The Contention (17 page)

Garret had hit the ground, taking Horace’s warning to heart, and watched as the explosion unleashed the unholy white fireballs towards his companions, sparing only himself. He witnessed as all three of his fellow knights were struck, and though he knew his enemy to be defeated too, it was the horsemen who had had the victory this night. Garret’s heart shriveled as anger and pain began to flood through him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he knew hope was lost. His plans here had been foiled; his hopes of saving the kingdom destroyed. He could not expect to win a battle with so few blessed warriors remaining. He could not even hope to finish digging the trench alone. All was lost.

Chapter 9

A Hot Meal

Sara stood within the hallway of the uppermost floor of the mages’ tower in Valdadore. Behind her was the chamber that she had been given while in service to Judilanthaliz, the head of the gray-robed guardian mages. He was dead now, having fallen in the battle with the black horde. This place was the closest thing to home she and Seth currently had. It had been some time since she and Seth were able to relax and enjoy each other’s company, and she more than anyone understood the great burden Seth bore upon his shoulders. Sara could see it weighing upon him; she knew he needed to pace himself, rest, and unburden his mind by speaking about that which troubled him. She also already knew a great way to help him unwind, and so stood within the vacant hallway completely naked. Not a single inch of her body was concealed by clothes as Seth topped the staircase. Giving a knowing smile as his eyes danced across her, Seth appraised her appreciatively and came to join her, his manly hunger growing with every step.

Sara waited expectantly watching Seth, her own anticipation growing as the man she loved neared. As she became more aroused, simply watching him approach her like a predator, she felt a hunger of her own begin to grow. Unwilling to repeat that particular experience, Sara struggled to suppress the need to feed upon flesh but barely succeeded as Seth snatched her unnaturally light body clean off the floor and pulled her into his arms. Kissing passionately and clinging to each other, both worked to remove Seth’s armor and clothing. Within moments Seth, like his lover, was unrobed, and though Sara tried to coax him into her room, Seth had other ideas entirely. Clasping Sara to his body, Seth spun to place his back against the wall. Sliding his hands down her back to grasp her thighs just below her firm bottom, Seth lifted Sara, sliding her body up his own. Wrapping her legs around her husband, Sara gasped slightly as Seth lowered her, his manhood penetrating her more deeply than she could ever recall.

Half an hour later, as the morning sun crested the walls of Valdadore, Seth and Sara lay panting upon the stone floor of the mages tower, each of their bodies glistening as sweat beaded upon their flesh. Together they curled into one another, entangling their limbs, kissing and caressing the other’s body, each of them enjoying the other’s attention fully. Having both been starved of this for too long, they remained this way for more than two hours, before Seth made as if to rise.

“Have you something better to do than me?” Sara asked with a smirk.

“Better no, but important none the less,” Seth replied, sounding disappointed.

“I know you have a lot going on,” Sara stated, a worried tone in her voice. “But it seems as if more than your responsibilities are weighing on you. I think you should rest before going back to your duties.”

“I would if I could, my love,” he replied. “But the truth is, with so much life within me, I no longer feel the need nor the desire to sleep. In truth, even if I needed to, I doubt I could at present. Garret is relying on me, his plans rely on me, and the kingdom relies upon me. I must be sure that I get everything perfect. I have to master every detail, test all of my theories, and even when every task is complete, I will continue to prepare as best as I am able. I feel as if there is something I am overlooking, something of import that I need to discover, something right under my nose, yet it remains hidden from me.”

“What do you mean?” Sara asked.

“I can’t be certain,” Seth responded. “I feel that, with all that I am discovering about my abilities, I have overlooked something vital. I hope I discover what that is before it is too late.”

“You will,” Sara said encouragingly. “If anyone can figure it out, it is my amazing husband.”

“Thank you, my love,” Seth smiled. “So what are your plans today in my absence?”

“I am going to practice what I learned last night, catch something to eat, and eagerly await seeing my husband again,” Sara replied with a grin.

