Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

"We have withstood Bellis before," said Cordus. "When King Ordamer sent his Knights against us, we endured. However, Bellis was smaller in those days and it was also fighting a war with the Grey Dwarves. Dremlock has never faced anything like the power that Bellis commands these days."

"Then I doubt we'll survive," said Barlow. "The Birlotes and Olrogs have rejected our pleas for an alliance, and Borenthia has yet to send the two-hundred archers we were promised. The Dwarves offer no help at all. Even with the White Flamestone, it seems we will be crushed. Bellis will bring thousands of Knights and massive siege engines against us. Dremlock will be reduced to rubble."

"The archers will come," said Cordus. "The Birlotes have always honored their promises."

"But can two-hundred archers make much difference?" said Barlow.

Cordus didn't answer.

"When is that Knight of Bellis due to arrive?" asked Krissana. "I sense his arrogance in not showing up for the meeting on time."

"I was informed of his delay," said Cordus. "He should be arriving any moment. Then we will know for certain where we stand."

"Unless he lies to us," said Barlow.

Cordus frowned and sipped some ale.

The moments drifted past, while Lannon grew impatient. The Eye of Dreams had dragged him to Dremlock Hall against his will, and he wondered how long it was going to keep him there. He'd seen enough to know the events were probably real and not just an exceptionally vivid dream, and he needed to report what he'd witnessed to Taris. He wanted to do so immediately, but the Eye kept him bound to the room. He found himself forced to float there and watch.

At last an Orange Squire entered the hall and announced that the Knight of Bellis, Folam Elsonandale, had arrived. Moments later, a muscular man wearing extravagant silver and gold armor strode into the hall. He had long blond hair and a clean-shaven, handsome face. A sheathed broadsword hung from his belt, and a round shield was strapped to his arm that was painted with the Crest of Bellis in white and green (a dome with towers protruding from it like spikes on a morning star). He also had a steel crossbow strapped to his back. Standing beside him was a smaller man, in a black and purple robe, with a bald head and a neatly trimmed red beard. The bald man was holding a book with a silver cover.

Folam Elsonandale bowed to the Lord Knight. "Greetings! As you already know, I have come from Bellis with my scribe, whose name is Fenchas. If I may, I would like to sit down so we can talk."

Cordus nodded. "You may sit."

The muscular Knight and his scribe seated themselves at the table. The scribe produced a feather pen and ink and wrote something in the book. An Orange Squire brought the two some ale, bread, and cheese. Folam took a hearty swig of ale, then smiled. "Dremlock is truly a wonderful kingdom. I've always longed to see it, and at last I'm getting my chance. I only wish it was during summer's warmth, when I'm sure the kingdom is quite beautiful."

"Undoubtedly," said Cordus, "there are many things we could discuss in the interests of friendly conversation, such as this foul spring weather, but I'm not in a friendly mood and I prefer we get right to the point."

Folam bit into the crusty bread and then washed it down with some ale. He grunted with approval. "Excellent bread, but I prefer mine buttered. Orange Squire-fetch me some butter! Anyway, I've come only to ask for Dremlock's cooperation. We would like you to sign a treaty with Bellis-a treaty of lasting peace that will ensure Dremlock stays out of the affairs of my kingdom. So there you have it."

"The affairs of your kingdom," mused Cordus. "Affairs that no doubt involve conquering all of Gallamerth. Bellis has come dangerously close to Silverland in claiming the last of the Guardian Kingdoms. Isn't that enough for your king, or must he try to lay claim to this battered region as well?"

"I think we already know the answer," said Barlow. "Bellis will not stop until it rules Gallamerth from sea to sea."

Folam smiled broadly. "Yes, our blessed King Verlamer Kessing is seeking to bring unity to our land and end all wars. This bold and unprecedented move has already brought peace to most of the Southern Reaches."

"Peace by enslavement," said Cordus.

"No," said Folam, "by cooperation. All but one of the Guardian Kingdoms willingly signed the treaty with Bellis. The coastal barbarian kingdoms refuse to for now, but what can be expected of those savages?"

"The Birlotes will never sign the treaty," said Krissana Windsword. "Your king must already know that. Nor will the Olrogs."

Folam shrugged. "We shall see. But right now the concern is Dremlock, and that's why I'm here. I will require the signatures of all the High Council members, along with the swearing of an oath to Bellis."

"Even if we were to agree to this," said Cordus, "three of our High Council members are far away from here, including both of our Tower Masters. It would require many days of travel for them to return. Are you willing to wait?"

Lannon could barely believe what he was hearing. Was the Lord Knight actually considering signing the treaty? Surely it would mean Dremlock would lose its independence and its ability to effectively battle the forces of Tharnin. Lannon suspected it was nothing more than an agreement of surrender.

"In light of that," said Folam, "I would ask that the four of you sign and take the oath for now, and the remaining three can do so later-or not. Four out of seven is the majority I need anyway. What say you?"

Cordus sneered. "You want us to surrender without a fight."

"Not surrender," said Folam, "just to cooperate. This can be done peacefully and without bloodshed." His facial expression turned sullen. "But either way, it will be done. Choose wisely, Knights of Dremlock."

"Call it what you will," said Cordus. "Your king should have known we would never sign. So why did you bother coming here at all?"

"You wasted your time, young Knight," said Vesselin Hopebringer. "Dremlock does not submit to tyranny."

Folam rose from his chair. "Perhaps this will convince you." He unslung his steel crossbow. "This is a fine bow. Most of our Knights have one. It is quite powerful and very easy to load and fire."

"You came all this way," said Cordus, "to show me a crossbow?"

Folam withdrew an arrow from his quiver and held it up. The arrow had a cone-shaped, metal tip that didn't look like it was very sharp. "The arrow head explodes on contact with armor-with enough force that it can tear a man to pieces or blast apart stone. It is more than enough to counter any of Dremlock's sorcery and tricks. I can arrange a demonstration if you would like, Lord Knight. Just give the word." He sighed. "Why don't you at least read the treaty before you decide?"

"It doesn't matter," said Cordus. "We will not sign!"

"Never!" said Barlow, pounding the table with his fist.

"Dremlock does not yield," said Krissana.

"I would rather die than sign your treaty," said Vesselin.

Folam's face darkened. "As you wish." He motioned to his scribe. "Let it be known that the High Council refused to even read the treaty." He glowered at Cordus. "You will go down in history as the Lord Knight who held power when Dremlock fell to Bellis-the Lord Knight whose stubbornness destroyed his kingdom."

Cordus guzzled some ale, then slammed the mug down so hard it split in two. "No-Dremlock will prevail, as it always has!"

The others spoke in agreement.

Cordus rose, his bloodshot eyes full of rage. "You can never defeat us, because we have honor on our side-and the power of a god! Tell that to your puppet king who bows before Tharnin!"

Folam's eyes widened. "Puppet king? You will come to regret those words." He waved to them. "Goodbye then, misguided fools of Dremlock. I pity you, for you have no idea the wrath you have unleashed."