Confluence of Swords: Warriors, Heroes, and Demons, #3

By Dave Skinner

As the final battle against the Destroyer approaches, differences must be set aside, trust must be forged anew, and forgiveness for past transgressions must be granted. Mearisdeana struggles with her guilt, King Bray fights to bring the northern cities under his control, Adel struggles to master her magic, and Ran gathers an army the likes of which the world has never seen, but will it be enough to overcome the blight of ogres, demons, and dragons assembled against them? Despite all efforts, the destiny glimpsed by the Wizard, Andoo Toran, still shows the world ending in dragon fire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dave Skinner
• Release date: Apr 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463241493

Dave Skinner

Dave Skinner lives in Haliburton County with his artist wife, in a house they built themselves, after he retired, at 60, from a career in I.T. In addition to the three book series, Warriors, Heroes, and Demons, he has self published a Novella, Mystery at Whitetop, and the first novel (from Blood and Magic) in a new fantasy series named, Wizard's Spawn.

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Confluence of Swords

By Dave Skinner

Warriors, Heroes, and Demons

Book 3

Copyright © Dave Skinner, 2018

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

Published by Dave Skinner 0-9918966

Haliburton, ON.

Edited by Rebekah Dodson (www.anovelconnection.com), Laurie O’Reilly, David Barker, and Shirley Barker

Map by Xanworx Studio

http://xanworx.com/

Cover and interior art by Laurie O’Reilly

www.laurieoreilly.ca

Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Chapter 1

A re you ready, my King ? Aramas asked.

Not yet. There looks to be less of them today than there was last night, Bray noted. He was looking out on the throne room through a peep hole in the door of a side chamber.

The Berandice guests have left.

When?

Last night I believe. I learned of it this morning.

Am I to understand they are distancing themselves from Nadia?

Perhaps they simply returned to Berandice to seek council. It was the Prince and Princess who were here. The King did not attend.

Was there bad blood between Berandice’s king and my uncle?

Not that I am aware of. But that is a question for Barimus.

Who is Barimus that he would have such information?

He is the Nadian Spymaster, my King. There are others who will tell you of the politics between the two cities, but Barimus will know Berandice’s true feeling towards Nadia. He was Artan’s right-hand man.

Should I trust him, if he was close to my uncle?

He was one of the people who swore fealty to you last night.

I think you should trust no one until they prove themselves to you, Lee added as she came up to them. Fealty oaths are only as true as the heart behind them.

I will walk softly, Lee. Do not fear. Did you sleep well?

No. The bed was too soft, and the room to stuffy, much like the people I see. Be careful who you trust, Bray. I dislike this place.

How can you say that? Aramas blurted. Nadia is the jewel of the north. There has never been a finer city. If your room is uncomfortable, I can have a Traveller’s wagon brought to the garden and you can sleep there.

Easy Aramas, she means no disrespect, and I appreciate her candour.

Yes, my King, Aramas answered, dipping his head in respect.

I suppose you have to call me that now. Try not to overuse it. I need truth more than respect, and hopefully that is what I will get from these people. Does it look like all the commanders of the army and navy are present? Bray moved away from the door to allow Aramas use of the peep hole.

I believe so, my ... King.

Do they always dress so finely? Lee asked after taking a moment at the peep hole.

Yes, they are men of authority and have to display their station.

Bray groaned.

Do you think they wear those uniforms in battle? Lee said.

I hope not, but your questions bring another to mind. Aramas, has Nadia fought any battles or even skirmishes recently?

No, we have been at peace since your Grandfather defeated the old king of Berandice and put one of your relatives on the throne. He was only thirty when he won that battle. That tapestry on the far left depicts the victory.

How about the navy? Are there many pirates on North Lake?

None that I know of. There was one when I was a page. He was captured and hung in the harbour. Your father did that. At one time that tapestry hung on the far wall. It seems to have been removed. Should I try to find it and have it rehung?

No, we have more important matters to attend to. After the commanders leave, I would like to see the Spymaster. You can arrange that. Tomorrow I will inspect the army and walk the walls. Now let us go in.

THE NEXT MORNING ALL six commanders paraded a select company of their men for the King’s review. The commanders had wanted the review to be held in the court yard in front of the castle, but Bray had a different idea. He insisted on using the practice yard by the barracks. Even on the practice yard, the parade was a pretty affair. Each company was led by an honour guard carrying the unit’s flag and a Nadian banner. Their uniforms were immaculate as far as Bray could see from his position on the platform. The ends of their pikes, the handles of their swords, and the buckles of the belts that crossed their chests all sparkled in the sunshine. The spit-shine and polish was to be expected for a royal review, but it told him nothing about how they could fight, and that was what he needed to know.

