The power of destiny the.., p.9
The Power of Destiny (The Force of Magic Book 3), page 9
"It sounds terrifying."
Marda gave him a nod and then a wink. "That's exactly the response many people were reported to have. According to the legends, magic was seen as wild, rampaging through the land like a river outside its banks. There were those who feared it and those who wanted to control it. Such is always the case with things people don't understand. Perhaps Perin and you have experienced a similar response as you traveled about?"
Trace thought back to his experiences as people saw what they could do. It's true. Not everyone looks upon our magic the same way.
"Yes, but not all. Our friends see this as a gift. They're grateful for what we can do."
Marda smiled at him and continued. "That's right. You found those you were meant to. In the first age, men and women of like mind banded together, finding each other and uniting behind a common purpose. If possible, they would put a dam on the flow of magic throughout the land. Most didn't understand what they meant to attempt and by the time they did, it was too late. This group used magic against itself and bound up all the magic of the realm into one place and then locked it away for good. They called this the Source."
As Trace considered her words and tried to understand, he took another sip of his tea. Finally, he asked, "But if magic was everywhere, how could they do that? What happened to all the magical creatures?"
"Now you start to understand. The world at that time was dependent on magic. Plants grew with its aid. The people used it to build things and make things. And the majestic creatures then, both angels and monsters alike, needed it to live. As to how they did it, that was a secret. We know they succeeded. A dark age followed as grass withered and the flowers fell. The magnificent beasts and magical creatures couldn't survive and, within a lifetime, all were gone. For a time, it seemed all would fade away with the loss of magic. But slowly, those who lived on learned another way. They learned to build and grow by the sweat of their brows and the will of their minds."
"And that's the world we live in now? The magic we have isn't really magic, just concoctions of man?"
Marda reached and touched his hand. "Yes, for the magic I have and what the Guild has, that is true, but what you have is different. The Elixir of Life is from the First Age. That's why Karven was so obsessed with it. Somehow, it came from the Source and Karven wanted to use it to tap into that first magic, the real magic that once lived in the land. What Perin and you can do is from another time, another place. The Elixir of Life awakened magic within the two of you, the magic of the First Age."
Trace pulled back from her, looking at his hand and flexing the muscles there. He stood and walked over to the fire, looking deep into the embers glowing. Trace turned back to find Marda's bright eyes staring at him with a look of compassion. They looked ancient, as if they might have seen the things she told him about.
"So magic was really gone until now? Until Karven started experimenting with the Elixir again?"
"Perhaps not completely, but for the greater part, yes."
"Why are you telling me all this, Marda? What do you want me to do?"
"You need to find Perin and help her find the Source. With that, she can help magic live again, and bring freedom to the land."
Chapter twenty-four
Truth and Beauty
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
The Book of Psalms 15:2
Trace
"But wouldn't the return of magic be dangerous? From all that you told me and what I know, a world where everyone has magic would be a worse place to live."
Marda took her spoon and balanced it on her fingertip. It wobbled somewhat precariously, as if it might fall at any moment, and then finally steadied.
"In the first age, magic was out of control. Those who used it were often led by passion and unfettered emotions. They wanted something. They used magic to take it. Thus, if your magic was great enough, you rose up in the world, using and abusing those who had less. This was not right. It was a perversion of the magic." Marda pushed down on one side of the spoon. It teetered for just a moment and then fell to the table with a clatter.
She grabbed up the spoon and balanced it again. As she looked up into his eyes, she continued her tale.
"Some thought the answer was the elimination of all magic. When they looked at the world and considered the problems of the first age, their solution was to lock all magic away. They acted to cut it off like damming a stream. In doing this, they created a different world, but not necessarily a better one. Evil still existed, and the balance shifted in the other direction, but they went too far." This time she pushed on the other side of the spoon, causing it to slip the other way off of her finger and fall.
Trace picked up the spoon and held it back out to Marda. "So a world with magic out of control wasn't safe, and a world with no magic has other problems. What's the solution?"
Marda took the spoon and placed it back on her finger. This time she reached across the table and took some dried petals from a bowl sitting there. They were of various sizes, shapes, and colors. As she touched them, Trace could smell a hint of their fragrance spreading in the air. He watched in fascination as Marda selected one petal after another and placed them on opposite sides of the spoon. Some in the bowl of the spoon and others on the thick handle. Each time, the spoon would first dip to one side, but as soon as she placed the next one on the opposite side, it would come back into balance.
