. "I sense traps," he said, "and the presence of some type of sorcery. "

Lannon scanned the tunnel--but found that a shadow was clouding his sight. It was ancient Dwarven sorcery, meant to confuse. The shadow extended the entire length of the hallway. He reported his findings to Taris, who nodded--as if the Birlote already knew what they were facing.

"Hold back, Squires!" Taris warned. "We must proceed with extreme caution. Olrog traps are nothing to fool with."

The Squires and Saranna were at the rear, and they slowed their pace a bit. But it wasn't enough to appease Taris. Jerret was still pressing forward eagerly and prompting the others to try to keep pace with him.

"I said hold back!" Taris commanded, in an angry tone.

Jace turned around and placed his huge hand against Jerret's chest. "You heard Taris, young fellow. Slow your--"

A rumbling of stone arose, and a metal slab with a sharp edge dropped from the ceiling between Jerret and Jace, cutting the Squires off from the rest of the group. The slab had dropped so swiftly and unexpectedly that it had chopped off Jace's arm, and the arm lay on the floor in the torchlight. Another slab had fallen on the other side of the pit, leaving the pit as the only exit for the Squires.

***

The Squires gazed at Jace's severed arm in horror, and they could hear his cries of pain from beyond the slab. Lannon probed the slab and found it was made of Olrog Glaetherin--which meant it was nearly indestructible. He seized it with the Eye and tried to lift it, but he couldn't budge it. The strain made him drop to one knee, dizziness washing over him.

"Now what?" Jerret muttered.

They could hear the Knights banging on the slab from the other side, but moments later, cries and other sounds of battle arose. The sounds moved away from them and then faded out, muffled by a maze of stone.

"They left us!" said Aldreya.

"Sounds like they're busy right now," said Lothrin, shrugging. "Looks like we'll have to fend for ourselves."

"Stand aside," said Vannas, holding out the White Flamestone.

"That barrier is made of Glaetherin," Lannon warned.

"I don't care what it's made of," Vannas snarled, the Flamestone becoming radiant in his hands. "I'm blasting through it!"

The Squires hurried away from the prince. Vannas hurled pale fire into the slab, and a blinding flash erupted. The prince cried out and whirled around, his eyes tightly closed. He shoved the Flamestone back into its pouch. "That didn't work very well," he said, groaning. "Nearly blinded me."

The Glaetherin slab was unharmed.

"Yes, enough of that," said Saranna. She sat down on the edge of the pit. "Well, it looks like the Dwarves wanted intruders to be forced into the pit. There must have been some unpleasant surprise waiting down there--though if it was anything alive I'd guess it no longer exists, considering how old these ruins are."

Saranna sighed. "What am I even doing here? Working for Dremlock is a fine way to get killed. Or lose an arm." She laughed. "Of course, the pay is good, so I suppose I have no right to complain."

Aldreya glanced toward the severed arm, looking dismayed. "Poor Uncle Jace. I hope that wasn't his good arm."

"Maybe Jace can grow a new one," said Jerret, his expression serious. "I wouldn't be surprised if he did, considering how he survived that fall through the ice. Who knows what a sorcerer like that is capable of?"

Aldreya nodded. "Still, we better return the arm to him." She carefully wrapped it in cloth and put it in her pack. She sighed. "Uncle Jace uses his hands like weapons, so losing an arm could be especially devastating for him. Hopefully, we won't be trapped here so long that the arm will be rendered useless and the Healers can't reattach it."

"They reattached Vald Sparklesword's leg," said Jerret, "after the leg had been carried off by Goblin Wolves and was missing for almost a day. The Wolves had already feasted well and were saving it for later, so it only had a few teeth marks in it. Vald doesn't even have a limp to show for it."

Saranna shook her head in amazement. "Being a servant of Dremlock certainly has its privileges. When a Ranger loses a limb, it's replaced by a wooden one or, more often, not replaced at all. Many Rangers have been forced into early retirement after losing limbs to Goblins or infection while keeping the roads open for the Divine Knights to use."

