The Curse of Credesar, Part 1

  ***

  Once again the weather turned foul. Thunderstorms swept the plains, and the fog grew thicker than ever. Kelden, Dameon, and Renstad sat exposed to the storm, while the others, including the Hetheope (so he could keep an eye on them) sat in a large wooden holding cell in the back of the wagon. Kelden felt terribly vulnerable, for the fog was like a closed fist about him, and the Galds were apparently not there to protect him--unless they could keep pace with Altan bulls, which was unlikely.

  "Tell me more of your situation," Renstad said. "As of now, I've not yet taken you prisoner. Now's the time for you to make your case."

  "First of all," said Dameon, "Kelden cannot be exposed like this. He's being hunted by a Blue World sorcerer and has already nearly been assassinated. I suggest he be allowed to sit in the back with the others."

  "A Blue World sorcerer?" Renstad raised his eyebrows. "I guess that sounds as farfetched as anything you've said. But Kelden will have to take his chances and remain beside me, where only a fool would dare attack him. And it's not a pleasant day for talking, but you'd better tell the whole story from the beginning if you expect to win my favor."

  When they were done explaining the situation, Renstad shook his head in amazement. "Quite a tale. I've never heard the like of it. But you've caught my interest. You see, shipments and prisoner transports to the lonely tower have ceased within the last year, and the whole keep has taken on a heavily fortified appearance. Although secrecy is typical for Legaran towers, it has reached extreme proportions around Iragantheos. I've been there twice this year, and found a dark and most unwelcome atmosphere. The gates were guarded by Bromathites--berserker giants--that are seldom used these days by the seers because of their uncontrollable tempers."

  "Then you believe us?" said Dameon.

  "Not yet," said Renstad. "But you've definitely got me thinking. However, I can't believe the seers wouldn't know that one of their precious towers has fallen to a false god. It has never happened before. It's unbelievable!"

  "The seers undoubtedly are aware of Jarvin's threat," said Dameon. "But as you know, Renstad, they often choose to deal with problems on their own so that others are ignorant of their failings. They would not request aid from the cities unless the situation were looking hopeless for them. They're too proud, too sure of their power, to admit to such a horrendous mistake as losing one of the Legaran towers that have stood unconquered for so many centuries."

  Renstad nodded. "True enough. But I need some kind of proof." He nudged Kelden. "You say this man holds Credesar within him, and that Credesar may not be the evil creature the seers think he is. Well, how can you prove it? Can you draw him out so that I may speak to him?"

  "I cannot," said Dameon. "Somehow, Credesar is linked to the Arnwolf of blood lore, and the same dark emotions that summon the Arnwolf also summon the Paltos fiend. At least, that's a vague guess on my part."

  "I must have some proof," said Renstad. He blew a whistle that seemed to make no sound, and soon a huge raven settled upon his shoulder. "Nevnos here is my spy," he said. "I knew about you before you knew about me. Nevnos is a tower raven, a creature you're no doubt quite familiar with, Dameon." He whispered in the raven's ear, and the raven made some odd clucking noises. Renstad frowned.

  "Is something wrong?" said Dameon.

  "Indeed," said Renstad. "A company of Gald warriors lurks in the fog close by. They're following us, using fog, boulder, tree, and grass to hide themselves. Did you make some bargain with them and are now trying to escape them? Speak quickly, seer, for my patience is all but worn away!"

  Kelden opened his mouth to talk, but Dameon cut him off. "Yes, I made a bargain with them. They're Kelden's protectors. He wouldn't have survived without them. They've been instructed not to enter Murakan, as you might expect."

  "A man who makes deals with the Galds," Renstad mused. "And yet you expect me to believe your story?"

  Dameon gazed at him defiantly. "Ignore my words at your own peril, warrior."

  Renstad whispered in the bird's ear and the raven soared away into the mist. "Nevnos will go to Valganleer and bring word from the seers on whether or not at least part of your story is true. For now, I'll assume it is, since it's too important to ignore. Once we reach my city, I'll report this to Tannis, the city master--an honorable and fair-minded man. He'll decide what to do."

  "And what of Rudus?" said Dameon.

  Renstad waved his hand indifferently. "A fair merchant leaves room for others in his wagon who might need help. He's obviously greedy and selfish, and such an attitude isn't welcome in a land where travelers depend on each other for survival. If all turns out well and your tale is proven true, I'll compensate Rudus myself for his lost ale."

  "Thank you," said Kelden.

  "I'm not doing it to be kind," said Renstad. "If Jarvin plans to make war on the seers, Murakan will be high on his list of targets. The city has vast resources, and men who can be bought for the right price. And as sworn protector of Murakan, it's my duty to take all threats seriously and deal with them accordingly."

  Renstad stared hard at both of them. "But again, if you've lied to me and wasted my time--and worse yet, made me look like a fool--you'll pay dearly!"

  "Your instincts know better," said Dameon. "Inside, you feel we speak the truth. You've smelled change in the air and seen a shadow fall over the land. You cannot deny this. A cunning warrior like yourself is not fooled so easily."

  Renstad looked away, his face troubled. "That's enough talk. You seers always try to sway minds with your whispers of doom. But I'm swayed by evidence. Murakan is still a few days of travel from here, and we'll have plenty of time to discuss these things."