When she'd placed five on each side, she started stacking the petals on top of one another. Trace was sure it would all fall down soon. It didn't seem possible that none of the pieces slipped from their place. Finally, Marda placed a final petal on each side, leaving matching structures on both, and a perfectly balanced spoon still resting on one finger.
"Magic, in its purest form, is a thing of beauty, but it must be balanced with truth. When truth and beauty are brought together, the world is right and whole. Art, beauty and creation can be used for ill, but that is not what they exist for. They are to show the world for what it really is. The true self of creation. You see that in what the magic did to Perin and you. It made you more, but in accordance with your true natures. That is what magic is meant to be."
Marda slowly lowered the spoon to the table and without dropping a single petal, slid her finger out so that the spoon rested on the flat of the table in front of them.
"In the first age, those who were good and right and true abandoned magic to those who were not. This is why it became a realm of chaos. Truth must stand against injustice. Those whose hearts are pure must not despise that which is beautiful, whether it be art or magic. They must not abandon it to the perverse and powerful. Perin must bring magic back again and it will be people like you and her who will make certain that there is truth and beauty."
Trace let out a long sigh and Marda looked over at him and gave a tired grin.
"I don't know, Marda. Why didn't you tell us all this before? I don't have any idea where Perin is. Where this Source is. I'm not even sure I understand what you're talking about. I think I'd prefer just to go home to my farm. To my mom. Isn't there truth and beauty in that?"
"In its season, the time for that will come. The rest comes after the labors. This is always the way. The temptation for good men to step aside and let someone else deal with trouble is always there, but part of what makes them good is the willingness to help, despite such a temptation. You know what the right thing to do is."
"I do, but I've no idea how to do it."
Marda stood and, without asking, poured more tea into each of their cups. She took the top petal off of each side of the spoon and crushed it into their teacups. "Tonight, you'll rest here in peace. In the morning, your path will be clearer. It's a path you know from before. You must hike through the mountains again to Olmsheld. Perin will meet you there and that is where you will find the Source of the Elixir of Life."
"You mean to tell me we were already there where we needed to go?"
Marda chuckled and pushed the tea across the table to him, "If you hadn't passed through Olmsheld when you didn't need to be there, you wouldn't know to go now that the time is right. Your path may seem winding without purpose, but you followed it to the right destination. All has happened as it was meant to be. When last you were here, I had some doubts. I'm thankful they turned out to be wrong."
"You're saying all of it…Riverbend, Olmsheld, the Wilderness of Thorns, Serta, even the end at Darkholm Keep is the way it was meant to play out?"
Marda took his hand. "Drink your tea, Trace. Perin and you needed to learn. You needed to grow. Just look at the friends you've made and what has already happened. Despite the turn of affairs at Darkholm Keep, Karven and the Overlord's grasp on this world has never been so loose. You've done very well."
Trace finally took a sip of the hot tea. The flower petal she'd crushed into it gave it a sweeter taste. He'd soon drained it to the bottom. With each sip, his limbs and eyes felt heavier, like someone was piling a new soft blanket on top of him. When he finished, he could hardly keep his eyes open.
"Rest well, great one. Tomorrow will be a better, brighter day."
Chapter twenty-five
Riverbend
Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,
and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.
The Book of Isaiah 8:12
Sanj
On the second day, Sanj found their trail. At least he thought it was their trail. He was certain Jan and Lolly were headed towards Riverbend and Sanj traveled towards the closest passage across the Nahra River he knew of. It led him south, away from his destination at first, but he thought that was the way they would travel.
After crossing the river, Sanj found a fresh campsite he was sure belonged to them. He'd feared Dominion soldiers might guard the bridge, but in their haste to surround the Keep, they'd not left anyone behind.
If I travel all day, I should be at Riverbend by evening. I doubt I can catch Jan and Lolly, but we should be able to find each other.
With nothing but his thoughts to keep him company, Sanj recalled meeting Perin and Trace those many weeks ago. Since that time, they'd become some of his best friends and it was hard to think that he'd lost them.