The Squires looked uncomfortable but didn't reply.

"I could try blasting through the stone walls," said Vannas.

"Not a good idea," said Saranna. "You could bring a bunch of rubble down on top of us. Just hold off on the blasting, okay?"

Vannas nodded, but looked displeased.

"Maybe we should enter the pit," said Jerret. "Might be a way out."

"No, we should wait for a bit," said Lannon. "The Knights will return for us in time and find a way to remove the slab or tunnel around it--or something. Since the pit is an obvious trap, we should avoid it."

"I agree," said Vannas. "We will wait."

Jerret groaned. "We're stuck here while a battle is going on? I don't like it!"

"Take a rest, Jerret," said Lannon. "And be patient."

Jerret ignored him and paced about.

Saranna sighed and slapped her thigh. "So what shall we talk about?"

No one answered.

"Not a talkative bunch, I see," the Ranger mused. "So how do you like being Squires at Dremlock? Is it everything you'd hoped it would be? Come on now, we might as well get to know each other a bit. Aldreya?"

"Much more exciting," said Aldreya. "And dangerous. I had anticipated spending most of my time training and studying, instead of being thrown right into the action. But this is why I went to Dremlock--to battle Tharnin."

Saranna seemed to sense something that Aldreya had kept to herself. "But you don't seem overly happy with it. I see doubt in your eyes."

Aldreya shrugged and looked away. "As I said, it's not what I expected. And I miss Borenthia all the time."

"I can understand that," said Saranna. "I had a home once too, before I decided to make my living wandering Silverland."

"I love being a Squire," said Jerret. "It's far better than I had imagined. Of course, being part of the Divine Shield has added to the excitement. I get more battle opportunities protecting Lannon and the prince."

Saranna gazed at him with curiosity. "What is it about combat that you love, Jerret? I try to avoid it myself lately."

"As do I," said Lannon, admiring Saranna's way of thinking (and her beauty). He seldom took his eyes off the Ranger when she was around. Her clothes were dirty, her auburn hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, but her green eyes were captivating. A hard life had not diminished her natural beauty.

"Battle fires up my blood," said Jerret, as he paced about. "It makes me feel..." He shrugged. "I don't know. I just enjoy it."

"I enjoy advancing in my skills," said Lothrin, "but battle brings me no pleasure. I really don't think it's the way of a Divine Knight to relish bloodshed. A Divine Knight is one who fights for peace--and fights only when necessary. The Sacred Laws teach us that violence is a tool best used carefully and selectively, as a last resort. Love of bloodshed can lead to a dark path."

"I wholeheartedly agree," said Lannon. "Well said."

"I know all that," said Jerret, with a dismissive wave, "but I can't help myself. All I ever think about is proving myself in battle. It's just the way I am."

"You're like a Grey Dwarf, Jerret," said Lothrin, as he sat next to Saranna and chewed some jerky. "You're all about combat and glory. You're definitely more Red Squire than Blue, and I sense that will never change."

Jerret nodded, smiling. "I suppose I am like an Olrog. Kind of like Furlus Goblincrusher, maybe. I'll take that as a compliment."

"If you must," said Lothrin. "But I'm glad your way of life is not mine."

"Why?" said Jerret, a look of contempt and amusement on his face. "Am I missing out on the beauty of life and such?"

"Something like that," said Lothrin.

Saranna smiled at Lothrin and held his gaze for a moment. Lothrin was the oldest of the Squires, but still a few years younger than Saranna. "I like your attitude," she said. "But there is something else about you that interests me, though I'm not sure what it is. You seem familiar somehow."

"I too am a Ranger," he said. "Or I was, prior to coming to Dremlock. I haven't lived as you've lived, though. I was a Ranger mainly for the enjoyment of it, as I certainly didn't need the money."

