Terror of the Sixth Spire

By Tavian Royal

fter destroying the Fifth Spire and stopping the evil Lady Enix, Monty and her companions have returned to the City of Parn to save the blue nymph, Nadalia. In their search, they discover a vile imperial scheme wrongfully persecuting elves. To stop the empire and rescue the kidnapped Nadalia, Calais follows the dark machinations to the emperor himself while Monty considers an unholy alliance with the terrifying leader of the corrupted.

Meanwhile, Caellan and his brother return to their home, Castle Pellandarr, only to learn that his people are under siege by an oppressive bandit king and a mysterious tower wizard. As these forces destroy entire villages, he embarks on a quest to return peace to the barony but discovers the existence of a dragon artifact buried deep within the castle itself. As war consumes the realm, Caellan knows that such an object would create an unstoppable tyrant and must do whatever it takes to keep it from falling into the wrong hands — no matter the cost.

Terror of the Sixth Spire is an epic fantasy, fast-paced adventure novel. It is the second book of the Fallen Spires series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tavian Royal
• Release date: Jan 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370002382

Tavian Royal

Tavian Royal is a science fiction and fantasy novelist. By day, he is a workaholic software engineer creating epic software solutions and fending off code gremlins. By night, he enjoys reading and writing about fantastic worlds, over-the-top heroes and fun adventures. He lives in central Texas with his beautiful wife and children.

Book preview

PART ONE

CHAPTER ONE

The Dark Tower

Near the small town of Fairmont in the Pellandarr barony, a young girl named Astrea stared at a large stone tower in the middle of her uncle’s field. A breeze blew her long blond hair around her pale freckled face. Nearby, the red and white cattle chewed the grass next to its smooth stone walls while one brought up her head and mooed at it. It responded in glaring silence. Even the flies were quiet in its long shadow that stretched over the small village behind her. 

After a few moments, she perceived a small crowd gathering at the edge of the pasture. While her hands fiddled with the seams in her grey hemp dress, she couldn’t take her eyes off the unsettling black structure. The crowd whispered softly as if it had ears. A faint energy pulsated from the wall, and curiosity drove Astrea forward a few steps. Reaching out to the forbidden walls, the tower compelled her to touch it but she hesitated.  The crowd’s murmurs grew with each of her footsteps. Then, Astrea recognized the familiar sound of her mother’s dress. 

Astrea, what are you doing, the woman said. Despite her mother's grip digging into her shoulder, she remained hypnotized by the solitary tower. When Astrea didn’t respond, the angry woman jerked the girl back. 

You listen, her mother said. You get back to the house and stay away from this thing. She shoved the girl towards the village. 

For a few moments, Astrea complied to her mother’s orders, but the tower was far too interesting. She didn’t want to disobeyed her mother, but she sensed it calling to her. Each step away from the tower felt heavier and heavier. Unable to resist any longer, the girl ran back to the tower while ducking below her mother’s wide swing.

Amid the crowd’s screams and her mother’s caterwauling, Astrea grabbed the stone wall with her bare hands. Everyone became silent. She could feel a soft pulse inside the wall along with a strange warm energy.  It reminded her of a distant dream. It comforted her until the pulse quickened. She examined the wall for the cause while failing to notice her mother's approach. Before she could react, her mother grabbed Astrea and sprinted away. She had wrapped both arms around Astrea to keep her from escaping. The grip was so tight she was barely breathing. Then, she saw it move.

The tower stretched and coiled like a snake’s tail. With her mother escaping the field, Astrea watched a large stone body with eight spindly legs emerge from the ground beneath the tower. Instead of a tower, it had transformed into a giant scorpion. The stone creature arched the tower back and aimed it at the town. 

Do not fear me, the tower growled. I am here to heal your cursed land. Do not run! Her mother still ran as did every other villager.

Looking over her mother’s shoulder, Astrea was blinded by a blast of energy lancing out of the tower. Nearby, the shepherd’s house exploded from the bright white blast. Distressed, the girl scanned the burning rubble for any sign of the kind old man. She relaxed when the shepherd’s familiar curses echoing across the town. Then, another building exploded. She tried to find the house, but heavy black smoke enveloped the small town. Everything became a blur.