Whatever that was with Perin, she seemed to think it was okay. The vines took her away. Probably to Lana. Could they take her all the way to the Wilderness of Thorns? I hated to leave Trace and the others, but there wasn't anything I could do against an army. If we can get help, maybe then we can come back.
Marching with purpose first through the forest and then across the farmland south of town, Sanj made good time. There was still light left when Riverbend came into sight. The River Festival was long since passed, but the gate was as busy as he'd ever seen it. He'd passed a steady flow of farmers and tradesmen pulling their carts and carrying their wares away from the city, but there were still more people gathered around the gate.
"Sanj, is that you?"
The voice caught him off guard. Sanj's hood was pulled down, and he'd expected to enter the city without being noticed. His hand fell to his sword as he turned to see who called his name. A smiling face he remembered from long ago met him. It was a youthful face, but Sanj knew that was deceiving.
"Shaw, it's been a long time. I didn't expect to see you here."
Like Sanj, Shaw served as a scout and a spy for the Fringe. They'd worked together many times, but last Sanj heard, Shaw was working in the capital. Shaw wore a grey cloak pulled tight around him, but the hood was back, revealing his shaggy black hair. Though he looked only a few years older than Sanj, he knew the man was almost twice his age.
Shaw moved quickly to grasp Sanj's hand and made a gesture for them to continue into the city.
"I've been waiting on the lookout for anyone coming this way since your friends arrived earlier today."
"They made it safely? I'm glad. But what are you doing here?"
"Let's get off the street and then I'll tell you all."
Shaw led him down the main street for a block and then turned to the side. Even the side streets were abustle with activity. Sanj recognized where they were going right away. He'd spent months in Riverbend before Perin and Trace stumbled into his life. Soon, they were moving down the familiar alley and up to the hidden back door. A quick rap and they were in.
"Sanj! You made it!" Lolly almost knocked him over with a hug as he entered the room. It was full of people, both known and new. Jan and Lolly were both there, as well as Ayna. He counted five others that weren't familiar.
It's times like this when I miss Tantem the most.
Jan offered his hand when Lolly finally let him go. "I'm grateful anyone made it out of there. Before we knew it, the woods and the plains were filled with soldiers. We snuck away and counted ourselves lucky to escape. What happened?"
Sanj shook his hand, and Ayna came forward to offer a gentle squeeze on his shoulder. "It's good to see you again," she said.
As Shaw came up beside him, he nodded to Sanj. "Let's get him some food and drink and we can all settle down to hear his tale. Sanj, you probably don't know everyone here."
They moved to where chairs were scattered around the fireplace and everyone found a seat except for Ayna and one of the men he didn't know. Everyone was looking at Sanj expectedly, but Shaw took the lead.
"We traveled from Dontain just a few days ago. These men and women are a part of the Fringe there." He pointed to each of them in turn, calling out their names. "This is Carth, Veveth, Puntah and Warren. That's Reso in the kitchen with Ayna. You may be wondering why we've traveled here. Before you get started, let me just say that we came here to try to find Tantem. The Overlord's reign will soon end and we have news we needed to share. What happened to Tantem?"
"When last I saw Yola and him, they were prisoners of Brant. I was fortunate to get away, but as far as I know, the others in our party were all captured." Sanj continued his tale, telling them of Tantem's plan and the raid on Darkholm Keep. He omitted Perin and Trace's magic, but told them everything he knew about Pariah and the state of the Keep as he fled.
"I suppose Jan and Lolly already told you about what happened in Serta and the Wilderness of Thorns?"
"Yes, those were good tidings, but now to receive news such as this. Do you think they're still alive?" Shaw asked.
"I can only hope. They were all alive when I escaped."
Ayna handed him a drink and asked, "What of the others? Do you think anyone else could've escaped?"
Sanj sipped the wine as he considered how to respond, looking into the eyes of the others.
Shaw seems to trust his friends, but caution is always warranted.
"I believe Perin made it out through the hole in the outer wall before the army surrounded us, but I don't know what became of her. Most likely, Trace was captured as well. As for Pariah, he was still free the last I saw."
Shaw stood and moved to stand beside the fireplace before turning back to face the room. "While this is a setback for our cause, things are changing. Perhaps for the better. You say that Darkholm Keep has fallen. In Dontain, the future of the Dominion lies in doubt. You may have seen yourself, but the streets of Riverbend are filled with people and there's no sign of the Dominion. The moment feels ripe for the Fringe to rise and take advantage. I'd hoped to discuss these things with Tantem, but here we are."
