A Gathering of Armies: Book Six of the Restoration Series

By Christopher Williams

With attacking armies marching north to Telur, Flaranthlas Eldanari and the other Guardians split up. Flaranthlas heads home to Solistine, intent on convincing the elves to join the battle. Little does he know that betrayal awaits his return.

Warned of the coming battle, King Darion and the other Guardians began frantically preparing for war. Some Guardians search for allies, while others try and slow the advance of the goblin army.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Williams
• Release date: Nov 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311287380

Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams is The Telegraph's Deputy Business Editor, with a focus on M&A, business politics and the media industry, a role he's filled for the past seven years. Prior to that, he has covered tech, media and telecoms for a number of publications (including in California) – notably freelance projects for the Sunday Times, The Economist and the Guardian. Born and raised in Sheffield, he is based in London.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Karina and Reega lay on their stomachs barely moving. Their hiding spot was in a line of bushes twenty yards from the Arium Highway. They barely dared to breath as row upon row of soldiers marched northward. Some of the soldiers were human, a tough mean-looking bunch. Most of the rest of the soldiers were goblins, although there were some giants and trolls mixed in.

The army had entered Dalar nearly a week ago but only reached the capital city of Dal-Arium the previous night. The city, forewarned about the host, was locked up tight. The monsters barely seemed to notice. The stream of monsters and humans had rushed up to the southern walls of the city and then split, half going around to the east and the rest going to the west. So far, the monsters hadn’t tried to scale the walls or take the city, but that was probably because of being in such a rush. It seemed they viewed the city as an obstacle in their path to be avoided.

Karina shook her head at the sheer numbers of those traveling the road. The Master of the Forest had been correct: they were heading to Telur. That meant that for better or worse, the world was about to change. The army marching past her would soon be fighting with the army of Telur with the world hanging in the balance.

Karina had a rather unpleasant view of most of her fellow humans, and that included those that lived in the kingdom of Telur.

She was a wildling, an outcast. She, and the others like her, had been changed, given something akin to their own unique form of magic. Each person’s talent was different but they were universally feared by Dalar’s citizens. When Karina had begun to change, the people of her town had attacked her family, killing her parents and brothers. They had dragged her to the forest and left her bound to a tree, clearing intending for the forest predators to make a meal of her.

Her talent allowed her to interact with the very plants growing around them. She could cause them to grow extremely fast and almost take on a life of their own.

Despite her loathing of civilized humans, she would fight this battle on Telur’s side. She knew what it meant for this army of goblins to win. The Master had told her that this army followed the Destroyer of Kelcer’s prophecy. If he won the war, then death and misery would follow behind him. It would only be a matter of time before the Wildlings were hunted down and killed.

Karina glanced to the south and resisted the urge to sigh. She couldn’t imagine how Telur could last one day against this army. Telur’s defenders would be swept away.

She turned at a touch from Reega. He motioned back into the forest and then began crawling toward the trees.

Karina glanced back at the road and the soldiers marching along it, and then she began following the boy.

Actually, it was a disservice to call Reega a boy. He was only seventeen, but he was maturing into a man quickly. He seemed to have grown a foot over the last several months and he was losing that boyish look.

They crawled along silently, no snapping of twigs or rustling of leaves to mark their passage. The forest was their home and they knew how to go unnoticed.

After several moments, they reached a grouping of thicker bushes. Reega climbed hesitantly to his feet and looked around; he remained hunched over. Seeming satisfied that the brush would keep them from being seen by those on the road, Reega started to straighten up, but paused to give Karina a hand-up.

What chance does anybody have against them? Reega asked. He spoke quietly, but still not quietly enough for Karina.

Quiet! she hissed. Goblins have excellent hearing.

Despite the harshness of her tone, Reega didn’t get angry; he only glanced back to the road and then nodded his assent. It was another sign the boy was becoming a man. Every since she had taken the boy in, he had been touchy – quick to anger. It was understandable. His family had been murdered when his talents began appearing. As he matured, his temper was coming under control.

Karina jerked her head deeper into the forest.

Reega smiled at her and moved off leading the way.

They walked quickly but left little or no signs of their passing. They were constantly on the alert, continually looking for anything out of the ordinary.

There were precious few animals on the edge of the forest. Normally, there would be a few small ones, but not many. The highway tended to scare most of the animals away but there were always a few that ventured close to the road, but not today. Even fearless animals knew better than to get near goblins.

As they got farther into the forest, Karina slowly relaxed. The forest was her home and she couldn’t help but be soothed the farther in they got. Still, her stomach felt like it was all twisted into knots.