When her mother passed the Starlight Tree, she turned right onto a side road. She clung to Astrea while her sister Aviva followed. More buildings exploded as the stone monster roared with each energy blast. Villagers streamed into the surrounding forest. Once they got to the town’s edge, her mother stopped in front of a stable.

She looked into the stable with all stall doors clattering in the wind. No horses remained. In the mad rush, everyone had the same idea to use the horses to make a quicker escape. Her mother put Astrea on the ground and leaned against the empty stables. Her face was full of anguish as she trembled at each blast. 

It’s okay, mother, Aviva said trying to reassure her. She had auburn hair like her mother, instead they both had freckles on their high cheeks.

No, her mother sobbed. We can’t get away fast enough. I needed your father’s horse.

I can get Pretty Face, Aviva said smiling. She always comes. Besides, I am the only one who can ride her besides papa. 

Astrea’s sister whistled and called for the horse while Astrea remained fixated on the towering monster. It lumbered through the remains of Fairmont. She could see a bright lines of energy running through each leg. Similar energy lines covered the body and tail. Each blast caused the lines to dim before brightening again. Mesmerized, Astrea walked towards the creature with slow steps. When her mother saw her walking away, she screamed and grabbed Astrea with both arms.

You can’t die, her mother said. I can’t watch you die like I watched your father die last year. I want you to live and love and grow old. She stroked Astrea’s hair while the girl's attention remained on the black creature.  

Then, a dark bay bursted from the tree line. With a splash of white on its nose, the horse shook her mane at Aviva who ran to the mare. Despite the exploding buildings nearby, Aviva soothed the horse’s nerves. For a moment, Astrea and her mother looked at Aviva with awe. Astrea never understood her sister’s gift with animals. With another explosion, her mother threw Astrea onto the horse. Before Aviva was able to protest, their mother put Aviva on the horse in front of Astrea. 

Listen to me, Aviva, Take the south road and ride all the way to Castle Pellandarr. You must warn them.Stop for nothing and trust no one. The steward must know what is happening.

What about you, mama, Astrea said. Aren’t you coming with us?

The horse cannot hold all of us. You must hurry. We will find each other again. I promise you, my darlings. 

Suddenly, blue energy lanced from the scorpion’s tail into the Starlight Tree. It glowed like the sun and the shining white flowers grew even brighter. Then, the tree trembled. With wide eyes, her mother slapped the horse’s rear and commanded it to run. They held onto the horse as it galloped away. Not looking back, they heard a massive explosion.

The sky turned dark as night. Waves of hot wind blew past them. Aviva held onto the horse’s neck while Astrea clung to her sister. Around them, small orbs of sparkling light rained from the sky. Astrea stared at the falling white lights. With the horse still running, she reached out to touch the warm lights. Instead of bouncing off her hand, the ghostly lights moved through her hand as though it was water.  So focused on the lights, Astrea lost her balance but grabbed her sister before falling. Aviva said nothing as she drove the horse further along the southern road. 

Looking back, Astrea didn’t see the town or the walking tower. She no longer heard any cries or screams. All she saw was darkness.

CHAPTER TWO

Return to Parn

Monty peered around a corner of a building and watched a growing crowd gather in Parn’s main square. Men, women and children streamed from the side streets and alleyways. Entertainers bounced around the groups of people providing music and laughs. They called the celebration Freedom’s Day. 

Throughout the empire, chosen cities were closing their newly reinforced gates. These gates and enchanted walls were designed to protect the citizens from the many dangers in the realm. Only approved airships and special ethaerium technologies would deliver needed supplies like food and medicinal goods. In turn, the city produced goods such as  construction materials, weapons, armors, and ships. From what Monty heard, many factories were being taken over by the empire. The government promised the workers shorter work hours and increased compensation. The city was filled with exuberance, and many citizens celebrated this new day. As for Monty, she scowled at the crowd’s jubilee.

Where is Nora, Monty grumbled. She should have been back by now. I wouldn’t think it would take her this long to find Nadalia. It had been almost a month since they returned to Parn to save her corrupted friend. They had searched the countryside but never located her. Two days ago, they had received word that a corrupted was seen in the city. Since the local authorities still considered Monty and her companions criminals, they were forced to skulk around alleyways and backstreets which made their search much slower. Nora searched alone because her animal shapeshifting ability allowed her to move through the city at a much quicker pace.

