Blood, Faith, and Steel Read online

  Birch rattled off the answer. “A riddle.”

  “Correct,” Valas said.

  Yensid’s face turned beet red.

  “Ah, we have arrived.” Valas said. “There is a small grove ahead where you may rest before you travel onward. No harm shall come to you here. When you awake, I shall guide you up the path.”

  I walked by Birch and clapped him on the shoulder. “Nice work. Wishing you had a purple costume like that?”

  Birch grinned. “Birch wish elf brother fall back into sky.”

  Mina walked between us. “Oh no, not yet! I haven’t had my fun with him.”

  I sighed. Yensid was in for it.

  After we had rested for a few hours, we ascended a ten foot-wide, well-kept path for almost an hour. Mina chattered amicably with Valas the entire time, and the rest of us followed them. Birch kept his sword drawn and readied, his eyes never leaving the purple-clad Minotaur.

  Our ascent ended in a plateau. A river wound atop it. It disappeared around a bend, and I heard a waterfall off in the distance. The path led us to a small clearing, just out of sight of the river.

  Valas beckoned us to stop. “Please wait here a moment. The Goldar wish to speak to you.”

  “Goldar?” Celiann asked.

  “Yes, do not be alarmed when you see them. They mean you no harm.” Valas nodded to us one more time and then disappeared into the woods.

  “Brother, what are ‘Goldars’?” Celiann asked.

  “They have insect legs, a turtle-like body, and long tails. Did you know that, oh riddle-wise barbarian?”

  Birch shrugged. “Birch not care what Goldar look like.”

  Celiann closed her eyes and held her holy symbol in her left hand. For a moment, it glowed faintly. Then she opened her eyes. “I sense no ill will. I don’t believe they mean us harm.”

  “Then we shall wait,” Yensid said.

  Birch sat down on a big rock and shook his head. “Birch need ale. Purple jacket minotaur give Birch creeps.”

  “Why do you refer to yourself in the third person?” Yensid asked. “It’s considered quite rude among Elven societies to —”

  Celiann grabbed his arm. “Brother, stop it. You’re the one being rude.”

  Yensid’s eye grew wide. “I am not. Sister, you know our ways. It’s simply not —”

  From somewhere in his backpack, Birch found some ale and sat down and drank as he grinned at Yensid, refusing to answer.

  “Half-orcs don’t say ‘me’ or ‘I’,” Mina said.

  Yensid looked down at her. “Well, our little halfling dabbler is quite the expert on the Orc language.”

  Little bolts of lightning crackled at the ends of Mina’s fingertips. “This ‘dabbler’ knows more than the foolish Elf wizard that’s never been outside his own forest before —”

  Yensid’s left fist rose. “How dare you! I —”

  I stepped between Mina and the snooty wizard. Praise Berythal, I felt like a teacher of young children. “Mina is a very experienced sorceress. Celiann, I suggest you ask your brother not to be so antagonizing. We don’t need any random bolts of lightning streaking at his back, do we?”

  Yensid gasped. “Antagonizing — she wouldn’t dare!”

  I leaned close to Yensid and lowered my voice. “Ignore my advice and suffer the consequences. Two humans we adventured with had unfortunate electrocution incidents while crossing a stream. They picked on Mina, too.”

  I turned away from him, asking Berythal’s forgiveness for telling such a tall tale. I knelt next to Mina and pointed to where Valas had disappeared into the forest. “Valas wears a fine shade of purple. Perhaps he has extra material? Maybe you could arrange a trade?”

  Anger fled from Mina. Her eyes perked, and she moved to her backpack and began pulling out clothing materials.

  Yensid, however, would not let the matter drop. “I’ve never suffered such insults, I —”

  “Brother! I’ll bash your head in myself if you don’t stop this nonsense,” Celiann said.

  Yensid looked appalled.

  I walked to Birch and whispered. “Kindly glare at the egotistical elf, would you?”

  Birch happily complied, and Yensid finally remained silent.

  When Valas returned, Mina ran to him with orange silk in her hands. The Minotaur leaned over and spoke quietly with her for a few moments. Then Valas took her clothing and disappeared into the forest.