Reega picked up the pace the farther into the forest they went; they still moved quietly, but there was less to fear now.

They walked in silence for nearly a quarter of an hour, finally coming to a stop in a small clearing where two men waited for them.

Reega stepped into the clearing first, but then he moved to the side, allowing Karina to approach the group first. It was a sign of deference, and she doubted whether it was even conscious on his part.

The two men who waited for them were as different as night and day. The first man Karina noticed stood back a bit, along the far edge of the clearing. He was tall and barrel-chested and had long graying hair past his shoulders. His nose was broad and twisted, giving him an evil appearance. His name was Seth and he had lived in the forest much longer than she had. Still, he wasn’t exactly someone she liked. She found him rude and rather revolting.

The second man was standing in the middle of the clearing waiting patiently for them to approach. He was short and a little pudgy. Certainly not a handsome man, his nose was too big and he had a short but scruffy looking beard. His black hair was peppered with gray and he had the unmistakable look of a man who had never worked a hard day in his life. He was Nathan Tanner, but few knew his name; most just called him the Master of the Forest. He had once been the spymaster and archbishop for the Church of Adel, but that had been a long time ago. Now the church would gladly execute him as they had branded him a traitor. Nevertheless, she had a fondness for him. Perhaps it was that he reminded her of her father, or perhaps it was just that he had taken her in and protected her. Regardless, she would die for him if necessary.

Karina stopped several feet in front of Nathan and nodded her head respectfully.

Nathan smiled at her. Welcome. What news?

She dropped her eyes, hating to be the bearer of such bad news. I’ve never seen so many goblins. I can’t imagine Telur lasting more than one day against those beasts.

Peace, Nathan said gently. Whatever happens, remember that the gods are in control.

If anyone else had said that to her, she would have snorted in derision, but she held her tongue. Still, it wasn’t so easy for her to just blindly accept the ‘will of the gods.’ They continue to march north, she said after a moment. I can’t imagine how that many goblins and soldiers will get across the Adelion river.

Nathan didn’t answer right away and another, more pressing thought occurred to Karina. Have there been any goblins entering the forest? she asked.

A few, Nathan admitted.

But they’ll never leave again, Seth said in his low, guttural tone. He punctuated the remark with a nasty leer.

Nathan turned and looked at Seth; that was all, just a look. Seth cleared his throat and began studying the forest as if he expected a horde of goblins to run out at any moment.

Sighing, Nathan turned back to Karina. I believe strongly that our part in this is to help Telur win this battle.

But how? Karina asked. What can we do against that? Besides, if we leave the forest, then the goblins will enter at will.

Nathan shrugged. Unfortunately, most of us will have to remain here to defend the forest, but we can still assist with the battle.

How?

I intend to make the goblins curse the day they ever stepped foot on the Arium Highway. I want future generations to shutter at the very memory of their trip north. I intend for myself and the other wildlings to terrorize them for as long as they remain on the road.

Karina nodded. I understand about hampering their trip north, but what else can we do beyond that?

I do not know, but we must try something. I want you and Reega to follow them. Use your special gifts to hamper them.

Hamper them? Karina asked incredulously. What can we do against that?

Nathan made a placating motion with his hands. I want you to be careful. Follow them and see if there is anything you can do that will slow them down. Do not do anything foolhardy. Do you understand?

Karina nodded but words failed her.

Oh, and I want Seth to go with you too.

Chapter 2

Anton paused in his long slow climb, and looked up to the mountains towering over him. He stretched his back, listening to the old bones creak. He was old and tired, but he couldn’t allow that to keep him from his duties.

He looked back down the way he had come, wishing he had been able to bring the horse further up the trail. Once, this mountain trail had been a road, but the ages had broken up the stones and made it all but impassable. King Zarum and the Prince Zalustus had sent him on this mission, and he knew better than to fail. Those two did not tolerate failure for any reason.

Prince Zalustus had used wizardry to send him a week’s ride west of Elem. From there, he had ridden his horse westward. He had no guards or escorts, but a magician rarely required them. The going had been easy enough, most of the lands were wild that he traveled through, but nothing bothered him. Nothing, that is, except for his aching back. He was getting too old to be riding a horse for weeks on end.

He paused, as the thoughts of Zalustus made him wonder if the prince had managed to find the dwarven shield Ocklamoor. One of the last things that Zalustus had done before traveling to Elem was to send Anton westward.

