The Shrine of Kallen (The Tales of Zanoth Book 3) Read online

  Having eaten as much as they could, they headed for one of the barracks and climbed into bed. The general provided them with two sentries to stand over them while they slept. Paul fell asleep within moments of his head hitting the pillow. He was back in Zanoth – where he belonged – surrounded by his friends and mere feet from the woman he loved. It was the best night's sleep he had had in a month. He awoke the following morning completely refreshed and more than ready to get to work.

  The first thing to be done was obviously to complete their search of the fortress. The fact was that they had only begun this task the day before. In truth, they decided it would be best to start again from the very beginning; Paul and Myra doing their best to uncover any evil or undead that might still be lurking in the fortress. All things considered, the general decided to leave Gregory in command of the garrison of Kal Tammon while he accompanied the party in their search.

  As the bodies of the – whatever they were – had yet to be disposed of, they started with the door at the bottom of the fortress that led to the nothing below. Alena, Sarrac, and Paul each grabbed one of the roughly man-sized carcasses and dragged them down the stairs. They threw the first one out of the door, only to see it plummet for several seconds, before falling back up against the rough stone foundation the fortress was built on.

  “Okay,” Paul said, shaking his head, “that's just weird.”

  “It seems that gravity doesn't work like normal here,” Nyssa said, fluttering out of the door.

  “Would you get back in here, please?” Joey asked.

  “Why?”

  “You could fall.”

  “Like it did?” Nyssa asked, pointing at the very broken body that was stuck to the surface of the rock, roughly twenty feet above her head.

  “Yes,” he nodded. “I mean; depending on which way gravity were to pull you, you could unexpectedly find yourself flying toward the floor... the ceiling? Whatever... The point is that you could end up hurt.”

  “It's sweet of you to worry, but I'm fine,” she giggled, flying a little higher.

  Suddenly, she started to shoot upward toward the stone above.

  “Alright,” she said, flipping herself upside-down and flying back down toward them, “that is strange.”

  “And, that's exactly what I was talking about just now,” Joey pointed out.

  “Which makes it even stranger,” she replied, fluttering back into the doorway and flipping herself right-side-up.

  “Either way,” Darek said, his own gaze on the deceased monstrosity, “it looks like we can't just throw the bodies out of the fortress. So, what do we do with them?”

  “Burn them,” Alena asserted.

  “That's a good idea,” General Halfar nodded. “I'll send some men to take care of it as soon as we get back upstairs.”

  “What do we do with that one?” Darek asked.

  “Leave it there,” Joey suggested, closing the door. “Now that we know we can't even throw trash out down here, we might as well weld this door shut.”

  “Maybe we will,” Paul nodded. “Let's finish exploring before we worry about that, though.”

  Having agreed on this course of action, the party made its way back to the floor above them to continue their search. Along with the summoning chamber, they discovered several door-less rooms carved into the rock. Around the portals of these cells, runes of gold were etched into the stone walls.

  “What do you think these were for?” Darek asked, his eyes slowly scanning the unfamiliar words.

  “My guess is that they're holding cells for summoned creatures,” Myra replied. “The runes are meant to make sure that whatever is inside them can't get out.”

  “That would make sense,” Joey nodded, “considering how close they are to the summoning chamber.”

  “Exactly,” Myra agreed.

  At the end of the corridor, they found a chamber slightly different from the others. The golden runes that surrounded its portal were so scratched and marred as to be completely unreadable.

  “If I had to guess,” Joey began, “which, obviously, I do – I'd say this is where the deadly beast came from.”

  “Possibly,” Myra nodded. “If the will of a creature overcomes that of the person who summoned them, terrible things can happen.”

  “Who would have summoned a creature like that?”

  “A fool,” Sarrac asserted.

  “You're right about that,” General Halfar chuckled.

  “Can we fix this chamber?” Paul asked, gazing at the ruined runes.

  “I'm sure we can,” Nyssa replied, flying up to the top of the doorway to more closely examine some of the damage.

  “Why would we want to?” Alena asked. “We're certainly not going to be summoning anything we would need to hold in them.”

  “Probably not,” Paul agreed. “However, I've learned that – especially in Zanoth – it's always a good idea to be prepared for anything.”

  This assertion made, they resumed their search. The floor above was filled with several chambers obviously meant to accommodate the soldiers whose duty it was to stand watch over the walls. There were several barracks, another massive dining room, and even a number of more mundane holding cells that were meant to hold more mundane captives.

  The next floor they examined was the one directly beneath the main entrance. It had – at one time – clearly been used for storage. However, the only things of interest that still remained were bits of seemingly ancient food and the vault.

  “This is what we were telling you about, Mark,” Alena said, pointing at the button used to summon the chamber and gazing at the general. “If we have the vault deployed somewhere and you need to bring it back here, all you need to do is push that rune.”

  “And,” Sarrac said with a smile, “if, for some reason, you don't want to bring it back here, you shouldn't push it.”

  “Well, obviously,” Nyssa laughed. “What kind of simpleton would just go around pushing runes randomly?”

  “Excellent question,” Joey chuckled.

