Futility of Defense

By Bryan Cole

Paladins are nothing but trouble. When Krell, an uneducated nobody with a stubborn streak as wide as the sea, hears the call from ReckNor, the capricious god of the seas and skies, the attention of the rich and powerful turn their gaze toward him. Paladins are notorious for upsetting the balance of power, to the detriment of any who don't worship their deity.

When Krell stands against the might of the sea devils and emerges victorious, concern and interest turn to fear—fear of their secrets and plans being revealed and exposed, of the ruin that often follows in a paladin's wake. Now he stands in defense of a pitiful town at the edge of nowhere, even as the sea devil menace grows more dire for each day that passes.

For as deadly as the sea devils are to Krell, his past choices and the consequences of his actions may be deadlier still . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Jun 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9780228892267

Bryan Cole

Bryan is an avid reader, and has loved the fantasy genre since he was a child. His love of stories of mighty knights, terrible dragons, and noble steeds has inspired him for decades.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Epilogue

Cast Of Characters

Chapter One

Krell breathed in deeply as the spray washed over him again.

ReckNor’s Bounty rose as the ship climbed out of the next wave, before cresting and plunging downward. He grinned in delight as the bow crashed into the trough and another cloud of spray washed over him. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunshine as he wiped the wetness off his face. Ahead, he could make out the south coast of Baltorc and the gap between the cliffs, where he knew the town of Watford nestled.

Home.

Fine day for sailing, my lord! shouted Serda. Serda always stayed by his side while he was part of the crew. Not that he wasn’t confident in his ability to haul on a line or secure a rope, but he was still a novice sailor and there were just so many lines and ropes.

It is, Serda! ReckNor ushers us home with the force of his breath! Krell looked aft, taking in the dark clouds. And not a moment too soon! ReckNor looks to give us a big one!

Serda, Yank, and Montfort all laughed, standing next to Krell, waiting for orders to bring in the sails. Krell looked aloft, seeing the sails straining against the wind. ReckNor’s Bounty was veritably flying across the waves, moving more swiftly than Krell could remember. He spied Fortis, perched in the rigging above, and their eyes met. 

Fortis was a tiny dragon, a little larger than a house cat. His red scales contrasted sharply against the black spines that ran the length of his back, ending in a bulbous spiked tail. Krell had seen the potent venom that Fortis could administer when he struck with it.

After saving him from imprisonment, they’d become friends. More than friends, Fortis had done something to Krell, bonding with him. Krell could hear his thoughts, though they were strange, almost like a memory arriving all at once, fully formed in his mind. Krell trusted Fortis with his life. The crew loved him. They hadn’t found a rat aboard in weeks.

Krell chuckled and looked at the aft deck. Captain Voss was standing next to Chardell, who held the ship’s wheel. Krell was learning a lot from Captain Voss, and he enjoyed sailing across ReckNor’s domain. Captain Voss gestured sharply at him, and Krell turned his attention back to the ropes.

Mind your task, my lord, said Serda, his tone amused.

Doubt he’s thinking about us, Serda! shouted Montfort. Krell blushed, though his grin grew into a full smile.

Krell was serving aboard ReckNor’s Bounty as a common sailor. If he was going to be a paladin of ReckNor, then he felt he should know how to sail a ship. Captain Voss was a willing teacher, ever since Krell interceded and saved him from being sentenced to the levies. Now in service to the town council, ReckNor’s Bounty had sailed to drop wardstones across the sea floor. Krell glanced at the pile still on the main deck. Scribed with deep runes, Karaback had crafted the wardstones to warn if a force of sea devils approached. 

As the minutes passed, the cliffs grew closer. Krell could make out the ruined tower atop a bluff to the east. He held rights to establish a residence there, but hadn’t begun investigating what that meant. Closer to Watford, he could see a team of people working on the foundations of a small fortress being built near the harbor entrance, and another team on the opposite side.

The new fortifications were progressing. Every time Krell looked, the foundation seemed to expand. Petimus Smithforge, leader of the dwarven mining consortium and member of the Watford town council, kept saying that real progress required a stonesinger and that one was on the way.

Until the defenses were complete, the raids would continue.

Krell’s brow furrowed, the smile dropping from his face. The reason they were returning was because Watford was going to come under attack. Tonight. His eyes darted back to the clouds to the south, moving closer. 

They almost always came when it rained.

Properly called the sahuagin, the shark-like sea devils lived under the waves. They were predators, and while they started small and bestial, they grew larger as they aged. More than that, they also gained intelligence. When one grew large enough, it attracted a school of them, bound to its will. Such groups swarmed in search of food, and instead of feeding on one another as they usually would, they worked together to hunt larger prey. 

Every so often, they came ashore to hunt people.

Even on land, the sea devils were faster than a swift runner, and were exceptional climbers. Their talons and huge, teeth-filled maws made them deadly combatants in a fair fight. They often attacked in darkness and rain, seizing every advantage they could find for themselves.

Krell wasn’t completely certain, but he believed he’d been called to stand against the sea devils. He wished ReckNor would just explain why he had called him.

YOU MUST FIRST SURVIVE THE BATTLE TONIGHT.

ReckNor’s voice crashed like a tsunami into Krell’s thoughts. He had a lot of practice listening to that voice and controlled his reactions. Instead of flinching, he just shuddered slightly.