"Of course not," said Saranna. "You're a member of the Birlote Royal Family. You must have lived a life of wealth and power."

Lothrin nodded. "I had access to such a lifestyle--though I spent most of my time away from others, wandering the forest and the lands beyond. I'm somewhat of a loner, I suppose. So a Ranger's way of life was easy for me to adopt. I even spent time killing Goblins for pay, protecting some of the farms in Silverland. Finally I decided to try my luck at Dremlock, and being a Birlote from the Elder Family, the Knights were happy to recruit me. So that's my story."

"A Goblin hunter, huh?" said Jerret. "No wonder you're so good with that bow, with all the trouble with Vultures. How many Goblins did you slay?"

Lothrin shrugged. "A few dozen."

Jerret's eyes widened. "That many? Quite impressive."

"It's a busy job protecting farms," said Lothrin.

"I must admit," said Saranna, "that I hate Goblins with all my heart." Her eyes were distant, full of painful memories. "I started my war with them in the stinking Bloodlands at the age of fifteen, and killing them was all I knew for years. In fact, I used to measure a day's worth by how many I'd slain. I lost quite a few good friends in battle with them, which is why I despise them so much."

"Understandable," said Aldreya. "They are spiteful creatures born of evil. The more that perish, the better. I was taught from birth to hate Goblins, and I was sent to Dremlock to make war on them."

"I'm not fond of killing anything," said Lannon. "Even Goblins, as evil as they are."

Jerret chuckled. "You speared that Wolf quick enough, my friend. That was an incredible move, by the way."

"I never said I wouldn't kill them," Lannon pointed out. "As a Knight in training, it's my duty to kill Goblins. I simply said I don't enjoy it."

"You're all talk, Lannon," said Jerret. "You don't fool me. You say you don't enjoy combat, but you sure do it well enough. That spear move was something only a real warrior would do, with a love for battle."

"You're wrong about me, Jerret," said Lannon. He'd felt no satisfaction in skewering the Wolf. It had simply been a duty to him. The Eye of Divinity, and his training as a Blue Squire, made him deadly in combat, but he cared nothing for glory or praise. The things Jerret held in such high regard seemed empty to Lannon. Lannon was more concerned with the fate of Dremlock and Silverland. On the other hand, Jerret lacked the unique gifts of Lannon and Vannas and probably felt pressured to measure up to his friends.

But Jerret wasn't listening to Lannon. His gaze was focused on the pit. "I'm going to see what's down there. Who's with me?"

"It would be foolish to enter that pit," said Aldreya. "We should just wait for the Knights to return and free us."

Jerret shone a torch into the hole. "Nope, I'm going in. There might be prisoners down there. We came here to rescue them, right?"

Lannon sighed in frustration. "You're just hoping to encounter Goblins."

"Either way," said Jerret, "I intend to carry out my duties. And did you even search the pit to see if the villagers went that way?"

"I tried," said Lannon, "but I encountered too much evil sorcery. It makes it hard for me to see other details."

Jerret nodded. "Then you can't rule out the possibility that some of the villagers are down there--perhaps injured or starving."

"I guess we'll go scout around down there," said Lannon. He didn't want Jerret going into the pit alone, and there was a chance it could lead to a way out.

"I don't like the aura of that pit," said Aldreya.

"Nor do I," said Lothrin.

"I'm ready for whatever is down there," said Prince Vannas.

"An obvious trap," Saranna reminded them.

"Why should we worry?" said Jerret. "We have the Eye of Divinity and the White Flamestone." With that, he started down the iron ladder.

Lannon climbed down after him, scanning the pit. The others followed, except for Darius, who remained in the tunnel above. Lannon could sense no traps in the pit or any sorcery that might be concealing traps, but the dark magic below was immensely powerful. The sorcery was ancient and dormant, not likely to be a threat unless provoked. As Lannon climbed down, he could also now sense traces of humans and Goblins having passed that way.

