***
The towns and farms were soon left behind, as they entered a wild and dangerous region. The weather cleared, the sun breaking through the clouds and casting a golden glow across the land, and at last they could see the peaks of the Soddurn Mountains in the distance, marking the edge of Silverland. Once beyond those peaks, they would be in strange lands governed by strange laws, and Dremlock's authority would be severely diminished. It was a sobering realization.
When they stopped for lunch and were all seated in the grass, Jace paused in his eating, rose, and spoke a warning to everyone. "I have visited the Soddurn Mountains before," he said, "and amongst those crumbling peaks I encountered hideous creatures more dangerous than Goblins. The mountains were thoroughly corrupted by the Deep Shadow in ancient times, for within them lies a fortress that was once occupied by the Barloak Demons who made war on all life. However, this route will save us many days of travel."
"I can smell the stench of evil from here," said Aldreya, her gaze fixed on the mountains. "This will not be easy."
"Let me take the lead," said Prince Vannas. "I will burn the shadows away, leaving only barren rock along our path." He rose and glanced about at the small army of Knights. "I see a bit of doubt in your eyes, but pay it no heed. The Divine Essence has blessed us with the ability to survive anything. Even Bellis considers us a dire threat. What is there to be afraid of?"
"I beg to differ," said Jace. "We have much to fear, my good prince. A Flamestone is only as good as the hand that holds it."
"What does that mean?" asked Vannas, looking offended.
"It means you are flesh and blood," said Jace. "You can be tricked, or slain. We must guard you well, for your Flamestone could draw the evil out of the dark places. They will come for you, oh prince. Mark my words. The fortress is still active after all these centuries."
"And I will be ready," Vannas said, his face stony. "No one will ever pry this gem from my hands again. I am now alert to such trickery. My failure against Bellis has done nothing but strengthen my resolve, and no one will capture me again--for they will burn in white fire if they try. I am proud to announce that my skills have reached a higher level. I won't go into detail, but take my word for it."
Some of the Knights applauded.
But Lothrin rose and grabbed the prince's arm. "You better sit down and eat, my cousin. You're getting yourself riled up."
Vannas pulled away from him, glaring. "I don't need the advice of an opinionated Ranger. You're not as wise as you think, Lothrin."
"Never said I was wise," Lothrin mumbled. "But once again you're letting your power cloud your judgment. That is the path of doom."
"The path of doom," said Vannas, shaking his head. "How very dramatic. That's all I ever hear from you, and it grows tiresome. Who are you to question me? Are you a Tower Master of Dremlock? Are you even the Green Knight of Ollanhar or the High Watchman? No, you're none of those things. You're just a lowly Ranger who thinks he is superior to those around him."
Their eyes smoldering with anger, the two cousins confronted each other so that their faces were only inches apart.
"Calm yourselves," said Lannon, pulling them apart. "This won't accomplish anything. We need to stay focused on our mission."
Daledus grinned. "This needs to be settled with fists."
Jerret laughed. "Same old thing with these two."
"Not again," said Vorden, rolling his eyes in disgust.
"Enough of this nonsense," said Aldreya. "Why can't you two seem to get along? You aren't Squires anymore but respected Knights of the Council of Ollanhar. You will both sit down and enjoy your lunch."
Lothrin bowed and sat down. Prince Vannas hesitated, then took a seat in the grass. Yet they continued to glare at each other.
"Now that that's finished," said Jace, looking amused, "where was I?" He seemed deep in contemplation for a moment; then he shrugged. "I was going to say something brilliant, but I forgot what it was. Ah well. My lunch is getting cold anyway."
"I'm not going through those mountains," said Taith, gazing at Lannon and shivering. "It would be cruel to make me go."
"We have no choice," said Lannon. "Sorry, Taith."
"We're all going to die up there," said Taith, his words full of grim certainty, and it was Lannon's turn to feel chilled.