Jan spoke up, "Do you think we can try to rescue Tantem?"
Shaw considered the question, but then gestured to Sanj, "What do you think?"
Chapter twenty-six
Towards Dontain
Look, I know what you’re thinking.
I know the schemes you plot against me.
The Book of Job 21:27
Karven
"We'll make Dontain tomorrow. I need to know where we stand."
After traveling all the previous day, Karven's party was camped at the edge of the forest. Tomorrow, they would enter the capital. Jeroen's death meant Karven was traveling in blind. He had Tantem brought before him in his tent to see if he could help.
Tantem looked better now that he'd been allowed to wash the blood off his face. Still, his countenance was far from friendly. His hands remained bound with shackles as he rested on the floor of the tent in front of the magic user. "What do you mean, Karven? What are your intentions?"
"That depends on what we find on our arrival. The Overlord commanded me to bring the Elixir of Life. He's ready to try it, no matter the risk."
This caused Tantem to grin. "Won't he be disappointed when he learns the truth?"
Karven returned his grin with a sinister smile of his own, but did not respond. He wanted Tantem to see it for himself in his thoughts.
"What? No! You had more?" Tantem asked.
"You don't stay alive as long as I have without planning for things to go wrong occasionally. Whatever you hoped to accomplish with your attack on my home, there will be nothing of lasting value. I left a regiment behind to clean up your mess, and the rest of the troops travel with us to Dontain, including a score of my personal guard. We'll be ready for what we find there, with or without your help, but you might find it to your advantage to cooperate."
"What of my friends? I didn't see any other prisoners traveling with us and there's nothing in your thoughts about them."
"My thoughts seldom stray to things of such little importance. That traitorous magic user is finally dead, and I assume any others perished in the collapse of the buildings."
"And the woman, Yola?"
"Though she seemed more trouble than she's probably worth, I left her to the soldiers at Darkholm Keep. I'm sure they'll make good use of her as they go about their work."
Just then, Brant entered the tent. "What's this company you're keeping, Karven? Are you ready for me to dispose of this traitor yet?"
Marda gave him a nod and then a wink. "That's exactly the response many people were reported to have. According to the legends, magic was seen as wild, rampaging through the land like a river outside its banks. There were those who feared it and those who wanted to control it. Such is always the case with things people don't understand. Perhaps Perin and you have experienced a similar response as you traveled about?"
Trace thought back to his experiences as people saw what they could do. It's true. Not everyone looks upon our magic the same way.
"Yes, but not all. Our friends see this as a gift. They're grateful for what we can do."
Marda smiled at him and continued. "That's right. You found those you were meant to. In the first age, men and women of like mind banded together, finding each other and uniting behind a common purpose. If possible, they would put a dam on the flow of magic throughout the land. Most didn't understand what they meant to attempt and by the time they did, it was too late. This group used magic against itself and bound up all the magic of the realm into one place and then locked it away for good. They called this the Source."
As Trace considered her words and tried to understand, he took another sip of his tea. Finally, he asked, "But if magic was everywhere, how could they do that? What happened to all the magical creatures?"
"Now you start to understand. The world at that time was dependent on magic. Plants grew with its aid. The people used it to build things and make things. And the majestic creatures then, both angels and monsters alike, needed it to live. As to how they did it, that was a secret. We know they succeeded. A dark age followed as grass withered and the flowers fell. The magnificent beasts and magical creatures couldn't survive and, within a lifetime, all were gone. For a time, it seemed all would fade away with the loss of magic. But slowly, those who lived on learned another way. They learned to build and grow by the sweat of their brows and the will of their minds."
"And that's the world we live in now? The magic we have isn't really magic, just concoctions of man?"
Marda reached and touched his hand. "Yes, for the magic I have and what the Guild has, that is true, but what you have is different. The Elixir of Life is from the First Age. That's why Karven was so obsessed with it. Somehow, it came from the Source and Karven wanted to use it to tap into that first magic, the real magic that once lived in the land. What Perin and you can do is from another time, another place. The Elixir of Life awakened magic within the two of you, the magic of the First Age."
