Dwarven Ruby (51 page)

Arik headed straight for the King’s Chamber. He was shocked when he almost bumped into Sheri leaving the room.

“My Prince,” curtsied Sheri with a broad grin. “Welcome back to Alcea.”

“Sheri?” frowned Arik. “What are you doing here?”

“I lead the Queen’s Helpers,” smiled Sheri. “I have just completed my report to the queen.”

“Isn’t that what we should be doing?” asked Tanya testily.

Sheri glared at Tanya, and then smiled as she curtsied to Prince Arik again. Arik shook his head and entered the King’s Chamber. The group followed Arik, but Wylan lingered outside.

“So are you done with your reporting?” Wylan asked Sheri. “If so, I have some time to kill. Maybe you can tell me what has happened since we left the city.”

Sheri looked into the King’s Chamber and saw everyone bowing to the queen. She knew they would be in there most of the day.

“Sure,” smiled Sheri as she led the way out of the palace. “Join me and you can see what is happening in Tagaret. We are changing the entire city. The people are being fed, and everyone is working on the fortifications.”

Wylan reached out and grabbed Sheri’s hand as they walked. Sheri did not seem to notice and continued telling him about all of the changes that were going on. When they reached the gates to the palace, Wylan saw Bin-lu talking to the guards. He dragged Sheri over to see what was going on.

“Bin-lu!” greeted Wylan. “You made it to the city.”

“Yes, Wylan,” Bin-lu replied excitedly. “I heard that Arik had entered the city. I did not want him to forget to take me with him this time, but they will not let me into the palace.”

The Red Sword guards stared at Wylan. Their eyes showed no recognition, and Wylan sighed.

“I doubt they will let you in without knowing who you are,” explained Wylan. “I am sure that they will deliver a note though. Where is Tedi?”

“He is not with you?” frowned Bin-lu. “I have not seen him since he left to meet up with you in Lanoir.”

“He never caught up with us,” frowned Wylan. “I hope he is not in trouble.”

“What is it?” scowled Sarac as Lattimer entered the room.

“The attack at Tor failed,” reported Lattimer.

“Failed?” shouted the Dark One. “How could it fail?”

“The pass is a burning inferno,” continued Lattimer “It will be over a week before the army can proceed.”

“A week is too long,” Sarac slammed his fist on his desk. “The Rangers will be in Tagaret by then.”

“I think not,” Lattimer smiled grimly. “In fact, they passed through Tagaret not long ago. Whatever they are doing, they are not searching for the Dwarven Ruby. Sarac’s Ravens tracked them to Tagaret. It appears that they left by a boat heading north. There was a later report of them in Miram. I have instructed Hagik to head north.”

“You felt sure that the Dwarven Ruby would be found in the Southern Mountains,” posed the Dark One. “Have you changed your mind about this?”

“No,” Lattimer shook his head. “There is no possibility of the ruby being found near Miram. I do not know what they are up to.”

Sarac rose and paced the floor of his office. He kicked a pile of books and sent them sprawling across the floor as he stormed over to the large map on the wall. He studied the map in silence for several minutes. Finally he nodded and grinned evilly as he sat back down at his desk.

“So King Devon seeks to deny us use of the Tor Pass, does he?” snarled Sarac. “He shall learn who rules the Universes.”

“What do you have planned?” asked Lattimer. “We could just bypass Tor.”

“No,” Sarac insisted adamantly, “we shall make an example of Tor. Have our army remain north of the pass. They are not to attack until ordered to.”

“What makes you think that we will fare better the next time?” questioned Lattimer.

“Because we will use the real power of darkness the next time,” grinned the Dark One. “I want our center in Toresh abandoned. The men are to move up towards Tor.”

“That will leave no forces in Sordoa,” objected Lattimer.

“Sordoa will fall to Emperor Hanchi soon,” explained Sarac. “I do not want to waste our forces fighting him. When I am freed from this accursed castle, then the Emperor Hanchi will learn whom he must bow before. Right now, I want my men working to destroy the Ancient Prophecy.”

“Very well,” nodded Lattimer. “What are they to do in Tor? Why not attack Tagaret instead?”

“Because the prophet Azmet will do that for us,” snickered Sarac. “Only if he fails must we bother with Tagaret. I want to attack the Castle of Man from both sides this time. Let King Devon try to stand against the power of my magic. The Castle of Man will become a heap of rubble, a testament to the power of the Dark One.”

