Blood, Faith, and Steel Page 4

  “Birch watch door, Butter Mumkins,” Birch said with a grin.

  I wondered if the barbarian would ever cease to find that amusing.

  “Waspy can keep an eye on the ladder up to the deck,” Mina said.

  The bat landed on my shoulder, gave my ear a disgusting lick, and then flew off. That creepy bat enjoyed terrorizing me, I was certain of it.

  “Aw, he likes you,” Mina said. “It’s so cute.”

  Birch chuckled again at my expense. Why didn’t the bat ever bother him?

  “Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone past Birch,” Lelliani said as she drew her bow and started humming some Elven tune. She’d been aiming that bow at halflings all week, supposedly teaching them how to improve their accuracy. I knew she was itching for a fight, even more so than Birch. She’d been sharpening one particular arrowhead all week. Its head was ridged, and had barbs all the way up the shaft. It looked quite ominous.

  “Here, I think these letters are correct.” Elanor said. “It’s here, too. Oh, and here. And …”

  For the next ten minutes, Elanor wrote with a fancy pen upon some parchment Mina provided. She looked over the box for another ten minutes and finally sighed. “I can’t make out any of the other symbols.”

  With an excited look in her eyes, Celiann knelt before the long, rectangular crate. There was a soft light to the ruins that Elanor had written, both on the parchment and on the crate. I’d never seen magic quite like that, nor could I explain how it worked within the anti-magic shell.

  Celiann went to work. Under all the armor and faith, I could see a truly beautiful woman. The beauty of her regal, ageless face concentrated on the symbols, and she quietly spoke them as she translated. She took longer than Elanor, yet she was able to determine over half the symbols.

  A few words were scattered amongst the symbols, yet none of the longer, meaningful words could be deciphered. They left to Mina and me the task of determining the rest.

  I couldn’t make out any of the symbols at first. It was hard to concentrate without the comfort of Berythal’s divine power wrapped comfortably around me. Whatever power this box held, it was strong enough to cut me off from Her favor. It took several minutes of meditation before I could even begin to focus.

  A flat end of the blade slapped me on my back. “Mina done. Why Brady take long time? Birch ready to smash box, tired of waiting.”

  I gritted my teeth and ignored the barbarian, swearing I’d grease the inside of his boots next time I had a chance.

  I focused on the symbols. The magic of the box bathed my skin, its glow so bright I nearly had to shield my eyes. One after the other, I scribed the symbols upon the paper. The box began to hum, quietly at first. Slowly, its intensity grew as I scribed more symbols.

  As I completed the last one, the infuriating noise ceased.

  I turned to the others. “Why did that humming stop?”

  Elanor knelt beside me and put her hand on my sweaty forehead. “There was no humming, Butter Mumkins. You’re burning up!”

  Birch grabbed me under the shoulder blades and dragged me outside of the anti-magic radius, not stopping until he’d pulled me to the very far corner of the storage room. After a few moments, I felt the guiding light of Berythal envelop me.

  I lay there for a few moments until I felt like my old self again.

  “Birch against opening stupid box. Make Brady sick.”

  “You just wanted to a moment ago. You volunteered,” I said.

  “Birch have bad feeling about this,” Birch said.

  Oh brother.

  “We must open it,” Elanor said. “It has the red symbol of the Omega Brotherhood. It could be dangerous. If it’s —”

  “Birch think it very bad to —”

  The parchment on which we translated the symbols levitated into the air. As we watched, the paper folded several times and changed into words of gold that appeared in mid-air. A deep voice spoke:

  Sealed by my hand.

  Hidden by my name.

  Soon to be opened.

  The dead shall rise.

  The earth shall split.

  The seas will all go dry.

  The sky shall be torn asunder.

  The moon shall be blood.

  The sun shall be bone.

  The earth shall be opened.

  The reign of Kaertos begun.

  All shall be united.

  All shall be saved.

  By the ending a beginning.

  By the beginning an end.

  Galia shall be whole.

  We shall be her savior.

  The Omega Brotherhood triumphant.

  Eternal paradise awaits.

