Chapter 14: The Face of Death
The Altan bulls broke through the mist--giant brutes with copper-colored horns and metal-plated armor. Muscles rippled all over their bodies, and their dark eyes were fierce and sullen. Bred originally for warfare, they were now mostly used for swift travel by anyone who could afford the luxury. Six bulls advanced on them, each bearing a heavily armored fighter.
The wagon came next, with a huge warrior--as large as Dameon--holding the reigns. He wore rune-covered plate mail and a horned helm, and a blood-red axe was at his side. His beard was dark and long, his eyes were like blue ice, and his skin was ebony black. At his side was an even more intimidating figure--the giant, bull-man form of a Hetheope. The creature held a tree-trunk sized club with spikes pounded into it. Metal tips were strapped to its horns, and a golden ring hung from its nose.
Certain they had made a terrible mistake, Kelden shrank back. But Dameon stood boldly in the road, a smile on his face.
"What's this?" growled the huge warrior. "Why do you block my path?"
"They hijacked my wagon!" shouted Rudus. "They're in league with the Galds. They must be arrested, your lordship."
Dameon raised his hand. "Now hold on a moment. Are you Renstad of Murakan, the great warrior I've heard so much about?"
"I am," said Renstad. His blue eyes were calm, with just a hint of sullenness. "Did you hijack that man's wagon?"
"We did," said Dameon. "But as you can see, we're no ordinary company of thieves. I'm a former seer. And we travel with a Dar fiend. Yes, we forcefully borrowed his wagon. But we're on a very important mission and time is vital."
Renstad stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Do you know that piracy is punishable by death in the jurisdiction of Murakan?"
"I do," said Dameon. "But we're not pirates. We stole nothing. We--"
"They dumped some of my ale," said Rudus. "May the gods curse them for that!"
"Do not speak of the gods," Renstad said, glaring at the merchant. "That too is forbidden by law. You are an Orapheallan monk. I can sense it."
"Very well," said Rudus. "But these rogues broke a major city law in robbing me. They should be punished to the full extent of that law."
"We needed a ride," said Dameon. "Again, time is vital."
"So is the law," said Renstad. "And it appears you've indeed broken it, since you don't deny it. I'm on my way to Valganleer and can't take the time to bring you to Murakan for trial. Therefore, you'll travel with us to Valganleer, and then back to Murakan to face your punishment."
"We can afford no delays," said Dameon. "The seers of Valganleer sent us on this journey."
"We'll ask them about it when we get there," said Renstad.
"We can't go back," said Kelden, his hands trembling in desperation. "We need to reach Frindagan as quickly as possible."
"Why?" said Renstad, his gaze burning into Kelden.
"We can tell you in private," said Dameon.
"My men are trustworthy," said Renstad. "Speak what's on your mind, and fear not. And you better speak quickly!"
Dameon hesitated, sighing. "It's a complicated affair. It would sound absurd if I just blurted it out. It's a long story that requires we sit down in a quiet place."
"Nonsense," said Renstad, raising his eyebrows. "Here I sit. Tell me of your mission and why it's so important. Tell me now!"
Dameon shifted about uncomfortably. "Very well. The seers sent us to Frindagan because the fiend Credesar has found his way through the Shifting and has entered this world. Once we reach the tower, we can destroy the fiend."
Renstad's face didn't change expression. "Credesar, you say? And how will you destroy him?" He uncorked a jug and took a swallow.
Dameon cleared his throat. He pointed at Kelden. "The demon will be drawn from my friend here and sent back to the Shifting."
"The demon is in this man?" said Renstad, nodding toward Kelden. He took another drink.
"Yes," said Dameon.
Renstad raised his axe. "Then why travel all the way to Frindagan? I could take care of it with a single blow, here and now."
"You could," Dameon said. "But that might only release the fiend, and we would all die. Only the seers of Frindagan can safely remove Credesar."
"I see," said Renstad. "How convenient. What a twisted tale you spin. Were you not a former seer, I'd already have stuck you in shackles and smacked you a good blow for your lies."
"I speak no lies," said Dameon. "But I have another grim truth to reveal. Even now, Jarvin the false god controls Iragantheos Tower. Did you know of this, great warrior?"
"I must admit," said Renstad, "that I did not. But why should I believe anything you say? Obviously, you were banished from the towers--disgraced. Why would the seers send you on a mission?"
"They didn't send me," said Dameon. "They sent Kelden and the Dar fiend. Those two found me by blind luck, and now we travel together."
"This all sounds ridiculous," said Renstad. "I'm guessing you're an odd band of outcasts and thieves, and possibly even crazy enough to think you can fool me or defeat me in combat."
"Then arrest us," said Dameon. "Be done with it. But I tell you now that if we were thieves we would have fled into the fog. I stand before you, risking my freedom and possibly even my life, because so much is at stake."
"So it appears that what you want," said Renstad, "is for me to abandon my important mission to Valganleer, escort you to Murakan, and give you any assistance you might need. Is that right?"
Dameon nodded.
"Okay," Renstad said, shrugging. "I was supposed to transport a dangerous prisoner from Valganleer back to my city, but it seems I've found a few equally dangerous--and much more interesting--ones. The seers can wait. We'll return to Murakan at once. I'll hear the rest of your tale and then judge you. If I find you to be liars, you'll all be hung from the neck until dead for wasting my time. How does that sound?"
Kelden's eyes widened, and he exchanged a glance with Theodus.
"I'm not sure about this," Thayan whispered.
"We do not lie," said Dameon. "And thus, we have nothing to fear."
Renstad studied him with narrow eyes, clearly intrigued. "Seer, you and the demon man will ride on my wagon. Your friends will have to be locked in my cage back there, but it's comfortable enough."
"Agreed," said Dameon, breathing a sigh that might have been one of relief.