The Last Heroes Before Judgement (16 page)

Zelsa slapped him for thinking about asking me to breed for the state. Luckily, everyone at the table had turned red, so I was not nervously laughing alone.

“Right, we’re finished here boy-o.”

“Thank you for the sample son. Stay safe out there, I may have further need of you.”

“Yes sir. Thank you my lord, my lady.”

Walking away from them allowed me to take a deep sigh of relief. And, opening up a chair at their table, Major Talon moved in on the source of liquor. Major Swiftblade rolled his eyes around just as hard as I did, and we leaned on the fence posts like odd twins. The wind blew strong one last time and turned the rain to a light drizzle. I nearly fell over, hugging my body that was strangely low on blood. Just as the town folk all stopped to look up and thank the gods, Lent the Bard clambered out onto his balcony and stole their attention.

“‘Twas a dark day indeed when the Emperor realized his mistake.

From a decade of training at the gates of hell itself, the prodigal son returns triumphant!

The Queen sends her furies forth from the other world and brings balance to the great scale.

Let today be that day, when you give thanks to the gods for this one shining ray of hope.

May you ever remember a world free of the Swillian Empire.”

“Bully!”

Most of the people on the street gave him a strange look. I was pulled down to kneel out of their view. Major Talon pulled the Bloodaxe out of his seat and threw his hand in the air for all the confused passersby. Then, many more dropped to their knees as well.

“Bully!”

“Long live the Queen!”

“Bully!”

“By the gods, it’s Prince Belutgrava!”

“Long live the Queen!”

Once enough people realized who was standing on the deck of the Bully, the chant went out louder and further. The street flooded with those who had missed the scene and wanted a better view. The cheers rang out from all over, and the boys worked the door harder than ever.

“The Prince returns to his favorite bardery, swears a vengeance for the Half-an-Assassin, memorial tonight at midnight. Bids you help him raise funds for the family left behind. Don’t disappoint the fallen prince, come to Bully for the Bard today.”

“The Bloodaxe wakes from his hallowed slumber! Emperor shakes in his booties, diverts entire invasion fleet to Nepori instead! Only the Bully offers hope in dark times. Chocks running low, buy yours now! Reserving seats for tomorrow’s show, don’t get left out!”

Major Swiftblade enjoyed the show and it made a great excuse for us to get back on the road. Doctor Prinn was brought to tears by the display, so, he demanded a tribute from every lord that passed. Many girls screamed with glee and Senjay offered to take them off his hands. Poor Major Bloodaxe was not ready for the whole city to cheer his name like he was their only hope. Though his face turned as red as his hair, he raised his fists and roared for them before we left- earning him more cat calls than any harlot. Even the lost souls on Beggar’s Lane bowed and refused to ask for offerings.

The street died at the official city wall. Just before that was a massive above ground water pipe with a metal catwalk. The guards reached out to him from the wall, and, all the way up Beggar’s Pass, citizens climbed on their roofs to show their support. I was glad to see, for the first time since the schoolhouse, the people celebrated a man for his deeds- not his coin. Major Bloodaxe was the truest embodiment of honor and the people believed in him. The whole squad was filled with pride. We waved back to the people as if they were cheering for us all.

The water pipe followed the wall to the peak of the mountain. With Major Bloodaxe leading, I studied the bolt firing posts. There were rooms cut into the city wall down on our level every hundred paces. I had missed the tiny openings in the storm. In the light, it became clear that the town guards could destroy anything on the high road without any fear of return fire. My neck was feeling better as the storm kept passing, but, I still had to turn my whole torso for a better view of the mostly unmanned firing posts.

“Hey watch it.”

“That round don’t count!”

I stumbled into a serious game of dice between a crew of slummers with an Ulfbar accent. The others had all turned at the last stair. I needed only follow the line of beggars to find my way. I was polite, yet it still felt rude to push through them as if I were more important. The street sign showed we were at the dead end of Lantos Lane- Beggar’s Pass being a common name. The building they had erected in place of a through street was another of their famed bold examples of architecture. I immediately recognized the three main domes as aligning with the three mothers of the north- earth, water, and fire. They had even cleared the canopy above so that they could be seen at night. The massive central dome sat on top of the rest and glowed in the small rays of daylight. The guards showed wealth as well, with silver swirls offering massive frames. There were no designs crafted into their plate armor, a way of sharing it across the shifts in such dire times. One of the guards even smelled like a woman. I could see her squinting from within her helm, preparing to engage me as a threat, before I smiled and saluted her.

