The Curse of Credesar, Book 2

By Robert E. Keller

The Curse of Credesar, Book 2: The war against the Deep Shadow rages once again, thousands of years after the age of Dremlock Kingdom, as scheming seers battle for power and ethereal beasts hunt humans by night. Can a new kingdom of Divine Knights rise from the ashes of despair to save humanity? This is the tale of a young sorcerer named Kelden and his struggles against the ultimate demon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert E. Keller
• Release date: Dec 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301570034

Robert E. Keller

Robert E. Keller was born in Northern Michigan in 1972. He had a very active imagination fromthe time he was old enough to become self aware, and he would invent elaborate fantasy andscience fiction stories in his mind.Robert published his first work of short fiction, Spirit Wolves, in the fall of 2008. After that hewent on to publish more than 30 stories in various online and print magazines. Meanwhile, he was hard at work on epic fantasy novels, and he released his first novel for sale, Knights: The Eye of Divinity in June of 2011.Robert lives with his wife Tracy in Northern Michigan.

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The Curse of Credesar, Book 2

by Robert E. Keller

Smart Goblin Publishing 2011

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2011 Robert E. Keller

About the Author:

Robert E. Keller is a fantasy writer who has had more than 30 stories published in magazines, and he is the author of several epic fantasy novels. You can find more information on his projects at www.robertekeller.net

Chapter 1: The Secret Meeting

The high council of Valganleer had gathered in the Sky Chamber after midnight, when most of the tower was still asleep. They gazed at each other in the torchlight with expressions of concern. No one else was present--not even guards.

It is time for my report, said Vangoss, his white eyes and bearded face betraying no emotion. It's not good news.

Is there any other sort of news these days? said Junos Elserninstine." Her long blond hair shimmered in the torchlight. She possessed a youthful beauty that was almost haunting. She was the only seer present to display a smile rather than a frown.

Is Kelden alive? asked Amsel Heckenbrau, getting straight to the point. The Arnwolf seer held Vangoss' gaze without flinching, his huge physical stature just as intimidating as that of the lord of the high council. Or have we failed in all ways?

We haven't failed, said Vangoss. Kelden was alive last I knew. However, I've lost contact with him. The tracking bracelet is gone. There is only silence.

Gone? Lebin Nureck gasped. The small, fiery alchemist scowled in displeasure. Lebin felt overshadowed by the others, outranked and continuously left in the dark. Lately he'd been growing increasingly paranoid as reports flooded in of Jarvin's spies infiltrating the towers. He found himself no longer trusting anyone, and spent many hours at night sitting up drinking wine, unable to sleep. And when he did manage a bit of sleep, he was plagued by vivid nightmares of dark forces closing in around him. He was an intelligent seer, but not a powerful or confident one.

As all of you remember from my first report, Vangoss went on, Dameon removed the bracelet from Kelden. The bracelet stayed with them, however, allowing me to monitor their progress. Now it seems Dameon has betrayed the others. The bracelet has fallen into the hands of our enemy.

Orlar Callick bowed his head. The oldest and wisest of the seers, he was also the most troubled. Then things have taken a terrible turn, he said. Without Dameon to reason with Credesar, the fiend will most certainly head for Iragantheos the next time he comes forth. Kelden will be led astray, never to reach Frindagan. I knew this plan was a wretched idea.

There was no other way, said Vangoss. We've discussed it many times. Anyone traveling with Credesar would be killed--especially a seer. Dameon was able to get away with it because of his evil nature.

What can we do now? said Lebin Nureck, fidgeting nervously. We must have a plan, right? His nerves were stretched thin, and he longed for a bottle of wine. He found he couldn't meet Vangoss' inhuman gaze and instead stared at the floor, his trembling hands hidden in the pockets of his robe. That last thing he wanted to go against Vangoss. Lebin was simply terrified of him.

We must send out the Gelshads, said Vangoss. If Kelden needs help, they will provide it. Also, unlike seers, the Gelshads are expendable.

Amsel Heckenbrau sneered. Indeed. The Gelshads will now head off to the rescue. Why weren't they sent in the first place as protection for Kelden? Even if Credesar did kill them, they're trained to sacrifice their lives for the greater good. As you said, they're expendable. His voice was cold and dangerous, his eyes smoldering. Instead you relied on your tracking bracelet--a device none of us understood and that now resides with Jarvin. I should never have agreed to that plan.

