Dragonvein (Book Two) (11 page)

Ethan’s rage was boiling. Markus eased his way in front of him. “Not until I say so,” he whispered. His face was like stone; his hands rock steady.

Marvdra retrieved a cloth from his pocket and proceeded to wipe the blood from his blade. “I’m afraid, my dear Captain Jeridia, that you are in a spot of trouble. Harboring dwarves is a serious offence. One that I simply cannot overlook.”

Jeridia cast an eye around. The soldiers had the entire deck surrounded. “What do you intend to do with us?” he asked.

“That all depends,” Marvdra replied. “First, I will take the women aboard my ship. Then I will ask them a few questions. If they answer to my satisfaction, I just might decide
not
to set fire to your ship and fill anyone who jumps overboard with arrows. If they do not, I shudder to think what might happen to you…and to them.”

Ethan saw Lylinora glance over at him. Her face was twisted and her lips trembled. Kat was still weeping in her arms.

“Take them,” ordered Marvdra. “And kill the other dwarf.”

Markus nudged Ethan. “Be ready now. We kill their captain first.” Reaching into his sleeve, he produced a dagger. “Stay behind me until you can get hold of a sword.”

A soldier had already ripped Kat from Lylinora’s arms and was starting to drag her toward the plank. Markus took a step forward, but just as he was about to strike at the nearest soldier, Lylinora spoke. Her loud and confident voice carried all over the deck.

“There is something you should know, Captain.”

He gave a short, mocking laugh. “And what might that be?”

“I don’t like answering questions.”

As she spoke, Lylinora’s arms spread wide and her eyes began to glow a brilliant red, radiating huge waves of energy.

The change in Marvdra was instant. Uncertainty and fear suddenly gripped him. “What in the name of…?” he began.

The man’s words were cut violently short by the jagged spears of white light that flew from Lylinora’s hands and shot directly into his mouth. All the time uttering a series of weird choking sounds, he staggered back and forth in erratic patterns until eventually falling heavily onto his back. Once down, he continued to writhe around on the deck for a short while longer, as if wrestling with invisible demons. Then, after one final agonized cry and violent jerk, he became still and silent. Throughout it all, the soldiers, as well as all the smugglers, could do nothing but watch, every one of them paralyzed with terror.

Seizing this opportunity, Markus and Ethan burst forward. In a single deft movement, Markus slashed the throat of the nearest soldier while Ethan kicked another in the back, sending him sprawling. In a flash, he snatched up the dying first soldier’s dropped sword.

“There’s no need,” Lylinora called over to them, a wicked grin on her face. “I can handle this lot…easily.”

By now, some of the soldiers had recovered from the initial shock sufficiently to begin creeping nervously toward her. All of the smugglers, including Captain Jeridia, remained horror stricken and paralyzed.

Closing her fists, Lylinora yelled:
“Dao Gaat Sustesvo”.
Her voice boomed and echoed, startling the soldiers so badly that they stopped dead in their tracks.

By now, Kat had run to King Ganix. He folded her protectively within his arms.

In response to Lylinora’s words, a whirl of black smoke rose from the deck planking a few feet in front of her. Sparks of blue energy spewed out from the column in all directions, exploding with sharp cracks as they hit the ground. The whirling mass rapidly picked up both speed and size until it had formed the shape of a miniature cyclone approximately the height and breadth of a man. Then, all at once, it froze still. Only the creaking of the ship and the heavy pants of terrified men could now be heard.

Lylinora’s grin vanished. “You should run, fools.”

It was a pointless warning. Before anyone could make the smallest move to escape, half a dozen bolts of lightning shot forth from the stilled column, each one striking a soldier in the center of his chest. Their eyes flashed wide and they were dead even before they fell. With the stench of scorched flesh now mingling disgustingly with the fresh smell of ozone, the tempest resumed spinning, throwing out bolt after bolt into the ranks of their foes and stalking anyone who held a threatening sword.

Ethan could only watch in horror and awe as fifteen men were killed within just a few seconds. The remaining four cast away their weapons and fell face down, begging to be spared. But Lylinora was not inclined to be merciful. The tempest paused only briefly before striking these soldiers too. The job done, the dark spell became calm until Lylinora clapped her hands hard together. Instantly, it vanished.