Are you ever going to explain to me what else I’m supposed to do?

IN TIME, PERHAPS. 

Krell sighed. It was never easy being a paladin. 

Right, lads, my lord, make ready! We’ll be reefing the sails soon enough! shouted Del, the first mate.

Aye, Del! My lord, you know the lines? Serda pointed.

Krell nodded. Head sail mainline!

Serda pointed at another rope. Fore yard bracing line!

And so it went. Serda nodded in satisfaction, then eyed the coastline ahead. Make ready, my lord, he said, quietly.

Krell grinned, and as he grabbed the line, the call came from Captain Voss. Bring in the foresail, brace to port! Krell grinned as he shouted acknowledgment of the order. Voss had told him he needed to practice shouting. Few skills were more important than being able to be heard by the crew when it mattered.

Krell heaved on the line with Montfort and Yank, while Serda looped the slack. Above, Krell knew the foresail was raising upward, to be tied to the yard. Several other crew were aloft, catching the sail as they hoisted it upward.

As the ship rounded the cliff into the harbor, Watford lay sprawled across the valley before them. The larger buildings for the rich were on the east side of the Sanmen River, and his eye immediately spotted Karaback’s tower, a red light glowing with unnatural brightness atop it. The warning signal that the sea devils were approaching. 

There were other changes as well. Even from the harbor entrance, he could see buildings boarded up, and people piling objects to form crude barricades. The council had rescinded the prohibition on wearing arms and armor in town, and nearly everyone carried a fire-hardened spear or other makeshift weapon. Krell could already see several groups of people on the North Road, leaving town. More people were on the path up to the temple.

Krell smiled as he took in the temple to ReckNor perched above Watford. A simple stone building, and the only real home he could remember. Olgar was the resident priest. He blustered and drank too much, but knew many of the people in Watford personally. He was as close to a father as Krell had ever known. He suspected Olgar loved him and this town.

Though he’d never tell him that. Olgar would likely punch him in the face if he did.

* * *

Krell leapt overboard, landing on the dock.

ReckNor’s Bounty had coasted to a graceful stop alongside the largest stone pier in the harbor. Krell grabbed the line thrown to him by Serda and looped it around the metal object that was fused into the stone. Krell frowned as he wrapped the rope around, then looped it back over in a figure eight, then again, just as Artur had taught him.

Cleats. The metal objects were called cleats.

As he tied off the line, Krell glanced around. Hilam Himmeir walked down the dock toward him. Now a sergeant in the town guard, Hilam handled the day watch. He was usually understaffed, and crime was a growing issue in Watford. 

Most of the guard rested during the day, to be ready for the evening.

Krell heard the wooden gangplank thump into the dock behind him. When he looked, Artur and Serda, his two primary instructors, were both looking at the line he tied and talking quietly to themselves. His frown deepened. He had thought he was past inspections of his knot work.

Captain Voss strode down the dock and smiled at him. Older, with a graying but neatly trimmed beard, he paused a moment to adjust his elaborate coat, then walked toward Krell.

Come, my lord. No doubt the good sergeant has news for us!

Krell stood and fell into step beside Voss. Fortis landed on Krell’s shoulder, his talons digging in painfully for a moment. Krell stroked a finger along his spine and the dragon let out a cackling, purring noise. As they approached Hilam, Krell looked over the town. He could see members of the guard wandering the docks, spreading bent metal spikes everywhere. No matter how they landed, a spike was pointing upward.

Hilam, that’s genius. Who thought of that? asked Krell, pointing.

Krell, good to see you. To answer your question, this was Darvin’s idea. You’ll meet him shortly. He’s a retired warrior, but dragged himself here to help out. Wait until you see his horse!

Magnificent? asked Krell.

No, just the opposite. Not sure how the beast can walk, let alone pull his cart. I’ve never seen a more pathetic horse in my life! said Hilam, his tone jovial. He showed up yesterday and had an enormous chest filled with caltrops. Should slow them down or blunt the attack tonight.

Voss glanced at Krell, then turned his eyes back to Hilam. You seem in high spirits, sergeant.

I am. Karaback says it’s going to be a big one, so we’re spreading the caltrops thick over the poor quarter and docks while we defend the waterfront directly. For the first time, the beasties are going to be forced to come directly for us, instead of spreading out and killing indiscriminately. Hilam looked at ReckNor’s Bounty. You going to take her out of the harbor, or defend her, or leave her battened up?

Captain Voss grunted. Depends on what I’m ordered to do, I imagine. Not interested in testing Daylan’s patience any more than I must, if you understand my meaning.

Hilam frowned and nodded. Speaking of Master Plintform, the council would like to speak with you.

Krell looked around, his lips turning downward. Hilam grinned. ReckNor is with you, Krell. All your companions should be there as well.

Both Hilam and Voss chuckled at the look of relief on Krell’s face.

* * *

Amra smiled when Krell entered her dining room.

An older woman with hair the color of steel, Amra Thort was the nominal head of the Watford town council. Years spent on the deck of a fishing vessel had left her fit, and her voice could carry when she needed it to. 

Welcome back, Krell. How was the voyage?

Short, Mistress Thort, but productive. We dumped about half the rocks overboard.