She is probably a rat terrorizing a cook, Denarith said behind her. He leaned against a house’s outer stone wall while sharpening his large double-bladed axe. With him being over seven feet tall along with a natural fur coat and a bull’s head, he could do little to disguise himself. However, he was superb at using the shadows to avoid detection. Now that the noise from the crowd had saturated the area, Denarith stopped hiding and waited in the alleyway with Monty.

Why would she turn into a rat? Monty said looking back at him. 

Rats get into everything, Denarith said. They can chew through anything and can find whatever they want. If there is something to find, a rat will find it. I feel sorry for the poor guy who tries to step on her. An angry druid is about the worse thing you can imagine.

I know Nora very well, Monty said. She would never hurt them if they didn’t deserve it. He shrugged and continued sharpening his axe. Monty turned back to watch the crowd.

She quickly readjusted her black cloak’s hood to keep her marble-white smooth stone skin and long, white silky hair from being seen. After the Fifth Spire’s destruction, Maliki had given her a proper sets of brown traveler’s clothes. Instead of a dress, the pile contained shirts, jackets, jeans and boots. It was wonderful to have clothing that actually fit.  Because she was only three feet tall, no one made clothes for her particular size. It gave her a sense of normalcy being dressed like everyone else. 

But, she still gawked at the exquisite gowns that some of the ladies in the crowd wore. The dresses had beautiful ribbons and matching sachets. With a sigh, she knew that her uglier, more practical clothing would serve her much better when it came to running and climbing over obstacles. Pulling her attention away from the gowns, she noticed several soldiers with black uniforms marching into the center square. 

The crowd quieted down as a large group of soldiers assembled behind a large wooden stage that had been setup near the broken fountain, the same fountain that Monty had broken by mistake. A man with short brown hair and a bushy mustache approached the platform. His black boots echoed across the silent courtyard. His stylish red and black jacket gave him a regal look that drew everyone’s attention. Behind him, an older man, shorter in stature but wider in girth, waddled along the platform. Once they arrived at the center of the stage, they both turned towards the crowd.

For those who don’t know me, I am Baron Tronthell Verrandrin, the distinguished man said. After my dear uncle passed away a few months ago, I have been given the solemn duty to see Parn complete its transformation as a new metropolis. He was a dedicated man who wanted Parn to become a city that would be protected from all the evils that lay beyond those walls. He and I only cared about your safety, and we have dedicated every moment of our lives to provide this city with everything it needed. Within these walls, you will have food, clothing, shelter and luxuries you could only dream of. You will not only survive in Parn, but you will love life here. There will be no reason for you to leave or want. All of this will be provided as long as you work your standard hours. If you ever decide you want more, you can work more hours, get paid more and get more. As you may have heard, all your wages will be at least doubled from what you make now in a merchant factory or business. I doubt you will be wanting much more. Much of the crowd cheered. The baron continued once the applause died down. The empire will take care of you, and your work will take care of the empire.  Soldiers prepare to seal the gates.

The troops changed formation and marched towards the gate with several officers on horses following them. Red and black uniformed militia men stood on each side of the road. People in the crowd continued to cheer as the soldiers advanced. Monty stood on her toes trying to see them over the crowd until they finally left her sight.

There you are, Calais whispered. Monty spun around to see Calais moving quickly through the alleyway. Her black hair flowed around her long red jacket that laid on top of her black pants. Underneath her jacket, she kept her summoner's book hanging at her side in a large satchel. I have been looking for you everywhere. She reached Monty and kneeled against the side of the building. I can’t find any of my elven contacts in the city nor any lords.

You and your elves, Denarith said shaking his head. 

Shouldn’t you be hiding somewhere, Denarith, Calais said. I think I saw a cow pen over there. No one would notice you there. 

What’s got you all stirred up? Are you still angry about Rev leaving?