Once inside the courtyard, I was glad to see my tardiness did not hold up the others.

“Well, I already got my mission brief, so…”

Major Bloodaxe held out his hand to Major Swiftblade and they half shook with half an embrace. They slammed their free hands down on each other’s backs hard enough to clap loudly.

“You have fun out there Monster Hunter. Die with honor and all that mess.”

“Carolus, you’re all grown up now. Don’t let your anger destroy you.”

“It’s not me you gotta worry about.”

They turned to find Major Talon was already listening. The Bloodaxe smiled deeply, and opened his arms wide to wrap her in a frightening bear hug. The front door opened from the front dome and Bratley sent me a salute of familiarity.

“Good luck Lazarus.”

He looked at me sideways, trying not to quake in fear on his way inside.

“They’re just little people Senjay. You aren’t scared are you?”

“No, however…”

He looked around the expansive, yet mostly empty courtyard. The few Lantos on the perimeter benches were elderly couples drinking tea. The ones that weren’t busy trying to listen to us were glaring over at the pair of Majors chatting about their favorite memories from the times they had shared in prison. Senjay pulled me in close and whispered.

“I’m afraid, dear boy, they don’t pay out for the training cycle.”

“Ha! You got me all worked up.”

“No, I’m all worked up. And now I want to be payed up.”

“But, training was all fun and then scrubbing some gear. Those powders are not cheap, especially with the enhanced brew we were given. Add to that our hilts and armor…”

“Well, you might not need gold where you’re headed, but I overheard the Lady speaking about the undercover mission in Gator Town.”

“Where in the world is that? There are no Gators north of the Rahara International Causeway. Is that what the White Coal call Guuwa?”

“Exactly mate. We’re headed into contested territories. Not fair to send me down there without enough coin to bet on the fights. There’s nothing else to do in those swamps.”

“Did you, perhaps, you know, hear anything else?”

“Oh yes. There’s only one reason for the Lantos to hire a Monster Hunter. Man-eaters out west. The tribes say we owe them protection, and the Lantos agree.”

“What? Are you- you’re joking.”

“You know, wolf-kin, wild-men, cannibals and monsters. While I’m thinking on it, I reckon this will be the last time we ever see you alive.”

“Yea, it will be better for Kru to go to some harlot who lives in town.”

“Calm down mate, I’m only joking.”

Senjay spread his arms wide like the Bloodaxe. We stood there looking around and watched the light play in and out as the storm tried to choose whether to keep it up or go home. Before the gods could come to a decision, the door opened by the sheer force of laughter. Lazarus popped out smiling from underneath his head wrap and ran to us.

“I’ve got to go and get the dogs no one bought. There was nothing I could do about Kru.”

“That’s fine, just be safe out there. Don’t let this be the last time we’re all three together.”

“We’ll be fine as long as you don’t go jumping off anymore cliffs.”

“Right then lads, I’ll see you at the dragon’s lair. Dibs on the princess.”

“Ah, be careful what you say about her, she’s already on the council.”

“A real live princess? Oooooh.”

Major Talon slapped his head with the back of her hand, and shooed him onward.

“Don’t you embarrass me boy. Let’s make this quick.”

Lazarus stayed as long as he could. He clapped my shoulder and kept his goodbye comfortably short. Major Swiftblade had his hand on his mask with his eyes closed. I wished I could have had the patience to clear my mind like he did. I just stretched in place and watched the town’s people scurrying about the shadows, hiding from the gusts of wind and rain. As far as I knew, we would be sent to some odd posting where the Lantos had previously decided an enemy of the Union may attempt to invade. The duty of a Commando is simple. Send out some sort of signal, likely a messenger bird, and engage the force for as long as one can. I pictured Major Bloodaxe rushing straight into the bulk of them and attempting to break their spirits. Major Swiftblade struck me as more the type to engage in guerilla tactics.

Senjay flew out from the doorway trying to hide his wide smile with Major Talon cursing him through her teeth. Bratley’s face was bright red and he wiped a tear from his eye as he waved us in. Senjay tackled me one last time and excitedly used me as a shield to soak up Major Talon’s attacks. He shook my neck bad and I was helpless to stop her with one arm.