He pulled his attention back to the mountain towering over him, relieved that the end of his journey was in sight. He knew he was close now, although it was impossible to tell based on the surrounding landscape. A commoner would think that they were isolated far away from the nearest settlement. But Anton knew better; the dwarves were close.

That was the mission on which he had been sent. War was coming to Telur, and when it got there, King Zarum wanted Telur isolated and fighting the battle on their own. Which was why Anton found himself nearing the gates of the dwarven stronghold of Az’ha’rill’hadell.

Sighing, he began his slow ascent once more. It was steep, not too steep to climb, but steep enough that he had been uncomfortable riding his horse up the slope. One fall, and he would have rolled and tumbled for hours.

Damn dwarves! he muttered. Oh how he wished the dwarven kingdom could have been easily reached. Unfortunately, Zalustus had never visited the dwarven kingdom and so could not use wizardry to send Anton straight there. Wizardry only allowed a person to travel to a place they had been before, which was why Anton had spent the last week riding a horse.

The eastern gate of the dwarven kingdom was located high up in the mountains, and was nearly inaccessible.

Anton wondered at that, because in the distant past the eastern gate had been used for commerce between the dwarves and humans. He wondered how human wagon trains had ever made it to the gates.

Besides his aching back, he was actually in a fairly jubilant mood. His mission seemed an easy one. The dwarves had not ventured out of their mountain halls for nearly two millennia. Oh, there were stragglers that left the mountains – but they were mostly outcasts and exiles. The majority of the dwarves lived in isolation and they preferred it that way.

His task was oh so simple – make sure the dwarves remained in their halls. That’s all, that was it. He didn’t have to convince them to join the war on Zalustus’s side, all he had to do was make sure they didn’t join the war on Telur’s side. His hand automatically patted the leather pouch he carried, inside was the very thing that guaranteed his success.

He made his way around an oversized boulder and pulled up short. Before him towered the gates, ancient and made of steel. They were closed tight, as they had been for such a long time.

Anton wasted no time on the large gates, but instead headed toward the much smaller postern gate. It was located just to the right of the main gates, was about five or six feet wide, and six feet high. It too was made of steel. Reaching it, he raised his hand and pounded on the door.

Then he stepped back and waited.

He didn’t have long to wait, though, before the postern gate opened and dwarves spilled forth. They emerged from the opening and fanned out, surrounding the old man. The dwarves were all armed with heavy halberds and axes, and wore heavy chain mail. He seemed almost comical – all those dwarves pointing their heavy weapons at one frail old man.

One of the dwarves stepped forward, undoubtedly the leader. He was slightly older than the rest, the gray in his reddish-brown beard betraying his age. His hard eyes studied Anton for a moment, and then he said, Humans are forbidden here. Leave while we still let you.

Anton bowed. My name is Anton of Sirilia, and I was sent to speak to your king.

Were you now? And you think that we’ll let you pass these gates?

Anton smiled. Oh yes, I most certainly do.

And why is that? the dwarf leader asked, moving a step closer.

Anton said a word quietly under his breath, that was all, and there was an explosion of light. It seemed to be brighter than the noon day sun, and the dwarves were blinded.

Confused now, the dwarves lost track of Anton. He calmly slipped between them and disappeared into the postern gate.

The cavern beyond the gate was enormous. The roof was lost in the darkness overhead, and it ran on as far as the eye could see. It was gloomy inside, but not as bad as Anton had feared.

More dwarves were assembled in the cavern, and they reacted quickly to the sight of the human entering their domain. Within moments, Anton once again found himself surrounded. This time he was more careful, as he noticed several dwarven bowmen in the shadows.

Who are you? How did you get here?

Anton turned to face the speaker. He was an ancient dwarf, shriveled and white-haired. He wore no armor, which indicated that he was in fact the leader.

Anton bowed again. My name is Anton of Sirilia, and I was sent to speak to your king.

The dwarf looked confused. No human is allowed here. No one sees the king.

My king sent me, Anton said. And I must obey. He dropped his hand to the leather bag and began loosening the buckles.

The dwarves moved closer immediately, raising their weapons threateningly.

Anton held up one of his hands in a placating manner. Be at peace! I was sent with a small token. A gift from my king to your king. He withdrew a metallic bar from the pouch, and held it up for the dwarves to see.

The bar was gold, and dwarven runes ran up and down its length. It seemed to sparkle even in the poor light, and a magnificent diamond was mounted on the end. The dwarves stared and their mouths fell open.

Anton smiled at the reaction. King Zarum makes a gift of the Rose scepter to your king.