“I understand,” nodded Lattimer. “That will also place the bulk of your forces closer to here in case they are need for the defense of this castle. Shall Sarac’s Ravens join with them then?”

“No,” Sarac shook his head. “They are to immediately return to the Southern Mountains. There they shall wait for Prince Arik to appear. When he does, I want him dead.”

“The Southern Mountains cover a large area,” frowned Lattimer. “It is possible that they will miss Prince Arik. He may get through to add the Dwarven Ruby to the Sword of Heavens.”

“The Dwarven Ruby matters little,” sneered Sarac. “Let the young prince have it. When he places it on the Sword of Heavens, he will reveal his position. Make sure that Sarac’s Ravens are ready to pounce. I want Arik dead.”

* * *

“Why do you keep trying to get Master Khatama to go further south?” asked Fredrik. “Are you still hoping to find out where Dalgar went?”

“No,” Niki shook her head. “I think Dalgar was lying to me. I want Master Khatama to remember things again. When we were in Lanoir his memory came back. Maybe he just can’t remember things when he goes too far north. Besides, he said that he did not have any destination in mind. So why not go south?”

“You are fond of him, aren’t you?” smiled Fredrik.

“I am,” admitted Niki. “Nobody has ever been so kind to me before. He makes me feel like I am worth something. I want to help him.”

Fredrik frowned and watched Boris as the old merchant stood on a small rise looking eastward. “I thought I was kind to you,” sighed Fredrik. “I certainly tried to be.”

“I did not mean that to include you,” smiled Niki as she hugged Fredrik. “I know you love me. I mean that Master Khatama is like a father to me. He is patient when I do not understand things, and he tells me that I am special. It is more than just kind compliments, too. He shows me how I am special. I have learned so much from him. Do you understand now?”

Fredrik turned and kissed Niki. “I do,” he grinned. “You certainly have changed since you met Master Khatama. I wonder if he will teach me, too?”

“Don’t be silly,” giggled Niki. “You need to learn from a master mage, not an old merchant.”

“I think you underestimate Master Khatama,” retorted Fredrik. “No simple merchant could teach you what you have learned from Master Khatama. Besides I heard things from Bin-lu that makes me think that Boris is a very powerful magician. I wonder what he is looking at?”

As if hearing Fredrik’s question, Master Khatama turned and walked down the hill. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat on a log near Fredrik and Niki.

“What were you looking at?” Niki asked cheerily.

“Something that bothers me greatly,” frowned Boris, “although I am not sure why.”

“What could be so troublesome?” questioned Fredrik.

“The Dark One’s forces maintain a large garrison in Toresh,” answered Boris. “It appears that they are abandoning it. Thousands of Dark Riders are heading north. Black Devils are with them.”

“They must be heading for Tagaret,” fretted Fredrik. “We must get word back to Queen Marta.”

“I do not think that is their destination,” Master Khatama shook his head. “They have left the coast road and are heading inland. While they could still get to Tagaret that way, it leads me to believe that they are headed elsewhere.”

“Could they be fleeing before Emperor Hanchi’s army?” asked Fredrik. “I heard that the Lanoirians were prepared to head north into Sordoa.”

“That is possible,” nodded Master Khatama. “Perhaps we should turn north and follow them.”

“No,” objected Niki. “We must continue further south.”

“There is no need to go south,” frowned Master Khatama. “In fact, I do not recall any need for a destination at all. There can be no harm in following Sarac’s forces. We may learn what they are up to.”

Niki frowned and bit her lip. She knew that Master Khatama’s memory would improve if they returned to Lanoir, but she could not think of an excuse to make him continue heading south. Master Khatama turned and began packing the wagon.

“What about the Dwarven Ruby?” Niki suddenly asked. “Don’t you want to be around when it is retrieved? Maybe Arik will have some trouble getting the dwarves to give it to him. It might be important for you to be there.”

Master Khatama halted. He slowly placed the pot he was carrying into the wagon and turned to stare at Niki. His faced was pained with confusion. Slowly he nodded.

“The Sword of Heavens must be restored,” he agreed. “I do not know why, but I feel compelled to ensure that it is. We shall go south to the Southern Mountains.”

* * *

“I never thought I would return to Southland,” Wylan said excitedly.

“This is your home?” asked Bin-lu.