  Mina ran back to me. “He said the Goldar made his suit for him. Goldars! How wonderful!”

  “Did you ask him how long he’s been here?” I asked.

  “Two hundred and twenty three years,” Mina said.

  “Minotaurs are summoned,” Yensid said. “They are brutal creatures. It would take incredible magic to keep him upon this plane of existence for that long.”

  “Birch only like minotaurs that fight,” Birch said.

  “I think he’s lovely,” Mina said.

  Everyone grew silent for a moment. The air changed, began to feel crisp, bright and clear. I’d never experienced anything like it before that day.

  “Something’s coming,” Celiann said. “I sense great power.”

  “I as well,” Yensid said.

  Four Goldars walked into the clearing. Their skin was golden, and they had yellow eyes like saucers. Yensid was right; they had eight, insect-like legs and turtle shells upon their backs. The Goldars were about two feet long from head to tail.

  Valas stood just behind them, his great axe at the ready. Birch tensed, and reached for his own sword. I put an arm on his shoulder. “It’s not necessary. He’s their guardian. You’d do the same.”

  Birch looked at me, and then to Valas. “Shame. Birch started liking minotaur again.” He sat back down.

  One of the Goldars nodded toward Birch. “Fine work on those riddles. It takes great intelligence and quick wit to solve something so complex in such little time.”

  Weird-looking creatures that talked and were not trying to kill us were very uncommon, I assure you.

  The same Goldar looked to Mina. “Most look upon Valas with unease, but not you, young Mina. Your heart is pure, and it is an honor to make your acquaintance. We shall provide you with a fine bolt of purple silk upon your departure.”

  “Oh thank you, thank you!” Waspy flapped wildly as Mina bowed to the Goldars. I was shocked; Mina didn’t even bow to kings.

  The Goldar’s yellow eyes settled upon me. Its gaze seemed to measure me; I felt like the Goldar peered into my very soul.

  The Goldar blinked, and the feeling disappeared. “Your faith is clouded by emotions for three women, one you despise, one that you love, and one that you find yourself drawn to. You’re scared of committing your heart, Brady Theirot.”

  I felt both embarrassed and scared out of my wits. I looked around at everyone, and felt my face become warm. How did the creature know such things?

  “Fear not, Cleric of Berythal. Your secrets are safe with us,” one of the Goldar said, though I could not decipher which one.

  I looked around at the others. They were all stone-faced and paid me no attention.

  “Did you hear that?” I asked Birch quietly.

  “Goldar told Birch strength would see Birch finish task. What Goldar tell Brady?”

  I took a deep breath and let it out, relieved. If Birch had heard what the Goldar said to me, he would never let me live it down.

  “Kind Goldars, can you please communicate with us as a group?” I asked.

  I was relieved that Yensid and Celiann looked uncomfortable, too. Mina, an accomplished poker player, hadn’t shown any emotion at all. I wondered what the Goldar said to each of them.

  Sturdy, padded chairs appeared out of nowhere, properly sized to fit each of us. “Shall we sit down?” The Goldar asked.

  “That is very kind of you,” Yensid said.

  So Yensid was capable of manners? Perhaps it was only with eight-legged creatures.

  “We appreciate your hospitality, and assure you our e
lven kin shall know of your honor,” Celiann said, her formal tone much like her brother’s.

  Yet Celiann looked angry, and became even more so when she eyed her brother. He returned a rigid grin, though he looked ready to lecture his younger sister.

  Both seemed unable to speak, so severe their staring contest.

  Of course, I felt compelled continue the conversation. “We’re trying to get to the Elven lands to deliver —”

  “The Golden Sword. Yes, we’re aware,” one of the Goldar said.

  “But how did you —” Yensid began to ask.

  “We could sense its magic as you came ashore. Magic so strong, there’s no mistaking its taste,” the Goldar said.

  “You can taste it?” Mina asked.

  “Swords taste bad,” Birch said.

  I looked at him and sighed audibly.

  Birch shrugged. “Okay, Birch listen to Goldars.”

  “The magic is what we taste. We are born of ancient magic, created when the elves were mere infants to these very lands. We assisted with the creation of the Golden Sword.”