There was a long silence. Kat then broke free from Ganix and knelt beside Birger.

“Can you help him?” she pleaded.

Lylinora took a moment to survey the aftermath before joining Kat beside the body. She placed her hand over the dwarf’s forehead and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” she said after a few seconds. “He is beyond my aid.”

Seizing hold of Birger’s hand, Kat broke down into a flood of tears. Ganix knelt beside her, muttering softly with closed eyes.

After witnessing the carnage, sailors on board the Imperial vessel had already cast aside the plank and cut the ropes in a mad scramble to get away from the smuggler’s ship.

Ethan looked around for Jonas and spotted him standing amongst the smugglers still gathered in the center of the deck. As his eyes settled on the old man, Lylinora arrived at his side.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

“Fine,” he replied, though that was not exactly the truth. He was unsure what to do next. They were exposed, and must now deal with a frightened captain and crew.

As so often in the past, it was Markus who provided the first positive action. He approached the captain, who was still more or less frozen with fear.

“Have your men throw the bodies over the side,” he ordered.

When Jeridia didn’t move, he slapped the man’s face. “Do you hear me?”

The captain finally snapped out of his trance, blinking several times. “Yes…yes…of course…” He turned to the crew. “Do as he says. Throw the bodies over.”

While his order was being carried out, Lylinora placed a hand gently on Ganix’s shoulder. “Is there some ritual or rite which needs to be observed for Birger?”

Ganix shook his head. “None that could be performed here. I would ask only that his body be burned. Not cast aside as food for the sea creatures. Also, I would like to clean his wound and change his clothes.”

“Of course.”

Jeridia approached them. “My…My Lady,” he began. “What of the Imperial ship? They’ll return with many reinforcements unless….”

By now the Imperial ship was fifty yards away, its sails already snapped full. With an unconcerned air, Lylinora held up her right hand and began rubbing her thumb and forefinger together, at the same time whispering almost inaudibly. After more than a full minute, she turned away with a smile of satisfaction.

“You needn’t concern yourself about that any longer,” she told the captain.

No sooner had she spoken than smoke began rising from the enemy ship. Within a minute it was totally engulfed in flames. The screams of the dying carried clearly across the water as men desperately jumped into its depths to avoid being roasted.

“We should be well away from here before anyone notices they are missing,” Lylinora remarked. She winked at Ethan and moved close to whisper into his ear. “Just imagine what you will be able to do one day.”

She then tenderly took hold of Kat’s arms and lifted her to her feet. “Come, my dear. Allow Ganix to prepare Birger for his journey. Go to the cabin. I’ll be along shortly.”

Ethan was happy to see her treating Kat with such kindness. “You should go with her,” he said. “We’ll clean up the mess.”

Lylinora nodded and followed Kat below. A moment later, Markus helped Ganix carry Birger’s body to the galley.

“What now?” Ethan asked Jonas.

“Now we deal with our smuggler friends,” he replied.

“That may not be so easy.”

Jonas shrugged. “After Lylinora’s display, I seriously doubt they’ll give us much trouble.”

It seemed like his judgement was probably correct. Once all the bodies had been disposed of, the crew quickly gathered together in a tight group around the center mast, whispering amongst themselves while eyeing Ethan and Jonas. But it was with suspicion and fear rather than hostility.

When Ganix and Markus returned, Jeridia called all four of them to the bow. Some of his former authority now appeared to have returned.

“What the devil have you gotten me into?” he demanded. “Who is that witch? And why is she here?”

“Her identity is none of your business,” Jonas warned. “Best you keep your curiosity at bay. All you need to know is that we still intend for you to honor our agreement.”

“Are you insane?” the captain shouted. After a quick glance at the crew, he then lowered his voice. “I’ll not transport the likes of her.”

Markus burst out laughing and threw an arm around Jeridia’s shoulder. “Then I suggest you tell her that yourself. Let’s go. This is something I’d very much like to see.”

Ever the peacemaker, Ganix moved quickly to calm the situation. “Come now,” he said. “There is no reason for this to be unpleasant. It is not Captain Jeridia’s fault that we were boarded. In truth, we have been less than forthcoming. But the fact remains, we will not be leaving this ship until we arrive at our destination. You can certainly profit handsomely from this, captain. And you have my word of honor that you will.”