Trace pulled back from her, looking at his hand and flexing the muscles there. He stood and walked over to the fire, looking deep into the embers glowing. Trace turned back to find Marda's bright eyes staring at him with a look of compassion. They looked ancient, as if they might have seen the things she told him about.
"So magic was really gone until now? Until Karven started experimenting with the Elixir again?"
"Perhaps not completely, but for the greater part, yes."
"Why are you telling me all this, Marda? What do you want me to do?"
"You need to find Perin and help her find the Source. With that, she can help magic live again, and bring freedom to the land."
Chapter twenty-four
Truth and Beauty
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
The Book of Psalms 15:2
Trace
"But wouldn't the return of magic be dangerous? From all that you told me and what I know, a world where everyone has magic would be a worse place to live."
Marda took her spoon and balanced it on her fingertip. It wobbled somewhat precariously, as if it might fall at any moment, and then finally steadied.
"In the first age, magic was out of control. Those who used it were often led by passion and unfettered emotions. They wanted something. They used magic to take it. Thus, if your magic was great enough, you rose up in the world, using and abusing those who had less. This was not right. It was a perversion of the magic." Marda pushed down on one side of the spoon. It teetered for just a moment and then fell to the table with a clatter.
She grabbed up the spoon and balanced it again. As she looked up into his eyes, she continued her tale.
"Some thought the answer was the elimination of all magic. When they looked at the world and considered the problems of the first age, their solution was to lock all magic away. They acted to cut it off like damming a stream. In doing this, they created a different world, but not necessarily a better one. Evil still existed, and the balance shifted in the other direction, but they went too far." This time she pushed on the other side of the spoon, causing it to slip the other way off of her finger and fall.
Trace picked up the spoon and held it back out to Marda. "So a world with magic out of control wasn't safe, and a world with no magic has other problems. What's the solution?"
Marda took the spoon and placed it back on her finger. This time she reached across the table and took some dried petals from a bowl sitting there. They were of various sizes, shapes, and colors. As she touched them, Trace could smell a hint of their fragrance spreading in the air. He watched in fascination as Marda selected one petal after another and placed them on opposite sides of the spoon. Some in the bowl of the spoon and others on the thick handle. Each time, the spoon would first dip to one side, but as soon as she placed the next one on the opposite side, it would come back into balance.
When she'd placed five on each side, she started stacking the petals on top of one another. Trace was sure it would all fall down soon. It didn't seem possible that none of the pieces slipped from their place. Finally, Marda placed a final petal on each side, leaving matching structures on both, and a perfectly balanced spoon still resting on one finger.
"Magic, in its purest form, is a thing of beauty, but it must be balanced with truth. When truth and beauty are brought together, the world is right and whole. Art, beauty and creation can be used for ill, but that is not what they exist for. They are to show the world for what it really is. The true self of creation. You see that in what the magic did to Perin and you. It made you more, but in accordance with your true natures. That is what magic is meant to be."
Marda slowly lowered the spoon to the table and without dropping a single petal, slid her finger out so that the spoon rested on the flat of the table in front of them.
"In the first age, those who were good and right and true abandoned magic to those who were not. This is why it became a realm of chaos. Truth must stand against injustice. Those whose hearts are pure must not despise that which is beautiful, whether it be art or magic. They must not abandon it to the perverse and powerful. Perin must bring magic back again and it will be people like you and her who will make certain that there is truth and beauty."
Trace let out a long sigh and Marda looked over at him and gave a tired grin.
"I don't know, Marda. Why didn't you tell us all this before? I don't have any idea where Perin is. Where this Source is. I'm not even sure I understand what you're talking about. I think I'd prefer just to go home to my farm. To my mom. Isn't there truth and beauty in that?"
"In its season, the time for that will come. The rest comes after the labors. This is always the way. The temptation for good men to step aside and let someone else deal with trouble is always there, but part of what makes them good is the willingness to help, despite such a temptation. You know what the right thing to do is."
"I do, but I've no idea how to do it."
Marda stood and, without asking, poured more tea into each of their cups. She took the top petal off of each side of the spoon and crushed it into their teacups. "Tonight, you'll rest here in peace. In the morning, your path will be clearer. It's a path you know from before. You must hike through the mountains again to Olmsheld. Perin will meet you there and that is where you will find the Source of the Elixir of Life."