Monty knew that Calais missed Rev, an air elf. He had returned to his home realm shortly after the destruction of the Fifth Spire. Calais wanted to go with him, but he said he needed to work things out first with his father. Ever since then, she had grown distant and irritable. Monty didn’t understand what Calais was so nervous about. She seemed to think she would never see Rev again.

This is not about Rev, Calais said trying to breathe slower. Several elves have gone missing, and many of them owned prominent businesses. I am afraid something happened to them. The inquisitors have been getting bolder over the last month.

It will be okay, Calais, Monty said putting a hand on her shoulder. We will find your friends. As soon as Nora returns, we can work on a plan. I don’t think we will find Nadalia.

Thank you, Monty, Calais breathed. We will find them and Nadalia. I still haven’t given up. I just need to find another way.

By the emperor’s decree, I command the gate to be closed, the baron bellowed towards the gate. 

He seems nicer than the other baron, Monty said. Maybe he is more like Estasia.

Oh no, he is not very nice, Calais said. He is not nice at all. I met him at balls. He is an arrogant man who has been pawing at the title for years. He may not be involved in dark magics, but he is only doing this for his own wealth and gains, especially since the barons and their families get a cut of the factories’ profits now. In the distance, they all watched the massive gates close with massive rods and beams locking it into place. They may call it Freedom Day, but I think something much worse is coming.

The crowd cheered and applauded. Fireworks burst in the clear blue sky. While watching the fireworks, Monty’s gaze drifted to the high walls that were now surrounding the city. They reminded her of the same dread she felt as a prisoner in the baron’s dungeon. Hoping she was wrong, she turned her attention back to the baron trying to quiet the crowd. 

This city will have many threats, the baron continued. When we find them, we will act quickly and decisively.

Calais gasped.

Several elves dressed in white rags approached the stage. Their hands and feet were shackled with chains while they walked in a line. Soldiers stood on one side while the crowd was on the other. With dirt-covered faces, they only returned weary gazes back to the roaring crowd.

Are those your friends, Calais? Monty said with her eyes still fixated on the prisoners.

Yes, I know them, Calais said. Monty turned around and found Calais covering her face with both hands. She tried to comfort Calais, but the woman was wringing her hands in anger. They have no right to arrest them. It is not a crime to be an elf, an orc or anyone else. That bastard is just using them to please the crowd.

Mayor, if you will read their crimes, the baron said. Monty leaned against the wall next to Calais so she could watch her friend and the spectacle.

The crimes are the following, the plump man shouted while pulling open a scroll. One, they are guilty of conspiring with the enemies of the empire. The crowd booed. Two, they are guilty of plotting assassinations against city council men and militia officers. The crowed booed again. Three, they are guilty of stealing imperial resources. Four, they are guilty of assaulting imperial citizens with intent to maim or kill. Five, they are guilty of stealing from the imperial citizens through nefarious business practices.

 Sounds like they just don’t like elves who make more money than they do, Denarith said.

As your duly elected mayor and as head of the council, I decree that these men be punished per the new fair criminal laws that govern this sterling city, the mayor said while wrapping up his scrolls.

They won’t even give them a trial, Calais said. What has happened to the empire? The crowd only responded with cheers.

As of this day, the empire is abolishing the militia, the baron announced. All militia men are summarily dismissed. Once you have returned all of your equipment, you will be compensated for your great service to this city. The militia men left their tense stances and merged with the crowd. Everyone was clapping and patting the men on their back and shoulders. Soldiers, take these prisoners away to be processed.

The elven prisoners turned around and slowly walked back towards a vacant street. Part of the crowd jeered at them. The soldiers nudged them to move faster. Then, one of the elves in the middle fell forward and pushed the person in front of him over. The rest of the group followed suit and fell to the ground. The crowd laughed while Monty was saddened by their plight. Calais looked upon the situation with red, crying eyes. Her gold irises were even more prominent. Denarith just watched solemnly and said no other word about the elven prisoners. With several soldiers jerking the elves up, they continued onward with the crowd still laughing and jeering. Monty gave Calais a soft hug. Without warning, a raven landed near them and quickly morphed into a black jaguar.

I found your friend, Nadalia, the cat said.

I am glad to hear that, Nora, Monty said. I wish we could’ve helped Calais’ friends.