  “How long does it take to recharge?” General Halfar asked. “Five days or so?”

  “Actually, we have no idea,” Myra pointed out. “The only time we used it, the vault was already charged. So, we'll just have to wait and see.”

  “It would be really handy,” Darek asserted, “if it and the vault worked at the same time.”

  “What do you mean?” Sarrac asked.

  “I mean,” he explained, “if the vault and the...uhhh...”

  “Call button,” Joey suggested.

  “Alright,” Darek shrugged. “If the vault and the call button each have their own charge, we could move the vault, do whatever we need to do, and then bring it back here as soon as we're done.”

  “That would be very handy,” Alena agreed. “Is there any chance of that actually being the case?”

  “Certainly!” Nyssa replied with a wide smile. “After all, almost anything is possible. It could be that they work separately, or that they're tied together, or that they're both tied to something else that we haven't even found yet, or that the thing we haven't found is separate, but that they're tied together, or maybe the new thing is just tied to the vault – or the call button – or maybe none of that. I wonder what the thing we haven't found yet is! You've just given me something to occupy my curiosity for months! Or at least until we find the whatever-it-is, I guess. Either way, thank you, Alena!”

  “You're welcome, Nyssa,” the ogress replied, rolling her eyes.

  “In any event,” Darek continued, “I guess we won't know until we try it.”

  “No,” Myra agreed. “We won't.”

  Considering the fact that the walls seemed to run on for miles, the party decided to wait to fully inspect them until after they had completely explored the keep. With this resolution in mind, they made their way back to the impressive structure. One of the things that surprised them during their search was the fact that the food in the dining room looked as if it had
been completely untouched.

  “I know that we didn't eat a lot last night,” Darek said, lifting a chalice as he spoke, “but, this was my glass. I couldn't have left more than three drops in it last night but, it's full now.”

  “It may be that the bread and wine renew themselves,” Sarrac said thoughtfully.

  “That may be the best news I've ever heard,” Darek said before taking a long drink, “This wine is truly excellent. Although, to be totally honest, it's not as good as that stuff Lord Telraen had bottled up. Still, it is really good.”

  This observation brought to mind the fact that – in all the excitement – they had forgotten to eat breakfast. As they were already in a dining room filled with food, they corrected that oversight immediately.

  Having satiated their growing hunger, they made their way to the library. A staircase led down to what Paul had assumed was another compartment filled with books. His assumption proved to be incorrect, however. At the bottom of the spiral staircase, they discovered two rooms; both sealed with heavy metal doors set in walls that were made of seemingly solid steel.

  One of these chambers was filled with vials, beakers, and burners. The chamber’s cabinets were packed with various herbs, oils, and liquids.

  “Looks like we have an alchemy lab,” Joey asserted, lifting a jar from one of the cabinets and glancing at the label before turning his gaze to Nyssa. “Do you or Myra know how to brew potions?”

  “I don't,” both maidens immediately replied.

  “Undead don't have much of use for them,” Myra explained. “They don't affect them.”

  “They do affect fairies, though,” Nyssa added.

  “Really?” Joey replied. “That's odd.”

  “What's odd about that?” the fair fairy asked. “Why shouldn't they affect us?”

  “I meant about the undead,” Joey clarified.

  “Oh,” she replied. “Yeah, I guess that is kind of odd.”

  “They don't really digest things the same way we do,” Alena pointed out.

  “It's magic, though,” Joey explained. “It doesn't seem like that would matter.”

  “Maybe it doesn't,” Myra replied. “But, potions don't work on them, whatever the reason.”

  “Fair enough,” the young man nodded. “It would probably be a good idea for us to learn to brew them.”

  All of them could see the sense of this. As a result, the conversation ended until they made their way into the next chamber.

  “What do you think this is for?” Paul asked, his eyes turned to Myra.

  “Well,” Alena replied, “what with the forge, and the different anvils, hammers, tongs, and piles of metal, I'd guess it was a blacksmith's shop.”

  “I don't think so,” Joey replied. “Not considering how small some of this stuff is. My guess would be that it's a workshop for crafting magical items.”

  “You'd be right,” Nyssa nodded excitedly. “These are the tools of an artificer!”

  “Awesome!” Joey smiled. “This could really come in handy.”

  “It absolutely could,” Darek agreed. “Being able to make our own artifacts is something the undead certainly won't be expecting.”

  “That's true,” Myra agreed. “However, it takes a great deal of work to make any kind of magic item, much less anything that could actually be considered an artifact.”

  “Well, get to work then,” Darek chuckled. “The more magical power we can bring to the battlefield, the better.”

  “We can in time,” Myra smiled. “We have a lot on our plates at the moment, though.”

  “That actually brings another thought to mind,” Joey said. “We – that is to say, the living – could really use more wizards and whatnot on our side.”

  “We certainly could,” the former lich replied. “To the best of my knowledge, however, you, Nyssa, and myself are the only three living creatures in Zanoth that can use arcane power. And, I'm the only one I know of that can wield the dark power.”

  “What's the difference between those two, exactly?” Joey asked. “My book doesn't seem to go into that.”

  “What book?” Nyssa asked.