Wardstones, Krell. They are called wardstones, said Karaback, the town magister. He was an older human, maybe fifty years old, with a neatly trimmed beard. His dark eyes never seemed to miss anything, and his fine shirt and jacket made him look like a man of importance.

Krell nodded at him, and let his eyes take in everyone else present. Daylan Plintform was looking sour, as he always did. Krell conceded he was handsome, with a long face and dark hair, but he never seemed happy. Krell was certain he detested ReckNor, and because of that, he hated Krell as well. 

Or maybe it was because he and Olgar hated one another so much.

Aldrik Kent was talking to Nathaniel, though he caught Krell’s eye and nodded in greeting. Aldrik was the youngest member of the council, a handsome man a few years older than Krell. Nathaniel was his hulking, battle-scarred manservant who never seemed to let Aldrik out of his sight.

Beside Aldrik sat Petimus Smithforge, who was looking down at a series of papers scattered across the table in front of him. Petimus was a dwarf, shorter than Krell but with broad shoulders and a stout frame. His dark beard was bound with gold bands, and a gemstone glittered on a ring on his finger.

Beside him, Captain Voss grunted. Appears we’re the first ones here.

Indeed, captain, indeed. I have asked the others to come, said Amra.

Summoned, you mean, said Daylan. You give too much authority to them, Amra. They are dangerous and need reminding that they serve the town, and are not free to do as they choose.

Krell grinned at Daylan. I’m in service to ReckNor, Day…er, Master Plintform. He sees a town filled with the faithful, and has called a paladin to defend them. But I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of that.

Daylan closed his eyes and sighed. Still the same, I see.

Amra laughed. Well, he addressed you properly, so it would seem he is capable of learning. Amra winked at Krell as the door opened.

A man Krell had never seen before entered. He was older, with brown hair just starting to gray. He wore a battered linen tunic and loose-fitting pants, though the hilt of the sword on his hip looked to be of fine quality. His face was strong and handsome, while his broad shoulders and muscular build made him look like an idealized image of what a man should be.

Ah, Darvin. Meet Krell, a paladin of ReckNor, said Amra.

It pleases me to meet you, Krell. I’ve never met a paladin of ReckNor before. The council, especially young Master Kent there, has spoken highly of you. Darvin held out his hand, and Krell clasped it. There was a brief trickle of magic, and Darvin’s eyes pinched, his smile becoming forced.

Krell narrowed his eyes. The time spent learning to sense magic with Verbena had helped him develop an awareness when someone used it near him. What was that?

Darvin blinked in surprise, then laughed. Amazing! The stories were not exaggerated, I see. To answer your question, young Master Krell, I’ve a weird bit of magic. Whenever I touch someone, I can feel the violence they’ve caused. His smile faded. You, Krell… you’ve got more blood on your hands than I’ve felt in a long time.

Sea devil blood, Darvin. The bastards are coming again tonight, and I’m sure that won’t be the last of them.

Darvin looked sad. Not all that blood is from sahuagin, Krell. Not nearly all.

Krell furrowed his brow as he frowned, then flushed slightly. I am no murderer, Darvin.

Darvin let go of his grip on Krell’s hand, smiling sadly. Never said you were, Krell. And I don’t begrudge you defending yourself or the town, as you will again tonight. Later, if you want to hear some stories about violence and bad ends, we should talk. Maybe I can help you find a better path than the one you’re on.

Krell cocked his head sideways as a vaguely outraged set of feelings came to him from ReckNor. My Lord ReckNor?

HE SPEAKS AS IF A FOLLOWER OF AVRAM. I WILL NOT HAVE MY WILL QUESTIONED BY ONE SUCH AS HIM.

Are you a follower of AvRam? The lord of war? asked Krell.

Indeed, though I choose to focus on the peaceful aspect of her faith. I reject the warrior king and embrace the pacifist queen, if you will.

Krell could sense a wave of consternation pass around the room. So… you’re a pacifist? asked Krell, looking meaningfully at the hilt of the sword he carried.

Darvin grinned, seemingly oblivious to the concern in the room. Yes, I am, though being a pacifist does not mean I am a weakling, or that I will not answer violence when it is forced upon me. I do not start fights, Krell, nor do I engage in violence unless there is no other way.

Sounds boring, shouted Kraven as he barged into the room. Boring, and cowardly. Still, I like those metal spike things. Krell! Kraven slapped Krell on the shoulder, nearly knocking him over.

Kraven was an orc, much taller than Krell, with arms nearly as large as Krell’s legs. His vaguely orange skin was covered in faint scars, evidence of many battles.

Kraven, he said, grinning. Still trying to break my shoulder in greeting, I see.

Oh, so the orc gets a warm hello but I don’t? said Dorn, his tone laced with false outrage. A true priest of ReckNor, Dorn was a dwarf, with a dark beard that was wildly unkept. Krell often wondered how he kept the chain mail armor he wore from pulling on it.

Krell laughed, then stepped forward, kneeled down, and embraced Dorn. Scruffy dwarf, it’s good to see you! 

Dorn clapped him on the back. You’re looking well, Krell. Next time I’m coming with you, no matter what Olgar says!

I hope not, because then he might make me stay behind to mind the temple!

Dorn said something to Krell in Dwarvish. 

Krell leaned back, his hands resting on Dorn’s shoulders as he frowned. You are… uh… joyful to see me?

Dorn grinned. "Better, Krell, but not quite. I am happy to see you."