“Wherever you go Matthius, remember to have fun.”

“Die with honor Senjay. But, I mean, only if you have to.”

He winked and ran to catch the Lady Bertrada, stomping away down Lantos Lane.

“Come little one. Everyone’s very excited to meet you.”

“Oh, are they now? Sir Bratley, any advice?”

“Same I always give, don’t lie. But then, you’ve got one of our hilts, so you couldn’t if you tried.”

“What do I have to cover up? I’m not begging for a loan to lose in a game of dice.”

“Quiet boy, they’re ready for us.”

Bratley closed and locked the front door. He then passed through the bottom half of the door in front of us. We stood there in the darkness for a moment and my nose was again struck by the smell of strange oils emanating from the Drakkah gauntlets. That’s when I realized what had been bothering me so badly. They were sending me out to the wild without a weapon of my own.

A heavy bolt slammed into place within the door behind me and then again from within the door in front of Major Swiftblade. He did not fill up with fear and anxiety as I did. In the time it took me to draw a long calming breath, both halves of the door opened as a whole.

“Oh, just locking it in place.”

“Hush! Mouth shut, head down.”

“Ah, Monster Hunter. Come in, come in. There he is, my favorite tall.”

Major Swiftblade walked around to the left to stand before the man whom was speaking. Bratley held up his little hand to keep me waiting while he quietly shut the door. The balcony at the front of the room was so high that I could only see one member of the council. The spot where I was standing was uncomfortably close to another door on my right. The first of five columns that lined the dome was just to my left and I almost leaned on it before remembering my position. Behind the columns waited a row of benches. The far side of the dome looked the same, however, those bench seats showed much less wear from having undergone much less use.

If the Commandoes had not taken me in, I would have entered the dome with the rest of the beggar’s. I wondered what it was about me that had convinced them to hire me on. My body looked stronger standing at attention anyway, and I wanted to show I was a good investment for the union’s military-government. When Major Swiftblade flicked his eyes at me, I accidentally smiled, and quickly averted my gaze.

The dome had several openings on the roof above the balcony and they were covered with a white crystal that enhanced the weak sunlight as it entered. The lady Lantos I could actually see revealed much about the council’s power. Though every member of the council surely had a golden hilt implant, they also wore hilted crowns. A chalice like hilt was molded into the very front and rear of each crown. The bands were made of bright white gold but the hilts were made of pure soul glass. They were blacker than a cave at midnight and stole the light as it passed by. They were certainly buffed to a high sheen, but, refused to allow any light to reflect off their surfaces. Legends tell of the volcanoes erupting Soul Glass by accident, as the underKing uses the material for the windows in his palace. Between the hilts and the soul glass, the Lantos had found their precious balance- between our Earth and the underworld.

“Yes sir, I believe so.”

“I trust your judgement Monster Hunter, but, we must be sure.”

“I understand. Matthius, report.”

I hustled to about two paces in front of Major Swiftblade. There was little room between the balcony seats and where he stood. I saluted like Lazarus would and it was returned.

“You will testify before the Lantos High Council in regards to all the crimes in which you were involved. You will answer any and all questions honestly. And you have the right to face your accuser. I warn you, contain yourself in here.”

“Yes sir. I understand and I will.”

He dropped his salute and took my spot by Bratley. I walked forward and turned to them, trying not to smile. I was not sure of whether to salute, and only one man returned the gesture.

“Esteemed members of the Highest Council, I am Cadet Matthius.”

“Hello Matthius, I am Caliya.”

“Well met, ma’am.”

The young girl sat on the far left of the five Lantos. She was darker and taller than the rest, with the long knotted locks as the women of Zonya. The man to her immediate right- the only one to return the salute- spoke next. The two other men seemed intent on whispering amongst themselves and to the notaries behind them. They wore the only beards in the room, which were even tipped with the red hairs of a Viking.

“I am Kane, King of New Lantya. UNF Logistical Operations Division, General First Class, Commanding. We will speak plainly without any further formalities. There are many secrets to uncover in that young mind. Are you willing to submit to testing son?”

“Of any kind sir.”

“Excellent, the process is always smoother when they go willingly.”

