Knights The Heart of Shadows

chapter 9: Blombalk Fortress

The cold weather and snow continued as they journeyed through Hethos. As they drew close to Blombalk Fortress, the scouts discovered the Blood Legion was already in control of the fortress (which was not unexpected, considering the Legion had been several hours ahead in the race). The wooden keep stood on a rocky cliff on the edge of the Western Bloodlands. Dremlock's warriors were close enough they could see archers in the guard towers. Beyond the fortress stood a line of twisted, snow-covered trees with crimson boughs--the Mother Trees of the Bloodlands.

"So we lost the race," said Trenton, his gaze fixed on Taris. "Now what?"

"I think we should demand to be let in," said Taris.

"But surely they will fight," said Trenton.

"I very much doubt it," said Taris. "We have the White Flamestone on our side--the ultimate siege weapon. They dare not oppose us. And we can't afford to wait while they conduct their own investigation. Bear in mind that a great power source--a weapon--was being used at this fortress. I have no doubt that the Blood Legion is searching for that weapon even as we speak. If they find it, if it still exists here, we may lose our advantage."

"But we know nothing of this power source," said Trenton. "Only a vague dream by our Lord Knight. Is that enough to prompt us to proceed recklessly?"

"Again, they dare not oppose us," said Taris.

"Unless," said Trenton, "they have already regained possession of the mysterious weapon. If they did, things could get very ugly."

"I'm prepared to accept that risk," said Taris.

"We can take this fortress," said Daledus. "It has only wooden walls to protect it. Dremlock should have conquered it ages ago."

"I agree," said Shennen. "Blombalk is not nearly as well defended as Old Hammer Hall."

"They why not just attack?" said Daledus.

"Our goal is to avoid bloodshed," said Taris. "We were sent here by the Divine Essence to retrieve the great power source and investigate the attack on the fortress. Our goal is not combat. Nor is it, I believe, the goal of the Blood Legion. They too are undoubtedly seeking the power source."

"Taris speaks true," said Trenton, glaring at the others. "We are Divine Knights, not warmongers. We do not enter into mass conflict lightly."

"Is that why the Blood Legion still exists?" said Daledus, scowling. "Because Dremlock is reluctant to engage in battle?"

"The Blood Legion is strong," said Taris, with a shrug. "They have their own dark fire and their own tricks. Dremlock has tried to eradicate them many times and failed. When their numbers are low, they tend to go into hiding. However, we still hold out hope that we can put an end to them."

"Why not put an end to them right now?" said Daledus, raising his oversized axe.

"Great idea!" said Jerret, his eyes blazing. He raised his broadsword.

Some of the other Knights overheard Daledus and Jerret, and they raised their weapons and bellowed in agreement.

"Calm yourselves!" Taris commanded. "There will be no more talk of bloodshed this day. We have a specific mission here--ordered by the Divine Essence itself. There will be time for battle later."

Reluctantly, they lowered their weapons.

Taris commanded the army to ride to the fortress, with no weapons drawn. Soon they were gathered before the cliff on which it sat, gazing up at the log walls and towers through the glittering snowflakes. The Blood Legion archers trained their bows on the Divine Knights. The cliff was sheer, and Lannon wondered how they were going to gain access to the fortress. He assumed there was a route that was not visible. The moments drifted past, while the army sat in silence.

At last, Timlin and his Dark Knight, Ulmason Deathhand, emerged from the fortress and stood on the cliff, gazing down at them. The two were flanked by twenty archers and two Goblin Lords. Timlin had an arrow in his bow, which he aimed at Lannon while grinning. "What do you want?" Timlin called down.

Lannon shielded himself with the Eye. Then he took out his Glaetherin throwing star, which he was able to keep concealed in his hand. The archers were more than eighty feet away, but it was the only ranged weapon Lannon possessed. He knew if he had to hurl it that far, he might not be able to draw it back to his hand and could lose it. His command of the Eye--as far as distance went--seemed to vary widely depending on how much energy he had. However, he was well rested after a long, uneventful ride.