"You mean to tell me we were already there where we needed to go?"
Marda chuckled and pushed the tea across the table to him, "If you hadn't passed through Olmsheld when you didn't need to be there, you wouldn't know to go now that the time is right. Your path may seem winding without purpose, but you followed it to the right destination. All has happened as it was meant to be. When last you were here, I had some doubts. I'm thankful they turned out to be wrong."
"You're saying all of it…Riverbend, Olmsheld, the Wilderness of Thorns, Serta, even the end at Darkholm Keep is the way it was meant to play out?"
Marda took his hand. "Drink your tea, Trace. Perin and you needed to learn. You needed to grow. Just look at the friends you've made and what has already happened. Despite the turn of affairs at Darkholm Keep, Karven and the Overlord's grasp on this world has never been so loose. You've done very well."
Trace finally took a sip of the hot tea. The flower petal she'd crushed into it gave it a sweeter taste. He'd soon drained it to the bottom. With each sip, his limbs and eyes felt heavier, like someone was piling a new soft blanket on top of him. When he finished, he could hardly keep his eyes open.
"Rest well, great one. Tomorrow will be a better, brighter day."
Chapter twenty-five
Riverbend
Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,
and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.
The Book of Isaiah 8:12
Sanj
On the second day, Sanj found their trail. At least he thought it was their trail. He was certain Jan and Lolly were headed towards Riverbend and Sanj traveled towards the closest passage across the Nahra River he knew of. It led him south, away from his destination at first, but he thought that was the way they would travel.
After crossing the river, Sanj found a fresh campsite he was sure belonged to them. He'd feared Dominion soldiers might guard the bridge, but in their haste to surround the Keep, they'd not left anyone behind.
If I travel all day, I should be at Riverbend by evening. I doubt I can catch Jan and Lolly, but we should be able to find each other.
With nothing but his thoughts to keep him company, Sanj recalled meeting Perin and Trace those many weeks ago. Since that time, they'd become some of his best friends and it was hard to think that he'd lost them.
Whatever that was with Perin, she seemed to think it was okay. The vines took her away. Probably to Lana. Could they take her all the way to the Wilderness of Thorns? I hated to leave Trace and the others, but there wasn't anything I could do against an army. If we can get help, maybe then we can come back.
Marching with purpose first through the forest and then across the farmland south of town, Sanj made good time. There was still light left when Riverbend came into sight. The River Festival was long since passed, but the gate was as busy as he'd ever seen it. He'd passed a steady flow of farmers and tradesmen pulling their carts and carrying their wares away from the city, but there were still more people gathered around the gate.
"Sanj, is that you?"
The voice caught him off guard. Sanj's hood was pulled down, and he'd expected to enter the city without being noticed. His hand fell to his sword as he turned to see who called his name. A smiling face he remembered from long ago met him. It was a youthful face, but Sanj knew that was deceiving.
"Shaw, it's been a long time. I didn't expect to see you here."
Like Sanj, Shaw served as a scout and a spy for the Fringe. They'd worked together many times, but last Sanj heard, Shaw was working in the capital. Shaw wore a grey cloak pulled tight around him, but the hood was back, revealing his shaggy black hair. Though he looked only a few years older than Sanj, he knew the man was almost twice his age.
Shaw moved quickly to grasp Sanj's hand and made a gesture for them to continue into the city.
"I've been waiting on the lookout for anyone coming this way since your friends arrived earlier today."
"They made it safely? I'm glad. But what are you doing here?"
"Let's get off the street and then I'll tell you all."
Shaw led him down the main street for a block and then turned to the side. Even the side streets were abustle with activity. Sanj recognized where they were going right away. He'd spent months in Riverbend before Perin and Trace stumbled into his life. Soon, they were moving down the familiar alley and up to the hidden back door. A quick rap and they were in.
"Sanj! You made it!" Lolly almost knocked him over with a hug as he entered the room. It was full of people, both known and new. Jan and Lolly were both there, as well as Ayna. He counted five others that weren't familiar.
It's times like this when I miss Tantem the most.
Jan offered his hand when Lolly finally let him go. "I'm grateful anyone made it out of there. Before we knew it, the woods and the plains were filled with soldiers. We snuck away and counted ourselves lucky to escape. What happened?"