Many had vanished without a trace in the rugged peaks of the Soddurn Mountains--including a small army of Divine Knights sixty years before. The Knights had chased a powerful Goblin into the peaks, intent of finishing it off so it would cease to terrorize the land. The mountains apparently swallowed them up. Not even their bones were found.
"They'll never find our bones," said Taith, as if sensing Lannon's thoughts. The lad curled up in the grass, eyes closed.
Lannon said nothing, his gaze lingering on the jagged peaks that rose up into the sky. They looked innocent enough from here, but the Soddurn Mountains were crawling with death. Taking this route was indeed a huge gamble.
"Is this a wise decision?" Bekka asked Aldreya. "Our mission has barely begun, yet we could suffer losses in those mountains."
Aldreya hesitated before answering. Then she said, "I don't know, but this is the fastest route to our goal. And I think we're quite capable of defending ourselves against whatever awaits us up there."
"Yet what exactly is our goal?" asked Bekka. "I know we're going to an island, but where is it located? Will we be stopping anywhere along the way? I haven't seen a worthy map. We haven't discussed anything specific." The tall, muscular warrior gazed down at Aldreya with deep concern. "Why all the secrecy?"
"We will eventually hold a meeting," said Aldreya, as she walked away. And that was all she would say on the matter.
"Lannon," asked Bekka, "can you answer my questions?"
"No," said Lannon. But he didn't much care what the answers were. He would go where they needed to go and do what must be done.
Bekka shook her head, bearing a troubled look. "You're the High Watchman and have a right to know everything Aldreya knows, yet she keeps you in the dark. Shouldn't you be demanding answers?"
"Birlote sorcerers are always like that," said Lannon. "They hide things until they feel the truth should be revealed. I expect that from her."
"May I speak freely?" asked Bekka, pulling Lannon aside where no one else could hear.
Lannon nodded.
"You're somewhat of a spineless High Watchman," said Bekka. "You're letting Aldreya run everything. That's not how it's supposed to be."
"I very much disagree," said Lannon. He was somewhat annoyed at the harsh words. "We make decisions together, usually with help from the Council. But sometimes I let her handle things. My mind is often on other tasks."
"Then maybe you're not fit for the role, Lannon," said Bekka. "It sounds like you tend to neglect your duties."
"I do," Lannon admitted. "Somewhat. But not entirely."
Bekka's eyes widened. "Somewhat? Sorry, but that's not the attitude of someone I want being my leader. I expect better from you."
Now Lannon was fully annoyed. "Then perhaps you should return to Dremlock, Bekka. No one is forcing you to stay on the Council."
Bekka nodded. "I see. So I reveal my thoughts and you're ready to toss me out. I guess I wasn't allowed to speak freely after all."
With a sigh, Lannon calmed himself. "I don't want you to leave. You're a valuable warrior and an important member of the Council. I listened to your words, and I will consider them."
Bekka bowed. "That is all I ask. May I be excused?"
Lannon nodded, and she walked away.
He stood for a moment in the grass, contemplating what she had said. Her words made him weary. He didn't want to deal with issues concerning his role on the Council--or anything even remotely similar. He wanted to spend his time adventuring and doing heroic deeds. Bekka took the business of the Council very seriously, and Lannon respected that--but anything with the word "official" attached to it bored him to tears. He was more than h
appy to let Aldreya and the others deal with all of that even if it made him appear spineless.
Lannon drew his blade, focusing his power into it. He stood motionless for a moment, charged with energy, letting it cleanse him of all his earthly burdens. Then he lashed out at a nearby rock, cleaving it in two. It felt good to wield his sword, even if it was just practice.
He glanced about, slightly embarrassed, but no one was watching. He sheathed his weapon. He felt better, but Bekka's words still nagged at his mind. Politics left him no peace, but there was no escaping that burden.
Lannon would gladly face the terrors of the Soddurn Mountains over another argument concerning his duties.