Jeridia stepped away from Markus and cast his gaze around the group in a long, hard look. After heaving a heavy moan, he threw up his hands in surrender. “Very well. As I seem to have little choice in the matter, I suppose I should at least pick some gold out of this pile of shit. You head below. I need to speak to my crew alone.”

He lowered his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “They are not going to like this. Not one little bit.”

Chapter Nine

E
than wrapped a
comforting arm around Kat as they watched Markus and King Ganix gently lay Birger down on the ship’s deck. The king had found a well-made shirt and trousers to dress the body in, and the fallen dwarf’s axe had been placed ceremoniously across his chest.

Jonas and Lylinora were standing a few feet away, their heads slightly bowed. The crew had cleared the deck for the funeral gathering, partly by request, but mostly because no one wanted to be near Lylinora anyway. They now regarded her as some kind of devil. One sailor had actually shit himself when she passed by him in the hallway.

The sun was slowly sinking into the horizon, turning the sky all around it into a vivid shade of violet threaded with wisps of orange and red. The gentle swells of the sea sparkled and shimmered in the fading light, and for a short and solemn period, only the calling of the sea birds and the creaking of the ship’s timbers could be heard.

Markus bowed to the king, then took up position beside Ethan. Ganix stared down at Birger’s body with misty eyes. He drew a long, deep breath before speaking.

“I am so sorry, my friend,” he began. “I know you would have rather rested beneath the mountain. As you told me: This is no place for a dwarf.”

He turned to face the others before continuing.

“Birger was by far the most important dwarf to live in more than five-hundred years. At least, that is how I shall remember him. Not because he was the one who found Ethan Dragonvein and brought him to us. No. Perhaps even more important than that, it is because he was the first amongst us to understand how true friendships are made - through trust and through understanding.

“I can promise you that Birger did not befriend any of you without a great deal of effort. But he possessed a pure heart. And a pure heart allows you to accomplish things that others deem impossible. It was through his example that we have a chance to drive out the darkness that has plagued this world for far too long. The bonds he formed with all of you taught us that our fears, our hatred, and our prejudice, are not insurmountable obstacles. They are tests. Tests of our character. Tests of our worthiness to exist. Tests that Birger passed even before those who wear a crown were able.

“In my life I have known many others - the strong, the wise, and the brilliant. But among them all, Birger proved to be the one who left me with the deepest regret. I mourn the fact that I did not have the chance to know him better. I can also see this same regret in the eyes of his new friends who stand here on this day. So even in death, Birger reminds us of what our hearts should never forget. We are here…together. And in his absence, we realize how precious a thing that is.”

Tears were now running freely down Ganix’s cheeks, soaking into his beard. “I ask you all to never forget what this noble dwarf has done. And to keep his memory fresh in your hearts.”

With his speech over, he nodded to Ethan, who took up position beside the king. After taking a moment to bow to Birger, he began his own tribute to the fallen dwarf.

“I asked King Ganix to allow me to speak because I thought it would be the proper thing to do. I spent the better part of the day going over what I would say. I tried recalling everything I knew about Birger – the stories he told me and the times we spent together. But nothing I can say will be enough to explain the loss I’m feeling right now. I didn’t know him long. I didn’t get years with him. Just a few short months. But I didn’t need years to know that he was everything King Ganix has said…and a whole lot more. I wish I could say something to make everyone feel better. I really do. But right now, all I have in my heart is anger. Our enemy has taken so much from so many. And now he has taken a dear and trusted friend.”

The set of his mouth firmed. “Even though I was taught that vengeance is wrong, vengeance for this terrible crime is what I most surely want. Would Birger approve? I’d like to think he would. To tell you the truth, right or wrong doesn’t matter very much to me now. Shinzan
will
pay. This is the promise I make…to Birger, to all of you, and to myself.”

A brief silence followed. Ganix then placed his hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “I cannot say for certain whether or not Birger would approve of your anger. But I do know that he would most surely understand it.”

Ethan returned to his place with the others. Lylinora then stepped forward and bowed to the king. “I am ready,” she said.

