Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

One of the Greywinds had fallen as well-slain by a blow from a club. Shennen surveyed the scene with disgust, as he removed the dead Knight's mask. The face of Ulnsan Silverclaw was revealed. Cries of dismay arose from the Blue Knights.

Shennen shook his head in disbelief. "How could Ulnsan have been caught off guard like that? After all these years of fighting Goblins…"

Lannon groaned. In combat, it seemed that anything could happen. He hadn't known Ulnsan very well-considering Lannon was usually under guard and separated from most of the Knights of Dremlock-but he knew Ulnsan had a reputation for being cunning in battle. So what had happened to make him lose focus? The chaos of battle was such that one slip in concentration could mean one's death, no matter how experienced or clever a warrior was.

"What shall we do with his body?" asked another Knight.

Shennen hesitated. "This death is unexpected, and our mission is too vital to be delayed. We will have to leave his body here."

"For Goblins or animals to carry off and devour?" said a Knight, his voice full of disgust. "Ulnsan deserves far better."

"We will bury the body beneath logs and snow," said Shennen, sighing. "It is all we can do right now, unfortunately. We must continue on."

Lannon hated it when a Knight fell in battle. It always weighed heavily on his heart, even if he didn't personally know the warrior who was slain. He scanned the snow with the Eye and retrieved his throwing star. He realized the weapon wasn't his best choice for close combat, as it took too much time to throw it and retrieve it.

"You fought well, Lannon," said Shennen. "Ogres always make for brutal combat, but you kept your fear in check and showed great poise."

Lannon bowed. "Thank you, Master Shennen."

"Yet that was only a small test," said Shennen. "Far greater dangers await us in Old Hammer Hall. More of us will die. But if even one of us escapes with the Black Flamestone, our mission will have been a success."

Lannon nodded, but he didn't like the sound of that at all.

Back at Dorok's Hand, the Squires were restless-unable to sleep even though the fortress was to be completely abandoned at the crack of dawn. Aldreya found herself missing Lannon's presence. Aside from Lothrin, he seemed the most mature and humble of the group and the easiest for her to relate to, whereas Vannas and Jerret seemed arrogant. She was anxious over the coming battle with Bellis-and anxious over her pending decision concerning becoming Taris' apprentice. She hadn't yet informed the other Squires of what Taris had told her.

Aldreya sat on her bed and closed her eyes, imagining she was in her tree city of Borenthia-high above the ground amidst the leaves and branches. She pictured herself in a warm bath in the gardens of her family dwelling, surrounded by flowered vines and twisted limbs. She could almost hear the birds chirp and feel the soft, heated rainwater against her skin. The longing for home was almost painful. Was this the life she wanted? Hiding out in cold caves and preparing for endless, bloody battles?

"What are you pondering?" Lothrin asked. He was seated on a bed across from her. The lean Birlote with the leaf-shaped birthmark on his cheek also seemed anxious.

Aldreya shrugged. "Nothing important." She was going to leave it at that, but she suddenly was compelled to reveal her thoughts. "Taris is considering making me his apprentice, provided I'm totally loyal to Dremlock."

"Will you accept?" asked Lothrin.

"I don't know," said Aldreya. "A year ago I would not have hesitated, but things have changed. I miss Borenthia terribly."

Lothrin nodded. "As do I. However, I became a Squire to serve Dremlock and eventually become a Knight, and I won't be changing my mind."

"Nor will I," said Prince Vannas, who was seated on another bed with a book in hand. "I'll be at Dremlock until the bitter end. My older brothers were so overbearing that I'm glad to be away from them. Let them worry about the affairs of our kingdom. I'll be busy fighting Bellis and gaining fame and fortune. You should consider yourself very fortunate, Aldreya, to be chosen by Taris to receive his knowledge."

"I do," said Aldreya. "It's just that…life was so good in our homeland, so different. I just need more time to think it over."

Jerret yanked off his boots and sat down on a crate. "What do you think will happen to your homeland if Bellis defeats Dremlock?"

Aldreya gazed at him, startled by the realization.

"That's right," said Jerret, seeing the look in her eyes. "Borenthia will be the next target. Do you think the Birlotes can stop an invasion?"

"I don't know," said Aldreya, horrified at the thought. She imagined the sprawling forestlands crawling with armored Knights and siege engines, the great tree city scarred and burning, and she shuddered. "I guess I don't want to think about it."

"You're not just defending Dremlock," said Jerret. "You're also defending Borenthia by serving the Divine Essence. You had a great life back home, but who is going to protect your precious city if not you? Someone has to do it."

"Jerret speaks true," said Lothrin. "We are defending all of Gallamerth against the Deep Shadow-including Borenthia. If you return home, Aldreya, then you must bear in mind that others are fighting and dying so you can enjoy the comforts of home. I know that sounds harsh, but that's the reality of it. Are you prepared to accept that reality?"

"No," said Aldreya, and she meant it. She didn't want others suffering and dying so she could eat the delicious fruits of the forest and bathe in the blessed waters. She had the skills to make a difference in the world-to help win the war against Tharnin.

"War is not for everyone," said Lothrin. "You could do great things in our homeland as a member of the Elder Family. It is always possible to find a way to be productive. I was just pointing out the truth of things."

Lothrin was right. War was not for everyone, and no one would think ill of Aldreya for returning to Borenthia-especially if she dedicated her life to helping her people. But she couldn't turn her back on the threat of Bellis and the Blood Legion. Too much was at stake, and her skills were too valuable not to be put to use.

"I'm feeling inclined to become Taris' apprentice," Aldreya said. "I believe I can make a firm commitment to Dremlock."

"I'm not surprised," said Lothrin. "I think it was inevitable."

"A wise choice," said Vannas. "You won't regret it."

"You'll be the greatest sorcerer at Dremlock," said Galvia, smiling. Galvia seemed fully healed from her injuries and restless for combat. Her mood was very upbeat. She'd been sparring with Jerret only moments before with wooden weapons.

Aldreya felt herself blush. "Taris will always be the greatest. If I can even be half the sorcerer he is, that will be enough." Taris seemed to hold her talent in high regard, but Aldreya doubted she possessed his vast potential (yet she was eager to find out).

"Maybe he can teach you a few new tricks," said Jerret, "before we encounter Bellis. We'll need every trick we can summon, to win that battle."

Jace had entered the room quietly and was listening to the conversation. "New tricks, huh? First, my dear, you'll have to pass the Trial of Shades, if my memory of Birlote sorcery is correct. And that test is rather difficult and unpleasant."

Jace sat down next to Aldreya and seized her head with his huge palm, giving it a playful shake. "The Trial of Shades will rattle your brain!"

Aldreya laughed. Jace always made her feel special and warmed her heart with his odd antics. She loved it when he chose to visit. "What do you mean, Uncle Jace?"

Jace seemed to ponder her statement for a moment. His black, curly hair was sticking up, as if he'd just awakened, and he looked tired. He yawned.