Prophecy of Swords, page 28
"But a life-leech?"
"One even bore him a son."
"Vaurgar?" Shadowhelm asked.
Taryn nodded. "He's more demon than Eltar."
Shadowhelm sheathed his sword. "Let's leave this cursed place," he said. "I’m weary of this. It's time for me to claim Hagalaz."
###
The sun was low on the western horizon when they approached Thalarmor on the second day after their encounter with the life-leech. Shadowhelm stared at the great granite walls of the city as they approached. Having only been inside the Sehduk's Keep, Shadowhelm was amazed at the overall size of the fortress. Ten Caer Sithars could have filled that huge fortress. Its dark towers and spires loomed over the surrounding land. Shadowhelm could see that it was originally built on a high bluff from surrounding stone, but the city had grown over time to encompass much of the surrounding land. Outside its walls, fields filled with winter wheat tended by slaves stretched for miles.
As they rode towards Thalarmor, Shadowhelm noticed that the slaves paused to glance at him as they rode by. They were bent over, weakened by long hours of brutal work and the lash. Taskmasters walked between the shackled slaves, cutting the whip into those perceived to not be working as hard as they could be. Bodies in various states of decay lined the ditches. The stench of death was overpowering. Most slaves were Ansgaror Shara'kai – few were Eleion.
Eleion don't have the stamina to survive these brutal conditions. Many Eleion died here along with the Shara'kai and Ansgar.
Shadowhelm watched as a small cart wound its way through the fields. The slaves would pick up the fallen bodies and toss them haphazardly on the cart. He glanced at Taryn, whose expression was a mask. If the sight sickened the Eltar, he had learned along ago to hide his emotions.
As a free-lancer, Shadowhelm had heard of Thalarmor and had learned to keep away from there. Allarun seldom used free-lancers and when he did, they were poorly cared for and seldom survived. But seeing the city firsthand was a different experience. The sight resolved him to end Allarun's rule.
"Lachlan or no Lachlan," Shadowhelm whispered. "I will end this."
A trace smile flitted across Taryn's lips, but his expression was grim. "There are many who have made such a vow and failed."
Shadowhelm met the Eltar'sgaze. "But they do not wield Eihwaz."
They rode to the gate and the massive drawbridge swung down over the fetid moat. Once inside the city, Shadowhelm had a chance to look on its denizens. He had never seen so many Eltarbefore – most looking not much better than the slaves that served them. The buildings within were a little better than huts – most were sod or dilapidated wooden structures. Their clothing were a little more than rags and most looked sickly.
Taryn nodded, noting Shadowhelm's dismayed expression. "The only way they escape this squalid existence is to serve the Dark Lord's army."
"One form of slavery for another," Shadowhelm murmured. "By the gods, Taryn, these are his own people."
"Evil begets evil," Taryn said softly.
The Shara'kainodded.
Chapter Fifty-Two
On their arrival, Taryn handed Shadowhelm over to the guards of Sehduk's Keep. They dragged Shadowhelm from his horse and threw him into a cell. Shadowhelm found himself once more in the lower dungeons, but he was conscious enough to note the layout and potential escape routes. As soon as he was alone, he removed the binders around his wrists and ankles with a hidden key Taryn furnished and once more set about opening the latch.
This time, Shadowhelm had stowed a sharp hook that Taryn had given him. He slipped the hook down to the bar and easily opened the door. Moving quickly, he waited first for the guard to pass and then closed the door, bolting the empty room.
The plan was quite simple. Shadowhelm and Taryn had discussed it many times before reaching Thalarmor. Shadowhelm would escape and meet up with Taryn on the upper levels. Taryn would have Eihwaz ready and then Shadowhelm would search out both Ni'yah and Allarun. Shadowhelm knew that he would have to take Hagalaz, then, if he could, he would kill Allarun.
Shadowhelm liked simple plans. Less went wrong with them.
Shadowhelm made his way carefully through the darkened corridors. He was almost to the stairs when he heard voices. He slid back into the shadows and listened.
"A wolf?" spoke one guard. "Why would Allarun keep a wolf?"
