Blood and Fire E-Book

Adam Collins

• Herausgeber: BookRix
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Beschreibung

Megan has arrived at Arakur, seat of the secretive Darkspawn lord know as Alsheer; meanwhile Anabel has escaped Briar, stronghold of the slaver Grik, and fled into the night with new friend Merith.

Having tracked the two young women to Ash, the Pathfinders face a dilemma. It has become clear that the captives have been separated and are now being held in different locations. Forced to split their group, Brok continues with his mission to rescue Princess Megan, while Tam is ordered to find Anabel.

As the Eastern Alliance near the borders of Jarro, Eastgate braces for the inevitable attack. As the storm approaches, Ben Preem stands ready.

It is a time for death or glory…a time for blood and fire…

Leseprobe

Adam Collins

Blood and Fire

Blood and Fire "In Book Two, we continue on with the attempted rescue of Princess Megan by the King’s elite soldiers, as she is moved to the lair of the Darkspawn Lord Alsheer, in the depths of Arakur, as her handmaiden Anabel flees her slaver captors, creating a dilemma for the elite band – they will have to separate to rescue the two damsels, while war brews and choices will have to be made for war or victory in this epic quest. The books in the series – Stolen, Blood and Fire, and Gatekeeper – have been integrated into a seamless story, to the point that it is difficult to determine where one novel ends and the next begins. Predictably, the plot rises and falls, but the tension never fades completely as the characters rush from one peril to the next." Dakota Kemp, Self-Publishing Review.BookRix GmbH & Co. KG81371 Munich

1. Shan-Tu Provence

Megan awoke with a start. It was morning and she was lying atop a feather filled mattress on a lavishly decorated four-poster bed. A heavy quilt covered her body. In a moment of panic she lifted the lace trimmed border and peered beneath. She sighed with relief. Her wrinkle filled travel clothes had not been removed. She still wore the trousers and top that had been placed on her at the start of the journey.

     Sitting up, she looked at her surroundings. The room was richly decorated. The ornate furniture would not have looked out of place in baron’s manor or royal palace. A finely gilded dressing table with matching chair rested against the far wall. Easing herself out of the bed she sat looking down at her bare feet. Feeling a little light-headed, Anabel watched with some amusement as the floor tiles turned and twisted in a stomach-churning waltz. There was a water-jug and glass beside the bed, which she filled and drank from several times. The spinning started to slow. Just then the door opened and a middle aged woman walked in holding a dress in her hands.

     ‘Good morning, Highness,’ she curtsied before Megan. ‘My name is Audreen. I am your handmaid.’

     Megan took a moment to compose herself, ‘Where am I?’ she finally asked.

     ‘This is Arakur, the fortress of Lord Alsheer.’

Megan got up, walked over to the ornately designed lead glass window, and looked out. She was in a castle tower, one of four that cornered the inner keep. A secondary outer stone wall surrounded the fortress. Guards, with shouldered spears, paced the parapet.

Audreen cleared her throat, ‘Beg pardon, Highness. There's a hot bath awaiting you in the next room if you would care to freshen up. I have also taken the liberty of providing a change of clothes for you.’

     Megan suddenly felt the urge to bathe as never before. Bathing had been the last thing on her mind during her ordeal. But now the very mention of the word had breached a dam. An almost primal urge to wash away, both, dirt and memory gripped her to her very core. She needed to be clean again. Even if it was the very last thing that she did before death she would, at least, die happy. She followed Audreen through a set of double doors to the adjoining room. The bath was carved from a single piece of white marble and filled with hot scented water. Wisps of, jasmine scented, steam drew her closer with a gentle unspoken promise of deep relaxing relief.

     Megan quickly undressed and stepped into the warm caressing liquid. A feeling of warmth and relaxation coursed over and through her body. Her skin tingled at the waters soothing touch. A long sigh escaped her, and she closed her eyes. Audreen left her alone to properly enjoy the moment. After a suitably long soak Megan dried and dressed herself. The dress fitted well but was of a fashion not seen for fifty years.