Sanj shook his hand, and Ayna came forward to offer a gentle squeeze on his shoulder. "It's good to see you again," she said.
As Shaw came up beside him, he nodded to Sanj. "Let's get him some food and drink and we can all settle down to hear his tale. Sanj, you probably don't know everyone here."
They moved to where chairs were scattered around the fireplace and everyone found a seat except for Ayna and one of the men he didn't know. Everyone was looking at Sanj expectedly, but Shaw took the lead.
"We traveled from Dontain just a few days ago. These men and women are a part of the Fringe there." He pointed to each of them in turn, calling out their names. "This is Carth, Veveth, Puntah and Warren. That's Reso in the kitchen with Ayna. You may be wondering why we've traveled here. Before you get started, let me just say that we came here to try to find Tantem. The Overlord's reign will soon end and we have news we needed to share. What happened to Tantem?"
"When last I saw Yola and him, they were prisoners of Brant. I was fortunate to get away, but as far as I know, the others in our party were all captured." Sanj continued his tale, telling them of Tantem's plan and the raid on Darkholm Keep. He omitted Perin and Trace's magic, but told them everything he knew about Pariah and the state of the Keep as he fled.
"I suppose Jan and Lolly already told you about what happened in Serta and the Wilderness of Thorns?"
"Yes, those were good tidings, but now to receive news such as this. Do you think they're still alive?" Shaw asked.
"I can only hope. They were all alive when I escaped."
Ayna handed him a drink and asked, "What of the others? Do you think anyone else could've escaped?"
Sanj sipped the wine as he considered how to respond, looking into the eyes of the others.
Shaw seems to trust his friends, but caution is always warranted.
"I believe Perin made it out through the hole in the outer wall before the army surrounded us, but I don't know what became of her. Most likely, Trace was captured as well. As for Pariah, he was still free the last I saw."
Shaw stood and moved to stand beside the fireplace before turning back to face the room. "While this is a setback for our cause, things are changing. Perhaps for the better. You say that Darkholm Keep has fallen. In Dontain, the future of the Dominion lies in doubt. You may have seen yourself, but the streets of Riverbend are filled with people and there's no sign of the Dominion. The moment feels ripe for the Fringe to rise and take advantage. I'd hoped to discuss these things with Tantem, but here we are."
Jan spoke up, "Do you think we can try to rescue Tantem?"
Shaw considered the question, but then gestured to Sanj, "What do you think?"
Chapter twenty-six
Towards Dontain
Look, I know what you’re thinking.
I know the schemes you plot against me.
The Book of Job 21:27
Karven
"We'll make Dontain tomorrow. I need to know where we stand."
After traveling all the previous day, Karven's party was camped at the edge of the forest. Tomorrow, they would enter the capital. Jeroen's death meant Karven was traveling in blind. He had Tantem brought before him in his tent to see if he could help.
Tantem looked better now that he'd been allowed to wash the blood off his face. Still, his countenance was far from friendly. His hands remained bound with shackles as he rested on the floor of the tent in front of the magic user. "What do you mean, Karven? What are your intentions?"
"That depends on what we find on our arrival. The Overlord commanded me to bring the Elixir of Life. He's ready to try it, no matter the risk."
This caused Tantem to grin. "Won't he be disappointed when he learns the truth?"
Karven returned his grin with a sinister smile of his own, but did not respond. He wanted Tantem to see it for himself in his thoughts.
"What? No! You had more?" Tantem asked.
"You don't stay alive as long as I have without planning for things to go wrong occasionally. Whatever you hoped to accomplish with your attack on my home, there will be nothing of lasting value. I left a regiment behind to clean up your mess, and the rest of the troops travel with us to Dontain, including a score of my personal guard. We'll be ready for what we find there, with or without your help, but you might find it to your advantage to cooperate."
"What of my friends? I didn't see any other prisoners traveling with us and there's nothing in your thoughts about them."
"My thoughts seldom stray to things of such little importance. That traitorous magic user is finally dead, and I assume any others perished in the collapse of the buildings."
"And the woman, Yola?"
"Though she seemed more trouble than she's probably worth, I left her to the soldiers at Darkholm Keep. I'm sure they'll make good use of her as they go about their work."
Just then, Brant entered the tent. "What's this company you're keeping, Karven? Are you ready for me to dispose of this traitor yet?"