Vangoss cleared his throat. As Junos pointed out, we cannot dwell on any mistakes we made. We must look to the present and the future. Yes, perhaps we should have sent a Gelshad escort, and yes, I did trust in that magnificent bracelet. And I do feel very disappointed for having lost a powerful and unique sorcerer's tool. But things worked out better with the former seer Dameon, who--as I reported previously--befriended Credesar with vile promises and schemes.

What else do you have to report? asked Junos. It's late and I'm tired.

Nothing of great interest, said Vangoss. Jarvin has sent a battalion of his soldiers to Murakan, to help fortify the city. Your spies should have already informed you of this, and it's nothing unexpected.

But what should we do about Murakan? said Lebin. I shudder to think that great city is hopelessly lost. Lebin glanced about for support but found none.

Vangoss sighed. Is it necessary to bring up this topic again? Murakan will be free, but only after Iragantheos is liberated and Jarvin sent back to the Shifting. We simply cannot expend any real resources in trying to take back the city.

Lebin shook his head. But all those people--all to become his slaves or be killed. How can we stand by and let that happen?

What choice do we have? said Vangoss. "It would take the combined might of at least two Legaran towers to invade Iragantheos. We know how heavily fortified that tower is. No, we must only make Jarvin think we're planning to liberate Murakan. He'll waste valuable resources defending the city. Then, when the false god least expects it, we will strike from three directions--above, below, and through the worm hole. Victory will be ours!"

But only if we gain possession of the Heart of Green World, Lebin said. Does anyone yet know how we can accomplish that? Yes, we have a plan. But the last one failed miserably, and I see no reason to believe this latest one will succeed.

The thought of thousands of innocents being tortured, killed, or enslaved haunted Lebin's mind. It was inconceivable to him that they would stand idle and allow Jarvin to carry out his dastardly plan of turning the entire city of Murakan into mindless servants. He wanted to speak out against Vangoss--to reveal how he thought the lord of the high council was failing miserably at his job, but he was too afraid.

This is a time of war, said Orlar Callick. Harsh decisions must be made. The Gelshads will remain stationed at Salgrotus until we are able to send them against Iragantheos. By then, the battalion from Frindagan should arrive to reinforce our army. Meanwhile, the seers must remain at this tower to protect it against a surprise attack. Our real concern is regaining possession of the Heart. As long as Jarvin controls our greatest power source, he has us over a barrel. This is Valganleer's problem. The other towers are too far away to be counted on right now. For now, Murakan is lost to Jarvin. I now propose that we no longer debate the issue of liberating the city. All in favor?

Everyone except Lebin nodded.

Your proposal is received, said Vangoss. The issue shall no longer be debated. Let the record show that Lebin Nureck stood against the proposal and was struck down. Is there anything anyone else would like to say?

I have a proposal, said Amsel Heckenbrau. I'd like to track down Kelden Delure and see to his welfare personally.

Impossible, said Vangoss. You are a member of the high council. You are needed here, to vote on important issues in this time of war.

This issue is gravely important, said Amsel. Kelden is a blood lore student and could benefit from my guidance now that--as you claim--this Dameon fellow has betrayed him. I'm willing to risk my life to take this boy under my wing and see that he reaches Frindagan.

Amsel makes a good point, said Lebin. Kelden needs the protection and wisdom of a seer. Amsel could accompany a group of elite Gelshads--the best at Valganleer. We don't need them here. The seers can defend this tower.

I demand a vote on this proposal, said Amsel. That both the elite Gelshads, and myself, be allowed to go to Kelden's rescue.

His face hardening, Vangoss said, All in favor?

Orlar and Vangoss stood motionless and thus opposed, while Lebin, Junos, and Amsel nodded their heads. Let the record show, Vangoss muttered, that Orlar and myself stood against the proposal and were struck down. However, since I have a second vote held in limbo to cast on any proposal three times in a year--my right as lord of the high council--I now cast my first supplementary vote against the proposal, and thus there is a split. Let the record also show that I now have only two supplementary votes remaining for this year.

Amsel glared at Vangoss. Why do you oppose this? Very well. I ask for a second vote on this proposal, under penalty of expulsion.

Junos shook her head. It isn't worth it, Amsel. Don't sacrifice all you have worked for. Let the Gelshads see to Kelden. We can send a small detachment from Salgrotus. We have other concerns.

I have made a request, Amsel said coldly. Is it honored?

Your request is honored, said Vangoss. Regrettably, a second vote will be made. If you are struck down, Amsel, you will forfeit your place on the high council.

Then proceed! Amsel said, his face stern.

All in favor, said Vangoss.