     Looking in the mirror memories of her childhood came flooding back. Her grandmother had worn similar type dresses, as had all the women of that generation. It was a little tight fitting, but flattering all the same. Her hair was returning to its natural blond colour as the last of the dye washed out, but it was still very short. Megan touched it wistfully. It was starting to curl as it had when she was very young. She pulled one of the curls straight but when she released her grip it shot back into a spiral. She had hated them so when she was small, but now she didn’t mind. In fact, she had to silently admit that they looked quite flattering. Audreen entered the room and curtsied.

     ‘You don’t have to keep doing that you know,’ said Megan.

     ‘But, Highness, it is befitting your status,’ she blushed.

     ‘When we’re alone a simple nod of the head will suffice.’

     ‘Oh I don’t know, Highness,’ Audreen looked back at the door. ‘Lord Alsheer would be displeased.’

     ‘Well he’s not here now. And besides…all that knee bending aches my head,’ Megan smiled.

     ‘As you command, Highness,’ Audreen caught herself half way down into a full curtsy and flushed. Then stood and nodded as instructed.

     ‘There, you see…much better!’

     ‘Begging your pardon, Highness. But Lord Toriz has asked that you join him at break-fast. He awaits you in the main dining hall,’

     ‘Can you show me the way please, Audreen?’

     ‘Of course, Highness, if you are ready please follow me,’ this time Audreen remembered to just nod. Though a little woodenly.

The dining hall was in the centre of the Keep and took a good ten minutes to get to from the tower. Karem had donned his most formal dining clothes. Mostly colourful silks with a smattering of jewels sewn into the fabric. He looked very dashing. He gave Megan a most audacious flourish and bowed deeply as she entered the hall. ‘Welcome to Arakur, Highness. Lord Alsheer’s palace in the independent province of Shan-Tu.’

     Megan returned his formal salute with a curtsy and slight nod of the head, ‘I only wish it was under friendlier circumstances.’

     Karem smiled in his usual way, ‘We are all prisoners of circumstance, Highness. We move as we are placed in the great game of life,’ he walked to her side and held the chair at the top of the table for her to sit.

     Megan sat with grace and poise, ‘But don’t we ultimately have free will, my-Lord? Surely the path through life is one of our own choosing.’

     ‘That is correct…in most cases, Highness. But alas not all. There are times when a calling takes precedence over one’s own selfish interests. Especially when that path is preordained,’ still smiling, Karem took the seat to her right.

     ‘I had thought that only holy men were called. You speak of vocation surely?’ answered Megan.

     ‘There are all manner of callings, Highness. But please, I keep you from your break-fast. Perhaps we can delve deeper into this most interesting of topics at a more convenient time,’ he reached over and offered Megan some bread from a platter.

     Megan took the hint. That conversation was over. She thought for a moment before speaking again. ‘The last time we spoke you mentioned your homeland. What was your city called? Pardon my manners, my mind has drawn a blank.’

     ‘There is no slight, Highness. It is oft times difficult to remember such things in times of strife. And unfamiliar names are difficult, even during convivial times. It was Devaa. I really must find the time to return soon. It has been quite some time since my last visit.’ He looked away and wistfully stared out one of the large ornate windows lining the wall of the dining hall.

     ‘To see your wife?’

     He blinked and shook his head, ‘Yes, it would be good to see her again.’

     ‘Forgive me, Lord Toriz. But you seemed to be having trouble remembering her name on the last occasion that we spoke,’

     ‘Really. I have no recollection,’ his eyebrows rose.

     ‘We were chatting in the carriage and when I asked your wife's name you couldn’t remember.’

     ‘Really, Highness! How could I forget something like that! Her name is Shareema. Light of my eye and owner of my heart.' he smiled. 'I assure you,  I could never forget her name. That would be simply impossible,’ he laughed.

Megan was confused and wondered if she had been mistaken. After all when Alsheer rendered her unconscious it was quite possible her memories could have been scrambled too.      The memory of being rendered unconscious in the carriage returned, ‘Why did he do that?’ she mumbled.

   ‘Why did who do what, Highness?’

     Megan snapped back to the present, ‘Oh I'm sorry…just some idle thoughts,’ she covered.

     The conversation remained cordial and none specific throughout the meal. Karem kept smiling, ‘You will be glad to hear that you have the freedom of the whole castle. You may come and go as you please during the day. But at night you must return to your room.’

     ‘Really. How wonderful,’ she said flatly.