Sharing one last embrace, each of them taking solace in the moment, Seth forced himself to relinquish his grasp on the woman he loved more than life itself. Without another word, Seth turned and left the hallway, to climb once again down the immense stone staircase. He had given orders to the battle mages to lend a hand in the creating of arms and armor, and by now those orders were being carried out. Seth intended to see the process for himself, and confirm if it did indeed speed up productivity like he hoped. Time was of the essence, Seth thought, as he reached the bottom of the tower. But before he could even step outside Seth felt a familiar presence. Assuring himself he looked beyond with his vision of the gods to find Sara’s sworn bodyguard, Captain Jonas, the great brown werewolf, standing just outside the mages tower.

“G’morning Jonas,” Seth greeted the werewolf. “Have I missed much?”

“No, my prince,” Jonas replied. “Orders are being carried out as you desired, though I should like to note a few things the men have discovered.”

“Carry on, Jonas,” Seth ordered.

“Our men headed west to harry King Sigrant’s forces have picked up on the scent of blood, and a lot of it, but it is not on their actual route. Would you like them to investigate?”

“Where is the scent coming from?” Seth asked.

“The north west,” Jonas replied. “It is being carried upon the wind, but the men do not believe it to be far from their current location, perhaps a couple hours.”

“Investigate with all haste,” Seth decreed, wondering what could possibly bleed enough to carry a scent that far on the wind. “Anything else, Jonas?”

“Borrik and those he leads have split into three groups, one heading south, another east, and yet another heads north. Borrik wanted me to relay to you that upon his return, he wishes his master to be ready for the beasts he will be bringing will not be easy to subdue,” Jonas answered.

“Very well, and what of our sentries?”

“They are spaced every couple of miles, easily within communication range,” Jonas answered, sending out subliminal orders to the main pack for them to follow the scent of blood. Within moments the order went down the chain of sentries, and came back. “Even now your troops turn northward to discover the source of the blood.”

“Good, Jonas,” Seth replied, happy something was working correctly. “Today you will be at my side. Keep me updated. There is much to do.”

Without so much as a nod, Jonas turned and became one with Seth’s shadow. When Seth moved, he moved. When his master stopped, so did he. Jonas was a superb soldier. He followed orders to the letter without question. He was disciplined beyond measure. In fact, Seth mused, the only reason the man had not been a Knight of Valdadore as a human was his lack of ability to control magic.

That was it! Seth knew now what it was he needed to discover, and discover it he would, just as soon as his other duties were seen to.

*****

Zorbin awoke early to break camp and found Linaya already awake. He had seen the way human males drooled over the woman, and he had to admit that even for a human she was oddly attractive, but not near enough to tempt him. Give her a larger chest, and a belly to sit her chest upon, and then perhaps she would be worth a little drool, but as she was...no chance. She seemed a nice enough girl, though she did not talk much, and this made Zorbin curious. Today he would try and discover what kept her tongue entrapped.

“G’morning, Lady Linaya,” Zorbin smiled, rolling up his sleeping mat.

“And good morning to you, Lord Zorbin,” Linaya replied sweeping her hair from her eyes.

“Did you sleep well?” asked the dwarf.

“Not at all. Adjusting to sleeping at night has proved difficult.”

“Tis a shame,” Zorbin responded. “A young lass like yerself needs rest, especially on such a rigorous journey.”

“You think me pampered?” she questioned, one eyebrow rising slightly.

“That’s not what I meant,” Zorbin replied quickly, thinking he may have pushed the wrong button. “I was just meanin’ that something seems to be eating at you, and if your soul is going to be weary, than your body should be strong.”

“Strong, weary, it makes no difference,” Linaya stated, sounding somewhat annoyed.

“What do ye mean?” Zorbin asked, checking the straps on Zanth’s armor. The great dire wolf had kept watch this night, and so had remained in his armor.

“Do you not remember our orders?” Linaya asked, but continued without awaiting a response. “We go to beg for assistance from a nation who sent none only a few weeks ago, and are not to return unless it is with aid. It is a fool’s errand, one designed to send us away to safety as those we love fight for survival. I hate it and want to turn round and go back, but I can’t because I promised.”

