Rage of a Demon King

  The rest of his company followed after, and while the war in the city raged on, the southwest corner of Darkmoor was suddenly quiet. From behind the barricade a voice said, “Are they gone?”

  Pug motioned and Owen Greylock climbed over a pile of furniture, grain sacks, and part of a wagon bed.

  “Magician!” said Owen. “I think we owe you thanks.”

  Pug said, “No thanks needed. There’s still fighting.”

  “If you got rid of the Saaur, we thank you.” Owen shook his head. “Damn, but they are a handful.”

  “Well, they’re the invaders’ handful,” said Tomas. “They’ve been told of their betrayal and they are not happy.”

  Owen smiled. “That I can imagine. I’ve only seen a few Saaur up close, and they don’t strike me as having much of a sense of humor.” He turned to the men behind him and said, “Spread out and see if you can find any more of our lads. The citadel is under attack, and I mean to hit the enemy from behind.”

  Tomas pulled his sword. “I may be of some help.”

  “Glad to have you,” said Owen. He glanced up and down Tomas’s impressive six inches over six feet and said, “How do you keep all that white clean?”

  Tomas laughed. “It’s a long story.”

  “Tell me after the battle,” said Owen, motioning for his small band of soldiers to follow him to the fighting around the citadel.

  Pug said, “We’ll see you later.”

  Tomas asked, “Where are you going?”

  “Inside the keep, to see if I can end this madness.”

  Tomas nodded, turned, and ran alongside Owen Greylock. Pug motioned for the others to hold hands. He fixed his vision upon the distant citadel, and then they all vanished.

  Manfred and Erik both looked up as a shout came from above. “What now?” asked Erik pulling his sword.

  Men on the roof shouted, but the tone was surprise rather than alarm. Manfred pulled his own sword and stepped between Prince Patrick and the door, in case the citadel had been breached.

  Reaching a hall at the base of the keep’s old central stairwell, Erik saw Calis hurrying down the stone steps, with Nakor, Miranda, and the others behind.

  Erik grinned. “Captain!”

  Calis returned his smile and said, “Captain.”

  Erik said, “I am so pleased to see you. How did you get here?”

  Calis pointed to Pug.

  Erik said, “Magician!” He looked relieved. “Is there anything you can do?”

  Pug said, “Yes, I could kill every man outside the wall, but that includes any number of Kingdom soldiers fighting house to house. I would rather think of a way to stop the killing. The demon who led the Emerald Queen’s army is dead. The Lifestone is no more. There is no more reason for fighting.”

  Erik said, “Tell that to those murderers out there.”

  Pug said, “That’s the problem. Even if I did, would they listen?”

  Calis said, “No. As I said, they’re hungry, and they know what’s behind them. They have only one way to go, ahead.”

  Erik said, “If this demon you talked about is dead, what about the Emerald Queen?”

  “She’s been dead for months,” said Pug. “We’ll explain later.”

  “What about Fadawah? Maybe we can negotiate a truce with him? He’s a murderous bastard, but he’d know the old truce terms of Novindus,” said Erik.

  Calis said, “Right now Fadawah’s got a very angry Saaur army looking for someone to vent that anger on. He’s their most likely candidate. If he’s half as smart as I think he is, he’s already looking for a place to hole up in for the winter.”

  Nakor said, “Winter!”

  Pug said, “Yes?”

  Nakor pushed past Calis and said to Erik, “Your original plan was to hold this army here until winter, right?”

  “Yes. We knew that once the snows came, they’d be forced to withdraw.”

  Nakor turned to Pug. “If we go to Stardock, can you bring us back here?”

  “Yes,” said Pug. “Why?”

  “No time to explain. Just do it!”

  Pug looked at Miranda, Calis, and the others, and shrugged. He put his hand on Nakor’s shoulders and they vanished.

  “What was that about?” asked Patrick, as he and Manfred entered the hall.

  Calis said, “Highness, Baron,” and nodded in greeting.

  “Captain,” said Patrick. “I hope you bring us some good news.”

  “Well, for one thing, the major threat to all of us is now over.”