     ‘I must leave you for a few hours but Audreen will tend to your needs. All that you have to do is ask,’ he smiled and nodded while pushing back his chair to stand, ‘If I may be forward there is an excellent library on the next level. You may find something there to help pass the time.’

     ‘Thank you. Just one more question, Karem.’

     ‘Oh course, Highness. What is it?’

     ‘Where is Lord Alsheer? I would have thought that he would have joined us at break-fast?’

     ‘Ah yes. I have been instructed to offer his apologies on the matter. Urgent business has unfortunately drawn him away for the moment. But rest assured he will speak with you when he returns later tonight.’

     ‘How tiresome for him.’

     ‘My Lord Alsheer is a man with great and numerous responsibilities,’ answered Karem, while clicking his heels together. ‘Until later, Highness,’ he bowed and walked out the door just as Audreen walked in.

     Megan rose and walked to the large fireplace at the end of the room. Something troubled her, but it was hard to put a finger on it. She stared into the yellow-orange flames lost in thought. Audreen came to her side and Megan's mind returned, ‘Audreen, Lord Toriz mentioned something about a library on the upper level. Can you show me how to get there please?’

     ‘Of course, Highness. It’s this way’ Audreen started walking back towards the door of the dining hall.

     Megan followed closely behind, lost in thought.

2.  A Wolf in Bard’s Clothing

Briar was a flurry of activity. Mounted patrols were riding off in all directions. Tam lay in the cover of some long grass on a hill overlooking the slaver town. He could see a large, bearded, man pointing and shouting orders, but the distance was too great to hear what he was saying.

     ‘If I was asked to put money on it, I’d say that’s our man,’ offered Rat, lying beside Tam, holding a spyglass to his eye.

     ‘He fits the description alright. Fond of shouting isn’t he,’ said Tam, staring coldly at Grik.

     ‘He doesn’t look very happy does he? His face is all red,’ added Rat.

     ‘No,’ agreed Tam, ‘not one of life’s cheery risers, I would guess. He has the look of a man who likes a swig or two,’ Tam took back his spyglass from Rat and crawled away from the crest. Rat followed. Lom was a little further down the rise holding the horses. When they reached him Tam placed the spyglass back into his saddlebag.

     ‘What’d you see?’ asked Lom.             

     ‘It’s a medium sized town, with lots of activity,’ answered Tam.

     ‘Any sign of the girl?’

     ‘No, but that means little. She would be confined. Probably that big building with the fence,’ reasoned Rat while glancing at Tam.

     Tam nodded, ‘Makes sense. Though I didn’t expect there to be quite so much activity. Something’s up.’

     ‘D’ya think they’re on to us?’ asked Rat.

     ‘Could’ve gotten word from Ash,’ said Lom.

     ‘If they had why, then, send patrols out along the western approach? Small patrols, no more than five men per group, to boot. It just doesn’t add up. If I were this fella Grik, and I knew that there was going to be trouble. I’d just sit tight, and set an ambush. The last thing I’d do is send my men, blindly, skittering off in all directions. Unless,’ Tam scratched his head while thinking, ‘it’s something else entirely.’

     ‘What do you want to do? asked Rat.

     ‘Our answers are down there in that town. A busy tavern could be of benefit. Unclamping a stiff jaw requires guile, and a certain amount of lubrication,’ Tam grinned.

     ‘Do we go now or wait until after dark?’ asked Rat

     ‘There’s no we about it. I’m going in alone.’

     ‘But--’ Rat didn’t get a chance to finish his protest.

     ‘A lone rider stands a better chance of slipping in and out unnoticed. I want you both out here if anything happens to me.’ there was steel in Tam's tone.

     Both men looked crestfallen.

     ‘In the meantime we need to move. I’d like to be riding into town from a westerly direction when I approach. They’ll be naturally suspicious of anyone coming from the East. So we’ll have to detour around the outskirts,’ Tam placed his foot into his stirrup and heaved himself onto his horse.

They almost blundered into one of Grik’s patrols near the southern boundary of the town. But Rat’s sharp ears and a thick clump of scrub saved them. By late evening they had found a suitable hiding place in an island of spruce trees. Tam left to see what he could find out. Approaching the town, he noticed that one of the gate sentries had a bloody bandage wrapped around his head. The man was eyeing him closely.