“It was,” Wylan frowned as he remembered the day that Azmet diseased the city. “I wonder if there is anyone left that I know.”

“We will find out soon,” announced Alex. “It appears that there is a welcoming committee at the gate.”

“That is Baron Timor,” responded Wylan as they got closer. “I am glad that he survived. He is a good ruler. I will introduce you to him.”

As the Rangers rode up to the gate, Baron Timor’s face changed from a scowl to a grin. “Wylan,” greeted the baron. “How are you lad?”

“Couldn’t be better,” replied Wylan as the Rangers halted and dismounted. “I am glad that you survived. What of the others?”

“The devastation was severe,” frowned Baron Timor. “Eight out of ten died.”

“I am sorry,” apologized Wylan. “I tried to get to Cleb in time, but Azmet was already there.”

“I know, lad,” nodded the baron. “Do not blame yourself. Nobody appears able to halt the spread of Azmet’s poisonous religion. They have taken over Klandon now. Next will be Mya.”

“You appear well-informed,” commented Alex.

“I keep myself informed,” nodded Baron Timor as he stared at Alex. “Have I seen you before?”

“My apologies,” Wylan blurted out. “I should introduce my friends. This is Alexander and Jenneva Tork.”

“Alex Tork,” gasped Baron Timor. “I thought your face was familiar. You travel in fine company, Wylan. Please come in and rest from your trip.”

The baron led the way to a long table near the stockade wall. He shouted orders for refreshments and boys came to take the horses. Alex looked around at the nearly deserted city. Everyone in the city walked around armed, even the women. Construction was evident everywhere he looked. Buildings were being enlarged, and the stockade wall itself was being fortified.

“And this is Bin-lu,” Wylan continued with the introductions. “He joined up with us in Lanoir. The girl is Tanya.”

“Lanoir?” questioned Baron Timor. “You have traveled far.”

“We have,” nodded Wylan as he grinned. “And this is Prince Arik, heir to the throne of Alcea. You probably haven’t heard of Alcea, but I am sure that you will.”

Baron Timor’s mouth fell open as he lowered his mug to the table. He shook his head for a moment and then dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

“My Prince,” Baron Timor said solemnly, “welcome to Southland. Not only have we heard of Alcea, but I must share with you how we are preparing to aid you.”

“Aid me?” questioned Arik hesitantly. “I do not understand. Please rise.”

Baron Timor rose as the people of Southland stopped working and gazed at the spectacle unfolding before them.

“Southland was part of Targa once,” explained Baron Timor. “In our hearts, we are still part of it. The loyal people of Alcea span a much greater area than you know. Already the Army of the West is forming to come to your defense. Your soldiers are gathering as far west as Dalek and up the coast to Bordon.”

“That is why you are enlarging the city,” surmised Alex, “even though you don't have the people to require a larger city.”

“Correct,” nodded the baron. “Southland will be the gathering spot for the soldiers. Azmet has already taken Klandon. He will march down the Boulder River to attack Mya and then Tagaret. I do not know if we will be ready in time to defend Mya, but we will be there in time for Tagaret.”

“How can you be sure of the timing?” asked Tanya.

“King Altaro will try to stall Azmet’s advance at Mya,” answered Baron Timor. “I have several men with him, including Lord Parsiki. They will keep me informed.”

“Does Reese know about this?” asked Arik.

“Aye,” smiled Baron Timor. “Reese and I are the ones organizing it all. His men are going to retake Cleb on the way here. He is hosting the Army of the West until Cleb is ours. Then, from Southland, we will strike out towards Mya. We will teach that foul prophet on the many ways to be united with his god.”

“Is there anything you need to aid the Army of the West?” asked Arik.

“Horses and weapons,” frowned Baron Timor. “We lost a lot of horses to the Black Death. We lost more to eating some after the disease died out. Our livestock was destroyed. Reese was kind enough to get our herds restarted, but he does not have the horses to spare.”

“And the weapons?” inquired Alex.

“Many of our lads are poor farmers,” replied the baron. “Some are fisherman. They will fight with rakes and hoes if need be, but I sure could use some swords and shields.”

“We will see what we can come up with,” promised Alex, “but you might want to think about letting the citizens use bows. If you can train them quick enough, it will allow your soldiers to take the brunt of the battle.”

“Aye,” nodded the baron. “That is good advice and we shall take it. Let my people prepare what passes for a feast in Southland these days. We can discuss strategy through the night.”