  The words faded. With a loud pop, the symbols shattered and the box opened.

  I gasped. Yellow light flooded the entire storage room, as if the chest were filled with sunlight. Inside the box was a bastard sword. Ancient runes glowed upon the flawless blade. The entire sword, from the hilt to the edge of the blade, was golden.

  “It can’t be,” Celiann said.

  “It explains the anti-magic. Only a Sacred or Legendary sword could hold such power as that,” Mina said.

  It was the Golden Sword. “Berythal guide us.”

  “Why scared of glowing sword?” Birch asked. “Sword probably break if Birch use.”

  Mina shook her head. “If this is one of the Sacred Swords crafted from the ancient Elven sword-makers, it’s unbreakable, powerful and likely intelligent. A Sacred Sword would shatter you into a thousand pieces if you even gripped it.”

  I looked at Mina with appreciation. As zanily as she dressed, as crazily as she acted, she held a deep understanding of magic. Of course, if I ever told her that, she’d probably take that as a sign that I sought to know all about her collection of abnormal and dreadful things she carried with her. That thought alone was enough to make me shake. Berythal forgive me, but one should not dread the hobbies of a halfling.

  “Mina’s almost right,” Celiann said. “The Golden Sword is Elven-made, but not one of the Sacred Twelve. The sword is Legendary.”

  “Still very, very powerful,” Mina said.

  “Close box. Leave sword, act like nothing happened,” Birch said.

  I knew in my heart we couldn’t do that. And the way Celiann’s face became a scowl told me that she agreed.

  I spoke my peace. “No. We must take it; make certain it doesn’t fall into the hands of the Omega Brotherhood.”

  Birch grumbled under his breath. “Dumb glowy sword nothing but trouble.”

  “Since when have we let trouble stop us?” Elanor asked. “But who is going to —”

  “I’ll take it,” Lelliani said as she stepped toward the blade.

  As a group, we all said, “No!”

  “Aw, bless the trees. I never get to take anything,” Lelliani said.

  I could just see her flaying the halflings above with that sword, just to test its edge, and then attempt to justify it afterward.

  “Someone has to carry it,” I said.

  “Who?” Mina said. “I’m too short.”

  “Sword too small,” Birch said.

  Lelliani’s eyes still glowed hopefully.

  I stepped toward the sword, wondering if it was my destiny to grasp it. I moved slowly, and I could feel everyone looking at me. The holy symbol of Berythal warmed against my chest, though within the anti-magic shell that should not have been possible. As I moved close enough to touch the blade, my holy symbol scalded my chest. The significance of the pain was not lost to me; I knew Berythal looked down upon me at that very moment.

  Knowing that, even with the pain, I’d never felt so glorious in my entire life.

  I fell to my knees. “I — I cannot take it. It must be a warrior, someone that can wield its power, use its magic in the face of grave danger.”

  I have no idea how I knew that.

  I looked back to Birch, imagined the barbarian wielding the sword. Berythal’s symbol scalded me again.

  Bir
ch crossed his arms and shook his head. “Birch not use. Too bright.”

  Okay, so it wasn’t him.

  I looked to Elanor. Her face sparkled under the brilliance of the sword. She’d never looked more striking to me. And yet, when our gazes met, she shook her head. It couldn’t be her, either.

  Lelliani had a bloodthirstily looked in her eyes as she gazed upon the blade. My holy symbol nearly burnt a hole through me.

  That only left Celiann.

  She stood there, grey eyes never leaving the glorious blade. I felt a surge of goodness emanate through me; her devout righteousness was never more obvious. My holy symbol cooled against my chest as I met Celiann’s gaze.

  I walked over and put my hand on her shoulder. “It has to be you.”

  A tear streaked down her face. “I’m not worthy of such an item. I’m too young, too —”

  “You’re the only one among us who can wield it,” I said.

  “It’s not my destiny to wield that sword,” she said.

  “You cannot know that,” I said.

  “I know it, as any elf would,” Celiann said.

  “If you don’t take it, the Omega Brotherhood will use it for malice,” I said.