When do the men train? Bray asked General Tuskin.

My men have been with me for many years. They are veterans. Further training is not required for them. I understand the younger Generals have their men training once a week. They are newer recruits and need it. Mine do not.

I would prefer to make that judgement myself, General, Bray told him. Tuskin bristled at his words, as did the other two older commanders. Bray thought he detected a hint of humour around the eyes of one younger man.

Ready for inspection, your Majesty, the parade sergeant reported.

Shall we, Sister? Bray asked Lee.

Your Majesty, General Tuskin blurted, an inspection is no place for a woman.

Why not?

Women know nothing about fighting. She ... excuse me ... your sister will only be a distraction to the men.

Are there no women in the army? Bray’s voice rose noticeably in disbelief.

No Sir, a battlefield is no place for women. They would distract the men.

Bray considered telling the man that both he and Lee had received their specialized training from a woman, but the incredulous look on the general’s face and on the faces of the other older men told him it would be a pointless discussion. I will keep her close. The men will have to suffer the distraction. He stepped off the platform and walked to where the men were arrayed.

Shall I have the men stand easy, Sir? The parade sergeant asked.

No, leave them as they are. Bray walked along the rows of men. His first impression suggested a well-disciplined army, but an hour or more in the hot sun, wearing full dress uniforms, might change that. He concentrated on weapons. Pulling a number of blades from scabbards, he noted the grey metal that denoted Nadian creation. Do they all have Nadian swords? he asked.

All are made by us, one of the younger commanders responded. Only officers with wealth can afford a true Nadian sword, the kind I believe you mean. They are rare, but our normal swords have a touch of the special metal as well.

Bray finished his inspection. He was impressed with the discipline of the men. They stood without the slightest movement in the blazing sun, and their weapons were well cared for. The question remained, could they fight?

Are there any practice swords readily available? he asked the younger commander who had answered his question moments before.

Yes, Sir, behind that door, he said pointing to an open doorway in the wall of the arena.

Bray turned to the closest soldiers. You six, he ordered while pointing out the men he meant. Run over and bring back six practice swords each. The men turned sharply and trotted off. Turning back, he addressed the commanders. Please select six men from each of your compliments to put on a demonstration. Have the rest of the men fall back to the walls and stand easy.

All the commanders selected the men themselves, which gave Bray some hope that they knew their soldiers’ abilities. The practice swords arrived, and soon thirty-six men were warming up in the centre of the parade ground. Bray walked closer to address the chosen men.

I need to evaluate this army, so we are going to have a contest. You will pair off and fight. The winners will advance the losers will retire. When I call an end to the contest, those remaining will receive a gold coin as a prize. Commence. He turned and walked back to the raised platform. The men were still milling about choosing partners when he got there.

More instructions may have been required, Lee said quietly.

I want to see if they can think as well as fight.

The clack of wooden swords soon filled the air. Bray watched carefully. He was not impressed. He had seen better sword play by merchant seamen. As he expected, most of the soldiers under the command of the older generals were eliminated in the first round. At the end of the second round, only two of the remaining nine were older. Bray had seen enough.

That is sufficient, he said as he walked back out to the remaining nine. He reached into his pouch and handed out gold coins. You are all dismissed. Tomorrow your Commanders will have training schedules ready for you. He turned to walk away, but turned back when complaints reached his ear. Is there something you wish to say? he asked the men.

What do we have to train for? Someone called from the ranks.

No talking in the ranks, General Tuskin barked.

Never mind, General. I will answer. You need to train because you are poor fighters, and soon you will be facing an army the likes of which you cannot even imagine. When that time comes, I need you to be the fighters I know you can be, but right now my sister could beat any two of the winners without raising a sweat.

I’d like to see that, someone called from the ranks.

Bray turned to look at Lee. She was smiling as she nodded her head. Then another demonstration is called for, Bray announced. But the fun should be shared, so we will take one of these fighters and the mouthy one from the ranks.

At first nothing happened, but a commotion started in the ranks, and soon a soldier was pushed forward. Bray turned to the nine fighters who remained. He chose a soldier who had fought well during the contest.

Are you game, soldier? he asked the man.

Prefer grappling over swords, the man said, which brought a number of snorts from the rest.

So be it, Bray said. Lee walked over while removing her outer jerkin and handed it to Bray. The soldier from the ranks was stripping off his uniform as if heading for a brothel bed. Lee pulled her shirt from her pants and opened the last few buttons before tying the ends together, leaving her midriff bare. She stretched a few times and Bray had to pull his eyes away from the tight leather over her behind.