  “It was nearly in the hands of the Omega Brotherhood when we found it,” I said.

  The Goldars all nodded. The lead one spoke. “Yes, Halfling sailors ask too few questions of their cargo. They have their own set of morals.”

  I tried to continue. “We managed to convince them to let us off here to —”

  “Ah, the elves. That is a grand idea. But they have no claim to it,” the Goldar said.

  I expected an argument from Yensid, who indeed opened his mouth. Then his eyes widened and he closed it again.

  I could have sworn one of the Goldar smiled.

  The lead Goldar continued. “The Golden Sword must be presented to the Dragon King. And it must be carried by Celiann. The Great King needs to be warned of the Omega Brotherhood.”

  “Dragon?” Mina asked. “I’ve always wanted to meet a Dragon! You think it will take us flying?”

  Ah, Mina had nearly gone an entire day without terrifying me. Who in their right mind would want to ride a dragon? “Kind Goldars, dragons don’t like people. At least not the ones we have met.”

  Birch nodded in agreement, and images of a very irritated green dragon came to mind.

  Nearly a year ago, Birch had become gloriously inebriated, and I had followed him as he staggered through the forest and sang an awful sounding melody in his native Orc language. It had been my intent to keep him out of trouble, but Birch found a young, sleeping, green dragon. And he punched it.

  That was a very bad day.

  “The rest of you must escort Celiann,” the Goldar said.

  “You expect us travel to his lair and simply give the Dragon King the Golden Sword?” I asked.

  “Certainly,” the Goldar said. “We shall, of course, try to make the journey easier. I believe each of you will notice a pouch upon your waist. What lies inside will assist you on your journey.”

  Indeed, there was a pouch. Where had it come from? I opened mine and drew out a black stone. The Goldar spoke inside my head once more. “To you Brady, we give wisdom. Its power will make your spells harder to resist, your healing more powerful. It is attuned specifically for you, and shall function as long as it is in your possession.”

  How wonderful. But would it protect me from Dragon Fire?

  The Goldar spoke aloud. “Each of you has one healing draught. Drink the entire contents or pour it on a grievous wound at any time and you will be fully replenished. All wounds will heal. Pour this upon a fallen comrade and it will rouse him to consciousness even if he or she recently died. Each potion can only be used once.”

  Elanor would be sad she missed this gift. Such a potion was no doubt priceless. But I’m certain if I still had mine, she’d be happy to take it from me when we met up with her again. Ah, how I missed my ray of sunshine.

  The Goldar broke my thoughts. “Rest here, and fear nothing, for we protect this forest. Tomorrow you shall follow the exact path we give you. Wander from it and you will become lost in the hills.”

  I instantly felt tired. Before I knew it, I lay upon the very soft ground. Moments later, I drifted to sleep.

  Chapter 5

  I awoke at dawn the next day completely refreshed. Other than the five of us, the clearing was empty. There was no sign of the Goldar or Valas. A map that showed a path through the forest was tied to a tree limb just above Mina, who was still fast asleep. Our backpacks were full of rations, and an enormous breakfast of freshly baked bread, cheese, and tea had been set for us.

  After breakfast, we set off. The morning trek was peaceful. Birch hummed a song the halflings had taught him, and Mina followed along with her squeaky voice. Their melody was not pleasant, for neither could carry a tune, but it did not grate my every nerve. What was even more unusual was that Celiann and Yensid managed to speak to one another amicably. Had the Goldars charmed them with a spell? If so, I hoped one day to learn how to cast it.

  It was midafternoon when the forest gave way to rocky hills. Sparse clumps of soil covered the ground, thin trees and shrubs growing wherever they could find purchase. Small streams meandered through the hills, and in certain spots we waded knee-deep across them. At those junctures, Mina rode upon Birch’s shoulders.

  Early evening brought us to the sandy shores of a large, placid lake. No wind blew across it, and the sounds of nature ceased once we came to its shore.