  “Joey got a book back on Earth,” Paul explained. “Just like I did.”

  “What's it about?” the fluttering fairy asked.

  “Magic,” Joey replied. “But, it doesn't mention the dark power.”

  “The dark power is what gives undead life,” Myra explained.

  “That much I had figured out,” Joey interjected.

  “It's not exactly the opposite of divine power, but it's close,” she continued. “You can use it to do good things – like I always try to – but, it has pretty close to the opposite effects of the power Paul wields.”

  “How do you learn to use it?” Paul asked.

  “You don't,” Alena asserted. “You're born with the ability – like Myra was – or you're not.”

  “Exactly,” Myra nodded. “If a child can wield the dark power, they're eventually transformed into undead. Just the way I was.”

  “What about people that can use arcane power?” Paul asked.

  “That's a little different,” Nyssa replied. “Some people – such as fairies – just know how to use it naturally. Most have to be taught, however.”

  “So, we can just train more wizards?” Joey asked.

  “Not just,” Myra replied. “Anyone can learn to do it, provided they can understand magical theory. A vast majority of people can't, however.”

  “Which is hardly surprising,” Nyssa pointed out, “considering that you basically have to be a genius to figure it out.”

  “Why, thank you!” Joey said, smiling at her.

  “For what?”

  “For calling me a genius.”

  “When did I call you that?”

  “Just now...”

  “No, I didn't...”

  “You just said,” Joey explained, “that you basically have to be a genius to understand magical theory...”

  “Which you do,” she interjected.

  “And, since I can understand it...”

  “Oh,” she laughed. “That obviously doesn't apply to you. The summoning spell must have taught you how to do it. I mean; you're a borderline simpleton. Hadn't you noticed? Of course, being a simpleton would make that hard for you to see, I guess. So, just trust me. You're not very bright.”

  “I'll take your word for it.”

  “That's actually rather clever of you,” she replied with a wide smile. “I think being in Zanoth must be making you smarter. At least, I can't imagine you being any dumber on Earth. Still, brains aren't everything. You should just focus on feeling good about being handsome.”

  “I'll do my best,” he chuckled.

  “Putting Joey's case to the side for a moment,” Paul said, “we're not likely to end up with any more magic-users helping us out; is that right?”

  “It's hard to say,” Myra replied. “It would be worth trying to teach all the warriors. It may be that some of them will be capable of learning how to use the arcane power.”

  “It's certainly worth making the attempt,” the general pointed out. “One more spell caster could make a world of difference.”

  “Agreed,” Sarrac nodded. “We should start as soon as we have the time.”

  “Which we won't have,” Alena replied, “until we've finished our search. So, let’s move on.”

  After nearly an hour more, they had completely explored the keep; finding no chambers as interesting as those they had already discovered. They did, however, find another entrance on the opposite wall of the first they had found. The door opened on what Paul felt was thousands of acres of additional land. In the distance, he thought he could just make out another wall, neatly hemming in the lands of the fortress.

  Perhaps a quarter of a mile from the keep, in a little dale, the very top of a building could be seen; rising a short distance above the tree tops that surrounded it. The party decided that this feature was worth taking a look at. As they dre
w nearer the valley, more and more paving stones became visible beneath the long, thick grass. Once they entered the wood, it was obvious that – long ago – it had been a small village. Several of the buildings were still intact and a flowing fountain sat at what seemed to be its very center. The spring which fed it also supplied a little stream that ran through the town and out into the dale.

  At last, they came upon the structure that had first attracted their attention. It was a temple the likes of which Paul had never seen in Zanoth. The main difference was that it seemed to be completely intact. Another was that it was wrapped in life. Which is to say: it was covered in countless flower-bearing vines.

  “This is beautiful,” Nyssa observed as they entered.

  “It is,” Paul agreed, gazing over the many unmolested murals and standing statues.

  Immediately, the general made his way to the alter, fell on his knees, and said a prayer; thanking the gods for their providence and mercy. Although, none of the other members of the party had anything to add to this, they stood in reverent silence until he finished. At last, the old man stood, wiping tears from his eyes with a wide smile.

  “All my life, I've dreamed of seeing a shrine like this,” he explained. “Some hallowed place the undead hadn't managed to corrupt. I honestly never thought I would. It's obvious that the gods are with us.”

  “That, it is,” Sarrac agreed.

  At that moment, a young man rushed into the temple.

  “General! Thank the gods I've found you,” he said between panted breaths. “Captain Gregory wants to speak with you as soon as possible, sir.”

  “What's happened?” Alena asked.

  “A falauk,” the young man replied. “It showed up a few hours ago, flew off, and then came back. The captain isn't sure it means anything, but he wanted to discuss it with you.”

  “He was right to send for me,” General Halfar nodded. “Tell the captain that we'll be there shortly.”

  “Yes, sir,” the young man replied before turning and dashing out of the temple.

  Chapter 2: Deadly Wrath

  “What's the situation, Captain?” General Halfar asked, stepping through the magical portal of the Fortress of Donmar into the courtyard of Kal Tammon – the undead stronghold the Warriors of Dawn had captured just weeks before.