Chapter 3

Derek stepped out into the shadows of the dwarven kingdom of Az’ha’rill’hadell. The kingdom lay at the southern tip of the Az’ha’rill’ha mountains. It was Belgil’s home and he was excited to return, but both Derek and Kara were anxious. The dwarven kingdom was not known for being hospitable to outsiders. In fact, Flare’s recent visit to the kingdom had made him the first human or elf to visit in recent memory, and he had spent his first weeks as a prisoner.

Kara came through the wizard’s portal right on Derek’s heels. They both were nervous about traveling via wizardry, as for so long it had been a forbidden art. Kara remained so close to him that Derek could feel her shivering.

They stopped several feet away from the portal, as the light from the portal both illuminated their immediate surroundings and blinded them to what was further away.

Belgil practically bounced through the portal as he was so excited to be home. As soon as he was through, the portal closed, plunging them into darkness.

Surprised, Derek felt Kara move even closer, her shoulder and hip touching his back in her anxiety.

What now? Derek asked. And how can we find our way in this darkness?

Just you wait, Belgil said, a touch of mirth in his voice.

What are we waiting for? Kara asked.

Belgil didn’t answer, instead he just stood there in silence. After several moments Derek began to feel his temper rising. What good was a guide who wouldn’t answer questions?

Well? Derek asked. The smile on the dwarf’s face was infuriating. It was then that he realized that he could see the dwarf, and that the gloom must be receding.

In answer, Belgil’s grin got even bigger. These caverns have their own natural light source. A mold grows which provides a dim light. The dwarf waved his hand upward and both Kara and Derek looked up to see a barely-glowing covering across the walls and ceiling.

I’ve never heard of such, Kara said, the awe in her voice unmistakable.

Of course not, Belgil said. It’s one of our most closely-guarded secrets. In fact, the king may be displeased with me for even telling you.

Derek quickly turned his attention from the light, as they needed to focus on more important things. He gazed around at the large tunnel in which they stood. Not counting them, it was deserted. Still though, it was difficult to see faraway, meaning it was possible they were even now being watched from the shadows.

Do you know where we are? Derek asked.

I believe so, Belgil answered. There were not many places that Flare visited while he was a guest of the dwarves. I believe this is the tunnel leading to the room he stayed in.

Derek resisted the urge to snort. From what he’d heard, the room that Flare had been a guest in, had been a cell.

The dwarf’s logic made sense though, as Flare’s wizardry allowed him to send them only to a place that he had visited before. Derek shivered at the thought – Wizardry! The very thought of it nearly made him ill. For millennia the church had taught that wizardry was a dark art. The very word had been used to scare children and now Flare was actually practicing it.

Well, lead the way, Kara said. Her very tone overflowed with impatience.

Belgil’s grin slipped away.

What is it? Derek asked.

Belgil looked uncomfortable. I’m not sure the king’s going to be happy to see us. He’s not going to like to hear that Ocklamoor has been found and lost. Nor is he going to like to hear that the king of Telur is requesting his assistance. He began to look even more uncomfortable. And he’s really not going to like the fact that I brought you here.

Neither Derek nor Kara replied to this. Derek felt it was rather unlikely that the dwarven king would come to Telur’s aid, but Flare had sent them to ask and ask they would. He was nervous though, as he wanted to make Flare’s request and then begin the journey to Telur. He wasn’t sure how long they had before the goblin armies arrived. He wanted to make sure he was there before the battle began.

They stood in silence for several more moments, each lost in their own thoughts, and then Belgil sighed deeply. He waved his hand for them to follow him. He then turned and began walking into the dark.

Kara and Derek shared a look and then they followed the dwarf into the shadows.

They walked in silence for about an hour, dark tunnel following dark tunnel. The dwarven home was certainly not beautiful by any stretch of the imagination. The fact was, it was downright depressing.

They continued walking until Belgil stopped and raised his hand.

Derek stopped walking immediately, but Kara was not paying attention and stumbled into Derek’s back. Watch where you’re going, Derek snapped.

How can I? I can’t see anything in this darkness, Kara snapped right back.

Silence! Belgil hissed.

The tone of the dwarf’s voice caused Derek and Kara to quiet immediately.

What is it? Derek whispered, after a moment.

Belgil didn’t even bother to answer, instead he just stared off into the darkness.

After a moment, Derek and Kara could hear the approaching sound too.

How could he hear that? Derek thought. Are dwarves’ hearing that much better?

A few moments later, a small group of dwarves emerged from the darkness. They were walking toward Derek’s group from the direction Belgil had been leading them.