We can’t help your friend either, child, Nora said looking at the crowd. Look over there at the wagon, they found Nadalia before we did.

A wagon was approaching the platform. Being pulled by two large horses, the wagon was mostly a cage that held a beautiful blue-skinned woman. The woman just sat in the corner of the cage with her knees pulled against her chest. It was too far away for Monty to see the corrupted’s expression. 

Oh no, Monty gasped. Is there anything we can do that won’t hurt anyone?

Nope, Denarith said. Let’s wait to see where they take her, and then we can bust her out.

The crowd screamed and backed away when they saw the wagon. Several women grabbed their children and moved away. The rest of the crowd remained unnervingly quiet. The baron remained calm and was smiling. Be calm, my dear people, he said. With our new detection systems, we caught this corrupted before it could hurt anyone. I promise you that you are safe even from the corrupted. When we do face corrupted, the empire has these new soldiers.

From out of the sky, several mechanical constructs landed on the ground. Their large metal wings folded up into a compartment on their backs. Being over ten feet tall, they looked like giant human skeletons with spinning gears and armored plates. They wore metal helmets with glowing red eyes. Each one was armed with massive swords and shoulder-mounted cannons. Thick metal plates covered their body and managed not to impede their movement.  Monty could see an unsettling red glow within their machinery. The crowd remained still as they watched the six constructs. 

I introduce you to the spire knights, the baron said. Made from the same power and technology as the spires, they can kill anything including the corrupted. To prove their ability and to calm your fear, they will execute this creature.

We have to do something, Monty said in a panic.

Are you okay with us killing mechanical monsters? Denarith said.

What are they? Monty said with uncertainty. Are they like me? Do they have a soulforge like a maru?

I see nothing like a soulforge, Calais said examining them. There is something, but I am not sure what it is. Monty had known Calais for only a short time but learned that summoners could see people’s very soul and essence. It allowed them to capture it within their drawings. Maybe I can try to sketch them. I should learn more about them. 

As Calais was pulling out her book, Monty startled at a horrendous roar. The crowd screamed and ran out of the square when several corrupted transformed into their hideous, beast-like forms. The largest one looked like a wolf hybrid, but he had horns covering the top of his head, neck and arms. Brown scales covered most of his body. It towered over the running people but didn’t attack. After bellowing at the sky, it raised a large sword while skulls rattled from its belt. No soldiers or knights approached.

That is an elder corrupted, Calais said astonished. I didn’t think they existed. He has to be almost a hundred years old.

Around the elder corrupted, others transformed into their beast forms. Some were like cats while others were similar to exotic birds. Even a few vampires whisked through the air. Baron Verrandrin was stunned by the surprise attack while the soldiers drew their swords. The mechanical knights simply waited while the corrupted growled orders and pointed to the wagon.

They are going to take Nadalia, Nora said while crouching near the ground. If we are going to save her, we must go now.

I get to kill corrupted and mechanical monsters, Denarith said with a big grin. This is the best day I have had in years.

Kill those creatures, the baron shrieked at the spire knights. Kill them all! 

Monty and I will get the nymph, Nora said. Calais and Denarith, give us cover.

The mechanical warriors thundered into the courtyard. Between their cannons and swords, the corrupted were briefly surprised by the knights’ ferocious attack. Several were torn apart by cannon fire while others were cleaved into multiple pieces. With another bellow from the elder corrupted, they regrouped and attacked in full force. With their combined attack, the corrupted knocked back the knights while ripping into mechanical creatures.

There distracted. Now’s our chance. Go!

Without hesitation, they bolted from the alleyway towards the steel wagon. Monty ran at full speed while Nora fired several lightning bolts from her mouth at the approaching corrupted. Denarith jumped over Monty before smashing his axe into one of the corrupted. Looking back, Monty saw drawings flying out of Calais’ book and materializing into real creatures. Tall walking trees known as tree dryads began entangling the corrupted and machines with their roots while striking at them with their arm-like branches. Giant red and blue birds streaked through the sky attacking the few flying corrupted. Large rock creatures made of boulders rolled over the monsters and knocked down several knights. Monty ran through the carnage while ducking and diving between metal weapons and claws.