"It’s a magic creature," the second guard said. "It's twice the size of a normal wolf. Vaurgar trapped it. Some say it’s a god."
The other Eltarlaughed. "A god? There are no gods save Areyn Sehduk."
Shadowhelm's brow furrowed in consternation. Ni'yah? he thought. So, it is true – Allarun dares to imprison a god.
Stay with the plan, the voice advised. You like simple plans, remember?
Shadowhelm grinned. He slid forward, keeping to the darkness where possible, although he knew that the Eltarcould see well in the dark. He made his way to the predetermined rendezvous point and saw that Taryn was waiting. The healer thrust the sword-belt with Eihwazinto Shadowhelm's hands. The sword's power filled the Shara'kaionce more.
Taryn watched in amazement as the Shara'kai'sfeatures grew more determined and his eyes held a power that seemed to burn within. "I had heard of these swords, but I scarcely believed the legends. Now I know that they are true. If you are not the Lachlan, Shadowhelm, then there is no such creature alive."
Shadowhelm shrugged. "Perhaps, but I’m one Swordwielder out of many."
"Or perhaps you are the One. Let's go," Taryn said, leading Shadowhelm through the halls. "The Sword of Destiny, Hagalaz, is in the throne room when Allarun does not wield it…"
"Did you find out where Allarun chained Ni'yah?"
"The wolf is also chained in Allarun's throne room. Conveniently." Taryn paused. "Are you certain you want to go through with this? It feels like a trap."
"Trap or not – I must take the sword and free Ni'yah," Shadowhelm said. "I owe him my life many times over."
"Allarun may be there," Taryn mused. "You may not survive this."
"And I may kill Allarun," Shadowhelm said. "Much is uncertain – even for one with the Sight. But I must take Hagalaz. The Lachlan said first Hagalaz, then Uruz."
"Friend," said Taryn. "I barely believed in the Lachlan, until I saw you grip that sword. I believe you have power enough to kill Allarun."
"Perhaps. Each time I grip Eihwaz, I find that a part of me changes. Such is the power of the swords. Patience, my friend." He paused. "Allarun suspects much already. Take your warriors and leave Thalarmor now – Allarun may already know of your disloyalty. Romarin will welcome you on Darkling Plain."
Taryn looked as though he might argue, but then resigned himself. "Very well."
###
"How could you fail?" Allarun roared. He stood beside the dark throne, his eyes glowing red with anger as he stared at his son.
Vaurgar stood before Allarun, his face devoid of emotion. He met the Dark Lord's gaze without flinching, letting Allarun vent his anger. The Dark Lord was stronger now, more determined, since the Eltarhad seen him last. Perhaps it was ridding himself from the cursed life-leech or capturing the wolf that energized him – it did not matter. Allarun was as he had been in days when he had fought and killed Lachlan.
The wolf lay chained to the great throne. Although he appeared asleep, Ni'yah was awake. His yellow eyes were only half-shut as he listened to the dark voices.
"You had sixty thousand troops – to be bested by eight thousand Eleion," Allarun said, his voice becoming menacing and soft. "And you let Romarin defeat you?"
A silence ensued. "Romarin has control of the dragons," Vaurgar said. "Or had you not noticed that the fireworms no longer heed your command?"
"I noticed – just as I noticed that neither the Shara'kai nor Eihwazare lost to the River Carnon," Allarun remarked. He drew Hagalaz and ran a finger along the Sword's sharp edge, drawing blood. "In fact, he is here."
"Here?" Vaurgar repeated. "In Sehduk's Keep?"
"Yes. That traitor, Taryn, has brought the Shara'kai to Thalarmor." He paused, letting the words sink in. “Yes, even among your hand-picked soldiers, there are traitors. It is unwise for you to trust anyone – even those who have served you faithfully. Even the closest may betray you. Taryn brought him in as a prisoner, but has since released him.”
“Then I must capture him again,” Vaurgar said.
"Don't bother – the Shara'kaiwill come to us."
"To us?" Vaurgar said curiously.