Derek’s first thought was that this was good news, some of these dwarves could be sent to ahead to notify the king of their arrival. His elation was short-lived though, as Belgil tensed up beside him.

The band of dwarves came to a quick stop at the sight of Belgil and the two humans. Their surprise was momentary, and the group of six quickly fanned out blocking the tunnel. The leader of the group stepped forward. He was a nasty looking brute. He was shorter than Belgil and nearly as wide as he was tall. His black hair hung down in greasy ringlets, and his two front teeth were missing. He grinned at them, which did nothing to improve his appearance.

Well, well. Belgil, you’ve come home, have you?

Very observant, Dimac, Belgil replied.

Belgil’s rudeness wiped the smile off of Dimac’s face.

Why are you antagonizing him? Derek asked quietly.

At Derek’s words, Dimac turned his attention to Derek and Kara. And you’ve brought strangers. His grin returned. Well humans, our hatred of each other goes back a long way. You really can’t blame him, as our clans have hated each other for generations.

Step aside, Belgil demanded. I’m taking these two to see the king.

None of the dwarves moved.

Oh, I’m afraid I can’t allow that, Dimac said. His tone betraying the glee he was feeling.

Belgil took a step forward, but paused as the five dwarves behind Dimac moved in closer.

I’m acting on the king’s orders, Belgil said, through clinched teeth. If you hinder me, I will be sure to make the king aware of it.

Now it was Dimac’s turn to move forward. He stopped just a couple of feet short of Belgil, his grin was wider than ever. The only problem with that is that the king is the one who gave me my orders.

What? What are you saying?

Oh yes. We’ve had our orders for several weeks now, but I was the lucky one that found you, Dimac gloated.

And what are the rest of the king’s orders? Derek asked.

Dimac ignored Derek and continued to glare at Belgil.

Derek stepped to the left and Kara stepped to the right, each one loosening their weapons. Derek drew his sword halfway out of its sheath.

Hold! Belgil exclaimed. If his orders were to harm us, then he would already have done so. He’s just trying to provoke us.

Dimac reluctantly pulled his eyes from Belgil, glancing at the dwarves scattered behind him. After a moment, he said, Take their weapons.

For a moment, Derek considered fighting rather than giving up his sword, but that seemed rather pointless. They were outnumbered, and the only way they were getting out of this mountain was if the dwarves allowed them to leave. Reluctantly, he drew his sword and handed it over.

Dimac and his group surrounded them and led them back the way they had come. The dwarves walked in a circular formation, with Derek, Kara, and Belgil in the middle.

They walked for about half an hour and then Dimac stopped in front of a large wooden door. He reached out and opened the door, revealing a dark room beyond.

In you go.

None of the three moved. And what is to become of us? Belgil demanded.

Dimac shrugged. That’s up to the king, now isn’t it? He pointed to the doorway. Get in there, now, he said, raising a cudgel.

Reluctantly, the three moved to obey. Kara walked in first, followed by Derek, with Belgil bringing up the rear. As soon as the dwarf was through the door, it was slammed shut, and the unmistakable sound of a key rattling in the lock could be heard.

The room was dark, even darker than the tunnel had been. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the gloom, as there was only of small amount of light-producing mold on the ceiling.

A small table and three chairs sat against one wall, Derek noticed that the chairs had been made for dwarves and were rather low to the ground.

One corner of the room had a floor-to-ceiling screen for privacy. Upon closer inspection, a small chamber pot was discovered behind the screen.

There were three beds in the small, cramped room. Two of them were obviously made for dwarves, but the third had been modified to be long enough for a human. Several metal torch holders were mounted on the walls, but they were empty of torches.

They have been expecting you, Kara said. At her words both Derek and Belgil turned their attention to her.

What’s that? Belgil demanded.

Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Kara replied, waving her hand at the beds. They were expecting you to return with Holgar and Flare.

Holgar was Belgil’s cousin and had traveled to Telur with others to speak to the king on Flare’s behalf.

It took a moment but both Derek and Belgil quickly grasped Kara’s point. The two small beds had been meant for Belgil and Holgar, while the large bed had been intended for Flare.

Derek sighed loudly. So how do we get out of here?

Belgil continued to stare at the beds for several more moments. At last, he slumped, moved over, and sat down on the edge of one of the beds. Has to be that damn Emlin’s fault.

Derek and Kara circled the room, each looking for a way of escape. With the exception of the door, there was no other way out of the room. They were trapped.