I miss Adel, he thought to himself.

The soldiers had moved into a circle around the fighters. Now the commanders pushed through the ranks to inside positions.

Ready, Lee announced. She stood and let the men advance.

The mouthy one made the first rush. Lee turned in a circle as he tried to grab her. She slapped his groping hands away and her elbow caught him on the back of his head, sending him sprawling in the dirt. The other man moved in swiftly. He attempted to straight arm her, but missed as she shifted left. Her hands landed on his arm and then her legs were around his neck and they were falling forward. Lee’s shoulder hit the ground, but she rolled quickly to her feet. The soldier tucked his head in and rolled, coming back to his feet in a smooth movement that left him facing away from her. Lee never stopped moving as she spun and planted a foot alongside his head. He crumpled.

You will train tomorrow morning and every morning until my sister tells me you are ready. In the afternoons, you will patrol with full packs, Bray said. He turned to the Commanders. See to it.

Chapter 2

B east Master, we thought you dead, a guard at Transgarin’s door told him.

Almost, Sarinson answered through clenched teeth. Every step he took drove spikes of pain through his remaining foot. It was seared raw from the dragon’s fire, although it fared better than the other leg. The foot on that one was gone, leaving nothing but a charred stump. He leaned heavily for a moment on the staff he was using as a crutch before he straightened his back and strengthened his resolve. Will the Lord receive me?

The guards exchanged a glance before answering. He has been quiet for two days now. It might be safe to enter. The Lord has been unapproachable since his crystals were destroyed and the KaAnians escaped.

Should I seek out Fluffercain to arrange the meeting?

The Chamberlain is dead. He was the first casualty of the Lord’s rage.

Sarinson wanted nothing more than to find a wizard to treat his burns and ease his pain, but Transgarin was a demanding master. To not come before him immediately upon his return could enrage the Lord more than telling him the wizards had failed to kill the white dragon. He leaned more heavily on the staff he carried as he considered his options again. His only chance of surviving Transgarin’s wrath was the evidence of the hardships he had suffered. Although he had broken off the shaft, the head of an arrow and the remainder of the shaft were still embedded in his face. His one remaining foot was scorched raw, and the other missing, along with a hand’s span of leg. Sarinson’s body experienced another muscle spasm, as it had been doing since being buried in the snow and ice of that cold, barren land they had visited. Maybe he would be better off dead—a likely outcome of reporting to Transgarin when he was in one of his rages, but he carried information that might save his life.

Announce me, he told the guards.

The guard shook his head sadly before he turned and struck the door three times with one metal clad fist. He opened the door slightly before he called in. The Beast Master is here, my Lord.

Send him in, Transgarin ordered after some time had passed.

The guard pushed the door open enough to allow him to pass. It closed behind him as he hobbled forward. Transgarin sat on his throne in his usual position, leaning forward with an elbow on one knee and the hand supporting his massive head. The body parts of a number of lesser demons decorated the floor around the throne. They were all army commanders from what Sarinson could make out from the clothing that covered the remains. He could tell the number of dead if he counted the number of heads that lay about, but discretion overrode his curiosity. He did note the body of Fluffercain. It looked as if he had been thrown across the room to crash against the wall. Streaks of blood trailed down the wall pointing to the Chamberlain’s body below. Sarinson turned his eyes away and hopped forward. Transgarin watched him approach. The look on his face was unreadable, but at least his horns were not sparking. That was a good sign.

Where are the wizards?

Dead, my Lord. Only I survived.

What of the white dragon?

It still lives, Lord.

Sparks traveled up Transgarin’s horns and jumped from tip to tip before he continued. Tell me all. Leave nothing out.

We arrived in a barren, mountainous land of ice and snow about a day’s march from the dragon.

So it was a white dragon.

Yes, Lord. At first I was unsure it was actually white. It was buried in ice, but little creatures with heads that protruded at the back were freeing it. I managed a good look before receiving an arrow in the face.

An arrow? Were the creatures protecting it?

The small creatures, the ones with the pointed heads, no. They scattered as soon as we broke through the ice above them. There was a larger creature, about my height, that protected the dragon.

What do you mean when you say you were above them?

The dragon was buried in ice in an old volcano. I believe the creatures had removed the ice that had accumulated and buried the dragon, but left a cap of ice and snow covering the crater. We scraped the snow away and broke through that ice. The dragon and the creatures were below us. As soon as the opening was large enough, one of the wizards, Cratscon I believe it was, sent a bolt of energy at the dragon, but there must have been some type of magic protecting it, because instead of a direct hit, it glanced down the side. I am sorry, Lord. I am only a simple ogre with a gift for handling animals. I cannot say why the magic failed.