"To me," Allarun said. With lightning speed, Allarun slashed Hagalazacross Vaurgar's face, catching the tip of the blade across Vaurgar’s right cheek. Vaurgar drew back, but met his sire's gaze unyielding as blood trickled down his face. "Next time, you will lose your head," Allarun replied. "Go and ready the troops. I will deal with the Shara'kai."
###
Shadowhelm followed Taryn as far as the Eltardared to travel through the Keep. At last, Taryn stopped and met Shadowhelm's steady gaze.
"The doors to Allarun's throne room are beyond this next hall," said Taryn. "I can’t go with you."
Shadowhelm nodded. "I understand. Go now, before it’s too late." He paused. "Seek Romarin and our troops. Romarin will welcome you once you tell him that his brother sent you. He will understand."
"Thank you," said Taryn. "And may Rhyn'athel protect you." The Eltarturned and left.
Shadowhelm drew Eihwaz, letting the sword's power strengthen his resolve. You know this is a trap, the voice said as he walked towards the throne room.
"I know," he whispered. "But I must do what I must."
The door to the throne room was wrought of darkened iron. Shadowhelm kicked the door open and charged into the room, brandishing Eihwaz. None met his challenge.
The throne room was empty, save for the wolf that lay chained to the empty throne on the black onyx floor. Shadowhelm paused and looked from side to side, expecting resistance. There was none. "Ni'yah?" he asked, but the wolf did not answer. Instead, it lay dumbly by and watched him. Shadowhelm stepped forward, uncertain to his next actions. "Ni'yah," he whispered.
"He cannot speak, Shara'kai," a voice said.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Shadowhelm turned and saw Allarun standing nearby, his hands gripping Hagalaz. But the Dark Lord had changed since the Shara'kaihad last seen him. The sallow appearance was gone, replaced by a strong, determined warrior in armor. It was as if Allarun had been reborn as the young warrior who had killed Lachlan almost a thousand years before.
Shadowhelm met Allarun's gaze coolly. Perhaps he had misjudged the Dark Lord as much as Allarun had misjudged him. What stood before Shadowhelm was a mirror image of himself, only darker and more sinister.
"What have you done to him?" Shadowhelm asked, glancing at the wolf.
"The same that I will do to you," Allarun smiled.
At that, Shadowhelm felt a burning sensation in his hands. He gasped in pain and nearly dropped Eihwaz. He closed his eyes and focused on the sword. The pain diminished and disappeared. He looked up to see Allarun watching him curiously.
Shadowhelm felt his temper rise. "Your paltry magic tricks won't work on me, demon spawn!" he snapped. "Do you think you could cow me so easily?"
Allarun smiled. "No, I didn’t think I could, Shara'kai." The Dark Lord walked around Shadowhelm, assessing the Shara'kai'sstrength. Shadowhelm followed him step-by-step, warily. "You’re more than meets the eye," he said. "You’re able to effectively resist my mental probes and even my power, and yet, it appears you have no apparent power. You can hear mindspeak, but cannot speak it. Your strength and speed exceeds anything Ansgar, Eleion, or Shara'kaiand yet, you’re nothing more than a mercenary warrior. You’ve slain dragons – more than once. And when I look into your eyes, I see the shadow of a man that I thought was dead. Perhaps I was hasty to believe that Romarin was the Lachlan."
Shadowhelm made no response. Allarun had some trick yet to play, but Shadowhelm was not sure what it might be.
Allarun tapped Hagalazagainst the floor. "Perhaps I was hasty," Allarun repeated to himself. He turned to Shadowhelm. "Who is your sire?"
Shadowhelm made no reply, but watched as Allarun's hands compulsively ran over the blade. He fears the Swords – even Hagalaz, his own blade. Why?
Another voice in his mind replied. Because even Hagalaz holds the key to his destruction. Lachlan forged the Sword of Disruption as well as the Sword of Defense and the Sword of Power.
Suddenly, Eihwazflew from Shadowhelm's hands and clattered to the floor next to the wolf. Allarun pointed Hagalazat Shadowhelm's throat. The Shara'kaiwinced as he felt the blade tip press against his flesh and stepped back. "Who is your sire?" Allarun demanded.