Kraven grunted. You should learn Orcish instead. I could teach you how to swear.

Krell, my man! said Gerrard, as he walked into the dining room. You look as if the sea still agrees with you, am I right?

Krell clapped Gerrard gently on the shoulder, then turned back to Kraven. See, Kraven? I didn’t strike him hard enough to knock him over. That’s how you’re supposed to do it! Krell turned and kneeled again, embracing Gerrard.

It’s good to see you, my friend!

Right, well, wish it were better circumstances, know what I mean?

To that point, we’d best get started, said Captain Gijwolf as he entered the room. A dark-skinned human, Elias Gijwolf was captain of the guard. Krell stood and put his hand on his shoulder. A trickle of ReckNor’s power flowed out, and the captain breathed in sharply.

Captain, you are tired and need rest, said Krell.

Duty, Krell. I’ll rest when I am dead. My thanks to ReckNor for his aid. Captain Gijwolf rolled his shoulders, a small smile crossing his face.

Krell nodded, then leaned slightly to look into the hallway outside the dining room. Godun, Amra’s manservant, closed the door.

Captain Gijwolf leaned close. Tristan is helping to light the docks, Dahlia and Verbena are arranging defenses, and Sheana is with Hilam at the guard post getting the militia ready, he whispered.

Amra cleared her throat. Time is short, and we have much to do. Magister Karaback, your report, if you please.

Karaback nodded and stood. The wardstones are working as intended. A force of over one hundred sahuagin is approaching Watford as we speak. I will have more precise information when I return to my tower and reconnect to the network. At present, I estimate they will arrive one hour after midnight, possibly later, but not by much.

One hundred… ReckNor’s tears! said Amra, her face paling. Krell frowned.

I ordered the evacuation of as many citizens as could go, said Captain Gijwolf. Now you know why. Amra, councilors, we require soldiers. Real soldiers, not the guard being forced into combat, nor the militia we have been training.

We understand, captain, but you must… began Daylan.

Do you? asked captain Gijwolf, a hard edge to his voice. I am uncertain whether we can hold the town tonight. He turned toward Krell and the others. Please do not repeat that. Morale is low enough as it is.

Krell nodded in agreement. The rains almost always brought a sea devil attack. The first time, it had come without warning. Over a hundred people had died in the poor quarter. Krell felt he had to be on the docks that night, but didn’t know why. After the first sea devils climbed ashore, he knew.

That attack contained thirty of the beasts, and all were small and wild.

The second time they came, they assaulted the temple by climbing the cliff. There was no telling how many were in that assault group, since Olgar conjured ReckNor’s power and swept those that survived ReckNor’s fury back into the sea. He’d left two dozen dead sahuagin scattered across the temple grounds. Everyone in town still talked about the bright flashes of lightning from the storm clouds.

Any idea if there are any big ones with them, Magister Karaback? asked Krell.

"Unfortunately, the wardstone network is incomplete and requires additional, hmm, tuning, before I can properly determine the size of individuals with any level of accuracy. However, based on what I understand of the sahuagin, it is a certainty that there will be at least one school leader among them."

Captain Gijwolf nodded. Now, the plan for the defense of the town this evening… 

* * *

The wagon crashed onto its side, wedged against the wall of the Smithforge Mining Consortium.

Kraven grunted in satisfaction and turned toward Krell and the others. Done.

Krell eyed the makeshift barricade. It didn’t seem to matter how many times he told them that the sea devils were excellent climbers. Captain Gijwolf insisted on erecting barricades to block off the street.

Well done, Kraven. Best to rest for now, and gather your strength. I want you and Krell there, holding that alleyway, said Captain Gijwolf, gesturing at the path between the two largest warehouses in Watford. If the caltrops work, they’ll likely be more than you can handle coming through there.

Krell nodded. As you wish, captain.

I’ll keep the militia in reserve, and hopefully they won’t see battle. But if it comes to a fight, fall back to Netminder’s and the militia will support you.

Don’t worry, Krell. I’ll be there to keep you safe, said Sheana, nudging his shoulder.

Krell nodded absently, his thoughts in turmoil. With over a hundred sea devils, there would certainly be at least one bigger one. They rarely entered battle, having learned they were targets whenever they exposed themselves. Until they killed or drove off the bigger sea devils, the smaller ones were capable foes. Without the leadership they provided, they devolved into a pack of wild animals, as likely to attack one another as they were the people of Watford.

I’m going to check the docks, see if there’s anything else I can do, he said.

I’ll walk with you, said Sheana. Captain Gijwolf waved absently at them as he spoke with Hilam and Petimus, gesturing at the surrounding buildings.

Are you okay? she asked.

Krell sighed. I am. Defense in depth rarely ends well for those on the front line. Nothing to be done about it now, but if those caltrops don’t work, we’re in trouble tonight.

She nodded, running a hand over her head. Her braids were tight against her scalp, making it easy for her to don her helmet. Worried about Kraven, are we? she said teasingly.

Not really. More worried for the guard. They’ve taken terrible losses every time the sea devils attack, and tonight is going to be worse.

She giggled. Krell glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. You’re… not worried about yourself. It’s the confidence that I find so appealing.