Continue the story, Transgarin commanded.

The larger creature had a weapon like a crossbow, only longer, with only the stave section. It shot at us and hit me. I fell back from the hole and saw another dragon diving out of the sky. I called a warning and dove over the pile of snow we had created. I tunneled into the back side of the mound. From what I figured out later, I believe two of the wizards jumped through the hole to escape the dragon’s fire, and the other tried to protect itself with magic. I saw his burnt remains later. I lost one foot and part of a leg. The other foot was burned raw. The dragon’s fire increased the size of the hole to the extent that I was lying exposed at the edge. I hid myself and—

How did you hide? You are not a wizard.

As one who works with beasts I had a wizard teach me a spell to hide my presence so I could capture—

I understand, Transgarin interrupted. Continue the story.

From my position at the edge, I saw the larger creature cut one wizard’s leg away with a blade, but I thought the other one would kill the creature until the white dragon killed the wizard with a snap of her jaws. The second dragon flew in through the hole and killed the injured wizard. It used its flame to free the White from the rest of the ice. I may have passed out from pain because I only remember the rest in pieces. The dragons talked, and I heard the KaAnians mentioned. The second dragon had brought one of their warriors from KaAn to the world where the white dragon was. It also mentioned a link that still exists between KaAn and this new world. Then the dragons left to feed on a different world.

The world containing the White Dragon is the same world the destroyers of my crystals escaped to, but now the dragons have left. You are sure of this?

Yes, Lord.

And there is a link to that world from KaAn?

That is what was said, Lord, and I saw the dragons disappear into a rift in the sky.

Transgarin assumed his thinking posture.

Did the dragons say anything about returning?

Not that I heard, Lord.

You have done well, Sarinson. I will reward you by making you my new chamberlain. Go and get yourself taken care of, but first arrange for this room to be cleaned. We are starting anew and this time the KaAnians and all who aid them will die. Get some wizards in here. There is much to be done.

Chapter 3

After the dragons had flown away, Ran headed back to tell the Gnomes that everything was safe. Half way there, the gnomes spilled out of the caves wielding hammers, knives, and small bows. Like ants protecting their nest, they had swarmed onto the ice floor and started towards the centre. Ran had held up both arms to stop their charge.

It is safe. The beasts are destroyed. I will be leaving, he told Garnock, who was one of those in front. Is there anything I can do to help repair the roof before I go?

We will look at what is required, Garnock had said.

Ran had gone to pack his few belongings and then to see about repairing or replacing his cloak. It was burned almost up to his buttocks by dragon fire. A wrinkle-faced grandmother had offered to help. She had taken apart gnome cloaks and added them to his. Garnock had been waiting for him when he returned to his room. We will not repair the damage to the roof. It is time to leave, he had informed Ran.

I am sure if we added snow to what remains in the centre we could build up the pile enough to close off the opening, Ran shared his thoughts on the subject with the Gnome. You could even carve a dragon out of the pile.

We are finished with the carving. The Mother wants us to go south.

The Mother must speak more clearly to you than to me if you know that.

It is easier to hear the Mother when you spend much time in the Quiet, Garnock responded.

And the Mother has told you to accompany me south?

She has told us to go south. There is a meeting being called and all her children must attend. Accompanying you is just a happy coincidence. We would go south without you if your direction was different from ours, but it is good to travel with friends. Is that not so?

Before meeting the gnomes, Ran would have answered no, but something had changed within him. He could not say what or when, but he felt different. Maybe it came from reaching the top of the world, or maybe it was from carving ice to free the dragon. The exact reason did not present itself. He only knew that he no longer felt the need to be alone. He was even grateful that he would be travelling with the gnomes. They were a happy, peaceful lot, and he enjoyed being with them

I will be happy for your company, Garnock. How soon will your people be ready to leave?

You and I will have to go down the mountain on the outside. The rest will follow the caves. We will meet below the tree line.

I can walk the outside myself, my friend. It is terrible terrain, making for an unpleasant trip. You should take the caves and meet me below.

I will guide us the easy way, Garnock told him.

An easy way? You should have marked that trail better. I could have used it on the climb up, or was keeping it hidden part of the plan?

The route is well marked for the eyes of the fey. You would never see it, despite your time freeing the dragon. Your kind must be guided while in the Quiet.

I thought the Quiet was around the dragon, Ran said, hoping that Garnock’s answer would be more illuminating than his usual, ‘it is what it is’.

The Quiet is not a place as such. It allows fey folk to see other options. Your people must be accompanied by one of our kind in order to move through the Quiet.

Ran assumed the blank look on