"You know what we want," Taris shouted back. "We intend to investigate this fortress. You can let us enter peacefully, or you can seek to block us. But I assure you that none of you will survive a battle. What say you?"

"But what of the duel?" Timlin replied. "It seems you did not honor it. So the Knights of Dremlock are not true to their word."

"The duel was unfair," said Taris, "as you well know. I'm not going to debate this with you, Timlin. Either allow us in peacefully, or face the white fire that will bring you to ruin! Speak quickly!"

Timlin spoke to his Dark Knight for a moment. Then he lowered his bow. "You may enter. No need for bloodshed. But we will be sharing equal space here and not bowing to Dremlock's rules."

"Agreed," said Taris, though some of Dremlock's fighters--including Daledus and Jerret--looked dismayed at the notion of sharing space with their sworn enemies.

"I won't be dining with them!" Daledus grunted.

"Nor will I," said Jerret.

"Dining with them is not required," said Taris. "We will dine in our tents, as usual."

"Yet I hear their rice pudding is excellent," said Jace.

***

Blombalk fortress had been the main Blood Legion headquarters for nearly a century. It consisted almost entirely of grey logs from the great Mother Trees of the nearby Western Bloodlands. The logs had been treated to remove the stench and to protect against fire attacks from the Divine Knights. There were several guard towers set atop twenty-foot-high walls that featured rows of end-sharpened logs to making climbing over them perilous. Within the walls stood several buildings--the Council Meeting Hall, the Solider Barracks, the Council Barracks, the Solider Storehouse (where supplies were kept), the Healing Hall, the Guardhouse (where prisoners were held), and the Training Hall and Grounds. The only easy way to the fortress gates was a narrow, winding trail that led up the cliff.

Blombalk had suffered quite a bit of damage in the recent attack. Two of the guard towers were burned into ruin, along with the Training Hall and the Guardhouse. And most of the buildings had sustained damage to varying degrees. It was as if a hurricane had struck the fort, tearing doors off hinges and ripping apart walls. Many Legion warriors had been killed in the attack--including high-ranking Council members--but there were no bodies to be found. It appeared the creatures of the nearby Bloodlands had come to pick clean the fortress.

The Divine Knights erected tents on the fortress grounds, preferring to let Timlin's Soldiers have the barracks. They weren't happy at all about camping in the midst of their foes--especially considering that snarling Goblins roamed freely about the camp. It went against the training and instincts of a Divine Knight to camp amongst foul Goblins and simply ignore them.

A meeting was called in the Council Barracks between the Divine Shield, Timlin, Ulmason Deathhand, and two Legion Council members--Hoytus Shadowblood and Rulain Knightslayer (both Olrogs, and brothers). Also present were two Goblin Lords who stood holding twisted staffs. Everyone was seated at a long table, and ale, water, bread, and sliced cheese was passed around. Jerret and Daledus refused to eat or drink, however, and sat looking sullen. They were in a dining hall that was warmed by a large stone fireplace. Paintings of famous Blood Legion warriors hung from the walls--including one that showed a Divine Knight lying on the bloodstained ground and raising his hand as if to beg for his life, while a grinning Legion Knight held an axe poised for a downward stroke.

Timlin guzzled some ale and then slammed his mug down on the table. He grinned at Lannon. "Care for some ale or pipe leaf?"

Lannon shook his head. He focused the Eye of Divinity on Timlin, and he could glimpse massive power behind the flawless white and blue armor. Vorden's Hand of Tharnin had made Timlin an extension of itself, altering his body with dark sorcery and making his already formidable skills all the more dangerous. Vorden had created a monster out of Timlin.

"Oh, that's right," said Timlin, lighting a pipe. "You're not allowed ale or smoke, Squire. You're just allowed to risk your life for Dremlock."