Ganix nodded and pulled a short, green rod from his sleeve. At the same time Lylinora raised both her arms, levitating Birger’s body several feet off the deck. It hung motionless in mid-air for a moment, then drifted beyond the ship’s railing, stopping when about thirty yards out over the water. Once it was there, the king raised the rod. Great streaks of fire burst forth from it, completely engulfing Birger’s body. Ganix kept the fire coming for more than five minutes. Finally, when the rod ceased to glow and the fire was gone, not a trace of Birger’s body or his weapon remained.

Ganix threw the spent rod into the sea and bowed his head. “Thank you, Lady Lylinora.”

“It was my honor to help,” she replied solemnly.

The king looked up, stifling his tears. “Come. It is our tradition to drink in remembrance of fallen comrades. The captain was kind enough to provide us with some wine.”

“We have the same tradition on Earth,” Ethan told him.

They all went below to the main cargo hold where several bottles awaited them. They drank until just before dawn, each of them taking turns recalling their fondest memories of Birger. Tears flowed as abundantly as the wine throughout. Kat seemed particularly affected by what had happened. Ethan thought to comfort her, but she stayed close to Lylinora. Surprisingly, Lylinora didn’t seem to mind, even allowing the young girl to rest her head on her shoulder for long periods.

Ethan wanted his anger to subside, but the memory of the callous way in which Birger had been slain only added fuel to the rage. Are they all evil, he wondered? Maybe not. But those who were, made it very easy to hate his enemy.

The next morning after breakfast, he found Lylinora up on deck with Kat.

“As there is no further need to hide my identity as a mage, I’ve decided that we will have our lessons out here,” she said.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Ethan asked. “The crew…”

“To hell with the crew,” snapped Kat. “They’re a bunch of cowards as far as I’m concerned.”

“Now what did we talk about, young lady?” scolded Lylinora.

Kat folded her arms, pouting. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“As I was saying,” Lylinora continued. “The lessons will be on deck. But they will take place at night when most of the crew are asleep. And from now on, Kat will be participating.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Really? Why the change of heart?”

“The girl needs to be able to protect herself,” she replied. “If I hadn’t been here, those men would have dragged her to their ship and…” Her lip curled. “I don’t want to imagine what they would have done to her. In spite of Kat’s shortcomings, she has a natural talent. And after seeing how men of this age treat women, I regard it as my duty to train her.”

That night, the three of them gathered below the center mast. For more than three hours Lylinora drilled them on defensive spells – some intended simply to incapacitate, others designed to kill. Ethan was pleased to see that Lylinora was now far more accepting of Kat. And he understood her feelings. Having leapt to Kat’s rescue himself shortly after arriving in Lumnia, he was equally appalled by the barbarity he had witnessed. Lylinora was right. Women were treated very badly here; a situation he knew she intended to one day change.

A few days later, Captain Jeridia came down into the hold to speak with them.

“I’m afraid we must stop in Port Hull,” he announced.

“Why exactly?” asked Markus.

“I could tell you that supplies are low,” he replied. “But the truth is, I am barely containing a mutiny. The lady’s display of magic has shattered some of the men’s reason. I need to rid myself of them before things get out of hand.”

Markus frowned. “How many are complaining?”

“Six. No more. We’ll simply allow them to leave the ship and move on. The delay will be brief, I promise.”

Ganix thought for a moment. “Perhaps it’s not a terrible idea. We could probably do with some fresh information. Besides, a mutiny would be most inconvenient.”

“I want to know which men are causing trouble,” Markus said. “Can they be trusted to hold their tongues?”

Jeridia regarded Markus and shook his head. “You have the bearing of a dangerous man. Those who will be leaving are simply afraid. They do not deserve to die.”

“I didn’t say they did,” Markus retorted. “I wish only to speak with them and offer gold in exchange for their silence.”

“Be that as it may,” said Jeridia. “I will not reveal them to you. I have already quelled the situation by promising to make port and let them go. That will have to be enough for you.”

Markus smiled broadly. “Very well, Captain. I respect your decision.”

“When will we arrive?” asked Ethan.

“In two days,” Jeridia replied. Before walking away, he added: “I advise that you stay aboard while we are there. Port Hull can be a dangerous place.”