At the bottom was a square chamber with a murky pool at the center. The pool was encircled by a long serpent statue, greenish with mold and with fins like a fish. The dark sorcery was radiating from the water--from the corpse of some great beast that lay below the surface. The beast was long dead, but the magic that infested it was still potent. The beast had suffered an endless hunger, an illusion that both sustained and tormented it. It had needed constant motivation to justify its bleak existence and keep it from wandering into the eternal fog of Tharnin. Each devouring of a victim had been unique--something to relish and fuel the burning desire for the next feast. But when its Olrog masters had left the underground city, and the centuries had passed with no new victims, the beast had slowly starved to death--chained by its illusion until the bitter end. But the presence of its hunger remained, a yawning mouth beneath the pool still festering with dark sorcery and still waiting to be fed, an abomination leftover from an age when the Grey Dwarves were slaves of the Deep Shadow.

As they gathered at the pool's edge, Jerret reached out with his sword to poke the murky water, but Lannon seized his wrist.

"Don't disturb it."

"Why?" asked Jerret. "What do you sense in there?"

"Dark sorcery," said Aldreya, her eyes wide as she gazed at the pool. "Incredibly powerful. Can't you feel it, Jerret?"

"I feel something," said Jerret. "A heavy gloom."

"Maybe I should deal with it," said Vannas, raising the White Flamestone. "Such evil should not be allowed to exist in this world."

"No," said Lannon. "The beast is long dead. If we disturb the pool, we will disturb the ancient sorcery as well. Just leave it alone."

Vannas nodded. "I trust your word on it, Lannon."

"This pool has the stink of the Bloodlands," said Saranna. "And the water looks like the black blood from the Mother Trees."

"We're not done here yet," said Jerret, pointing at a single tunnel that led from the chamber. "That could be our way out."

"What about Darius?" said Saranna.

"Let's check the tunnel first," said Jerret. "If it's a dead end, there is no point in bothering with your wolf. If it leads to a way out, though, we'll come back and lower him down by rope. Fair enough?"

Saranna nodded.

Jerret started forward but Lannon grabbed his shoulder. "I'll lead the way, Jerret, so I can search for danger."

Jerret nodded. "You're getting quite bold, Lannon. I like that."

"I don't want to see you blunder into a trap," Lannon explained. He respected Jerret's combat skills, but he had no faith in Jerret's ability to detect traps or move silently. Jerret hadn't received enough training as a Blue Squire to warrant him taking the lead anywhere but on the battlefield.

"I don't blunder into anything," Jerret muttered. "While it's true that I'm trained mostly as a Red Squire, I'm not some bumbling oaf."

"Lannon is right, though," said Aldreya. "You're ill prepared for sneaking along tunnels, Jerret. I suggest you take the rear."

"I'm not taking the rear!" said Jerret, glaring.

With a shrug, Lannon started along the tunnel. The others followed. It led them to another square chamber--this one larger than the last. As they emerged into the room, the torchlight revealed crates, barrels, and other supplies--some broken open and their contents spilled out. The smell of wine was strong in the air. A pile of gnawed beef bones lay in one corner, and a half-eaten cheese wheel sat atop a crate. Another smell hung in the air--the stink of Goblins.

Into the circle of torchlight stepped two Goblin Lords--Priests of Tharnin with runes painted in crimson on their foreheads and holding dark, twisted staffs. They wore black leather armor that was also adorned with crimson runes. These humanoid Goblins grinned when they saw the Squires. An aura of powerful sorcery surrounded them, reaching out to Saranna and the Squires and demanding submission.

"Look here," one of the priests hissed, pointing. "Fresh meat."

"It is Lannon Sunshield!" the other priest replied, his voice tense.

With that, the two Goblins attacked, swinging their smoldering staffs at Lannon. They moved so swiftly he barely had time to defend himself. He seized both of them with the Eye of Divinity and halted their charge. He drew his sword and lunged forward, beheading one of the priests.