  Celiann was quiet for a moment. Tears poured from her eyes, and I could see doubt reflected upon her face. I prayed to Berythal to give her strength.

  Celiann leaned forward and grabbed the hilt of the Golden Sword.

  The radiance of the sword disappeared, smothering us in darkness. Seconds later, the Golden Sword glowed once more, less than before, though enough to immerse Celiann in its light. She stared at the sword, unblinking. Her head inclined one way, and then another.

  I forced myself to breathe.

  Stories were told of Legendary Swords, of unworthy people trying to use their power. It was said that some people were disintegrated on the spot, while others were driven mad. Some simply dropped dead.

  Celiann stood still and silent, her breathing even and steady. After what was a very long minute, she blinked.

  There was a pop in the air, which caused Mina to squeal in surprise. Divine power enveloped me once more, and the full warmth of my faith returned. Mina had a small ball of fire hovering above her tiny hand, and Waspy flew around her head, screeching just enough to make my skin crawl.

  Everything seemed to be back to normal, other than the Golden Sword, of course.

  “It — It will allow me to use it,” Celiann said. “We must take it to safety.”

  “Bah. Sword no talk,” Birch said.

  Celiann only shrugged. “It doesn’t talk. It…communicates with me. I can’t really explain it.”

  Elanor put a hand on her shoulder. “That’s okay Celiann. We’re here for you.”

  “What do we do about the halflings?” Lelliani asked. “They could be in league with the Omega Brotherhood. They may try to pitch us off the ship.”

  Birch shrugged. “Birch swat halflings like flies.”

  Mina glared, but Birch patted her on the head. “Not Mina. Birch like Mina.”

  Sparks danced from her tiny clenched fists as she punched Birch. Bits of lightning trickled into Birch, who grinned. “Ooh. That tickle.”

  “No halfling merchant in their right mind would carry something like this,” Elanor said.

  “The captain knew,” Celiann said.

  “How do you —” I started.

  The sword glowed a little brighter. “He knew it was for the Omega Brotherhood, but he didn’t know what it was. Still, we must confront him.”

  I sighed. “Let me talk to him. Perhaps I can explain.”

  “And if you can’t?” Mina asked.

  “Bash sense into little heads,” Birch said.

  “Oh goody!” Lelliani said. “I want to try out my new arrow!”

  Berythal guide us all.

  We emerged onto the deck, just not all at the same time. First, Birch and Mina climbed up the ladder, and a minute later, Lelliani. After a few moments of listening closely for sounds of battle, which never came, Celiann and I followed. As I put my foot on the bottom rung of the ladder, Elanor grabbed my arm and kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll have your back, should it come to that.”

  “I’m confident the captain will listen to reason.”

  She gave me the “it’s never that easy” look, and then disappeared back into the shadows.

  I emerged onto the deck. The sun was still high in the sky, though barely visible through the thick clouds. The air was moist with seawater, and a cool wind gusted from the north. It didn’t appear anyone was the wiser that we had taken the Golden Sword.

  The crew worked with the same diligence it had throughout the voyage. Halflings scuttled about: some climbed up and down the ropes, others adjusted the rigging, and the most unlucky of them scrubbed the deck with stiff-bristled brushes.

  Captain Dristake was on the upper deck. It was from there that he barked orders to his crew. Never before had I heard a halfling lambast insults with such zeal. I half-expected him to shout orders at me whenever his piercing eyes met my own. The only time Captain Dristake was quiet was when he steered the Windsoaker. That was also the only time his crew relaxed.

  Our plan was simple. Celiann and I would approach the captain, while Birch guarded the only easy way up to the Captain’s deck. Lelliani and Mina would find defensible places on the higher decks where they could see the entire ship. Elanor would be somewhere hidden, and move to where she was needed.

  What could possibly go wrong? Berythal, the Goddess of Love, would watch over and guide us through this slight misunderstanding. I remained positive about such things; Birch could clean up if things went wrong.