Finally, Derek moved over and sat down next to Belgil. Does this make sense to you? he asked.

Belgil shook his head. Not unless Emlin has convinced the king that I’m working against him.

Will he make us wait here long? Kara asked as she moved over to join the men.

Belgil shrugged. It’s hard to tell. Kings do things for their own reasons, and I’ll be damned if I understand what they are.

Derek stood and moved over to the longest of the three beds. He sat on the edge and began pulling his boots off.

What are you doing? Kara asked.

Derek stopped with his left boot halfway off. Well, there’s no reason for us to expect anything to happen soon. So, I’m going to sleep while I can.

Chapter 4

Heather stepped through the Wizard’s portal, moving slowly to her right. She had her sword out in front of her, but she could barely see. The hallway they stepped into was nearly pitch-black.

Enton was right on her heels but he moved off to the left. She could barely make out his enormous shape, but she knew that he held his dual-headed axe at the ready. In addition to being a fearless warrior, she and Enton had a touchy relationship. She had nearly exiled him from the mission in the early days, but more recently had slept with him while they were in Elem, although she blamed the poor decision on too much alcohol.

As usual, the thought of sharing Enton’s bed caused a lump of worry to form in Heather’s throat. There simply wasn’t time for such distractions, and besides, they might be dead in a day. And, as always, the thought of being dead made her think there was no better time than the present for enjoying oneself.

Trestus followed Enton into the hall. He, like Enton, was a fellow Guardian. He moved straight ahead, his sword held in his hands.

Two more people followed Trestus through the portal: Leela and Mikela. Mikela was a mage and another of the Guardians. Heather trusted her and all of her fellow Guardians absolutely.

Leela was a stranger to Heather. The woman had first met Flare while he was traveling through Dalar in search of Ossendar. Flare had saved the woman’s life and she had guided him through the forest to safety. When Derek and his group had escaped the ancient buried fort of Dahl-Rucka, they had fled into the old forest of Dalar. Leela had been one of the Wildlings that had helped them survive. Leela had traveled with Derek’s group to Elem in search of the ancient dwarven shield called Ocklamoor. Now Leela had come with them to Telur to aid in its defense. Well, assuming that King Darion listened to reason, and since when did kings ever listen to reason?

Mikela, Heather said softly. Light, please.

Il-lum, Mikela whispered.

Immediately a ball of light appeared, driving the darkness away.

They stood in a long-abandoned hallway. It was a hidden passage that Flare had discovered several years ago. The hall had once led to a hidden study of King Wyndon, but that had been nearly two thousands years ago. Most of the decorations had deteriorated long ago and a thick layer of dust covered every surface. Strangely, the dust refused to get stirred up.

It’s enchanted, Mikela said softly.

Heather’s reply was to shoot her a questioning look.

The dust, Mikela clarified. It’s enchanted. That’s why we’re not coughing and choking. She paused and then added, Perhaps Cassandra’s work?

Heather shrugged. She really didn’t care whose work it was at the moment. Trestus looked in her direction and she jerked her chin on down the hall. Trestus began slowly moving that way, followed closely by Enton. Heather was next with the other two ladies bringing up the rear.

They followed the hall for twenty feet and then it turned sharply to the left. Several muffled sounds drifted around the corner and Trestus looked back to verify that everyone else had heard it too.

Heather motioned with her sword and Trestus charged around the corner, Enton right behind him. She followed them and pulled up short as they slid to a halt.

They entered another long hallway that appeared to dead-end in a blank wall off in the distance. This hallway showed signs of more recent occupation. Blankets and the odd bit of clothing lay on the ground. Here and there were remnants of hastily-eaten meals.

Initially most of the hallway was in darkness – the ball of light floating near Mikela’s shoulder. As the mage rounded the corner though, the ball illuminated the hallway, driving the shadows away.

A man crouched along the left side of the passage, his sword pointing at them. He had been hidden by the deep shadows and had escaped detection earlier.

Trestus immediately moved farther to the right, putting more distance between him and Enton. If this came to a swordfight, they would need room to maneuver.

Enton assumed a fighting stance and began moving forward.

Enton, wait! Heather called, louder than she wanted. Don’t kill him.

Enton, the man in the shadows said quietly. He straightened up, the sword-tip drooping to rest on the ground. Standing up, the light showed the man’s face clearly for the first time. It was Aaron.

There was a moment of silence as they stared around at each other and then Enton and Trestus surged forward to grasp hands with their fellow Guardian.

Aaron had been sent to Telur by Flare as part of a larger