But as the Goblin Lord's body toppled over, dark tendrils sprouted from both head and neck, and the head began trying to reattach itself. Lannon severed the tendrils, then blocked a blow from the other priest. But the tendrils sprouted again, pulling the head toward the neck.

Then Lannon remembered that the Goblin Lords created an illusion of being invincible, and he used the Eye to see through it. The Goblin Lord hadn't been beheaded at all. It was fully intact--standing back and in the process of casting some foul spell with its staff.

"Burn its heart, Jerret!" Lannon ordered.

But Jerret, still confused, attacked the illusion of the fallen, headless Goblin, his sword striking the stone floor. Aldreya, however, was able to see the truth thanks to her training, and she hurled a fireball into the chest of the Goblin Lord that was casting its spell. Its sorcery disrupted, it howled in pain and fell to one knee, clutching its chest. She threw another fireball and finished it off.

Saranna ducked a blow from the remaining Goblin Lord and cut a deep gash in its shoulder. However, the gash healed instantly--the priest's dark sorcery knitting the flesh back together without so much as a scar. Jerret hacked off the Goblin Lord's arm, but the arm sprang up from the floor and reattached itself.

Jerret's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible!"

"Stand aside, Jerret," Prince Vannas commanded. Jerret leapt out of the way, and Vannas blasted the Goblin Lord with white fire, burning the creature into a pile of ashes. But the ashes swirled about and regenerated into living flesh, and an instant later the Goblin Lord stood fully intact and grinning.

Vannas cried out in despair. "It's invincible!"

"No, it's just an illusion!" Lannon yelled, frustrated. He seized the Goblin Lord with Eye and held it while Aldreya hurled fireballs and burned out its heart. At last, the creature slumped to the floor in death.

Vannas groaned, embarrassed that he'd fallen victim to the ruse.

Jerret shook his head, disgusted with himself. "My sword didn't hit anything. I really need to learn how to see through illusions."

"So that's how it's done," said Saranna, smiling and patting Aldreya on the shoulder. "Any chance I could learn that trick of truth seeing?"

"It's not easy," said Aldreya, "even for a sorceress."

The Squires shone their torches around the chamber, searching for more foes. But they found none. They did, however, find four battered and bruised men tied up amidst some crates. Lannon cut their ropes.

The men gazed at the Squires in awe. One of them introduced himself as Gelran. The other three said nothing. Their eyes looked haunted. One of them had a large, infected chest wound and seemed feverish.

"Thank the Divine Essence you've found us!" Gelran said. "We've been down here for days, while those Goblins debated whether or not to eat us or force us into slave labor. There are other survivors down here. You must find them!"

"The Knights are searching for them," said Lannon.

Aldreya knelt by the man with the chest wound. "Can you hear me?" she asked. He glanced at her with dazed eyes, but didn't reply. "This one is in grave danger," she said. She laid hands on him, her eyes closed.

"What is she doing?" asked Gelran.

"Using healing sorcery on him," said Lothrin. "However, she is only a Squire and not a trained Healer. He will stand a much better chance if we can get him to the surface, where there are White Knights who can cure his wound."

"My healing sorcery is weak," said Aldreya. "This should help sustain him, however, until we can get him to the White Knights."

"Can you raise the dead?" one of the others asked. "My daughter...she was...devoured by Goblins..." He bowed his head.

"No mortal can raise the dead," said Aldreya, a look of pity in her eyes. She reached over and touched his shoulder. "Stay strong, for your village needs you."

He nodded, but didn't look up.

"We've all suffered much loss," said Gelran. "This has been a terrible ordeal for us, but it seems to be coming to an end. I can't thank you Squires enough for rescuing us. The Divine Essence has blessed us this day!"

"Right now we can't leave here, unfortunately," said Lannon. "It seems we have sprung a trap. So you haven't actually been rescued yet."

"We know of the trap," said Gelran. "It is only temporary. Those Glaetherin slabs will rise again in a few days."

