Attingere: Swords of Chaos Book Three

CHAPTER 1

Saena ran up the stairs as fast as her legs would go. She did not want Karesna to summon her again.

She arrived at the door and paused to catch her breath. Once she was in control, she tapped on the door. The small tap did not register on the huge door.

Come, she heard the thought in her head like a thunder crash. She staggered back from the force, almost falling to her knees. Her hands trembled against the door. This thought was not as strong as the last one had been, she was thankful for that. Karesna was hopefully beginning to gain more control over her new strength.

Saena opened the door and stepped inside. She clenched the hem of her blouse and her calves seized up.

Karesna stood on the balcony with her hands clenching the banister, looking out over her land and her people. Saena closed the door behind her.

Look at that temple, Karesna thought. It sits there and condemns me, daily.

The thoughts were like a mountain falling on Saena. High One, do not stare at it, if it troubles you so.

I cannot help it. Karesna turned from the balcony and into the room. Saena could see the circles under her eyes and the hollow shell of Karesna’s young face.

Karesna sat on her bed and lifted her knees to her chest. Saena thought it made her look even younger.

There is a war coming, you know, Karesna thought

Yes, High One, you have told me already. Saena could feel uncertainty mixed with resolve radiating from her despot leader like heat from sun-warmed rocks.

Let us speak. I find the mindspeak difficult to control, Karesna thought

As you wish, Saena said. With an internal sigh, she unclenched her hands from the hem of her blouse and flexed her fingers. She released the tension in her calves and settled back down on her heels.

The power is so great, and so hard to control. Karesna dropped back on her bed.

I understand, Saena said. Speaking was such a wasteful approach to communicating, but she suddenly loved it.

You understand nothing, Karesna said to the ceiling. Every day the beam comes, a harbinger of war. Every day. How many more days will it come before… 

Before what, High One?

We must prepare. Our people must be ready to fight.

We will be ready.

You mock me. We are not ready. The people attempt to block me at every turn. The council has no plans to follow me.

You are the High One, they must follow you. But Saena knew better. Everyone, her included, feared Karesna. That fear engendered respect, but not loyalty.

Do not patronize me, Saena.

It was not intentional. Saena gripped the hem of her dress again. Her breathing grew more hectic.

Calm yourself. I will not hurt you. Saena tried to calm herself, but it did not work. She had heard the stories.

High One, you summoned me, Saena said.

Yes. How is my mother? 

I have yet to check her today, High One.

Do not bother, I shall do it myself. Karesna paused for a moment with her eyes closed. She opened them a moment later. Okay. She will remember seeing me today. 

Saena nodded. Her hand still clenched to the hem but not as forcefully. Will there be anything more, High One?  She didn’t think Karesna would simply call her up here for a check on her mother. Karesna rarely asked about her mother and Saena didn’t think she cared too much for the woman. The fracturing of her mind was beginning to seep through more and more.

I don’t know, Karesna said.

Saena released her hem again. Her fear of Karesna waned for a moment.

Karesna sat up on the bed then stood. For the first time Saena could see the Sword, Attingere, as it sat on the hip of her leader. Saena had taken over since the death of Karesna’s previous attendant, and not once had she ever seen the High One without Attingere. She knew that without that Sword, Karesna would be overtaken and killed by the council. Saena had no intentions of trying to wrest the Sword from Karesna. She would be dead before she took one step.

High One—

Quiet! Karesna thought. Saena screamed and dropped to the floor. The power of Karesna’s mind pummeled her like waves crashing down on a beach.

Get up, attendant, Karesna spoke. Saena got to her feet like a newborn doe standing for the first time. She stared at Karesna. She could feel blood dripping from her nose.

Will there be anything else, High One? she asked. The blood dripped from her lip. She did not wipe it away. She wanted Karesna to see what she’d done. She wanted her leader to realize what she was doing to her attendant, and her entire people.

That will be all, Karesna said. Leave me. Run to the council and tell them everything like you always do.

Saena bowed. The blood dripped more. By your leave.  She turned to leave.

Do not think I am unaware of your feelings toward me, Saena. This time the thoughts were not as strong. The amount of power Karesna withheld awed Saena.

My feelings about you have nothing to do with my employment.

See that they don’t. I would hate to seek out another attendant. Saena caught the threat. She left the room and took the stairs down two at a time.

You’ll get your comeuppance, Saena said to herself.

CHAPTER 2

Range walked into their private room and shut the door. The room was more of an alcove with a door and reeked of mold. Rickety chairs surrounded two small tables. The only light came from one window, the fading sun filtering weakly through. His friends were seated in the chairs. Sterlin, Nicky, Rolin, Garon, and Hutch. They had been staying in the city of Zamek for two months now, planning and attempting to work out a way to stop Lazerek.

