The Curse of Credesar, Part 1

  ***

  But Kelden did wake up, to find himself staring up into the face of a Gald warrior. The Gald was typical in appearance for his kind. He stood at least seven feet tall. His ears were pointed and his long hook nose nearly met his jutting chin. A wide mouth displayed sharpened teeth that hinted at a devilish grin. His huge, dark eyes were fiercely hypnotic and terror inducing, almost insane with fanaticism and a twinkle of mischief. They were like the bulbous black eyes of a bug. His skin was sickly grey, but his body was strong and healthy, lean yet knotted with muscle. His face and chest were painted in bloody-red designs, with blue circles around his eyes. A large silver ring pierced his nose and hung over his lips. He wore a fur loincloth, fur boots, and leather armbands. He carried a bow and quiver of arrows, as well as a long stone knife.

  Kelden's heart sank into despair. The Gald, of course, was delighted to have found them. As he spoke quickly to Dameon in his strange, melodic humming language, he seemed as friendly as could be. But as his gaze shifted to Kelden from time to time, a hint of amusement and perverse joy flashed across his face. He wanted Kelden to see that look and to fear it--for he knew Kelden was helpless.

  "This is a scout," said Dameon, wiping sweat from his brow. "He is happy we came and is sure his shaman will grant us refuge from the worms. He is also sure that Kelden can be healed. He says their village shaman is very powerful. He can ward off the evil magic." Dameon spoke confidently, but had he been less than what he was, he would have been virtually paralyzed with fear. No human but a seer could stand in the presence of a Gald and not feel instinctive terror.

  Theodus sighed. "And how can we trust him to keep his word? He is, after all, a Gald. And no Gald has ever been trustworthy."

  Dameon translated Theodus' statements--or his own version of them. The warrior's mouth gaped open, as if he'd been deeply offended. His black eyes reflected concern. He hummed a few quick statements as Dameon nodded.

  "He says the Galds of his village like humans," Dameon said. "He points out that they have always treated me with respect and never gave me trouble."

  The warrior reached out and stroked Theodus' smoldering flesh, his eye wide. As Theodus flinched away, he hummed excitedly.

  Dameon smiled. "He thinks you are a sacred entity, Theodus. He says that we are truly blessed to be in your presence. But he says he cannot allow you in the village because it might offend their god."

  "That's out of the question!" Theodus muttered. "I won't send Kelden in there without me along to protect him. Tell him that."

  Dameon did, but the Gald shook his head and hummed a few words.

  "It cannot be done," said Dameon. "But he says he will show you a cave in the forest where you can wait and be safe from the worms."

  The Gald motioned to the forest and laughed. Then he said something more and laughed again.

  Dameon nodded. "He says that even though our friend who hides himself is not worthy of respect, he too can share the cave." Dameon spoke loudly so that Thayan would hear him from where he was hidden behind a large pine.

  Theodus glanced helplessly at Kelden. "I cannot do this."

  Stand firm! Kelden silently pleaded. Don't let me down, Theodus!

  "Kelden has not moved or spoken since the attack," said Dameon. "Look at him. How close to death is he? Hours, or mere moments? He was pierced by Blue World sorcery. There is no time for debate, Dar fiend. If the Galds mean us harm, you cannot stop them. They could have killed us already. Others are probably watching from the treetops as we speak. Let me take Kelden to the village. I guarantee we shall return."

  For several moments Theodus stood silent, while Kelden prayed to the spirit of Legaran that Theodus be guided to make the right decision. Then Theodus glanced down at his master and muttered an apology. With that, he handed Kelden to Dameon. "I place him in your trust. Care for him well."

  "You won't regret this," said the big man, as he gently lifted Kelden into his arms. "The future of Americk Dreeth depends on the survival of this man. There is so much at stake here." His eyes burned with some inner vision that may have been far from sane. "We must heal him at all costs."

  "For once, I agree with you," said Theodus, though his voice was heavy with sorrow. "My heart tells me this is wrong, but logic tells me otherwise."

  "And logic is always closer to truth," said Dameon. "The heart can lead you astray."

  "Just take good care of him," Theodus warned. "Do not come back alone!"

  "If Kelden does not return," said Dameon, "then neither will I. You have my word on it. And in spite of what you might think, my word is golden."

  As they started off, the Gald flashed Kelden one more devilish look, this time showing all of his pointed teeth. He whispered into Kelden's mind in the silent way only a Gald could, promising pain and death.

  He knows I realize the danger, Kelden thought. Somehow he can sense it. He wants to rub it in, to gloat over the fact that I am helpless and the others are fools.

  He shut his eyes and concentrated fiercely, but there was no response from his magic. The effects of the potion had not yet worn off.