"I don’t know – I'm just a Shara'kaibastard," he replied, keeping his gaze steady.
"I see, my old enemy, you can be made to talk with the right persuasion," Allarun smirked. "Regardless, I must admit, you had me fooled. Your blood is much diminished."
Mad, Shadowhelm thought. He'll kill me because he thinks I'm the Lachlan.
Dead is dead, the voice within Shadowhelm's head agreed. Play along – you'll just antagonize Allarun if you continue to deny it. You might buy yourself some time distracting him long enough to get yourself closer to Eihwaz.
"Yes, I know, there isn't much Lochvaurblood in me," Shadowhelm spoke up. "My mother, they say, was only three quarters Eleion. As for my sire…" He shrugged.
"Rhyn'athel," Allarun spat. "Of course. A clever plan. I should’ve known." He pulled the blade away from the Shara'kai'sthroat.
"Known what?"
"Romarin was a decoy. I always thought the direct descendant of Elsonre would be the Lachlan. But, Romarin couldn't be the Lachlan, now could he? Not after losing his hand to Uruz."
"Losing his hand to Uruz?" Shadowhelm repeated puzzled.
"When you held Eihwazin the temple, you betrayed yourself," Allarun remarked. "Only the Lachlan or the first-blood of Elsonre can wield that blade. Just as only the Lachlan, my first-blood, or I can wield Hagalaz."
"What do you mean, losing his hand to Uruz?" Shadowhelm asked.
"Romarin lied to you," Allarun smirked. "Just as he lied to you about Eihwaz. Oh yes, I know what he told you – that it was Nevfaras' blade. Actually, I would’ve thought you’d have recognized the Sword for what it was when you drew it. Look at them both, Shara'kai– those blades are twins. One light; one dark. Look at the runes carved on them. Eihwaz– Hagalaz – they’re twin blades."
Shadowhelm gazed at Hagalazand wondered how he could've missed the obvious similarities. The two blades were sister blades – their style and marking were identical. Only Hagalazwas dark and Eihwazwas silver. Shadowhelm wondered what Uruzlooked like.
"Didn't you feel the power flow through you when you touched that blade? Didn’t it hold its own against Hagalaz? Didn’t it return you to the Darkling Plain? Ah, Lachlan, you were always the fool to trust those around you! Romarin knew the Sword too well. It must be painful for him to admit that a Shara'kaimercenary is the Lachlan incarnate."
He's lying, Shadowhelm thought as he shook his head as if to clear his mind of doubt. He stepped backwards again to avoid Hagalaz'sblade. Could there be truth in the demon's rantings? he wondered.
What do you believe? the voice inside his head asked.
I don't know, he replied.
"Where's Uruz?" Shadowhelm asked.
"Ask Romarin how he lost his hand," Allarun grinned evilly. "Yes. Romarin finally admitted that he knew where Uruz lay only because he was getting desperate. Romarin had hopes to still claim a sword, only he was too fearful to take Eihwazwhen you offered it to him. That gauntlet was a constant reminder of his failure – thanks to the wolf."
"Ni'yah?" Shadowhelm glanced at the wolf.
He is distracting you – focus on Hagalaz.
But is what Allarun says true?
"Your eyes betray your thoughts, old enemy. Romarin betrayed you because he can’t be what you already are. Poor Romarin – imagine being told since birth that he was the son of Rhyn'athel, destined for greatness. The Lachlan incarnate. Only to have his very essence ripped out from under him by a Shara'kai. So, you searched for the Sword, without knowing that Romarin knew where it was all the time. Pity that you trusted Romarin's friendship so deeply. You will pay once again with your life."
Shadowhelm felt a tickle on his arm. The Shara'kaiglanced down and saw the wolf touch his arm with its nose. Beside the wolf lay Eihwaz.
"Eihwaz!" Shadowhelm shouted and leapt back to avoid the swipe of Hagalazas it came crashing down. The Second Sword of Destiny leapt into Shadowhelm's hand and he parried the blow. The power of the Sword filled Shadowhelm and he yelled and charged forward, his silver eyes glowing red in anger. The next blow landed on the wolf's chains.