  “I’d like to speak to Captain Dristake, please,” I said to a burly little halfling. It was hard to call a halfling “burly”. There was nothing intimidating about the look of a halfling, no matter how thick their little arms and legs looked. Their small stature made Birch look like a Hill giant.

  “Captain’s busy, human,” Mastik said. “Come back after the bell.”

  “The bell” was the shift change, when the sailors moved from one job to another. I knew better than to come back afterward because the Captain would be too busy giving orders and overseeing the crew. Then he would venture into his cabin where he refused any and all visitors.

  “It must be now, good Mastik,” I said.

  Mastik spit upon the deck. “You humans think it’s urgent if a seagull quails to its mate. Come back later and —”

  Celiann strode past me and knelt in front of Mastik. His eyes narrowed as Celiann began to whisper into his ear. Then they widened, and he actually bowed to her before he climbed up the ladder and towards Captain Dristake.

  Moments later, Captain Dristake motioned us forward.

  I whispered to Celiann. “What did you say to him?”

  “I told him if he didn’t get moving I’d have my brother appear from the skies and curse his ability to sail.”

  “That’s lying.”

  Celiann shrugged. “Sailors are superstitious, especially when it comes to Elven magic.”

  “But you can’t do that. Paladins don’t lie,” I said.

  “Who said it was a lie?”

  Her actions were misguided, even surprising coming from a Paladin, but I didn’t have time to lecture her, for the Captain was glaring at us, waiting.

  As we approached, I donned a calm, relaxed face. I’d found myself speaking for our group before, and in much worse situations than this.

  “Good Captain, my apologies for interrupting your duties, but we must speak.”

  The Captain nodded. “You’ve proven your worth aboard Windsoaker. Kept my sailors fresh and rested. I don’t regret taking you and your lot aboard, not even our dark-spirited kin you call Mina. What can I do for you?”

  Mina, dark spirited? Then I realized she was a female, used arcane magic, and was aboard a ship. That would do it for a sailor. “There’s something important we must discuss, preferably alone.”

&n
bsp; Captain Dristake waved his hand. “Have your peace right here. I trust everyone within earshot. They’ve sailed with me for years.”

  I spoke. “I’ll not mince words with you. We’re very grateful you took us aboard your fine ship, and we have helped you and your crew where we could along the way. But there was a magical disturbance aboard your vessel so great it disrupted our spell abilities. Were you aware of it?”

  Dristake took out his unlit pipe and put it in his mouth. “Was? Does that mean you’ve found its source and shut it off?”

  “We did.”

  “Without permission from me.”

  Mastik’s hand gripped the hilt of his undrawn short sword so tight his knuckles whitened. Still, when Celiann shot him a hard look and shook her head, Mastik made no further move other than to dart his eyes to the sky.

  “You carry a crate for the Omega Brotherhood,” I said.

  Captain Dristake’s expression didn’t change, but Mastik’s eyes widened.

  “You’ve been in my cargo,” Dristake said. He pointed at Mastik. “How’s that possible if you and Gransta were watching the hold?”

  Mastik’s eyes looked ready to pop from his head.

  I continued. “Captain, are you aware what was in that rune-inscribed box?”

  “Was? You removed it?”

  “Just minutes ago. And we’ve brought it to show you.”

  Celiann drew back her cloak and revealed the gem-encrusted scabbard. “This is what it held. May I draw it and show you?”

  For a moment, Captain Dristake said nothing. Then without a word he waved his hand and nodded.

  Slowly, Celiann drew the Golden Sword. Even in the light of day it glowed bright enough to illumine her lovely face.

  A chorus of halfling gasps filled the deck.

  “A Sword of Legend,” I said. “The Golden Sword. Did you know you were carrying an ancient Elven blade to be delivered into the hands of the Omega Brotherhood?”

  Dristake shook his tiny fists. “Sorrowful cursed vagabonds! I should’ve known better than to carry anything from that lot. They were paying ten times my normal rates. Didn’t even try to haggle me down.”

  I glanced over my shoulder. Everyone was in place. If things went awry, our group was as ready as they could be. “Captain, we cannot allow you to deliver this to the Omega Brotherhood.”