"A few days?" Jerret muttered. "We can't wait that long. We're supposed to be helping the Knights clear out the Goblins."

"The barriers cannot be damaged," said Gelran. "All one can do is wait until the trap reverses itself. The Olrogs created it so any intruders would come down here to try to escape--only to be devoured by some foul beast."

"The creature in the pool," said Lannon.

"Yes," said Gelran. "How did you know? Anyway, the trap is harmless now but quite an annoyance to the unwary. I'm surprised that you even managed to activate it, as the machinery is worn out and barely responsive."

"Harmless?" said Aldreya. "I strongly disagree."

"Right," said Jerret. "I doubt Jace thinks it's harmless."

"It should have been disabled," said Saranna.

"This area is forbidden to villagers," Gelran explained, "so there was no need to disable the trap, which would be a difficult and dangerous process considering it is infested with dark sorcery. Some things are best left alone."

"True enough," said Lannon.

"This fellow doesn't have a few days," said Aldreya, nodding to the injured man. "As I said, my healing sorcery is weak, and he is badly infected. I can feel it in his blood. He must be attended to by the White Knights as soon as possible."

The wounded man mumbled something incoherent.

Gelran shrugged helplessly. "Glaetherin is invincible."

Vannas studied the White Flamestone, his face thoughtful. "I'm not so sure that Glaetherin is invincible. I think I just need a smaller, more focused attack. Maybe rather than blast through the metal, I can cut through it."

"Impossible," said Gelran, "even for a Divine Knight. I know not what power that shining stone holds, but only the Grey Dwarves understand how to mold raw Glaetherin. Once it has hardened into form, it cannot be altered. I'm a blacksmith by trade, lad. I know these things."

Two of the other villagers nodded in agreement.

"We shall simply have to wait," said Gelran. "However, we do have food and drink. And the Ogres and Wolves can't get to us."

"The Ogres and Wolves are dead," said Saranna.

Gelran grinned. "Then this is a happy day indeed!"

Vannas pointed the White Flamestone toward an ale jug. He concentrated for several moments, his brow furrowed, and then a thin beam of light shot from the stone and cut through the jug--without shattering it. Vannas nodded. "There, see what I mean? It just takes will and imagination."

"Good," said Jerret, "now go cut us out of this trap."

"It's worth a try," said Lannon, impressed with Vannas' command of the Flamestone. It seemed the Divine Essence had chosen wisely.

"You are truly gifted, my cousin," said Aldreya.

"Save your praise," said Vannas, "until we actually get past the barrier. An ale jug is one thing, a Glaetherin slab is quite another."

***

But Vannas' plan worked flawlessly, though it took almost an hour for the White Flamestone to cut a large hole in the Glaetherin slab. By then, Vannas was exhausted from extreme concentration. They found Flund Greenhelm's Knights waiting in the town, but the others were still somewhere below. The Healers set to work on the injured, while the Squires debated their next move. Jerret wanted to go below and search for the Knights, but Flund ordered the Squires to remain above ground and wait for them to return.

"If they haven't come back by evening," said Flund, "you Squires may accompany the twenty Knights I will send to search for them."

"So we're just going to stand around doing nothing?" said Jerret.

"We will do as ordered," said Flund, with a shrug. "We were instructed to stand guard and watch for Goblins."

The other Squires weren't happy about waiting either, and Lannon considered trying to persuade Flund to begin the search early. But ultimately he became distracted with feeding his horse and himself. He also helped the Healers get a fire going, along with other essential chores, in one of the houses where the injured men were taken. Lannon felt good about doing some honest work, and he thought back to the days when he was lazy and bored all the time while growing up in the little wooded valley with his endlessly quarreling parents. He realized how much he'd changed since then, how Dremlock had brought forth his best qualities. He was eager to work hard to make life better for those around him.