  Celiann’s hand gripped the hilt of her sword. “Something’s not right. I sense evil in this place and —”

  The water exploded. A creature nearly seven feet tall surged toward us. It had a skeletal face, and sinewy muscles wrapped around its skinless chest. Greyed ribs jutted from where it lacked muscles, and entrails writhed like live tentacles from its open stomach. The creature’s arms were gangly and clawed, and one boot still clung to a deformed leg while the other leg showed only skeletal bones, covered with writhing bits of flesh.

  Celiann drew the Golden Sword, but before she could bring it to guard, the monstrosity was upon her. She managed to bring up her shield as it swiped at her. Its claws screeched against the steel, leaving deep rends. The power of the blow forced Celiann back, both hands braced behind the shield.

  Yensid’s hands motioned above his head. “Keltha Da.”

  White tendrils shot from his upraised fingers and buried into the creature’s shoulder. Its socket-less eyes whipped toward the magic-user. With a powerful shove, it pushed Celiann away and ambled toward Yensid.

  Birch charged full speed, trying bowl the creature over. Birch leaned his broad shoulder forward and readied for the collision.

  The skeletal horror tumbled with unexpected deftness to the side. Birch charged by, cursing. The creature rolled nimbly back to its feet.

  Four purple globes shot forth from Mina’s fingertips and sunk into its chest, but the undead creature ignored the blows. Its two claws swiped into Birch’s back, drawing blood as claws punctured armor. Then its entrails came alive. Writhing intestines wrapped around Birch’s chest and squeezed, oozing black ichor. The big barbarian’s scream was cut short as blood erupted from his mouth. The entrails pulled Birch toward its body, and its skeletal jaw snapped in anticipation.

  Birch dug his feet into the ground and leaned away from the monstrosity. With a groan, the half-orc pulled the intestinal manacles taut. The writhing entrails held for a brief moment before being ripped apart.

  Free of its grapple, Birch turned to face the creature, his sword held in a defensive guard.

  Relentless, the skeleton attacked him again.

  It completely ignored me, and I took advantage. I brought forth the silver holy symbol of Berythal and stepped behind the skeleton. Chanting a curing spell, I touched the monster’s undefended back.

  Healing from a good cleric will close wounds, and most times will not even leave a scar. It’s called positive energy. When used against undead, it has the opposite effect. Where I touched the skeletal form, its decayed skin and exposed bones se
ared and popped. Three of its ribs snapped, and some of writhing entrails stopped moving and slumped to the ground.

  The skeleton whirled toward me and whispered in a language I could not comprehend (nor did I want to). Two claws slashed at my face, but I managed to duck. Its intestines whipped forward, and a half-dozen of them wrapped around my forearm and tightened.

  I nearly bit my tongue trying not to shriek in pain.

  The Golden Sword severed the tentacles connecting my arm to the monster. A white fire rolled around my arm, disintegrating the tentacles that had been wrapped there. Celiann stepped between the monstrosity and me and laid her hand upon the welts of my bleeding arm. Briefly my arm glowed pale blue. At the same time Celiann lunged with her sword. The creature hissed and retreated from the Golden Sword.

  When she removed her hand, my arm was fully healed.

  Birch flanked the creature and swung his great sword. The blow tore through the creature’s left shoulder and shattered its skeletal head. Yet the monster didn’t fall. Instead, it spun to face Birch.

  Two finger-wide beams of fire from Yensid’s fingers streaked into the thrashing entrails of the creature, staggering it. It still managed to swipe at Birch, but the barbarian deflected with his sword. Then the monster’s stomach erupted into red flames.

  Still it attacked. Its claws swung wild at Celiann, but the Golden Sword amputated both its arms at its elbows. Then Mina’s lightning bolt thundered into the creature. Tendrils of electricity danced with existing flames as the monster pirouetted in a complete circle.

  An instant later, the Golden Sword lodged into its hissing, burning intestines. Blue light coalesced with its golden aura, and swept through the blade and into the creature. It exploded into a shower of black dust.

  Celiann dropped to one knee. “It’s so powerful. It guided me where to strike. It…”

  Concern etched upon Yensid’s face as he knelt beside her. “You must give it to someone else. Maybe Birch could take it?”

  “Uh-uh, Birch no carry talking sword.”