After only a few moments, Monty and Nora reached Nadalia. With her face and body pressed against the bars, she was reaching out to Monty with a wide smile. I knew you would return for me, Nadalia said.

It is so wonderful to see you again, Monty said running up to the bars. Step back, and I will get you out. Grabbing the bars, Monty quickly pulled them open with her new strength she had only gained a few months ago. Nadalia stepped back astounded. Hurry Nadalia, we don’t have much time. The nymph slipped through the new hole in the wagon and hugged Monty. 

Look out, Nora yelled.

Nadalia ducked away from the knight’s massive sword that flew above Monty’s head. The sword’s point caught part of the cage and threw it into a nearby building. Before Monty could react, the knight was picked up by the elder corrupted and flung into another building. Then, he glared at Monty with blazing eyes. Before Nora could attack, he knocked her across the courtyard. Without a word, he grabbed Nadalia and threw her over his shoulder. She struggled, but the elder corrupted was too strong. Ignoring Monty, he ran towards the closest wall.

Stop, Monty shouted. Impulsively, she ran after the corrupted. I can help her. You must stop!

Stop, Monty, Calais screamed above the battle, but Monty was focused on saving Nadalia. She made a promise, and she would keep it. Ignoring Calais’ warnings, Monty continued to follow the corrupted into the winding streets.

The large creature leapt over houses and yards. Monty ran into the buildings, jumped through windows and scattered a flock of chickens. People were screaming and running in all directions. Although, Monty didn’t know if they were more scared of the corrupted or a small running statue running. Despite the ensuing chaos, Monty pressed forward, but still didn’t seem to gain any ground.

Behind her, Monty heard the clanging sound of an approaching spire knight. Looking back, she saw the damaged creature. As it ran, it was healing itself. The metal was straightening itself out and new cogs and wires grew back like it was a living being. Monty became scared for her friends. Such a creature might hurt or kill her friends. Suddenly, the elder corrupted bellowed into the sky. 

Monty rounded a corner to find the wolf-like beast standing near the eclipsing wall, but his body was infused with a red glow. Still ignoring her, the corrupted released a massive jet of flame from its mouth towards the wall. In a violent explosion, the wall was torn open. Several corrupted raced through the new gap and into the green fields. The broken spire knight reached the elder corrupted, but he knocked it back with a massive punch. Monty dove to the ground to avoid the flying metal pieces. Pulling herself up, she found the elder corrupted staring at her intensely.

I must save my friend, Nadalia, Monty pleaded. I can save you as well and the other corrupted. You don’t have to be monsters.

The corrupted just snorted at her. With Nadalia still on his shoulder, he bounded through the gap in the wall. Like spiderwebs, the stone wall repaired itself. The spire knight stood back up and looked right at Monty.

Without hesitation, it fired its cannons. Monty dodged the attacks nimbly and ran into narrow alley to find cover behind a large house. The bolts tore through the wall, but her time to escape. However, the knight jumped and landed directly in front of her as its body broke the walls on both sides of the alley. Turning around, Monty raced the other way. It pursued her while still firing its cannons. Without warning, Monty heard a massive clang and the spire knight was thrown through the air and into the stone wall. 

Denarith charged past Monty and struck the knight repeatedly with his large axe. Panting, Calais arrived while still holding her book. After taking several hits, the knight retaliated and knocked Denarith through another wall. Before it could fire its weapons, Calais brought up a huge stone wall to protect Denarith. Then, several vines erupted from the ground and wrapped themselves around the metal creature. Despite the creatures massive strength, it could not break the many thick vines that were slowly ripping it apart. After a few moments of the metal body shrieking, it was finally torn apart. From inside the wreckage, a glowing orb rose into the air before fading away. For a moment, Monty thought she heard the orb laughing.

Don’t do that again, Calais said. In battle, you stay with the group and coordinate with us.

I am sorry, but I had to get Nadalia, Monty said. I wasn’t quick enough.

Calais’ wall vanished, and women were screaming from inside the house. I told you I am not a corrupted, Denarith said stepping out of the hole in the house’s wall. Then, he was struck by several flying pans. Stop that! You women are crazy. Then, another pan struck him in the head. After pointing at them, he walked over to Monty and Calais. Clouds of  gray dust rose from his fur.