  Patrick said, “The Lifestone is safe?”

  Calis said, “It is no more. It is safely undone and can no longer be used to harm anyone.”

  Patrick said, “Thank the gods!” Every member of the royal family knew exactly what the stakes were since the Lifestone had been discovered under Sethanon fifty years before. “I feel like ordering a celebration.” The thunder of a catapult above firing on the attackers added a counterpoint to his next remark. “That just may be a bit premature. We are waiting for the Armies of the East.”

  Manfred put his hand on Erik’s shoulder. “My brother and I were having an argument about who was going to go open the Eastern Gate and let the Armies of the East in to save us. Do you have a better plan?”

  Calis said, “No, but I hope Nakor does.”

  Miranda said, “I’m going to the roof to see if the Armies of the East are outside the eastern gate.” She looked at Manfred and Erik like a couple of slow children and said, “It wouldn’t do to go get yourselves killed opening the gate if the Armies of the East weren’t on the other side, would it?”

  Erik and Manfred exchanged startled looks, but Miranda was already mounting the stairs to the top of the keep. Calis said, “I’ll be back, my lord, Captain,” and hurried after her.

  They reached the top of the old keep, a relatively small area of the large citadel. Two lookout positions were manned, directing fire from two large catapults located on a roof segment a dozen feet below. Miranda looked to the east and began a soft, almost inaudible, chant. Then she opened her eyes wide and Calis was surprised to see they had changed. Deep amber with vertical slits, they now resembled a bird of prey’s. She surveyed the horizon and after a moment, she closed her eyes and rubbed them, and when she opened them they were normal again. She said, “The Armies of the East are moving in stately fashion towards the city. I would wager they might get here by sundown. More likely, tomorrow at dawn.”

  Calis swore. “If we survive all this, remind me to have some sharp words with the King about the sense of alacrity of some of his Eastern nobles.” He leaned over the edge of the wall and looked down as the fighting continued unabated. Men died as they attempted to fill the moat, others as they attempted to prevent them.

  “This is all so pointless!”

  Miranda put her arms around his waist and said, “You can’t save them all.”

  Calis turned to take her in his arms. “I’ve missed you so very much.”

  Miranda said, “You know that I’m going with Pug.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “He’s my other half. I’ve hidden much of my life from you, and someday, when there’s time, I’ll tell you the truth of who I am and why I’ve lied to protect my secrets, but what I say to you now is the truth: I love you, Calis. You are one of the best men I have known in a very long life.”

  Calis looked at her, studying her features as if trying to memorize them. “But you love Pug more.”

  She nodded. “I don’t know if ‘more’ is the way I’d say it. He’s what I need. I am what he needs, though he hasn’t discovered that yet; he’s still got too much pain locked away.”

  Calis nodded and held her so her face was against his chest. “William,” he said softly.

  “And Gamina. She and James stayed in Krondor.”

  Calis closed his eyes. “I didn’t know.” He sighed.

  “It will take a while, but he’ll heal,” she said. Then she stepped back and said, “And so will yo
u.”

  Calis smiled. “I’m fine.”

  “No you’re not.” She poked him in the chest with a finger and said, “You must make me a promise.”

  “What?”

  “When we get done with this war, you must go home to see your mother.”

  Calis laughed. “Why?”

  “Just do it. Promise.”

  He shrugged. “Very well. I’ll go home with my father and I’ll visit my mother. Anything else?”

  “Yes,” she said, “but I’ll tell you later. We need to tell the Prince that help isn’t just outside the eastern wall.”

  They returned to the conference room and found everyone huddled around a table. The sound of fighting outside was a constant, if low rumble. Miranda told Patrick what she had seen, and the Prince said, “Well, we must wait, then, for Pug to solve this mess.”

  An hour later, Pug, Nakor, and a half dozen men in robes appeared in the hall outside the room. Nakor ran in and said, “You’ve got to watch this!”

  Prince Patrick and the others hurried to where Pug and the other men in robes stood, and one of them said, “I protest!”

