Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

"Ride out to confront them?" said Furlus, his eyes blazing. He sat at the head of the table, and his beard was the width of the tabletop. He wore a full set of Glaetherin armor, including a spiked helm. "Indeed. Why should we hide out in here and wait to be slaughtered? We can set up an ambush for them."

"How long do we have?" asked Trenton.

"They could reach us in about a week," said Taris, "though it's impossible to know for sure. It all depends on their speed of travel. So the question is do we ignore the threat of the Black Flamestone for now-or try to strike quickly and gain possession of it? Old Hammer Hall is only a half-day's journey from here. And if we decide on a quick strike, should Lannon be involved?"

"We will need the Eye of Divinity," said Trenton, "if we are to have any hope of overcoming Bellis. To send Lannon away, as Bellis approaches, would be folly. I suggest we send only Shennen and his Blue Knights."

"We don't need Lannon," said Shennen, "but his power would allow us to locate the Black Flamestone more quickly and easily, and with less risk. The mission is suitable for the Eye of Divinity. This is why Lannon was recruited by Dremlock. He is most effective when used in this fashion."

"Yet Lannon would be very helpful in defeating Bellis," said Taris. "And defeating Bellis is our top priority."

"Will all due respect," said Vannas, "what can Lannon do? He is a great warrior, no doubt. He proved that by defeating Vorden and his Hand of Tharnin. But can a single warrior-however great-make much of a difference?"

Lannon was wondering that himself. The Eye of Divinity seemed terribly limited compared to the power of the White Flamestone.

"Lannon could help us immensely in this war," said Taris. "The power of the Eye could, for example, break a single gear that could stop a siege engine. And the Eye could discover the intentions of our foes, giving us a significant advantage. But aside from that, a great warrior can inspire other warriors on the battlefield. There is a reason the Dark Watchmen struck terror into the hearts of their foes."

"Nevertheless," said Shennen, "the Dark Watchmen favored stealth and precision over outright warfare. It was the fact that they were often hidden behind the scenes that made them so feared. Lannon's power would be wasted on the battlefield. He should come with us to Old Hammer Hall."

"If I may add my expert opinion," said Jace, with a wry smile, "Shennen is correct. I know well the history of the Dark Watchmen. They were sometimes referred to as The Invisible Blades because they stayed in the background. Aside from being Blue Knights-warriors of stealth-the bearers of the Eye are certainly best suited to focused missions. To place Lannon in heavy combat would be a poor use of his abilities."

Taris sat in silence for a time. Then he nodded. "Yes, Lannon should help locate the Black Flamestone. We must get that device away from the Blood Legion at all costs. We already witnessed the evil power it can unleash in the form of that Specter. The rest of us will ride forth and set an ambush for Bellis."

"I assume," said Trenton, "that our Lord Knight is planning to send reinforcements."

"No," said Taris. "I sent a message informing them that we will deal with Bellis alone."

Trenton's eyes widened. "What? Without a vote?"

Taris grimaced. "Must we vote on everything? Furlus was in agreement, so the vote wouldn't have mattered. Had you opposed us, you would have been overruled. If you wish, you can enter an official objection into the records."

"But why did you do that?" asked Trenton. "We are vastly outnumbered, so why not ask for some help?"

"Dremlock cannot afford to spare any Knights," said Furlus. "The kingdom is sure to attacked in the near future."

"So what of Dorok's Hand?" asked Daledus. "If we ride forth, the Blood Legion may return to occupy the fortress."

"That doesn't matter anymore," said Taris. "We came here to eradicate the Blood Legion, and we failed. We had been aware of the threat of Bellis for years, and when Bellis' shadow grew longer recently, we tried to finish off the Legion so one threat to Dremlock would be dealt with. But Bellis has moved swiftly and now demands our full attention. Sadly, the Blood Legion has avoided destruction once again-just as they have so many times over the centuries."

"Yes, we failed," Furlus muttered. "Dorok's Hand was one of three fortresses we intended to capture. The other two were Blombalk and Old Hammer Hall. The Blood Legion destroyed itself at Blombalk, doing our work for us. That leaves Old Hammer Hall as the last important Legion fortress. Yet with Bellis on the move, we dare not risk an assault on Old Hammer Hall. That's a difficult fortress to break into and would surely cost the lives of many Knights."

"So we're that close to victory over the Blood Legion," said Daledus, "and we can do nothing? What a shame."

Taris shrugged. "Bellis likely has an alliance with the Legion. So now they are one and the same. All threats to Dremlock are one force against us, under the power of the Deep Shadow."

"Dorok's Hand was difficult to secure," said Daledus. "It seems a wretched thing to have to surrender it."

Furlus nodded, his expression bitter. "Yet Dorok's Hand must be abandoned. We don't have the Knights to spare to keep it occupied."

"Is there a way we can destroy it?" asked Daledus, "as we did Blombalk fortress?"

"Short of bringing down the mountain," said Taris, "I know of no way it could be done. And even if the White Flamestone could do it, it would take far too much time. We don't have weeks to stand around blasting at rocks. But we can, and will, burn down the gates. They will not be easily rebuilt."

"If we're abandoning Dorok's Hand," said Trenton, "is it necessary even to confront Bellis at this time? Perhaps we should ride for Dremlock."

"It is necessary," said Taris. "The war with Bellis has begun. We have a chance to show them the power of the Divine Knights."

"Then the issue is settled," said Shennen. "We will ride out for Old Hammer Hall under cover of darkness. Meanwhile, the rest of you will burn the gates and take your chances on the battlefield."

Shennen fixed his stern gaze on Lannon. "Well, Blue Squire, are you ready to become invisible?"

Lannon nodded, though he wasn't sure what that meant.

Later, Lannon stood alone with Shennen in a secret training room for the Blue Knights. Shennen wore an outfit Lannon had never seen before-one that seemed to be made of dark blue, lightweight armor plates that moved fluidly with his body. He also wore a mask, with a headdress set with blue sapphires, that left only his eyes exposed. Hanging from his belt was his Flayer and a short sword, along with a number of throwing daggers. The belt also held several pouches.

"This is the real armor of a Blue Knight," Shennen explained. "Reserved only for special missions." He pointed to an oak chest. "I had some crafted just for you. You will also find a throwing dagger with it."

"I have a throwing weapon," said Lannon. He showed the Glaetherin star to Shennen.

Shennen inspected the weapon and nodded. "This will suffice. Guard it well, for it is a good blade."

Lannon put the armor on. It was a full suit, including boots designed for stealth, protecting him from neck to feet. The headdress, however, did not contain jewels as Shennen's did. Lannon put his Birlote cloak on over the armor, but he found he didn't need his fur cloak. The suit of armor kept him warm.

"That armor was crafted by Olrog Blacksmiths," said Shennen. "It resists both excessive heat and cold and can deflect some weapon attacks. It is not exceptionally strong, however, so your goal is to avoid getting struck in combat."

Lannon attached his Dragon sword to the belt. The armor was so light and fluid he barely noticed it, and it made him feel powerful-like a true warrior. However, Lannon disliked all armor and would have preferred not to wear it.