     ‘Good evening, friend,’ Tam waved.

     ‘What’s so good about it?’ snapped the guard irritably.

     ‘It’s a bright evening, the Sun is warm upon my back, and I’ve reached this delightful town. Where, I hope, there is food and a bed for the night for a weary traveller on the dusty road,’ Tam beamed a gregarious smile at the sour-faced guard.

     ‘Some are easily pleased, I 'spose,’ growled the guard.

     ‘What, if I may ask, is the name of this sanctuary in the wilderness?’

     ‘Tis Briar,’ answered the guard, while scrunching his nose. and looking at Tam like he’d lost his marbles.

     ‘How apt,’ laughed Tam. ‘And do tell…is there, by chance, a tavern, or hostelry located within?’

     ‘There’s two, The Mucky Jug and The Lash ‘n’ Chain,’

     ‘And which of these two fine establishments would you recommend, good sir?’

     ‘For you,’ he snorted, looking at Tam like a fox eyeing a chicken, ‘it’d have ta be The Jug,’.

‘Why so? Is the Lash and Chain an Inn of disrepute? If you don’t mind the question.’

     ‘An Inn of what? D’ya know somthin’. You talk right queer, fella!’

     ‘Humble apologies, kind sir.’ Tam gave a simple bow and placed his hand over his heart. ‘Being a bard of some renown in the western ports, there is, I admit, a flow to my speech that would be alien to wilderness ears,’

     The guard looked as if he had suddenly sucked on a sour gooseberry, ‘Just heed my words ‘n’ stay away from the Lash that’s where the slavers like to drink. An’ you’re kind ain’t welcome. You wouldn’t last a minute in there!’ he spat to one side to drive his point home.

‘Oh!’ exclaimed Tam in a rather shrill voice, ‘Thank you for the warning. I shall indeed heed your sound advice,’ Tam smiled and nudged his horse forward through the gate and into the town. As he left the bewildered guard behind he was glad that Rat and Lom had not been present to witness his performance.

     ‘Won’t last the night,’ snorted the guard, as he watched Tam disappear out of sight around a bend in the road.

     When Tam turned the corner he relaxed and his eyes hardened. In an instant his countenance changed from western fop to hardened mercenary. Townsfolk hurried to get out of his way, no-one made eye contact. To their eyes he was simply another sword-for-hire slaver. Not to be trusted nor crossed. After ten minutes he stopped outside the Inn and tied up his horse. The sign overhanging the porch squeaked as it moved in a weak breeze. Tam looked up and read, “The Lash ‘n’ Chain Tavern”. He had found it. Three rough looking slavers came out of the building and looked him over as they passed. One gave a brief nod then turned away and continued walking. They never harassed their own kind. Grik had strict rules about infighting. Tam mounted the steps and entered the gloomy interior. There were few customers this early in the evening. He took a table in the darkest corner and ordered food and drink from a slim hipped serving woman in her mid twenties.

     ‘Is it always this quiet here?’ asked Tam, as she took his order.

     ‘God’s no! You’re just early is all. Give it an hour or so an’ it’ll kick off.’

     ‘Any work here abouts?’

     ‘If you don’t mind workin’ for the slavers then there’s always work.’

     ‘Who should I see?’

     ‘Probably Grik. He runs the whole place.’

     ‘Thanks for the help. What’s your name?’

     ‘It's Nelli,’ she smiled.

     Tam picked up her hand and kissed it. ‘Thank you, beautiful Nelli,’ he gave her his warmest smile.

     Nelli flushed and put her hand to her hair, ‘Thank you kindly, sir,’ she gushed. ‘I’ll just go and see to your food,’ as she backed away she found it hard to drag her eyes from Tam’s chiselled features.

    ‘Oh! One last question if you don’t mind, Nelli?’

     ‘Course not, anything,’ she cooed.

     ‘Where will I find this Grik fella?’

     ‘His house is the big one on the hill. You can’t miss it,’ she pointed out the dirty window beside the door.

     ‘You won’t find him there now. Beggin’ your pardon for the interruption. But I couldn’t help overhearin’ you chattin’ to Nelli,’ said a tall skinny, balding, man in his sixties. ‘I’m Grendle Braxton, proprietor of The Lash,’ he said nodding in deference.