Krell snorted. Arrogance, you mean. He sighed, looking around. I guess I just hate standing here, waiting. We’ve completely surrendered the initiative to the sea devils, letting them dictate where and when they attack. And we’re trying to build static defenses! What do we do if they just attack somewhere else, or climb the cliffs and walk into Watford? It just seems futile and foolish to me, but also… there’s something else that bothers me, but I can’t figure it out.

He stopped and turned to face her. Besides, I’m not worried about myself. You’ll be there if I need you.

She snorted, then gestured with her chin. Tristan is coming.

Tristan was fey-touched, which meant that an ancestor of his had given birth to a half-elf, and the children of that half-elf were sometimes, but not always, fey-touched. The trait was in the bloodline and considered a good omen when such a child was born. Fey-touched were always beautiful and graceful, with delicately pointed ears. Tristan was no exception. He was dashingly handsome, with a scar running across his face that gave him the look of a warrior king.

He was also a sorcerer of considerable power, possibly more powerful than Krell and Dorn combined. ReckNor had tasked Krell with keeping him safe. At least, that was what he guessed. The lord of the seas and skies rarely provided clear guidance. Krell sighed, then turned to face him. Tristan, good to see you.

Tristan raised an eyebrow skeptically, then gestured behind him. Ready to say thank you?

Krell glanced at Sheana, a confused look on his face. Tristan snickered, then spoke a word of power as he gestured sharply.

The docks behind him, along with the entire waterfront, burst into light. There were cries of surprise from dozens of people nearby.

A delighted grin crossed Krell’s face. Excellent work, Tristan!

See, I knew you understood just how valuable and important I am! Tristan gestured again, and the light died away.

Krell pointed. What are those little red flags for?

A smug expression crossed Tristan’s face. Why don’t you go to the edge of the docks and look at them from that angle?

Sheana clamped a hand on Krell’s shoulder, stopping him. Why don’t you stay here, instead of wandering into the field of caltrops the guard has been spreading? She glared at Tristan, who snickered.

Krell shook his head, grinning wryly at Tristan. They cripple horses when they step on them. People too. I hope they work as well on sea devils. The flags mark where it’s safe?

Tristan nodded, saluting Sheana. Where are you two going?

Krell shrugged, looking around. Trying to see if there’s anything to be done to help. Every home he could see had either sturdy shutters or planks of wood closing off windows. Piles of sharpened stakes lined fences and doorways. Bundles or crude spears were everywhere he looked.

Doubtful, Krell. I’ve already done everything important and meaningful. Though I’m sure if you keep looking, you’ll find Cor. Tristan grinned as Krell glared at him.

Cor was a smuggler, and had escaped when Krell and his companions had discovered and stormed their den hidden beneath the ruined tower he had rights for. He initially deceived them, trying to get them to abandon their exploration. When that didn’t work, he betrayed everyone, nearly killing Tristan, before running. He hadn’t been seen since.

Within the hidden caverns, they found a schedule for the next ship to arrive, and when it did, they boarded and captured it.

It was the first time Krell fought a sea devil, and it nearly killed him. That the smugglers were working with the sea devils was unheard of. It was insanity. Nobody dealt with sea devils. They were fierce predators who lived only to eat, and when they smelled blood — any blood — they went into a mad frenzy. Nobody thought dealing with them was possible.

Krell regretted letting Cor escape. Everyone kept telling him that he was gone, but he stubbornly clung to the idea that if he could find him, he’d learn why the sea devils were attacking, and maybe a way to stop them. The group running the smuggling operation, something called the Betterment Society, was arming the sea devils with proper weapons.

It made no sense to him, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a plan. The only way he could think to learn more was to track down Cor.

He let out a heavy sigh. Maybe ReckNor is pushing me to keep looking.

Maybe you’re just delusional?

Krell snorted. Maybe that too.

Stubborn is more like it, muttered Sheana. When he glanced at her, she seemed amused.

I’m going to go see if anyone needs help before the attack, he said. He untied his belt pouch and handed it to her. Magical, it was vastly bigger on the inside. He’d already had it stolen once when walking through the poor part of town. Hold this for me?

She chuckled as she took it. Growing in wisdom, are we?

I highly doubt that! said Tristan, his voice amused. He’s like the tide. He only knows how to do one thing.

Krell walked away, listening to Sheana and Tristan bickering good-naturedly with one another. No matter how often Krell heard his voice, it still instantly set his teeth on edge. Tristan had a way of irritating him that Krell didn’t understand.

STILL, YOU WILL NEED HIM AND HIS POWER. TONIGHT, ESPECIALLY.

Krell shook his head slightly. As you wish, my lord.

Always talk to yourself? said a voice behind him.

Krell started and spun around. He nearly conjured a blade out of reflex before he recognized the voice. Duncan! You shouldn’t sneak up on me!

Duncan was a small boy, likely around ten years old, though when Krell asked, he didn’t really know. He lived on the streets of Watford, homeless and hungry. He was also fearlessly brave, and something of a gang leader to a pack of other homeless children.

Duncan laughed quietly. Don’t see how you fight monsters, Krell. You never hear me sneak up on you! Where’s Fortis?

Krell pointed upwards, and Duncan frowned. On the roof?

No, flying. Storm clouds and wind don’t bother him. I think he uses magic, not just his wings.