This time, everyone except Vangoss nodded, with Junos being the last and most reluctant. Vangoss glowered with rage.

I'm sorry, said Junos. But I couldn't let Amsel lose his seat on the council over this. He's too valuable to us.

I see, said Vangoss in an emotionless tone. Let the record show that I opposed and was struck down. Amsel Heckenbrau will accompany the Gelshads, and in his absence, a temporary appointee shall be voted onto the council to replace him--to be made permanent in the event that Amsel is not heard from again in six months or is confirmed to be dead.

Amsel smiled. I hope my replacement is a blood lore seer.

Not likely, Vangoss said. But the council will decide, as always.

And we better choose wisely, said Orlar. He turned to Amsel. And I say that because I fear you are most certainly going to your death.

The meeting was called to a close, and Junos and Orlar departed, leaving Amsel and Vangoss to face each other, with Lebin looking on.

I agree with Orlar, said Vangoss. It is likely that death awaits you on your journey. Are you sure you want to risk it? As a seer of Valganleer Tower, you are nearly immortal. Your age has no limit. Think of the pleasures that await you if you live. In another fifty years, you could enter the Heart of Green World and find your eternal reward.

Even seers cannot live forever, said Amsel.

Especially foolish ones, said Vangoss. Some choose to pry into things they shouldn't, and their lives are cut short. Those who serve them must also perish. Why, just the other day I caught a little tower raven sneaking about my window and snapped its scrawny neck. A fitting end for a nasty little spy.

More will come, said Amsel. Shadows are on the move, seeking to expose your plans and drag you squirming into the bright sunlight. Will you kill them all?

If I must, said Vangoss.

Lebin's heart pounded fiercely. Some dreadful secret was known to these two, which he wasn't allowed to understand. They were dark men with strange motivations. Suddenly he wished he'd departed with Junos and Orlar.

I see enough to know your heart, said Amsel. And it is shackled, the key lost. I see more than you would like me to see.

Vangoss tapped the ancient eye-rune in his forehead. And I see through you, Amsel of the Arnwolf. Tread carefully on your journey.

We'll settle this when I return, said Amsel.

Vangoss chuckled. "Then we will never settle it, because you will never return." With that, the lord of the high council turned and strode from the Sky Chamber.

Lebin swallowed. What...what did he mean?

Amsel glared at Lebin, and the alchemist shrank back, wishing he'd kept his mouth shut. The Arnwolf seer radiated a crushing power that froze Lebin's heart.

He meant that he wants me dead, said Amsel. You'd better watch your back too, my little friend. Trust no one. This tower now bears the stink of Blue World.

I...I think I'll get some wine, said Lebin. Good luck on your journey. With that, he hurried from the Sky Chamber, determined to keep silent and stay out of the way as much as possible, feeling Amsel's wolfish eyes boring into his back.

***

The pain in Thayan's wrist awakened him--an itching and burning sensation brought on by rapid, unnatural healing. Kelden and Theodus were nowhere in sight, and he felt vindicated. Kelden was a coward after all and had no doubt fled to Frindagan, too consumed with his own fears to worry about anyone else.

Thayan nudged Dameon with his toe, and the big man muttered and shoved his foot away. Get up, Thayan snapped. Are you so full of bear meat it's weighing you down like that fat gut of yours?

What do you want? Dameon said wearily, his eyes still closed.

Kelden and Theodus are gone, said Thayan. And I have a feeling we won't be seeing them again anytime soon.

Dameon sat up, his eyes wide. How long have they been gone?

Thayan shrugged. They've left us to our fate, Dameon.

Ellistar rose, a knowing look on her face. I told you, Dameon. You needed to make a strong case for going to Iragantheos. Instead, you filled your belly and went to sleep. Now things have taken a drastic turn.

Dameon grabbed his mace. Save your criticisms, Ellistar. They don't interest me. We must go after Kelden at once. We cannot allow him to do this!

It's not our decision, said Ellistar. It was his all along, and he made it. We can do nothing about it and shouldn't try.

He was our only chance to get into the lonely tower, said Dameon, hanging his head. Only the power of Credesar could see this quest through.

But Kelden couldn't control the fiend, said Ellistar. Therefore, his power was useless. You were asking far too much of him.

What of Gresepha's predictions? said Dameon.

Ellistar shrugged. It's not my duty to make them come true. She showed me possibilities. But if they don't come to pass, that's simply the way of things. She never revealed what my role would be, and therefore I must conclude that I have no role in this affair.

