Randey groaned. He hurt all over. Blinking, he was aware of dim light, but he was still trying to get his bearings. The last thing he remembered was the ground falling out from beneath him, and the cries of himself and his companions as they dropped. It seemed they had tumbled for a fair distance on a relatively smooth slope. Thudding against one another, weapons and armor clanging, they had finally come to a stop here. Wherever “here” was. The low light revealed details reluctantly, and he had yet to identify the source, but it appeared they were in a small stone chamber. It smelled stale and somewhat fetid. To his dismay, he thought he could just make out what appeared to be a jumbled pile of bones against the wall to the right. That did not bode well. A moan to his left told him Kale lay there. His leg felt pinned, and he glanced down to see the dim form of Owin lying across it. The young Knight stirred, slowly moving off of Randey’s leg, saying, “What happened?” A deeper groan e
Gerth was angry. It was not an uncommon state of mind for a Goblin, as they were usually angry about something. What angered Gerth at this particular time was his own gnawing impatience. And a growing animosity toward their leader. The Goblin tribes had welcomed the enigmatic stranger, primarily because she had promised them power and conquest. Initial doubts had been vanquished when the magic user had demonstrated considerable talent in the Art, and promised that such powerful magic would be used to aid the Goblins in their invasion. So the tribes had eagerly cooperated when the first assaults had been ordered. Some among the tribal elders had been wary; they were still outnumbered by the humans, and the Grenyaar had always proved to be a formidable foe. Which was why they had decided to attack their Hall, in the hope of defeating as many as possible and killing their leader. It would have been demoralizing to the Black Knights, as well as a boost to the tribes’ efforts. That had go
Sira Torila urged her mount to greater speed. Casting a glance over her shoulder, she was dismayed to see that her pursuers were gaining on her. A grunt of desperate frustration escaped her lips as she scanned the area ahead for any possible avenue of escape. She was far yet from the Haedral Valley, and the open land she traversed lay in the shadow of the ominous crags of the Ramash Mountains looming behind her. That high, western range was the largest in the realm, and much of it unexplored due to the harshness of the landscape. It was known, however, to be home to most of the Goblin tribes that plagued the land. Torila felt her anxiety rising as it became clear there were no hiding places, no alternate routes she could take to elude those in pursuit. But she had to! The information she had was vital, and the First Commander had to receive it. She gritted her teeth, leaning low in her saddle as she raced toward the still-distant mouth of the valley. The foothills seemed infinitely f
“Acheya.” Acheya recognized the Raamija’s voice immediately, though she couldn’t imagine why she would have come to her. The Master Sorceress had only visited this place once before, and that had been shortly after their arrival in these rugged mountains. Acheya had the impression that the Raamija had a genuine disdain for the caves. It mattered not, that was her business. Acheya was more than content to do her work without constant supervision. Up until now, she had no reason to doubt that her efforts had been anything less than effective. So why was Sapha visiting her now? Straightening in her chair, she said, “I am here, Raamija.” Sapha stepped quietly into the rough-hewn room to stand across from the desk. The glowing crystals that illuminated the space were not of the brightest variety; Acheya’s work called for her to work in dim places, and she kept her own space less bright as well. Even in the dim light, Sapha was imposing. Her bearing was enough to reveal supreme confidenc
Sapha narrowed her eyes. “What is it you are telling me, Zalikhe?” The younger Alva’himar felt the intensity of the Raamija’s gaze. It was nothing she hadn’t felt before. As a primary advisor to the powerful Sorceress, Zalikhe had spent many hours being scrutinized by it. She sensed Sapha’s impatience, but dismissed it. She admired the woman, but she also knew that if push came to shove, she had a fair chance of displacing her as Raamija. Fortunately for Sapha, Zalikhe’s ambitions lay only in the pursuit of her chosen specialty. She was very adept at reading the patterns in the seeming chaos of Dark Magic, and the effect they had on events and individuals. Some called it prophecy, which she supposed was to some degree accurate, but it was more than that. And more elusive as well. Nothing was ever straightforward when it came to Dark Magic. She met Sapha’s gaze calmly. “I am saying that there are still gaps in the pattern. I cannot foresee victory as an absolute. And there are many v
“Master Kolton?” Kolton looked up from the blade he was polishing. “Yes, Sir Kale?” “I’m concerned about Sir Randey.” The Blade Master nodded. “I understand. And your concern for your fellow Knight is admirable.” “Thank you, Master, but what can we do to help him?” Kolton examined the Khortaal he held, watching the light glint from the polished metal. Satisfied, he slid it back into its sheath. He looked up at Kale. “Nothing.” Kale frowned. “Nothing?” Kolton nodded. “Surely, Master, there is something we can do,” said Kale, his voice growing hard. Kolton sighed. He truly did understand what young Kale was feeling, and his desire to help his friend. However, Kolton had the advantage of age and experience. He’d seen more than a few young Knights have to deal with that which Sir Randey was now wrestling. The feelings of guilt and loss, grief and anger; they were all perfectly normal and expected. How he dealt with them would ultimately show his character both as a man and a Blac
Kamryn was walking from Ciara’s laborium, across the lawn toward the Citadel proper when she saw the rider appear at the entry through the low fence. At first she was surprised, for the rider was garbed as a Grenyaar. It took only a moment for her to realize that the visitor was in fact a woman. Despite her short hair, her features were soft and pleasant. She passed through the entry casually, which also reaffirmed her gender. There were mystical safeguards in place that would have assailed her had she been a man. She stepped over to greet the new arrival. “Greetings, Knight!” she said, with a reverent bow. “I am Kamryn. How may I serve you?” “I am Sira Andreya. I wish to see the Maajira. It is urgent.” As it was only mid-afternoon Kamryn saw no problem with that. She urged Andreya to dismount, calling over one of the girls from the stables to take care of her horse. She then escorted the Knight into the Citadel. Andreya looked around with interest as they passed through the large
Ghaeron roared in frustration. Nayara, gliding at his side, glanced at him in understanding. She was feeling frustrated as well. They were sweeping above the Ramash Mountains, for the fourth time trying to locate the stronghold of the Alva’himar. It should have been simple, given that Dragons have excellent geographical recall, in addition to their mystical instincts. Ghaeron had been sure of the location when he’d glimpsed the dark structure, but every time he and his sister flew low across that region of the mountains it was as if they had never been there before. Nothing was familiar, and they could have been over any part of the range for all their senses told them. They had even made a few passes while flaming, but nothing was revealed beyond scorched trees, earth, and rock. The Guardians knew that Dark Magic was at work. The fortress was there. Of that they were certain. But so long as their instincts and mystical senses were being confounded, it had become an exercise in futi