How long until the food gets here? Sterlin asked.

She said it would be soon, Range replied. He sat across from Hutch. What is the word from the king?

Hutch sighed and scratched his graying beard. He is still waiting on the men he sent to Zmarly to return before marshaling his troops.

Fool! Nicky exclaimed. Why doesn’t he at least get them prepared? Ooln’s beard! How many people have gone over there and never come back?

Excellent question, Hutch said. He has been listening to Ason too much. I’ve been gone for too long and have lost his ear.

If Andard will not listen, then we must get out of the city, Rolin stated.

And leave all these people to be enslaved too? Range asked.

Rolin shrugged.

Range felt a twinge of regret in his spirit. He had, at one time, the ability to free the prisoners of Lazerek. He did not take advantage of that and yet here he was thinking about the people of Zamek’s welfare.

We’ve got to do something, Hutch said.

Without the king’s backing we’re not going to accomplish much, Nicky said.

Why don’t we just leave? Sterlin asked.

There is nothing stopping us, Range said. He glanced from face to face. He saw no hope.

I hope Remmy and Keyvohn are having a better time with Rexillion, Nicky said.

I am certain they are. Rexillion is no fool, Range said. I do hope Mel is all right.

They’re in the palace by now. I’m certain he is doing just fine, Sterlin said.

Range said nothing. Remillion, Mel, Pike, Gina, Vallandra, and Keyvohn had traveled by way of the flying rug to Rommel. Their goal was to alert the king of the coming attack. Mel had gone with them instead of staying with Range for safety’s sake. Range was going to keep the boy far away from danger. Ooln only knew what had happened to his wife, Miriam. One moment she was there and the next she’d disappeared right when the god Saddig had. Garon suggested that perhaps Saddig had taken Miriam with him when he returned to Godhome. Range remembered his wife’s short hug at the temple of Saddig. He hated it that he grew angry and disconsolate. It would not help the present situation. But it was there nonetheless.

What about— Garon stared.

Range held up his hand. Not again!

Nicky blanched.

There is no other way, I am telling the truth. Believe me now and live later, Garon said.

I will not do it, Range said. The rest of his companions simply looked at him. He knew what they wanted to do, but could not bring himself to take the first step.

Range, you are being irrational, Garon said.

Perhaps, but I don’t want to go hunting for another Sword of Chaos.

"Attingere is the God Sword!" Garon leaned forward in his chair.

No, Range said.

Garon sighed and leaned back.

Range, what if we did find Attingere? We would at least have a way to stop Lazerek, Sterlin said.

Maybe. We don’t even know what Attingere can do, Range said.

Garon looked him straight in the eye. Range, there is no other power in the land that can stop a wielder of Bellatrix and Valere.

Exactly, so why go hunt down Attingere? It makes no sense. We’ll lose anyway. We all know that with the two Swords Lazerek currently wields he is virtually unstoppable— Range stopped speaking when the barmaid arrived. She delivered their tankards.

Food be her shortly, she said, leaving the room. I’ll grab the servers and get them in here.

We have no other weapons that come close to Attingere. We must seek it out, Garon said.

Range, Sterlin said. Why are we preparing for war then? If he has both Swords no army in the land will be able to stand up to him. It will be a slaughter and we might as well get as far from here as possible.

Range thought on that for a moment. Finally, he shrugged. What else are we to do?

A knock came to the door.

Come! Sterlin called.

Am I ever hungry! Nicky said.

The door opened and four figures wearing long cobalt blue robes entered the room.

Nicky looked at Hutch. Boy, this place has nice servers!

CHAPTER 3

Fordde looked over the campfire at Lazerek. The mage stuffed weed into his pipe and hummed a little tune, the mage stuck it in his mouth, and with a touch of his finger, lit it. A slight breeze blew across the fire, sending sparks into the night air.

Two young Zmarly women brought them goblets of wine. Lazerek smiled as he took his and nodded thanks to the woman.

These Zmarly make excellent servants, Lazerek remarked.

It is true, Fordde agreed. He had noticed a significant rise in Lazerek’s mood since they had subjugated the Zmarly people.

They will make even better warriors, Lazerek said.

I hope you are correct, Fordde said.

Once we get through those mountains and into the land again, we will see.

May I ask a question? Fordde asked.

Feel free.

What if their fighting prowess is inhibited by the spell you used on them?

Lazerek shook his head. That will not pose a problem. With my power, no one can resist my magic. There will be no inner conflict. 

