Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

"But Blue Knights are assassins," said Lannon. "Am I expected to sneak up on people and attack them from behind?"

"Not all Blue Knights are assassins," said Taris. "Just a few of them. Shennen is one. But assassination missions are rare and reserved only for enemies who are deemed hopelessly lost to the Deep Shadow."

"Were the Dark Watchmen assassins?" asked Lannon.

"In spite of their skills," said Taris, "the Dark Watchmen did not partake in assassination missions. They were warriors who preferred to face their enemy in honorable combat. Therefore, it does not surprise me that you're opposed to such missions. But bear in mind that if an assassination is done for noble purposes in a time of war, it is not dishonorable according to the Sacred Laws."

"Nevertheless," said Lannon, "I won't be an assassin for Dremlock. I would rather leave the kingdom." Lannon didn't feel that Taris was suggesting he become an assassin, but the Squire wanted to make his intentions clear.

"Would you like some more tea, my friend?" asked Taris, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "It really is excellent tea. An old Birlote recipe."

Lannon hadn't expected that response, but he wasn't about to press the issue. Taris knew where he stood. "Yes, thank you. It is quite good."

Taris filled Lannon's cup. "At any rate, you must focus more on your training as a Blue Squire when you get the chance. Concentrate on learning to be a Knight for now, and worry about your missions later. Other than that, you're doing fine and shouldn't worry about what Shennen said."

"But Thrake almost killed me," said Lannon, his cup trembling a bit in his hands as he took a sip. "Maybe the path I'm on is a dead end."

"Don't concern yourself with it," said Taris. "The life of a Divine Knight is always dangerous. You will never truly be safe as long as you are at war with the Deep Shadow. In fact, be prepared to die in the service of your kingdom. You may die young, but to die as a Squire or Knight of Dremlock means you have lived a good life and deserve your eternal rest."

"Sorry, Master Taris," said Lannon, "but I don't find that very reassuring. I understand the truth in it, but I guess I don't feel it."

"Fear of death has no place in the heart of a Knight," said Taris. "All a Knight should be concerned with is obeying the Sacred Laws, avoiding the clutches of the Deep Shadow, and helping the people of this land have better lives. You are very privileged to be a Blue Squire at Dremlock. Few are ever called upon to serve the Divine Essence and battle the forces of darkness. Embrace that way of life with passion and vigor and without fear."

"I will do my best," said Lannon.

Taris smiled. "When I was your age, though, I too was afraid. I didn't want to die without experiencing my share of life. I wanted to get married someday and raise children. Then when I became a Squire, I wanted to survive long enough to retire from Knighthood and see my dream come to pass. But as I got older, I lost interest in that dream and came to embrace the life of a Divine Knight with true passion. If I died tonight, my spirit would have no regrets."

"Thrake has regrets," said Lannon, his mind wandering back to the haunted shade in the moonlight.

Taris nodded. "Because Thrake found a fate worse than death. It is the power of Tharnin-of that foul Dragon-that keeps his restless shade bound to this world. If you must fear anything, fear the Deep Shadow."

Having finished his tea, Lannon rose to leave.

"Eventually," said Taris, "I will tell you the full story of the Dark Watchmen. It is a bizarre and sad tale, but you might learn something from it."

Lannon bowed. "I look forward to it."

"You're a strange and stubborn lad," said Taris, grinning.

"What do you mean?" asked Lannon, taken aback by Taris' unexpected assessment of his character.

"Just what I said," Taris replied. "You're stubborn and difficult to understand. I believe your stubbornness could easily be mistaken for arrogance. Yet you don't insist on doing things your way because you think you know better. Rather, it's simply your nature to remain true to who you are, and clearly you have no desire to change. I wonder why the Divine Essence chose you."

Lannon was at a loss for words.

"Goodnight, my young friend," said Taris, still grinning.

Again, Lannon bowed. "Goodnight, Master Taris." With that, he left the tent, wondering, as Taris obviously did, why the Divine Essence had blessed him with his gift when there were plenty of warriors throughout Silverland eager for bloodshed.

The next day, Lannon did as ordered and said nothing to Jerret about his encounter with Thrake's shade. He felt guilty for keeping it a secret. Jerret remained sullen and withdrawn, speaking only when spoken to and giving brief, angry-sounding replies. Lannon was certain the news of Thrake's attempt to redeem himself from beyond the grave would improve Jerret's mood, but Lannon was bound by honor to remain silent on the issue.

It was a cold and sunny spring morning. As they rode on through the snow, they caught their first glimpse of the Firepit Mountains in the distance. They planned to ride around the western end of the mountains rather than attempt to pass through the rugged, Goblin-infested peaks. The western half of the mountains was crawling with Ogres and Trolls that were spawned by Dark Mother Trees deep in stone caverns. The Divine Knights were slowly cleaning out such breeding dens, but many areas of the Firepit range remained perilous.

Taris appointed a new member of the Divine Shield to replace Thrake-a Dwarven Red Knight named Daledus Oakfist, an overly cheerful warrior with bushy sideburns and an absurdly wide battle axe that looked too awkward for effective combat. "Daledus is young," said Taris, "but he is an extremely talented warrior and well respected. And he holds the Sacred Laws in high regard."

"I'm proud to be part of this Divine Shield!" said Daledus, grinning. "A fine bunch of Knights, Squires, and…" He gazed at Jace with a puzzled expression. "Yes, a fine bunch of Knights and Squires. I know that I can never replace Thrake Wolfaxe, but I'll do my best to protect Dremlock's future."

"Daledus is an excellent warrior," said Trenton Shadowbane, who rarely gave praise to anyone. "You Squires will be in good hands."

The Squires welcomed Daledus-with the exception of Jerret, who gave him one sullen glance and then ignored him.

"So what skills do you have?" Daledus asked, his gaze sweeping over the Squires. "What's your range? I already know what Prince Vannas and Lannon can do, but what about the rest of you? I fight close range mostly. And medium range on rare occasions." He patted some throwing daggers that hung from his belt. "I can also throw the heavy lance, but I don't carry one with me."

"Sorcery," said Aldreya, smiling. "Medium range."

"What kind of sorcery?" asked Daledus.

"Fire, mostly," she replied. "I can also shield myself, affect the weight of objects, and hide myself fairly well in the shadows."

Daledus raised his eyebrows. "Not bad at all for a Squire your age. Do you think you could use that weight trick to lift me over your head?"

Aldreya looked him up and down and then shrugged.

Daledus patted his bulging belly and laughed. "Maybe not, huh?" He fixed his gaze on Lothrin. "What about you?"

"Bow and dagger," said Lothrin. "Mostly bow. Long range, of course. Hunting, tracking, and survival-basic Ranger skills. I wear a Blue sash, but I'm really classified as an archer along with my cousin Vannas."

"Close combat," said Galvia. "I guess I'm supposed to be a Blue Squire now, but don't let my sash fool you. I'm only trained for Red."

"Is that all?" said Daledus, leaning toward her with a piercing stare. "Come on, lass, tell me everything. Brag a bit!"