Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

The Squires exchanged tense looks.

"It's understood, Shennen," Thrake said. "But know this-I will be checking on the Squires quite a bit."

"Good," said Shennen, giving a forced smile. "I would expect no less from you. And tell Jace he is not allowed in here either, if he tries to enter."

Thrake sat in silence for a moment looking almost helpless, then gave a shrug. "If you order it, I guess I have to obey. But I strongly question this and will take the issue to Taris when my guard duty has ended for the night."

Shennen nodded. "Speak to Taris all you want. I care not." His piercing gaze fell on Lannon. It seemed to hold a warning of doom that made Lannon's heart sink. "Those who question me should beware!"

Thrake thrust out his chin defiantly. "Beware of what? "

"You'll know soon enough," said Shennen, smiling at Thrake. "Sooner than you think. And the lesson will be harsh."

"Master Shennen-" Lannon started to protest.

"Silence, Squire!" Shennen interrupted, dismissing Lannon with a wave.

"Did you just threaten me?" Thrake growled.

Shennen's hand slipped down to the hilt of his Flayer. His eyes twinkled. "No, I just let you in on my thoughts. Now you know them."

"And I don't like them!" said Thrake. "There is something different about you, Shennen. I wish I knew what it was. Everyone knows you've been behaving strangely."

Shennen laughed. "Think what you will."

Thrake rose. "Maybe I'll just go and have a chat with Taris right now, so we can settle this!"

"Have at it," said Shennen, looking amused. "And Taris will do nothing. So don't bother wasting your time."

Thrake's mouth hung open in disbelief. "I can't believe the way you're behaving. All these years that I've known you…"

"Enough talk!" Shennen muttered. "Actions are all that matter, so do something or be silent!" With that, he strode out of the tent.

His face pale and his knuckles white as he clutched his axe, Thrake followed into the pouring rain, closing the tent flap behind him.

The Squires sat there in silence, dismayed and filled with dread.

The Squires slept poorly that night, wondering what Shennen was planning. Even the three Birlotes found the Blue Knight's attitude shocking. Lannon was certain Shennen hated him above all others, and he lay awake for hours wondering if a blade was going to end up buried in his throat. He wanted to speak to Taris about it, but he knew Taris would take no action due to lack of evidence.

When the light of dawn broke over the snows, the Squires were deeply relieved. But before the journey could resume, Taris called a meeting in the camp. It was another foggy day with melting snow, but the rain had stopped. The Squires assumed Taris was going to address the issue of Shennen's behavior.

But Taris chose a different topic. "We have news from the Blood Legion," he said. "Timlin Woodmaster and some of his soldiers are camped nearby. They too are on their way to Blombalk Fortress. We are in a race with them, obviously. We could do battle with them, but that would distract from our goal of investigating the attack on Blombalk. However, a messenger has informed me that they wish to duel. The losing party must remain camped here for three days, allowing the winner to gain a significant head start on the route to Blombalk."

"Then let us duel!" said Thrake, raising his axe. Cheers arose from the crowd, along with chants of Thrake's name. "How can there be any doubt that Dremlock will prevail? The advantage is ours for the taking!"

"Duels are for savages," said Trenton, scowling. "I don't know why we still allow them in this day and age. The Knights of Dremlock should not partake in this."

Taris focused on Shennen. "What is your opinion?"

"A duel is suitable," said Shennen. He didn't look at the others, and his eyes were distant. His bone-white face was expressionless.

Lannon shuddered, wondering what dark thoughts were roaming through Shennen's mind. What has those Dragon bones done to him?

"A duel is preferable to a war, Trenton," said Thrake. "Better that one person dies instead of hundreds. Or do you disagree with that?"

"This mission is one of investigation," said Trenton. "Why fight at all unless we're attacked? Let us simply proceed on to our goal."

"And what happens when we get to Blombalk?" said Thrake. "Even if the Blood Legion agrees to allow us to enter the fortress peacefully, their presence will hinder our investigation. This duel could prevent that."

"This could be a good opportunity for us," said Taris. "If we win, we would likely have Blombalk all to ourselves for a few days."

"But if we lose," said Trenton, "then the Blood Legion will get there first. It is our belief that some great power source-equal to the White Flamestone-was being kept there and studied and might still be harbored within those walls. The Divine Essence revealed this to us and we therefore must assume it is the truth. Can we risk allowing the Blood Legion to reclaim it and eventually use it against us?"

Lannon pondered Trenton's words. The Divine Essence always seemed to know what was at stake-and it was the one really giving the orders, channeling its will through its Lord Knight and its Tower Masters. The Divine Essence was truly Dremlock's king, even though few had ever seen it. Lannon thought back to his encounter with it-the glowing crystals and the overwhelming, radiant light of truth. Lannon had seen the Divine Essence as a scared, young, lonely creature-but it was also wise beyond mortals and able to rule a kingdom.

Taris was thoughtful for a moment. Then he said, "A duel would be risky, but an unhindered investigation of Blombalk is a great reward. I think it's worth the peril. If, that is, we have someone willing to risk his life in combat. Timlin wants a fighter similar to a Legion Soldier, so a Red Knight is probably the best choice."

Thrake turned and winked at the Squires. "I'll do it!"

Cheers again arose from the army of Knights, along with more chants of Thrake's name. Jerret, Lannon, and Aldreya looked uncertain. Galvia and Lothrin were impassive. Prince Vannas clapped his hands and urged Thrake on.

Shennen suddenly seemed to take interest, looking displeased. "A member of the Divine Shield should not be involved in the duel."

"Why?" Thrake said, gazing at Shennen in defiance. "We want to win, don't we? Is there a Red Knight here who can fight better than me?"

"No," said Taris, "and we can't afford to lose."

"Do what you must," said Shennen, looking disgusted.

"I demand a vote!" snarled Trenton.

"No votes on this journey," said Taris, "as you already know. I have full command of this battalion. The decision is mine alone."

"There are ways to protest this," said Trenton. "I know the Sacred Laws better than anyone."

Taris sighed. "Let it go, Trenton. This is too important."

Reluctantly, Trenton nodded.

A messenger was sent to Timlin's camp, and soon Timlin and a huge Legion Knight in black armor and a horned helm rode into the heart of Taris' camp. Timlin's magnificent white and blue armor was fitted perfectly to his lean frame, contrasting the bulky, dark form of the giant who rode next to him. The two came alone, but the Sacred Laws of Dremlock governing duels prevented the Divine Knights from taking any action against them other than welcoming them.

Timlin exuded arrogance and power. He didn't wear the Hand of Tharnin as Vorden did, but his aura left no doubt that he was in charge of the Blood Legion. The air around him seemed charged with dark energy. His hair was neatly trimmed, and he now sported a thin beard that made him look a bit older.

"Welcome back, Timlin," said Taris, with a wry smile.

"Glad to be here," said Timlin. "That is-if I get to see the blood of a Divine Knight stain the snow." His words were greeted with boos and insults from the crowd, which only seemed to amuse him.