  “Protest all you want, Chalmes,” said Nakor. “You’re the best weather witch on Midkemia, even if you are a pain in the backside. Now do it!”

  Chalmes pointed his finger at Nakor. “You will stick by our bargain?”

  “Yes,” said Nakor, “of course. But we must stop this war first.”

  “Very well.” The most senior magician from Stardock turned to the other five who had accompanied him and said, “Once this has begun, I will grow faint, if I falter, you will have to continue for me until I recover.” He turned to Nakor and said I need a table.”

  “This way,” said Nakor.

  Chalmes took in his surroundings as he followed the others back into the conference room. As he passed through the door he said, “Excuse me?”

  The Prince of Krondor said, “Yes?”

  “Could you fetch me a burning taper?”

  Patrick’s eyebrows rose, and Manfred said, “I’ll see to it.”

  Chalmes opened a bag he was holding. He took out a candle and some other items, and said, “May I have the taper.” A servant produced it and Chalmes lit the candle. He drew around it with a waxy stick, then set it down. Closing his eyes, he began to chant.

  After a moment, a cool breeze blew through the window. Nakor grinned. “It’s working.”

  Miranda went to stand next to Pug and put her arm around his waist. “Why couldn’t you do this?”

  Pug said, “I could have done a hurricane, but that’s pretty indiscriminate. I never studied much weather magic. You?”

  Miranda shrugged. “Me either.” She laid her head on his shoulder and watched.

  Chalmes concentrated, and those in the room with magic training could feel the energies growing as the very air became electric.

  And colder.

  By the minute the air cooled, and from outside the sounds of battle were punctuated by shouts of alarm. The room grew colder and colder. Finally Manfred ordered cloaks brought for those with him.

  Then the snow began to fall.

  Shouts of confusion issued on both sides of the moat. Erik said, “Pass the word to our own men that we’re doing this, Highness.”

  Prince Patrick nodded, ordering a servant to pass the word that the unusual weather was part of the defense of the castle. Manfred hurried to the window and said, “Look!”

  They stood on the large balcony, overlooking the outer bailey and the wall over the moat. A few of the enemy ran across slippery rooftops opposite the keep. Erik saw one man turn, draw his bow, and fire. As Erik started to shout, “Down!” the arrow struck.

  Erik’s eyes widened in shock as he saw Manfred struck in the neck. Pug unleashed a bolt of energy, and the bowman fell from the roof. Others urged the Prince away from the balcony until the area outside was cleared of other archers.

  Erik caught Manfred as he slid down the inside of the balcony wall. Erik didn’t have to examine his half brother to know he was dead. Holding Manfred, Erik quietly said, “Damn.”

  Within an hour it was clear that the attacking army was withdrawing in confusion. The defenders on the walls of the citadel, having heard the weather was the Prince’s plan, cheered.

  Chalmes began to go weak at the knees, and Pug helped him to a chair, while another magician took over the continued manipulation of the weather. Prince Patrick turned to Pug as a servant rushed forward with some spiced wine for the weakened Chalmes, and asked, “How big an area does this storm cover?”

  “About five miles in every direction, but we can enlarge it if you’d like.”

  Patrick shook his head in wonder. “How long can you make it last?”

  Pug smiled. “That depends on how many magicians I need to drag up here from Stardock.”

  Patrick ran a hand over his face. Fatigue had left dark circles under his eyes. “Cousin Pug,” he said, “pardon the observation, but . . . are you younger than I remember?”

  Pug smiled. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you tonight.”

  For another hour snow fell in continuing flurries, until it was knee-deep in drifts along the walls of the city. The sky was completely grey and birds sat in confusion on the walls of the citadel, undecided if they should be heading south.

  Then a band of men came trudging down the boulevard, and Erik looked out to see they were led by Owen Greylock, with Tomas at his side. Owen shouted up, “Will you lower the drawbridge! It’s damned cold out here!”

  Erik laughed in relief, leaned over the balcony, and shouted, “Lower the drawbridge!”

  28

  Rebirth

  Erik shivered.