"I don't care for those things anyway," said Lannon, which was true. He was barely aware of what he was saying. His mind was overcome with despair as he gazed at Timlin, for Lannon now understood just how far gone he was. Timlin was caught in an unbreakable grip of the Deep Shadow, and not a flicker of doubt or conscience remained within him.

"No, you probably don't," said Timlin, sneering. "Does ale remind you of your father? You mentioned once that he is a pathetic drunk."

Lannon didn't reply, but Timlin was correct in that ale reminded him of the unpleasant aspects of his father. The words stung, and Lannon wanted to say something to get back at Timlin; but it was pointless. He swallowed the bitterness (along with some bread and cheese). Getting angry with Timlin served no purpose. Timlin was a prisoner of darkness and deserved only pity.

Timlin blew pipe smoke in Lannon's face. "Don't breathe in, Squire, or you're sure to be in trouble."

Lannon glared at him, his anger and frustration finally boiling over. "That stinking leaf of yours doesn't interest me, Timlin, so enough with your games. Puppet of Tharnin or not, why don't you grow up?"

"Puppet of Tharnin?" said Timlin, his grin vanishing. "Hardly. You're just jealous that I'm in command of my life. You're the only puppet here, Lannon. You're shoved into one battle after the next, but you can't even have a good smoke. And that sort of thing is exactly why I left Dremlock."

"Let's get to the point here," said Trenton. "I'm not a very patient man. What have you discovered so far, Timlin?"

Timlin frowned. "From our investigation? Well, first of all, we've agreed to give you access to the fortress for now, but we haven't agreed to work with you. We're supposed to be enemies, remember?"

"Noted," said Trenton. "But we have a common interest. Whatever force attacked this fortress struck a deep blow to the Blood Legion. Surely you want vengeance. And surely you didn't call this meeting to talk about ale and pipe smoking and waste time mocking Lannon."

"Of course we want vengeance," said Timlin. "But we can achieve that on our own. I know you didn't come here merely to investigate--and certainly not to assist us. You came here to claim the great weapon--the Heart of Kings."

"The Heart of Kings?" said Trenton, glancing at Taris.

"Ah, I see," said Jace, a knowing look on his face. "That is another term for the Black Flamestone. Well, this is interesting!"

"This does not surprise me," said Taris.

"So there is a black one as well," said Trenton, looking amused. "The good one must have its evil counterpart."

"It's not actually black," said Jace. "It's dark blue and red. Of course, the Dark Blue and Red Flamestone just doesn't sound right."

"Both came from the White Guardian's heart," said Taris. "Because the White Guardian was only a child, its heart was still impure."

"Why would a child's heart hold evil?" said Daledus. "Grown men do evil in this world, not children. That makes no sense."

"The White Guardian," said Taris, "cannot be compared to a mortal child. Our god is a unique creature. Regardless, its heart contained traces of selfish evil. When the creature was shattered, the heart was split and that trace of evil became the so-called Black Flamestone. It was lost for centuries--until now. This is why the Divine Essence has given us the White Flamestone, because it knew of the threat and feared it would fall into the hands of our enemies."

"I had assumed it was a Flamestone we were after," said Trenton. "But I didn't have a clue which one. Yet somehow you knew, Taris."

"I only suspected it," said Taris.

"So where is it now?" asked Shennen, his gaze fixed on Timlin. "That is the question we need answered."

Timlin gazed back at Shennen defiantly. "And it's a good question, oh jolly assassin, but I don't have an answer."

"What happened at this fortress?" asked Taris. "Or are you not able to answer that question either?"

"That one, I can answer," said Timlin.

"Wait!" said Hoytus Shadowblood. The Dwarf's eyes flashed with anger. "Why should we tell these wretches anything, Timlin? Let them figure it out for themselves. It's bad enough that we let them in here--onto sacred Legion grounds." His meaty hand was wrapped tightly around the handle of his battle axe.