The Squires checked on Galvia and found her to be in stable condition, though in a deep, healing slumber. She stood a good chance of recovery. Jerret continued to sit by her bedside for a while after the others had left the room.

At last Taris and the other Knights returned from the tunnels, bearing a host of weary and wounded villagers, which they took into buildings. Taris was delighted to see that the Squires and Saranna had escaped from the tunnels, and he praised them for their heroic deeds in slaying the Goblin Lords and freeing the four prisoners. He promised the Squires would receive promotions for their valor.

"The Goblins are dead," Taris announced, "and all of the survivors have been rescued. We will now focus on restoring this town."

Jace approached the Squires, one sleeve of his cloak cut short and ragged. Somehow he'd managed to light his pipe, however. He didn't seem to be in any pain. In fact, he blew a smoke ring and smiled. "Glad to see you Squires made it out of that trap. We had feared we might have to tunnel around it, which would have delayed our journey to Blombalk even more. By the way, my young friends, you didn't happen to see an arm lying around, did you?"

"Got it right here, Uncle Jace." Aldreya returned the cloth bundle to him. "I hope there is still time for the Healers to reattach it."

Jace chuckled. "It's Uncle Jace again, I see. Well, that pleases me greatly. And I'm also pleased that you've returned my arm." He winked. "It comes in handy in a pinch." He patted her on the head. "My favorite Squire."

Aldreya smiled. "Just attending to my duties."

Vannas sniffed the air disdainfully. "What is that appalling smell?"

"Appalling smell?" said Jace, blowing another smoke ring. "This is good leaf, oh prince. Not Birlote quality, but still worthy. I found it below in some supplies. I'm sure the villagers won't mind."

In response, Vannas covered his nose.

"Anyway," said Jace, "I better go see if I can get my arm stitched back on." He walked away whistling, carrying his severed limb over his shoulder.

"Weird," said Jerret, shaking his head. "Just too weird."

"I wholeheartedly agree," said Saranna, shuddering.

"Uncle Jace is a sorcerer," said Aldreya, as if that explained everything.

"He's not your uncle," said Vannas.

"She can call him whatever she likes," said Lothrin. "That's her business."

"I hope they can save his arm," said Lannon.

"I hope he finds some better quality pipe leaf," Vannas grumbled. He held his stomach as if he might vomit.

The Knights quickly repaired doors and window shutters, distributed supplies, and started fires in wood stoves. It took the rest of the day to get the town organized again, during which the only conversation involved helping the villagers. One of the tasks included preparing the dead for burial, as a third of the townsfolk had been slain in the Goblin attack or had died later from injuries. Taris ordered ten Knights, including two Healers, to remain behind and continue to help the townsfolk. He also sent a message to Dremlock by means of an Elder Hawk to send aid to the village and to warn of the latest Goblin incident.

As the Divine Knights prepared for departure, Saranna approached Taris and said, "I would like to stay and help these villagers, if Dremlock will release me from my contract. I realize I won't receive my second payment, but I'm fine with that. These villagers need a Ranger."

"On the contrary," said Taris, "you will be paid in full. We regret losing you, Saranna, but I agree that these villagers need you. In helping them, you have earned your pay." He handed her a pouch bulging with silver coins.

She smiled and bowed. "Thank you, Tower Master."

The Squires bid her farewell.

Saranna and Lothrin stood gazing at each other for a moment, and then Lothrin said, "I wish I could stay and help you."

She nodded. "I would welcome the help of a fine Ranger like you. But you've got your duties as a Squire and a member of the Divine Shield."

"I know," he said. "Until we meet again..."

"Until then," said Saranna, smiling.

Jace's arm had been successfully reattached, and he demonstrated this fact for everyone by wiggling his fingers to cheers and applause. "It's a bit stiff," he said, "but that shouldn't last long. I'll be back to fighting form soon enough."

After that, the Knights saddled up and resumed the journey to Blombalk Fortress, now several hours behind the Blood Legion in the race.