A thought fell into Krell’s mind, arriving fully complete and understood. It wasn’t merely that he used magic to fly, it was that he imposed his will on the sky to make it bend to his wishes, combined with pleasure at how crisp the air felt prior to the coming storm. Krell shook his head. It was an incredibly alien and disorienting experience, but he knew that warm presence in his thoughts meant he’d likely never be lonely again.

He was lucky to have Fortis as a friend. He’d kill anyone who would try to harm him.

There was a matching thought from Fortis. Krell didn’t really understand why he had chosen him but was happy that he had. More than just a friend — Fortis was a fierce ally, and had saved his life more than once.

Anything interesting happening?

Duncan pursed his lips. Jori and Pret are fighting again. Harden has gone missing. Oh, and I found a dead dog. Something ate at it.

Krell raised an eyebrow. Ate at it?

Duncan nodded, his face taking on a sickly expression. Tore it open, ate at its insides. I don’t think it was dead when that started, based on the blood trail. He shuddered.

Krell frowned. Definitely not a sea devil, then. Jori and Pret were the brother and sister you told me about. Who’s Harden?

I told you, he’s a friend. We steal bread together.

Find a home yet?

Don’t need one, unless it rains, and it’s the dry season, so that doesn’t happen too often. Duncan looked upward. Though apparently when it rains now that means sea devils.

I know. You have somewhere safe to be tonight?

Next to you?

Duncan, said Krell reproachfully. Next to me is the most dangerous place you could be. Paladins often die young, and for stupid reasons.

Yeah, right. I don’t believe you, not with those fancy paladin powers of yours.

Find a safe place to hide. Better yet, leave town.

Can’t. If I want one of the good spots, I need to be down here to claim it. I think there’s a new place I’m going to try. Haven’t seen the man who lives there in days, like he just vanished.

You could stay at the temple, sleep there.

No way! Olgar stays there. He’s scary, and he snores. Besides, what if the sea devils attack up there?

Krell smiled. May ReckNor watch over you, Duncan.

ReckNor can kiss my ass, unless he’s got a fish for me! said Duncan.

No, I’ve learned my lesson about bringing anything of worth when I come here. I’ve got my clothes, my boots, my armor, and my faith. Nothing else.

Duncan grinned. I know. I looked you over before I said anything! He turned and ran down an alley before vanishing from sight around a corner.

Krell let out an exasperated chuckle and looked upward. Watch over him tonight, my lord. He’s got a brave heart.

ReckNor’s grace within him filled with pleasure.

Chapter Two

Krell thrust his sword forward, and a sea devil died.

His shield deflected claws from the second one, while the third snapped its shark-like jaws at him, missing. The fourth and fifth ones he could see dragged their fallen companion back.

Then they began eating it. Vaguely shark-like in appearance, their enormous jaws were tearing the blue flesh from their fallen companion, spraying green blood that stank of rot everywhere.

They had cut Krell several times, and his breastplate armor was spattered with both red and green blood. The sahuagin were mad with bloodlust, even though Krell’s wounds had already healed. Being a paladin meant the grace and power of ReckNor flowed through him, granting him many gifts. Healing being the most important at the moment.

ReckNor’s balls, die, you stupid fish! he shouted, shoving the jaws away with his shield. Claws scored across his armor, and he felt a cut on his arm. ReckNor’s power moved within him, mending the wound but drawing down his strength.

Kraven laughed as his axe came around, slamming into the one biting at Krell. Green blood splashed across him as it dropped to the ground. Kraven’s enormous orcish form was clear in Krell’s vision, despite the darkness and the storm. The ability to see clearly in darkness was another of the many gifts he had from ReckNor.

Is that really the insult you want to die shouting? Calling them fish? Kraven snarled as a sea devil leapt onto him, clawing and biting. Kraven grabbed it, hurling it to the ground. His axe flashed down, then upward, catching another and shearing its face off. 

Krell killed the one in front of him and looked around. I don’t think they can understand me, so what does it matter? He kicked one backward and killed another. The nearby sea devils turned to feast on the corpses of their fallen, leaving Krell and Kraven free for a moment.

Four weeks earlier, Krell and his companions had destroyed a sahuagin fortress they were building in the ruins of Swamp Hold. They’d been celebrated as heroes and given a princely reward. Everyone said it was a clear victory over the sea devils. Everyone under the age of forty-five. Anyone that age or older said nothing, because they remembered.

They knew the sea devil incursion was just starting, and that it was going to get worse. The sahuagin destroyed the town of Swamp Hold the last time they came ashore. Olgar had told Krell that it was just the beginning, but he hadn’t understood what he was trying to say.

Now, whenever it rained, the sahuagin almost always climbed up out of the sea and attacked. Their tactics were simple — they swam into the harbor and straight onto the docks.

Then they killed anything they could find.

Tonight was different. Magic light bathed the docks, letting archers atop the Broken Mug tavern and the guard tower rain arrows down into the sahuagin as they climbed out of the harbor. Krell could make out bits of the dock between the buildings and could see several sea devils clawing at one another. As he watched, one walked forward, then stopped and fell to the ground, clutching at what passed for a foot. Two others nearby turned and attacked, biting and tearing into it.

It looked like the caltrops were working better than they had hoped. Most sea devils were small and closer to wild beasts than intelligent foes. Still, some were moving cautiously, avoiding the spikes. Krell could see combat raging throughout the town. There were pockets of organized attackers as well. Four larger sahuagin — smarter and stronger than others of their kind — were visible on the docks, croaking commands and gesturing with their metal spears. Not one school leader, but four. At least four.