"Agreed, my brother!" Rulain Knightslayer said, slamming his fist down on the table and spilling some ale. "To cooperate with these Dremlock dogs sickens me. The Blood Legion has sunk to a new low."

"Calm yourselves," Timlin ordered. "I'm in command here, by the will of our great leader himself, unless you've forgotten. We're going to cooperate, and we're going to have the Black Flamestone returned to us. I promise you that."

"But why should we reveal our secrets?" said Hoytus.

"Because if you don't," said Taris, "then Dremlock will never cooperate with you. We can either work together peacefully, or take the more difficult path that will be costly for both of us."

"Those secrets no longer matter, Hoytus," said Ulmason Deathhand. "Let Timlin speak, for he is wise beyond his years and knows well our foes. Dremlock will learn of these things regardless."

"Shall I proceed then?" said Timlin.

The Dwarven brothers didn't reply, their faces bitter.

"The Blood Legion had possession of the Black Flamestone," said Timlin. "A portal to Tharnin was opened below this fortress for a purpose I won't reveal. But things took a turn for the worse and a creature wandered into Blombalk Fortress through the portal--a Tharnin Specter. It was too powerful to stop, and it killed nearly everyone and took possession of the Black Flamestone. Some of our Goblins were camped outside the fortress, and they survived--but where they went is not known. They were the only survivors that day."

"Your story is believable," said Trenton. "But why would the Specter have an interest in the Black Flamestone?"

"A Specter is a creature that loves precious metals and jewels," said Jace, "anything shiny and rare. It hoards such treasures away in caves and guards them fiercely. It was no doubt attracted to the Black Flamestone for that reason. It may have no idea how to actually wield the power of the gem. But a Specter has plenty of power as it is. They are nearly indestructible."

"Yes," said Taris, "it is an incredibly dangerous creature." His eyes smoldered with rage beneath his hood. "You fools! In your selfish need to topple Dremlock, you opened the gates of doom! You summoned this Specter, thinking you could control it and send it against us like you did the Dragon. But you paid a high price."

Timlin shrugged. "Sometimes good ideas go bad."

"This is what happens," said Trenton, "when a child like Timlin is placed in command of an army."

The Dwarven brothers glanced at each other, but said nothing. It was clear they were not happy with Timlin's leadership.

Timlin stroked his thin beard, his eyes cold. "Child, huh?"

"Timlin is no child," said Ulmason Deathhand. "Timlin has the wisdom of Tharnin in his heart." He removed his horned helm and laid it on the table, exposing his scarred, bearded face with its one remaining eye. He was a nightmare of a barbarian--a hulking, weathered brute who'd survived countless battles and was now enhanced by the power of the Deep Shadow.

"Timlin is a mere lad," said Trenton, "and a traitor!"

Timlin stood up, scowling. "So now it's all about insults, huh? Well, I think I've heard enough of this. If Dremlock won't respect me as the leader of the Blood Legion, then I have nothing more to say."

"Enough," said Taris, with a warning glance at Trenton. "Timlin, I recognize you as the Lord of the Blood Legion, and Trenton will do so as well or he will leave this meeting. There is no doubt that you are in command. Now please sit down, have some more ale, and we'll discuss this very dire situation."

Trenton glared, but said nothing.

Timlin seemed to fight with his emotions for a moment, and then he seated himself. "Anyway, that's the story. Yes, we brought doom on ourselves, and this Specter is wandering around somewhere with the Black Flamestone."

"And the portal to Tharnin?" asked Taris.

"It closed on its own," said Timlin. "It was only temporary."

"Did Goblins come through that portal?" asked Trenton. "We encountered some that are unusual--more powerful and cunning. Did you summon them from Tharnin to raise an army against Dremlock?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," said Timlin, with a hint of a smile. "I can tell you that Goblins born in the realm of Tharnin cannot survive in this world, so that's a stupid question, Trenton--especially for someone who calls himself an Investigator."