     ‘Is he away on business?’

     ‘No there’s been some big hubbub this morn. From the dribs and drabs I’ve heard there must have been a breakout by some slaves. Upshot is, Grik and most of his men are out combing the countryside. So there’s no use in traipsing all the way up there to the house. Leastways ‘til you see his men start to come back later tonight.’

     ‘Do you know how many escaped?’

     ‘No.’ The old man shook his head. ‘It’s just as I said, we only hear what his men say when they come here at night to drink.’

     Tam nodded, ‘Thank you, Grendle.’

     ‘No bother at all. Hate to see you wastin’ good boot-leather. May as well keep the weight off ‘til the morn at least.’

     ‘And stay here drinking and eating, you would advise, no doubt,’ Tam smiled.

     The Inn keeper grinned sheepishly, ‘Well, we won’t refuse the business that’s for sure,’ and then he laughed as he walked back towards the bar. ‘An’ there’s comfortable rooms upstairs if you need a place to lay your head.’

     ‘I’ll keep it in mind,’ nodded Tam.

     Nelli arrived back with his food and ale. She was all smiles as she placed the tray down on the table.  She had fixed her hair and had added a brightly coloured flower to her bun. Tam smiled back and winked. Nelli almost lost the run of herself. Her face immediately flushed a vibrant red and she giggled uncontrollably, like a lovesick teenager, all the way back to the kitchen.

As the night wore on the tavern started to fill up with more and more slavers. Tam heard several ask Grendle who the stranger was. They quickly lost interest when they found out he was looking for work and would be meeting up with Grik in the morning. Soon Tam was forgotten completely and faded into the shadows of his dark corner, drinking, smoking, and listening. Finally he heard something that made his ears prick up.

     ‘I ain’t never seen him this bad afore,’ said a weasel faced slaver near the bar.

     ‘Well one of ‘em was his bed warmer. So maybe that’s why,’ offered a second taller slaver with a patch over one eye.

     ‘Nah! More like it was that high-born strumpet we been lumpin’ about for weeks,’ said Weasel.

     ‘Shush your mouth!’ You heard wot he said he’d do if he heard we blabbed,’ whispered Eye-patch, while looking furtively about to see if anyone was listening. ‘We’re the only ones knows about her, an’ we got extra coin, for our pains, to seal the deal. So we got no complaints. He done right by us, did old Grik.’

     ‘I ain’t complainin’. I’m just sayin’ that he wouldn’t get this worked up for no bed warmer, is all.’

     ‘I dunno,’ Eye-patch shook his head,  ‘she were a fair piece o’ work, when we seen her on the way here from Ash. Very nice she was. Well put together.’ Eye-patch scrunching up his face and made squeezing motions with his upturned hands.

     ‘Nah. My money’s still on it bein’ that Jarrian whore. Must be a good reason if he’s still got her with him. The deal was to get ‘em as far as Ash. Weren’t no mention of bringin’ ‘em here, far as I recollect,’ whispered Weasel.

     ‘Whatever the reason.’ glowered Eye-patch, ‘tis the Boss’s. An’ the way he paid us double, we got no right questionin’ his whys. So keep your trap shut ‘fore you land us in a bog-hole with our innards out.’

     ‘I’m just sayin’--’ countered Weasel-face defensively.

     ‘You said enough,’ interrupted Eye-patch. ‘Now swamp that drink, ‘cause we’re leavin’!’

     ‘But why, the nights only half done?’ pleaded Weasel.

     ‘Cause now I’ve a belly ache, listenin’ to you. An’ we needs outta here ‘fore you spill any more from that gob of yours.’

Weasel looked annoyed but did as he was told and followed Eye-patch through the crowd and out the main door. Tam got up from his table and quietly followed them. Weasel was staggering just a little and Eye-patch roughly grabbed his shoulder to straighten him up as they walked along the dark street. Tam walked up behind them and resumed his foppish bard impersonation.

     ‘Good night to you gentlemen. I was wondering if you could help me. Dolt that I am, I seem to have lost my way and cannot find my accommodation.’

     Both slavers turned and looked at Tam with shock and surprise. ‘What's that you say?’ asked Eye-patch.