“Aye, I agree,” Zorbin replied in earnest. “It is unlikely that any fruit will be borne of this task, but it remains important that we should go.”

“Why?” Linaya questioned, a bit harshly.

“If we go, and the old gray beard says no, then we have lost nothing but time. If we do not go, and the graybeard would have said yes, then we have lost an ally. Better to ask and be refused than not to ask at all,” Zorbin replied. “Besides, orders is orders. If Garret tells me to sail to the moon upon a cloud, I’ll think him mad, but I will still try to do as he commanded.”

“To the moon upon a cloud, huh?” Linaya asked. “Did you just make that up, or have you been saving that one, thinking it clever?” she jested.

“Perhaps you would prefer riding a squirrel into the netherworld?” Zorbin joked in return. He was happy her mood had already lifted. She had simply needed to share what had been bothering her, and now she knew she was not alone in thinking the mission a lost cause.

Together Linaya and Zorbin packed up their few belongings before eating a hasty meal and riding off on their mounts into the morning. They spoke frequently throughout the day, Linaya asking of dwarven history and customs, and Zorbin enquiring about life growing up in the castle. Oddly, they formed an easy friendship, and Linaya was not surprised that Garret thought so highly of the dwarf. He seemed a kind and loyal friend, something every man needed, especially the king.

*****

Borrik raced eastward from the city of Valdadore. It had taken him only moments to decide upon a course of action. His mission was fairly straightforward. Collect beasts that had attributes he wanted; ones that would make him a better warrior. He had pondered the possibilities and come to a simple conclusion. He had seen those blessed by the gods upon the battlefield when fighting the black horde, and knew that in order to best such warriors, he would need to be their equal or better. He wanted their speed, their strength, their size, and more. Borrik soon thought of what he could bring to his master for such attributes, and giving his orders, split his contingent of werewolf soldiers into halves. Connor Falion, once a farmer, led his party to the south. They were to collect wolves, deer, bats and, if possible, several of the thick-bodied, tough-skinned trolls that lived south of Valdadore. The second party, headed north, was led by Captain Corbin, once a grizzled army veteran, but now renewed with strength and vigor. His mission was to collect the great cave bears of the north, the large-horned rams that lived near the mountains, and, should the opportunity arise, any large birds of prey he might encounter.

Borrik himself raced east with one single target in mind. He sought a beast both vicious and cunning, and it would not easily be caged. However, it was also a beast that was unwilling to give up a chase, and for that Borrik did not need men or a cage; he just needed to keep it angry enough to follow him. Something within Borrik had changed since being bitten by Sara, for now he, like she, was faster, lighter, and more agile. With this alteration, he could make the trip easily in a couple days, and he hoped to lead his sacrifice back to the city within a week. Sniffing the air as he ran, the large gray alpha werewolf raced on, churning up soil with every step, wondering if his most recent alteration came with as dark a sacrifice as his last one. He could not help himself but to recall an image of a young woman screaming beneath him as he forced himself upon her. Brushing the image aside, a shiver ran down Borrik’s spine and he redoubled his speed in an attempt to clear his mind through physical exertion.

*****

Sara wandered the top floor of the mage’s tower, avoiding rooms with windows as best as she was able. She drew the curtains of those she could reach without too much trouble, blocking out the sun’s harmful rays. Though some might think it improper or rude, an idea presented itself to Sara that she found rather intriguing. Skipping down the hallway like a schoolgirl might, Sara came to the door of what had once been Jud’s personal chambers. Sara had never actually been in the man’s chamber, and she could not help but wonder what an old half-breed mage might keep within his personal space. She imagined jars with creatures floating in them, vials of potions, scrolls with spells, and dust, lots of dust. Testing the knob, Sara was surprised to find the room unsecured. Pushing the door open, she let it swing wide to reveal nothing that she had expected at all. In fact the room appeared the exact opposite of special. Mundane was a kind word for what Sara saw, but none the less she ventured into the room in hopes of discovering something exciting.