“Indeed sir, a feat of strength is my specialty if,-”

They interrupted with a heavy laughter. I did not understand until I followed the king’s wave to the rear of the room. There was another crystal in the ceiling above a single pedestal the size of a Lantos. A switch was thrown as I approached exposing the crystal to direct sunlight. I increased my pace and slid from trying to stop abruptly. With my hilt in the light- I immediately felt a whole foot taller. It was unprofessional but I ignored them momentarily to roll my neck about until it returned to proper working order.

“Sorry, just…unf…muh…argh…one moment…ack… Did you hear that pop?”

“Quite the display Father. I see why Prinn wanted a specimen for his own.”

“Are you finished boy?”

“Yes sir, I apologize.”

“Very well. Please remove your shield and gloves. Step completely into the light. Good, now with both hands grasp the radial tightly and don’t let go.”

Atop the pedestal was a small fountain of still water with such a high salt content that pink crystals had formed along the surface around the bowl. Inside was a gaggle of metal that aligned into that perfect whirling pattern I had begun seeing everywhere, though, only once your eyes were directly above the bowl. That same pattern was on the floor and the sun crystal itself was formed by the pattern all throughout its pure white depths. They were waiting patiently, observing my behavior with as much curiosity as I was exhibiting.

“Sorry again sir. He we are, found your radial thing and it’s already warmed up.”

“Excellent. We begin with a single question in our minds.”

“Look away boy. I will know what you know and the truth will be exposed.”

The oldest was also the angriest, further proving the Lantos were no more than men. However, given the way Kane guided the princess through my testing, I remained mindful of the way men use ancient secrets to perform modern sorcery. Even the secret of the Drakkah Monuments could be uncovered, and that of the gauntlets along with it. All together, they lifted their hands and then slowly dipped them into a bowl of their own.

A flash of white filled the room and my vision turned to a dull grey. My breath was pulled out through the pedestal. Though the water remained still, I felt it beginning to boil. Then the visions began to surface in my mind. Unlike recalling a memory for my own use, these visions were perfectly clear and accurate. Just behind my eyes I saw my life, as viewed in reverse- so did they.

“Ah yes, Doctor Prinn has more than enough samples to share.”

There was the good doctor, stroking his extravagant mustache just deep enough in my eyes to remain immune to my blinking. The fun ended early and I was suddenly reliving being hung up on a noose.

“Quite the kick! Good show Master Swiftblade.”

“Ah, this is his second offense is as many months. A note; remove Benson’s Corporal Status, effective immediately.”

“If that tall disobeys a direct order again, I will give him the mark of shame myself.”

I felt my nose pop and expected to see blood drip into the pool. I even leaned further over it to keep from contaminating the water. They had conjured my impression of the incident at Red Heart Falls.

“Just look at those reflexes. I tell you, if Lieutenant Frostborn were one of ours…”

“He was nearly killed. Lucky he payed attention to his training.”

The brightest images were enhanced by the power of the intense physical and emotional pain in which they had been imprinted. I understood the Lantos could see and hear as I had done at the time, but they felt none of the embarrassment, the breach of privacy, the public judgements, and certainly none of the physical pain they were making me relive.

“Disgusting. That Major Talon has no respect for the dead.”

“Ah, we see the reasoning here. Though, he clearly had no idea of his duty as the fallen son of Gojinus. Ashes to ashes dear.”

“Agreed. I see only much reverence for Carolus. Quite the twist of fate.”

“Speaking of which. There goes the pup.”

“Right off a cliff with no thought about pride and purpose. Nearly died for a runt.”

“I am, a runt, sir. And, He-olt…taught us to revere…life itself.”

I was shaking from the pain and still struggling to breathe. From the reactions on their faces, most men would not have been able to interject. One of the notaries even jumped to his feet to verify that it had truly been the little barbarian whom had spoken.

“Almost to the bloody mess at East Point.”

“That Lazarus is a natural, isn’t he father? I’ll bet he makes a career officer.”

“Yes, with the Bloodaxe as a mentor, the possibilities for advancement would be too obvious to overlook. Aha, these roadblocks are appearing uniformed in their construction and with greater frequency. A note; Reclaimed loot chest, spring four-zero-four, absolved for public expenditure.”

“A vote; I move to drop both counts of espionage.”