  Darkmoor lay under a blanket of snow, though it was beginning to melt as summer reasserted itself.

  Erik turned his back to the wall, watching the city begin to come back to life, as the soldiers of the Armies of the East cleared the streets of any stragglers from the invading host who had tried to hole up in the burned-out buildings.

  The eastern gates had been opened at dawn by Erik and a patrol, who had easily reached them. The few elements of the invaders’ army that were still in the city gave them wide berth. They were too tired, cold, hungry, and dispirited to offer much opposition after the sudden snowfall.

  Erik turned to watch as new units of the King’s army marched slowly into the city. His own men were checking in, slowly, as Patrick dispatched newly arrived soldiers up and down Nightmare Ridge, and Erik expected Jadow, Harper, and the other surviving sergeants to be in Darkmoor soon. Word had arrived that the dwarves and elves were also returning home.

  A familiar voice said, “Von Darkmoor!”

  Erik saw Jadow Shati standing below, waving. “How did we do?”

  “Well enough, until this damnable snow arrived. I nearly froze my backside off!”

  Erik hurried down the flight of steps next to the gatehouse and gripped his old friend’s hand. Wanting to get the bad news over first, he said, “How many?”

  “Too many,” said Jadow. “I won’t have exact numbers for a few days, but too damn many.” He turned and watched as cavalry from Salador entered, banners flapping in the morning air. “We lost Harper two nights ago.”

  “Damn,” said Erik.

  Jadow said, “We’re running short of sergeants, Erik.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to make sure you stay alive.”

  “What are we to do next?”

  “The Prince will tell us.”

  Jadow said, “Will we rest?”

  “I think Patrick intends to let the Eastern Army drive the invaders down the hill a bit. So, until you hear otherwise, find a billet near the palace and get the men some food and blankets.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Jadow. “They’ll like that.”

  Erik said, “Send word to the citadel where you are when you’re situated. I’ve got some things to do.”

  “Sir!” said Jadow, and he turned and hurried off.

&nb
sp; Erik returned his attention to the eastern gate, and after a few minutes of watching the procession of brightly colored uniforms, clean horses, and unbloodied weapons, he turned and started walking back toward the citadel.

  Slowly the city began to revive. Three days after the last of the invaders were reported to be safely on the far side of Ravensburg, Erik heard a familiar sweet voice from the courtyard.

  “Erik!”

  He spun, and in the wagon pulling into the castle, Kitty sat behind Roo and his wife, next to their children and the Jacoby family.

  Erik almost knocked over a squire as he raced down the steps to the courtyard, and was almost knocked over in turn as his wife flew into his arms. He kissed her and held her. Then he pushed her back to arm’s length and said, “What are you doing here?”

  He looked at Roo. “You were supposed to have everyone safely down at Malac’s Cross.”

  “Well, we almost got there,” said Roo. He jumped down and said, “Then we ran into this army and, given the situation, I judged it pretty safe tagging along behind them.”

  “Where’s Luis? Nathan, my mother?”

  “They’re on their way,” said Roo. “I sent them down to Malac’s Cross with a list while I stayed close to the army. They should get here tomorrow.”

  “A list of what?”

  “Things to bring to Darkmoor,” said Roo. He motioned for Karli and the others to get out. He tapped Erik on the chest as Kitty kissed his cheek. “You and I have suffered a great deal of financial loss, my friend.”

  Erik laughed and kissed Kitty again. Then he said, “That money I lent you—I never expected to see it again.”

  “Well, be that as it may,” said Roo, “you’re a partner.” He threw his arm around Karli’s waist, and Helen Jacoby came to stand next to them. “We’re all partners.”

  “In what?” asked Erik.

  “Avery, Jacoby, and von Darkmoor! Milo and Nathan are loading up in Malac’s Cross with things that will be needed here, and I expect that shortly we’ll have a brisk trade set up.”

  Erik laughed. “Roo, you’ll never change.”

  Karli said, “He’s changed.” She blushed. “We’re going to have another baby.”

  Erik laughed. “Well, go inside and I’ll see what I can do about getting us something to eat.”