What do you think? Denarith said looking at the spire knight’s remains. I beat that thing down.

Yes, yes, Calais said waving him away. You weakened it enough for Nora to kill it. 

Where is Nora, Monty said shocked. She hadn’t seen her since she was struck by the corrupted earlier. 

I am here, child, Nora said weakly. Looking around, Monty found Nora lying against a house. Running over to her, she put her hand on the cat to comfort her. Gently, child. I am injured.

Are you going to be okay? Monty said while rubbing the cat’s fur. 

Yes, but I need rest, Nora said with a strained tone.

We can’t stay out here, Calais said. The soldiers will be here any minute, and I don’t think they will be happy about us destroying their spire knight.

I know where we can go, Monty said smiling.

CHAPTER THREE

The Council

The realm is in chaos, Tomas said. He had a narrow, pale, face with a hawkish nose.Lords are enforcing their own selfish rule over the people who cannot defend themselves. If they don’t comply, they are tortured or killed. Worse, some lords are destroying entire towns for no apparent reason. Yet, these criminals are not charged by this council or apprehended by the black hands.

The Lord’s Council didn’t immediately respond or seem to notice. The older men leaned over their tall desks while looking down at Tomas. They reminded Tomas of vultures waiting in the trees while an animal slowly dies below them. Their long dark robes covered their gaunt, frail bodies. Whiffs of rancid smells floated through the air. With only a few torches lit around the large circular room, he could barely see their expressions. Standing in the middle of the room known as the pit, Tomas raised children’s clothes from underneath his red cloak that wrapped around his black and gold plated armor. The clothes were still frozen in a sheet of ice that didn’t melt or drip especially in the hot, stuffy room.

Careful, lord commander, an elderly man said. He was one of the council’s oldest members and its leader. What you are suggesting is a crime to not punish those who use their power for evil. I assure you we have assembled subcommittees to investigate each complaint.

Complaint, Lord Engineer Antigone? Tomas said. People are dying out there, because they can’t defend themselves. Since when has murder been considered a complaint.

Is it murder or self-defense? an older woman said.  She represented the rangers. I have read many reports that the empire is hunting down lords that will not fall in line with their oppressive laws and demands. Most of the time, it is a case of self-defense and not malice.

I believe there is a subcommittee investigating you, lord commander, Antigone said. When Tomas didn’t respond, the old man smiled. Yes, I know that you killed my son, Montague. You claimed he was a traitor to the empire, a charge that doesn’t apply to lords since we stand above your imperial law. While imperial guard answer to the emperor, you are still lords. When should I send a black hand after you?

Chapter three, section four-point-one-point-two of the Arcaneum Biblium says that imperial guard can enforce imperial law, the council member for the imperial guard said. He wasn’t as old as the others but appeared frail for an imperial guardsman. Tomas knew him only by reputation. He had angered the emperor’s father and was exiled to the council until he proved himself worthy. Despite the man’s attempt at guile and subterfuge, he still had not impressed the emperor’s advisors enough to return. Treason is punishable by death. He had the evidence and acted appropriately.

How soon until the empire creates some false evidence we are traitors? the woman said. I encourage the council to reconsider its decision to not allow lords be punished by the empire directly.

In light of their accusations, I agree that the decision should be reconsidered, Antigone said.

Tomas was frustrated. He shifted his gold and black chest armor that was a symbol of the imperial guard. I am not here to persecute law-abiding lords. In fact, many of my closest friends are lords from other orders. I am here to protect the people from renegades who use their power to harm the innocent.

And we are investigating the issue, Antigone said. A subcommittee will be formed.

What is there to investigate? There are only a handful of wizards that can do this.

It's not that simple, another old man said. He had a long beard that flowed over his robe and was the representative of the wizards. A demon or a dragon could be responsible. It is even possible a corrupted could have done it.

It is the council’s duty to protect the realm from demons and dragons, Tomas said. How many demons are here? No one responded. You don’t know, do you?

"Calm yourself, lord commander. We have several subcommittees investigating demonic activity. To be properly fair and just to all lords, we must consider all factors before sentencing