“You realize we can’t allow them to just leave, don’t you?” Markus said, as soon as the captain was out of earshot.

“You can’t just kill them,” Ethan protested. “They didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Even so, Markus is right,” said Jonas. “If they talk, Shinzan could learn about Lylinora. The empire certainly has eyes and ears among the smugglers.”

“But Markus said he’d pay them to keep quiet,” said Ethan.

“I lied,” his friend responded. “Unfortunately for me, the captain knew it. One benefit my scars gave me was hiding what I was thinking. I suppose I’ll need to be more careful in the future.”

“What do you think, Your Highness?” asked Jonas.

The king rubbed his beard and looked down at his lap. “I need to speak to Markus…alone.”

Ethan tried to divine what Ganix was thinking, but his expression was unreadable. He then felt Jonas touch his arm. After a brief meeting of eyes, he followed the old man out of the hold.

“What do you think he’ll do?” Ethan asked.

Jonas shrugged. “Who can tell?”

They went into the galley to eat. Several crew members were still finishing their meal, but the sight of the two passengers ensured that any food remaining in their bowls was quickly gobbled up. Soon, the pair were completely alone.

Ethan stared at his bowl of stew, stirring it absently with his spoon. “It makes me wonder,” he remarked.

“Wonder what?” asked Jonas.

“Suppose Shinzan is defeated. And suppose the mages return in the way Lylinora wants. How will people react? Will they even want us?”

“Of course they will,” Jonas assured him. “The mages were protectors of the people. They were feared, yes. But also loved.”

“All I see is the fear.”

“You’ll look at things differently in time. The more you learn, and realize how much good you can do, the more you’ll understand how much this world needs you and your kind.”

Ethan sighed. “Maybe. I hope you’re right.”

Just as they were completing their meal, Kat arrived. She plopped herself down beside Ethan.

“Lylinora has gone to talk with King Ganix,” she said. “So I thought we could work on some spells together.”

“Did she say what he wanted?” Ethan asked.

Kat shook her head. “No. Markus showed up at the door and said they needed her to come down to the hold. That’s all. She didn’t look too happy about it. But I think that’s only because she doesn’t like Markus very much.”

After Kat had finished eating, the two of them went to her cabin. They practiced levitating objects for a while, throwing them back and forth to each other like a game. Kat had written down every spell and incantation Lylinora had taught them, so after a time they decided to review some of the more difficult spells. One of these enabled them to confine a foe inside a coil of magical energy. Ethan remembered experiencing this spell first hand when Lylinora had come to his room late at night. He shuddered on realizing how easily she could have crushed the life from him.

When Lylinora returned, her expression was grave. But it softened the moment she saw Ethan.

“I’m pleased to see you two working,” she said.

“It was Kat’s idea,” Ethan said. “
She
deserves the credit.”

Lylinora nodded approvingly. “Perhaps you have more discipline than I thought.”

“What did King Ganix want?” Ethan asked, trying not to sound suspicious.

Lylinora flicked her hand. “Oh, nothing much. He just wanted to know if I could do something to prevent the men leaving the ship from talking.”

“And can you?”

“Perhaps. Memory spells are tricky though. They don’t always work.”

“Sometimes they do,” Kat chipped in.

Lylinora shot her a stern look. “Don’t you have anything else to do?”

Kat gathered up the parchments on which she had copied the spells. She opened her mouth, but shut it again when Lylinora’s stare hardened. “I’ll be in the hold,” she finally said.

Ethan chuckled after Kat left. “You’ve taken a real interest in her.”

Lylinora sat at the dresser and began brushing her hair. “She needs to learn. And there is no one else to teach her. It’s a pity she didn’t grow up in a different time. She would have made quite the mage.”

“She still might.”

Lylinora glanced over her shoulder to smile at him. “True. If we have the time.”

“Why wouldn’t we?”

“
Your
training is far more important,” she explained. “Once we get to learning more complex magic, I’ll need to focus my attention on you, and you alone.” She gave him a suggestive wink. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Lylinora had been far more restrained lately, and this renewed flirtation sent Ethan’s heart racing for a moment or two. But visions of her shocked expression when he’d tried to kiss her soon snapped him back to reality.

“I should go,” he said, trying not to sound excited.