     ‘I’m so sorry to have to bother you gentlemen. Being unaccustomed to your fine town, and hampered by the dark, I’m  afraid that I have become irretrievably lost. Could I trouble you for directions?’

      The slavers glanced at each other quickly, ‘Sure we could help you, friend. Where ‘bouts you stayin’?’ asked Weasel.

     ‘Back that way I think,’ Tam looked over towards his right. ‘It's called The Mucky Jug, of all things,’ he laughed.

      Eye-patch grinned and nodded, ‘Sure we can help you, friend. Fact we’re headin’ that way now. We can...drop you. If you like.’

     ‘I would be forever in your debt,’ Tam gave a polite little bow, ‘Thank you, gentlemen.’

     They led Tam through many small streets and finally down an alley, which they had promised was a shortcut to the Inn. After a few moments the alley came to a dead end. Tam stood staring at a dirty wall. There was nowhere to go but back the way they had just come. He turned and saw that his new-found friends were  grinning malevolently while unsheathing long curved knives. Tam stepped back, holding up his hands as if to plead, ‘Steady now. What’s this about?’ he asked with a quiver in his voice.

    Eye-patch stepped closer, ‘It's about your money-purse. And...your life. We wants both.’

     Eye-patch jumped at Tam and tried to stick him with his knife, but Tam had swivelled out of the way and kicked the knife from the man’s hand sending it high into the air. In a quick double movement, Tam kicked him into the side of his knee smashing the cartilage, and as the thug dropped, grabbed him in a headlock and finished with a quick twist. There was a perceptible crack as the neck snapped. Weasel stood with his mouth open in shock. In a flash the point of Tam’s short-sword was pressing hard against the skin of his throat. Tam released the lifeless corpse allowing Eye-patch to slide to the muddy ground.

There was a clatter of metal as Weasel dropped his knife. ‘Please, sir,’ he pleaded in a whimpering voice, ‘twas his idea, I swears!’

     Tam backed him up against the far wall, shoving the blade of the sword harder against the man’s skin. As blood trickled from a small wound where steel met flesh, the slaver's eyes bulged and filled will fear.

     ‘Tell me about the girl that Grik brought here.’

     ‘What girl?’

     Tam punched Weasel hard into the stomach. He doubled over gasping for air. Tam grabbed his coat and hauled him back up against the wall, ‘Lie again and I will finish you!’

     ‘I’m sorry,’ gasped Weasel, his resolve crumbling, ‘please don’t hurt me. I’ll tell, I’ll tell, I swear!’

     ‘Go on,’ growled Tam.

     ‘Well, you see, there were two ladies brought here, sir. Which one do you mean?’

     ‘The lady from Jarro,’

     Weasel’s eyes widened even more, ‘How’d you know ‘bout her?’

     ‘I grow tired of asking,’ snarled Tam as he slammed Weasel against the wall.

     ‘She’s gone,’ cried Weasel. ‘Escaped last night. Grik’s in a lather about it. He’s had the whole company out looking for her since early morn.’

     ‘Did they find her?’

     ‘No. Not as I know. Some are still out lookin’.’

     ‘Was there any sign?’

     ‘South, towards the swamp, far as I know. By Hags Mire.’

     ‘Hags Mire?’

     ‘They say there used to be a witch there in times past,’ Weasel laughed nervously.

      ‘There…you see,’ Tam released the man’s tunic, ‘that wasn’t so hard, was it?

      ‘No, sir...it wasn’t,’ grinned Weasel.

      Tam quickly drew his blade across Weasel’s throat and walked away.  The dying thug tried to scream but the only sound he could manage was a gurgle and a cough as he started to drown in his own blood. Frenn tripped over Lagnu’s body and he fell to the ground clutching his severed artery in a futile attempt to stem the flow. His vision blurred and cleared again, and he saw the spirits of the many unfortunates he had murdered during his life. They stood in a circle smiling down upon him as he struggled in vain to prolong his life. Then his heart stopped beating and he fell shrieking into darkness.  The guard on the main gate had changed by the time Tam passed back out and the new man didn’t bat an eye as the lone horseman left. After all, his concerns were for those trying to enter the town. Any wishing to leave could do as they please.