“In favor.”

“Agreed.”

“Begrudgingly so.”

Once the majority of the council had agreed that I was not guilty of spying on their union, my vision returned and I was able to peel my hands from the radial. My brow was covered with sweat and my stomach moaned for sustenance. While I caught my breath, they quietly discussed a separate issue amongst themselves. Major Swiftblade nodded and mocked a silent clap with Bratley. I was very sure of myself until the council addressed me further.

“Very well. On to the next case. You have been charged with smuggling ore from the mine in Ulfbar, as well as purposely unleashing the pox in the kingdoms of Slorrick. How do you plea?”

“What? Sir, not guilty on both counts.”

“Bratley, bring out the accuser. Let the scrolls show Priest First Class Sloan of Ulfbar Proper arrives to bear witness.”

“What could the underpriest tell you with accuracy? His word is poisoned by a deep hatred for myself and the other boys of the home. Since when are you from the north side of the high way? Have you no sense of pride?”

“So, we could not have chosen a better disciplinarian?”

The oldest Lantos, seated in the middle, shared the same expression Sloan wore as he entered through the side door. Their faces twisted into a smile of evil pleasures, and they began shouting about the nation’s pride and my proven insolence.

“There is a grave separation between disobedience and disrespect Father. This man wishes only to recuse himself by way of a scapegoat.”

“Do not speak about me girl, nor even to me. Your words mean that little.”

“Silence!”

Kane held up his hand in a very kingly way and all the shouting ceased abruptly.

“Are you willing to be tested again son?”

“Father please, he is barely able to stand.”

“Willing and able sire. I have nothing to hide from the council.”

“Very well, you may proceed.”

I was not prepared for another round of that pain, but, I met Sloan’s gaze, and grabbed the radial without fear. In my weakened state, the Lantos could exercise much more control and I could not even so much as focus on catching my breath. A painful ringing filled my ears as we sped past the initiation ceremony. My head jolted and they viewed the dead woods of Ulfbar south.

“Time and again, these talls prove they have no honor.”

“Here is evidence of the first lie. He told the Tonney- over a hundred pound.”

“Sir, it-agh.”

They were struck harder by my ability to resist again, but the king prompted me to finish.

“Would’ve been…a hundred thirty…before I left.”

“Liar.”

“Liar.”

“I am leading this review. No matter what the Warden says, it’s your report that showed a stockpile of thirty pound. Boy, think to the mine. Focus on the tunnel in which you buried your escape fund. Feel the floor beneath you- there! That is at least one hundred pound.”

The room went ominously quiet. The memory they had conjured was still displaying itself in reverse and they caught Nikolas and I sharing a drink with the priest Harold. We had agreed to take him with us, and he would certainly be made to suffer after having been caught.

“So, the Cyclops moved the rest sir. That speaks only on the skill of those that searched for the hidden bounty. Surely it can still be found in its new location and we will renew the search post haste.”

“Wait. Do not move Priest. My Father has given you no such orders to flee now you’ve been caught in your lie.”

“Hold your tongue girl. You are the little princess of no land.”

“No man speaks to my daughter this way! No man, big or small! None!”

I wanted to laugh at Sloan, but my knees were shaking and my eyes burned with a sweat that carried the extra salt that I had smeared across my own brow. Major Swiftblade raised half his nose while squinting that eye, and I had seen that face before. Bratley confirmed my suspicions.

“Yes, he does stink of fear, doesn’t he?”

Priest Sloan chose to ignore Bratley- a most telling reaction. They left me no time at all to ponder his role in the theft before peeling back my mind to the extent of their power. The bowl was nearly filled with my own vomit as my stomach felt months of starvation in a matter of moments. But then, we had reached the moment of interest. The entire council had their eyes closed in focus. They heard Sloan threaten to whip Leiza next, and I dropped to my knees. Over and over, they forced me to relive the final strike of the whip- a Niner tipped with talons. The gash cut through to the bone, and the crowd of lords cheered for more. My legs went limp from the shock as they tried to decipher what was happening before and after the incident. It was all too clear to me, only Kane and Caliya could see in colors. I was finished, dangling and limp on the whipping post. Sheriff Wellings grabbed Leiza’s arm, and the world turned to red. The chain snapped from my power, I was on Sloan, and he would never walk without a limp again.