Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

"The Heart of Kings?" said Trenton, glancing at Taris.

"Ah, I see," said Jace, a knowing look on his face. "That is another term for the Black Flamestone. Well, this is interesting!"

"This does not surprise me," said Taris.

"So there is a black one as well," said Trenton, looking amused. "The good one must have its evil counterpart."

"It's not actually black," said Jace. "It's dark blue and red. Of course, the Dark Blue and Red Flamestone just doesn't sound right."

"Both came from the White Guardian's heart," said Taris. "Because the White Guardian was only a child, its heart was still impure."

"Why would a child's heart hold evil?" said Daledus. "Grown men do evil in this world, not children. That makes no sense."

"The White Guardian," said Taris, "cannot be compared to a mortal child. Our god is a unique creature. Regardless, its heart contained traces of selfish evil. When the creature was shattered, the heart was split and that trace of evil became the so-called Black Flamestone. It was lost for centuries-until now. This is why the Divine Essence has given us the White Flamestone, because it knew of the threat and feared it would fall into the hands of our enemies."

"I had assumed it was a Flamestone we were after," said Trenton. "But I didn't have a clue which one. Yet somehow you knew, Taris."

"I only suspected it," said Taris.

"So where is it now?" asked Shennen, his gaze fixed on Timlin. "That is the question we need answered."

Timlin gazed back at Shennen defiantly. "And it's a good question, oh jolly assassin, but I don't have an answer."

"What happened at this fortress?" asked Taris. "Or are you not able to answer that question either?"

"That one, I can answer," said Timlin.

"Wait!" said Hoytus Shadowblood. The Dwarf's eyes flashed with anger. "Why should we tell these wretches anything, Timlin? Let them figure it out for themselves. It's bad enough that we let them in here-onto sacred Legion grounds." His meaty hand was wrapped tightly around the handle of his battle axe.

"Agreed, my brother!" Rulain Knightslayer said, slamming his fist down on the table and spilling some ale. "To cooperate with these Dremlock dogs sickens me. The Blood Legion has sunk to a new low."

"Calm yourselves," Timlin ordered. "I'm in command here, by the will of our great leader himself, unless you've forgotten. We're going to cooperate, and we're going to have the Black Flamestone returned to us. I promise you that."

"But why should we reveal our secrets?" said Hoytus.

"Because if you don't," said Taris, "then Dremlock will never cooperate with you. We can either work together peacefully, or take the more difficult path that will be costly for both of us."

"Those secrets no longer matter, Hoytus," said Ulmason Deathhand. "Let Timlin speak, for he is wise beyond his years and knows well our foes. Dremlock will learn of these things regardless."

"Shall I proceed then?" said Timlin.

The Dwarven brothers didn't reply, their faces bitter.

"The Blood Legion had possession of the Black Flamestone," said Timlin. "A portal to Tharnin was opened below this fortress for a purpose I won't reveal. But things took a turn for the worse and a creature wandered into Blombalk Fortress through the portal-a Tharnin Specter. It was too powerful to stop, and it killed nearly everyone and took possession of the Black Flamestone. Some of our Goblins were camped outside the fortress, and they survived-but where they went is not known. They were the only survivors that day."

"Your story is believable," said Trenton. "But why would the Specter have an interest in the Black Flamestone?"

"A Specter is a creature that loves precious metals and jewels," said Jace, "anything shiny and rare. It hoards such treasures away in caves and guards them fiercely. It was no doubt attracted to the Black Flamestone for that reason. It may have no idea how to actually wield the power of the gem. But a Specter has plenty of power as it is. They are nearly indestructible."

"Yes," said Taris, "it is an incredibly dangerous creature." His eyes smoldered with rage beneath his hood. "You fools! In your selfish need to topple Dremlock, you opened the gates of doom! You summoned this Specter, thinking you could control it and send it against us like you did the Dragon. But you paid a high price."

Timlin shrugged. "Sometimes good ideas go bad."

"This is what happens," said Trenton, "when a child like Timlin is placed in command of an army."

The Dwarven brothers glanced at each other, but said nothing. It was clear they were not happy with Timlin's leadership.

Timlin stroked his thin beard, his eyes cold. "Child, huh?"

"Timlin is no child," said Ulmason Deathhand. "Timlin has the wisdom of Tharnin in his heart." He removed his horned helm and laid it on the table, exposing his scarred, bearded face with its one remaining eye. He was a nightmare of a barbarian-a hulking, weathered brute who'd survived countless battles and was now enhanced by the power of the Deep Shadow.

"Timlin is a mere lad," said Trenton, "and a traitor!"

Timlin stood up, scowling. "So now it's all about insults, huh? Well, I think I've heard enough of this. If Dremlock won't respect me as the leader of the Blood Legion, then I have nothing more to say."

"Enough," said Taris, with a warning glance at Trenton. "Timlin, I recognize you as the Lord of the Blood Legion, and Trenton will do so as well or he will leave this meeting. There is no doubt that you are in command. Now please sit down, have some more ale, and we'll discuss this very dire situation."

Trenton glared, but said nothing.

Timlin seemed to fight with his emotions for a moment, and then he seated himself. "Anyway, that's the story. Yes, we brought doom on ourselves, and this Specter is wandering around somewhere with the Black Flamestone."

"And the portal to Tharnin?" asked Taris.

"It closed on its own," said Timlin. "It was only temporary."

"Did Goblins come through that portal?" asked Trenton. "We encountered some that are unusual-more powerful and cunning. Did you summon them from Tharnin to raise an army against Dremlock?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," said Timlin, with a hint of a smile. "I can tell you that Goblins born in the realm of Tharnin cannot survive in this world, so that's a stupid question, Trenton-especially for someone who calls himself an Investigator."

"All possibilities need to be accounted for," said Trenton. "So no, Timlin Woodmaster, it was not a stupid question."

"If Goblins can't come through and live," said Daledus, "then how does this Specter remain alive?"

"Some creatures of Tharnin are so powerful," said Jace, "they can withstand the energy of living things here. A Specter is one of those creatures. There are also talented sorcerers that can enter our world, and even a few elite warriors. And, of course, the Barloak Demons that invaded our land in ancient times-though most of those were slain by Olzet Ka and the Crimson Flamestone."

"Did anyone else come through the portal?" Trenton asked, his piercing gaze on Timlin. "Did Vorden Flameblade come through?"

"Do you see him around?" said Timlin.

"That is not a sufficient answer," said Trenton. "Are you going to cooperate with this investigation or not?"

"The portal was open very briefly," said Timlin, "for a specific purpose. That purpose had nothing to do with Vorden." He grinned. "Not that you won't be seeing Vorden and his Hand of Tharnin soon enough…"

"Don't play games with me, Timlin," said Trenton.

Timlin laughed. "But I rather enjoy it."

"I propose," said Jace, "that we work together in hunting down this Specter and slaying it. It is not a ghost, but a living creature that is invincible to normal weapons and extremely resistant to sorcery. It can be killed."