So you choose to take the easy way out, said Dameon. I expected more from such a wise sorceress. And what about you, Thayan?

Thayan laughed. Now I find a city somewhere and live the good life. I see women, ale, and tasty food in my future.

Dameon glowered at him. I see. So all you can think of is yourself. You obviously don't care about the future of humanity, about ending the worm plague.

Give it a rest, big fellow, said Thayan. But you're right. I really don't care about any of that. What has the human race done for me? Let's see...it has nearly killed me more than once, and brought me suffering. Other than that, nothing really. I'm not going to risk my life to stop the worm plague. Long live the worms!

Dameon shook his head in disgust. And to think that I ever tried to teach you sorcery. You've changed in the worst way, Thayan. Your own sister was killed by a worm.

Thayan's face darkened. Shut up about that. My sister is long dead. Yes, I've changed. But it's over and done with. I just want to get my pleasure out of life--as much as I can. You better believe it!

Ellistar seemed unfazed by the exchange. What will you do, Dameon?

I'll go on alone, if need be, said Dameon, and probably die trying to get a hold of the mind soothe. Otherwise, I cannot find peace.

You'll indeed go alone, then, said Ellistar. I feel I can still be useful in other ways--by staying alive and using my gifts. Like Thayan, I'll find a city where I can be free to pursue my goals. I'll serve as oracle yet again.

Dameon won't go alone, said a gruff voice. Renstad was awake, but still lying on the ground. I have an issue with Jarvin. It needs to be settled.

Dameon smiled. My chances have now doubled.

Good luck to both of you, said Ellistar.

So you and Thayan are leaving? said Dameon, his voice heavy with sorrow. Just like that? I expected better from you both!

We're only human, said Ellistar. Not everyone sees things the way you do--thank Gresepha. You expect too much from those around you and then grow angry when people are not able to meet those expectations.

Perhaps, said Dameon. When we were younger, I expected love and forgiveness. But I ended up with a woman who can give love to no man.

You dare bring up our ancient past? she said, her one good eye narrowed with anger. Yes, I could not return the love you bestowed on me. I did care about you deeply, but in turning my back on Thelaran, I turned my back on the spirit of all men--including you. It's just the way things are.

Dameon nodded, his face twisted with bitterness. Yes, you made that extreme choice. There could be no middle ground with you. Do you know how you made me suffer?

I suffered as well, she said. But my destiny lay along a different path than yours. And it still does. It always will.

So that's what this is about, said Dameon. You won't travel with me, because you fear walking the same path. You fear that old feelings might be reawakened.

Utter nonsense! Ellistar laughed. I am long over you, Dameon. How many years has it been? Any lingering feelings turned to dust ages ago.

Love does not age and wither, said Dameon. Feelings become buried, but always remain. A wise person like you should know this. I think you do.

It doesn't matter, said Ellistar. I'm not the same woman you once knew. I've changed so drastically in mind and spirit that you cannot possibly comprehend it. I was infatuated with you in those days, for a while. Then that feeling went cold forever. Someday you'll come to realize that.

Dameon managed a smile. Your powers have grown, Ellistar. But you're still the same woman I once knew, whether you like it or not. Otherwise, my words wouldn't anger you.

Enough! she said, turning away. Here, our road divides.

Actually, said Thayan. I think we're all headed to the same place. He pointed to a space between two pines, where a soldier with a crossbow stood. An instant later, several more soldiers emerged, forming a circle around them. Then the Blue World sorcerer walked forth, holding his gleaming spear.

He stepped close to Thayan and prodded him in the chest with his spear. My child. And how have you been getting along?

Thayan's face was stony. I'm doing great. You did me a favor. I'm more powerful than I've ever been.

Of course, said the sorcerer. That was my intention. If you wish, I'll release you to wander free, in spite of my orders.

I'm not leaving without my companions, said Thayan. If you take them, you take me.

As you wish, said the sorcerer, sighing with disappointment. He turned to Dameon. I suppose if I try to take your mace you'll fight to the death, since it's your link.

To the death, said Dameon, clutching the mace to his chest. You should know the ways of sorcerers, being one yourself. Would you surrender your spear?

No, I would not, said the sorcerer. You may keep it--for all the good it will do you, which is no good at all.

What do you want? said Thayan.

You wouldn't happen to know where Kelden is? said the sorcerer. He needs to be killed immediately.

You're the only one that needs be killed, said Renstad.

The sorcerer smirked. "Could I get an answer from someone without the tiny brain of a barbarian? In other