As Krell watched, a warehouse next to the docks caught fire. The orange glow mixed with the harsh white magical light and showed sea devils pulling shelves over and tossing them into the flames.

He thought it strange that they seemed to love fire so much.

Krell closed his eyes and asked Fortis if he could look through his senses. He was soaring over the town, far enough up that nobody would see him in the darkness. The rain clouds even prevented trying to locate him by seeing a star wink out as he flew in front of it.

Fortis could see clearly in the darkness and rain, better even than Krell. The senses of dragons were legendary. The bond he shared with Fortis allowed Krell to share his perception, though it was frequently disorienting seeing from two different perspectives at the same time.

Fortis flew over the docks, and Krell looked down through his eyes, trying to get a sense of what was happening, experiencing the same concerns Fortis felt for the people he liked, the same rush of joy at being aloft in the sky. Krell’s concern for him was met with a mixture of affection, amusement, concern for Krell, and contempt at his worry. Fortis knew he was completely safe.

Over toward the poor quarter, he could make out the crew of ReckNor’s Bounty fighting together. Barduk was at their head, and he could make out Yank and Serda as well. He knew Captain Voss would be there, probably out of sight.

The sea devils were swarming ashore, but the caltrops halted their advance across the poor quarter. Fortis could make out the ripples in the water as they shifted to the far end of Watford, or toward the Sanmen River mouth. Captain Gijwolf had ordered the caltrops spread thickly along the waterfront, from the edge of the bluffs as far as they would move into town.

That meant most of the sea devils were coming ashore near the Netminder’s Friend and the two large warehouses on the waterfront. Most of the people in the poor parts of Watford were fishers who made their living on the sea, followers of ReckNor. When they pleaded to ReckNor for aid, he needed to respond. Weather and waves he could deal with directly, for those were his domain as the lord of the seas and skies. More direct threats required a more direct response.

Which was why he was standing between them and the sea devils.

Through Fortis’s eyes, Krell looked at the Smithforge Mining Consortium headquarters. A tightly packed unit of dwarves mixed with two dozen humans from the militia remained unmoved, surrounded by sea devils as they defended the building entrance and the nearby barricades. They had killed dozens of sea devils and looked uninjured.

The fighting prowess of the dwarves during the first attack was a topic of much discussion, and was helping to end the anti-dwarf sentiment that had been rampant in Watford. Still, hate didn’t need a reason to flourish. At least people had stopped trying to pick fights with them. Everyone now knew what a century or more of experience with weapons actually meant.

At the mouth of the Sanmen River on the opposite side, Fortis saw a group of the town guard standing idle in front of the Plintform estate. The river separated the wealthy part of town from the rest of Watford, and had no docks. Gerrard and Darvin were looking toward him. Based on their arms waving about, they were having a spirited argument.

Finally, Fortis turned to look at the temple to ReckNor, perched on the bluff to the west of town. No matter where you were in Watford, you could always look up and see the temple. It was the only home Krell had ever known, or at least the only one he could remember. It looked calm and quiet. Maybe the sea devils had learned from their failed assault to leave Olgar alone.

Krell stopped sharing senses with Fortis as the sea devils in front of him continued to fight amongst themselves. He looked back at the burning warehouse. The guard maintained a tight group with shield and spear, but they were being pushed back. The number of guardsmen had grown in size, but their scant training meant poor discipline, and he could see panic setting in. A force of veterans marched toward the fire, led by Hilam. Krell hoped they got there before the newer guards broke and ran.

Running was bad. Sea devils were faster than most people. If they caught you, it meant being eaten.

Krell nudged Kraven. Hilam can probably use our help.

Kraven put a large hand on Krell’s shoulder, holding him in place. He probably could. But we’ve been told to hold the line right here. So here is where we remain, otherwise the sea devils go running past us and eat a bunch of people.

Krell frowned and nodded. Kraven chuckled at him and released his shoulder.

Never been in a battle with a plan before, have you? You can’t do it all, Krell. Trust others to do their part, even when you know you can do it better, said Kraven, his huge orcish frame turning as he scanned the docks.

Krell let his dark metal sword fall from his hand. It turned to mist before it struck the ground, and Krell spat a word of power. A spectral trident formed and hurtled away from him, striking one of the sea devils near the burning warehouse and knocking it over.

Now you’ve done it! said Kraven. Krell glanced at him, then followed his gaze toward the docks. The four large ones directing the attack were all looking directly toward him, gesturing and croaking.

Kraven slapped Krell on the shoulder, nearly knocking him over. Good work, Krell! Now they know there’s a spellcaster over here, and they’re going to do their best to kill us!

That isn’t exactly what I was planning.

Kraven looked down at Krell, grinning. Why not? It’s a great plan! You wanted to help Hilam, the sea devils want to kill spellcasters, and I want to kill sea devils. Everyone is happy this way!

Krell stared at him. Kraven laughed.

This is why I like you, Krell! You bring trouble toward you without even trying! Kraven hefted his axe and gestured toward the water. The four large sahuagin were striding toward them, croaking and hissing orders. The swarm in front of Krell abruptly stopped trying to eat one another and turned toward them.