"All possibilities need to be accounted for," said Trenton. "So no, Timlin Woodmaster, it was not a stupid question."

"If Goblins can't come through and live," said Daledus, "then how does this Specter remain alive?"

"Some creatures of Tharnin are so powerful," said Jace, "they can withstand the energy of living things here. A Specter is one of those creatures. There are also talented sorcerers that can enter our world, and even a few elite warriors. And, of course, the Barloak Demons that invaded our land in ancient times--though most of those were slain by Olzet Ka and the Crimson Flamestone."

"Did anyone else come through the portal?" Trenton asked, his piercing gaze on Timlin. "Did Vorden Flameblade come through?"

"Do you see him around?" said Timlin.

"That is not a sufficient answer," said Trenton. "Are you going to cooperate with this investigation or not?"

"The portal was open very briefly," said Timlin, "for a specific purpose. That purpose had nothing to do with Vorden." He grinned. "Not that you won't be seeing Vorden and his Hand of Tharnin soon enough..."

"Don't play games with me, Timlin," said Trenton.

Timlin laughed. "But I rather enjoy it."

"I propose," said Jace, "that we work together in hunting down this Specter and slaying it. It is not a ghost, but a living creature that is invincible to normal weapons and extremely resistant to sorcery. It can be killed."

Timlin nodded. "I would be willing to form a temporary alliance with Dremlock. But if we succeed in slaying the Specter, who gets the Black Flamestone?" He pondered it for a moment, then said, "I suppose we could always duel for it."

"A duel," mused Taris. "Like the last one?"

"No, a fair one this time," said Timlin. "By the way, I had no idea the last one was unfair. But I'll take your word for it."

"I'm sure you didn't," said Taris, sneering.

"We can hunt this beast on our own," said Trenton. "We don't need to work with our sworn enemies."

"And we don't need you!" Hoytus growled.

"I disagree," said Jace. "It could take an army to kill a Tharnin Specter. They are hard to corner, for one thing. There is strength is numbers."

"I will agree to it," said Taris, "provided it is not a duel to the death and provided we choose the participants now."

"Fine by me," said Timlin. "The duel then is to death or submission. You can pick anyone but Lannon, yourself, or another sorcerer. This will be a battle of blades only. And I choose Ulmason Deathhand again."

Ulmason bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I will not disappoint."

"And I choose Flund Greenhelm," said Taris. "He is a Blue Knight and a swordsman. He will fight only with his blade."

"Why not choose me?" asked Shennen, looking annoyed. "Can Flund match my skill with the blade?"

"Flund is an excellent swordsman," said Taris, "and a humble Knight who understands his place at Dremlock. He will fight with honor."

"But Flund could lose," said Shennen, his expression bitter. "Do we want to actually win the duel this time, or give our enemies the upper hand? Why would you pick Flund over the Lord of the Blue Knights?"

"I have my reasons," said Taris, in a cold voice. "Do not question them."

Shennen rose, knocking his chair over. "Do what you must, however foolish. You're in command, Tower Master." Then he strode from the room.

Timlin chuckled. "There goes an unhappy assassin."

Ulmason grinned. "Little does he know, he was saved the humiliation of losing to me. Taris did him a favor."

"Shennen looked a bit upset," said Daledus, with raised eyebrows.

"He will get over it," said Taris, looking unconcerned.

"Will Flund agree to it?" asked Trenton. "The Sacred Laws forbid forcing a Knight to fight a duel."

"He will agree," said Taris. "And I'm confident he will prevail."

Ulmason nodded. "It is good that you have confidence in your fighter. However, I have never lost a duel, and never will."

Taris' gleaming green eyes stayed focused on Timlin. "We will ride together and fight together--until this Specter is found and slain and the Black Flamestone is in our possession. Then we will have a fair duel for it. The winner of the duel will be allowed to possess the stone for three days, during which there will be no conflict. After that, it will be fair game again."