Get ready, little human. Your plan worked. Here they come.

* * *

The sea devils crashed over him like a wave.

Krell stepped back to avoid a bite and stabbed a smaller sea devil in the eye. His shield slammed against him as another much larger sea devil crashed into him, forcing him backward another step. Kraven was laughing beside him, and Krell could almost feel his axe passing near his head.

There had to be at least thirty of them crowding forward, trying to reach him.

Krell shook his head in frustration. These small ones were barely a threat to him in his armor, one on one in a fair fight. Which was why they weren’t fighting fairly. If they swarmed over him, he’d die, armor or no armor.

As dire a threat as the swarm of small sea devils were, the bigger ones were the real danger. Even alone, they could overpower Kraven with brute strength. It wasn’t their size and power that made them so dangerous, it was their ability to control the smaller ones, to organize them. Olgar had explained to him that the real victory at Swamp Hold wasn’t the nearly two hundred young ones they had killed, it was the three dozen larger ones. It took decades for a sea devil to grow large enough to command others of its kind.

The rain was picking up, and the sound of it ringing on his armor and helmet was keeping him from hearing clearly. He’d lost sight of the docks as they pushed him back. The paving stones between the two warehouses gave him decent footing, even when covered in rainwater and blood, while the buildings on each side kept Kraven and him from being overwhelmed.

He was being forced toward Netminder’s Friend. It was the largest building in Watford, and one of the few places with food always available. Krell liked Netminder’s Friend. Its owner, Marlena, had always been good to him, and it was where he’d met his companions. Happy memories. 

He’d die before he let the sea devils burn it.

The militia was probably forming up, with Sheana bellowing at them, but he couldn’t turn to look and with the rain, he couldn’t hear. His next step back showed that he was about to step out of the alley between the warehouses. As soon as they could attack from all sides, Krell and Kraven would be cut down and eaten. He just had to trust that the militia would be there.

He knew they would be. Almost everyone agreed that the sea devils would eat them if they didn’t fight. Even Tristan.

He took another step backward, his dark blade crackling with blue lightning as it struck at a sea devil. The blade struck deep and lodged inside the beast, even as it lurched toward him. Krell grinned and let his blade go.

A dark mist coalesced in his empty hand as the blade inside the sea devil disintegrated, and he cut its head from its shoulders with his new weapon.

ReckNor! he shouted, and with a horrid set of hissing croaks, the sea devils rushed forward.

The first one to reach him died when an arrow sprouted from its right eye, collapsing to the ground and fouling the charge of the ones behind him. Krell grinned savagely. As they reached the end of the alley, the sea devils were visible to the archers atop Netminder’s Friend and the consortium headquarters.

A fiery blast of magic shot past him, immolating one of the sea devils. It shrieked in agony as it died, and the savory smell of cooked fish wafted over the battle. The rest hesitated for a moment. If Tristan was using his magic, that meant help was about to arrive.

With a yell, Sheana led a charge of a dozen militia forward, crashing into the ranks of the sea devils. Kraven roared and surged forward with them while Krell stepped back, breathing heavily. Another arrow flitted by Krell’s head, taking a sea devil in the shoulder as it was about to slash at Sheana. A blue ray of Verbena’s magic flashed into it a moment later, and a rime of frost formed over it before its arm shattered into pieces.

Sheana turned and ran it through, her shield deflecting attacks from two others. Her eyes were brilliant green and filled with excitement. She smiled at Krell and turned back to the fray. 

She’d been working with the fishers for the last two weeks, and as Krell recovered his breath, he could see her work had paid off. They were wearing makeshift brigandine armor, and it seemed to hold back the claws and teeth of the sea devils well enough. They were taking wounds, but none had fallen. They were shouting praise to ReckNor as their spears slammed home.

Spears recovered from the sea devils at Swamp Hold. Krell thought it fitting that the weapons the sea devils planned to use against Watford were now in the hands of the defenders.

THE FAITHFUL GROW STRONGER, KRELL. I AM PLEASED.

ReckNor’s voice sounded louder and more vibrant than usual. Krell wondered if he was echoing the storm overhead, or just enjoyed watching his paladin at work. Either way, ReckNor’s voice crashed into his thoughts like a hurricane.

Glory to the lord of the seas and skies! shouted Krell as he lifted his shield and strode forward. He dropped his blade and reached out, his hand landing on the first fisher’s shoulder. Lars, Krell thought. He felt the grace of ReckNor flow, and Lars sucked in a breath as a surge of vitality and healing bolstered him, a cut on his brow closing.

ReckNor be praised! he shouted. Krell grinned as he walked down the makeshift line that was holding the sea devils between the warehouses, bolstering each of the fishers with the grace and power of ReckNor. Their wounds closed and their spears moved swifter. Krell reached the end of the line and reached out to Sheana.

She was uninjured. Krell smiled in pleasure at her skill, even as she shook his hand off her shoulder, giving him a sharp glare before turning back to the fight.

There was a blast from a horn behind him, and Krell spun to look to his right. Another alley was disgorging sea devils into the open area in front of the Netminder’s Friend, and they’d be on them in seconds.

Good thing there was a plan for this.

A burst of sticky webbing crashed on top of the sea devils engaged with the militia. With a final set of thrusts, they retreated away, heading back toward the Netminder’s Friend. Krell glanced behind him and saw