"Three days?" said Timlin. "That works for me."

"I won't ride with Goblins," said Trenton. The two Goblin Lords grinned at Trenton in response, showing pointed teeth.

"The Goblins will remain here," said Timlin. "What do you have against them anyway, Trenton? They're strong warriors."

"The Sacred Laws forbid fighting alongside Goblins," said Trenton. "Had you remained at Dremlock, Timlin, and done your studies, you would know this."

Timlin yawned. "Studies are boring, Trenton."

"Lead us to where the portal stood, Timlin," said Taris, rising from his chair, "so that we may verify that it is indeed sealed."

"You won't just take my word for it?" said Timlin, with a smirk.

***

The portal site was located underground, beneath where the Training Hall had once stood. All that remained of the Training Hall were some mangled wood and stone ruins and a hole in the ground that was covered with an iron trapdoor. They had to dig the snow off the trapdoor to pull it open.

Ulmason and Daledus lifted the heavy slab away and Lannon probed for danger below. He detected strong traces of Goblin activity, but no Goblins were currently down there. He also failed to find any traps. He did, however, sense lingering energy from the portal and it made him shudder. It felt like a warping of nature--something so horrific it should not exist. It made him feel sick with revulsion.

"I don't detect any danger," Lannon told Taris, while holding his stomach and fearing me might vomit. "But there was definitely a portal down there, though it's gone now. The leftover energy feels very unnatural and perverse."

The group went below. Shennen had rejoined them, Flayer in hand. The others drew their weapons as well. They followed stone steps down to a large storage room full of crates and barrels. At the center of the room was a blazing dark flue fireball, hovering in the air. The air seemed somehow warped around it as if from intense heat. Yet the room was cold.

Everyone exchanged disgusted glances.

"Nasty, isn't it," said Timlin, holding his stomach. "The sorcery has not fully dissipated yet. But the portal is indeed closed."

Jace inspected it and nodded. "Yes, it is gone forever. This orb will fade away eventually. But whatever took place down here to open the portal was very dangerous. A terrible idea if ever there was one."

"Not a terrible idea," said Timlin, with a grin. "Just a terrible outcome."

"One and the same," said Jace.

"What do you know of portals, Jace?" asked Trenton.

"I've studied them for years," said Jace. "I've even entered a few."

"No one alive understands Tharnin better than Jace," said Taris. "Not even the Birlote Wizards. Of that I have no doubt."

Jace shrugged. "I wouldn't go that far, though I appreciate the compliment. Yes, I know a thing or two about our enemy, but I had to suffer greatly to gain that knowledge. The Shadow Realm does not share its secrets easily, even with its own servants." After a sharp glance from Trenton, Jace added, "Not that I'm one of its servants, of course. On the contrary, Tharnin despises me."

Trenton turned to Taris, his face grim. "Are you certain you want to cooperate with our foes on the matter of the Black Flamestone? The last time Dremlock tried something like this, it was a disaster. And I'm not entirely sure the Sacred Laws allow this sort of alliance with these slaves of Tharnin."

Timlin's eyes narrowed, his hand settling on the hilt of his Flayer. "I'm growing weary of being called a slave and a puppet."

"You reek of the Deep Shadow," said Trenton, sniffing the air disdainfully. "Yes, I have many doubts about this alliance."

"I have many doubts as well," said Taris, sighing. "After all, how can we be sure of anything these days? Regardless, I think it's the best option. The Sacred Laws permit this alliance--if we consider it to be part of the planned duel. And we've already agreed to it and are bound by honor to see it through."

"Hey, I'm not entirely sold on it either," Timlin muttered. "But we did agree to it, Trenton, and that's that."

"I will have my duel," said Ulmason, "as we agreed."

"Then let us begin the hunt tomorrow," said Taris, "at dawn."

"I just hope we don't become the hunted," said Jace.