Fordde took a sip of his wine. He wondered how powerful Lazerek actually was. The mage never removed Bellatrix or Valere from his hips, the magic of the Swords always at his command. The spell he had put over the Zmarly people was staggering.

Have you made all the necessary arrangements? Lazerek asked.

They are made. We will leave the day after tomorrow. Making it through the pass will be time consuming.

Do not worry about that. We’ll make it through the pass with no hindrance.

"Are you planning on doing something?’

Of course, you fool. Lazerek chuckled to himself.

And you’re not going to tell me what it is.

I know how much you like surprises, let us leave it at that, Lazerek said.

I hate surprises.

You only think you do.

Fordde was not certain whether he liked the old Lazerek or the new one more. He suddenly realized it really didn’t matter either way. Lazerek would do everything he was supposed to do. Then, at the right moment, everything would fall into place. Fordde allowed himself a half-smile as he watched the oblivious mage hum.

You never told me what happened to Nowata, the Osaban, Fordde said.

I never heard from him again. We battled and then he snuck away at my moment of victory. I never did trust him anyway. He was useful, however. I wish I had never agreed to accept him.

He was a necessary part in locating the first Sword.  Fordde wished he knew what had happened to the priest. He had seen Nowata for the last time when he had dispatched him to follow Ironstone. But then Ironstone’s group showed up at the temple and Nowata never did. That priest had better not pull anything untoward.

What is it? Lazerek asked.

Nothing.

Lazerek let it drop.

CHAPTER 4

Saena waited behind her leader, wishing she could kill her. Karesna stood before the High Council giving her interpretation of what the beams of light coming from the sky signified.

The council’s chamber seated three hundred people. There were no windows in the room, only large oil lanterns hanging on the walls, casting a muddled orange light. A domed ceiling arced above their heads and culminated in an enormous hanging stone-hewn eye. The eye was the ancient symbol of the Platen people’s inner vision and voice. The floor of the chamber contained three hundred seats carved from the enormous oak trees that littered the land to the south. The seats encircled The Balance, with each row higher than the one before it. Currently the seats were about half-full. The gallery area above the top row of seats was a place where spectators could stand and watch the happenings of the council. A fat wooden railing ran along the edge of the gallery. Many people leaned on the railing, mugs of ale or wine in hand. In the center, and slightly higher than the floor of the chamber, was The Balance. The Balance is where the High One stood. A white rail surrounded the High One while in The Balance. Karesna stood there now. Saena stood behind and below her.

This still gives us no reason to believe there will be a war, Bael thought to the council. His thoughts were uncaring and shallow. Saena could feel Karesna’s dislike of the man.

So we sit and wait? We let our people go about their daily lives not knowing what is coming? Karesna thought back to the council. That is idiocy, General Council Bael. If the person or persons who have the other two Swords is coming, we must prepare.

Are you saying we cannot stop this person–all of us together? Canela thought.

Primary Council, Canela, someone has two of the Saddig Swords. We have no way to stop them. Even if all of us band together, Karesna thought.

High One, your power is greater than our entire people combined, Bael thought. How is it you cannot stop this person?

I do not know if I can, Karesna thought. That is not the point! What if I can’t defeat this person? What then, they take the Sword from me and take control of the Platen? Do you want a stranger who usurps power and rules over our people?

It would not be the first time it had happened, Bael thought.

Saena felt the council’s minds become active. Some chastised Bael and some agreed with him.

Karesna held her head up high. I did what I had to do to protect our people.

That is completely subjective. Saena heard another mind think. Why do you not simply use your incredible abilities and seek out after this person. Vanquish him or her from a distance. Certainly you have the ability to locate who it is now.

I have tried. When I push out as far as I can, I get nothing. No telling beacons or markers pointing me to the right person. They must be blocking me somehow, Karesna thought.

That is not possible. Your power is now absolute. None can disagree with you or shield from you without your consent. You are too powerful, Canela thought.

Saena caught the double meaning in Canela’s last thought. She liked Canela and Bael. They were the only two bold enough to stand up to Karesna.

And you are not, Karesna sent a private thought to Saena. So stop that incessant nattering and be quiet!

Saena immediately clamped down on her thoughts. She cursed herself for not remembering Karesna’s power.

Regardless of my power, I cannot sense them, Karesna thought to the council again.

Will you take us to war with or without the council’s consent, High One? Wainea asked.

Primary Counsel Wainea, I wish to seek the council’s consent or I would not be here, Karesna thought.

You mock the council and The Balance! Bael thought. You act as if you are a staunch adherent to our laws! Yet in your usurpation of the High One seat you flagrantly disregarded our laws! You think from both sides of your mind!

Karesna sighed. I am not here to bring up the past, but to look toward our future.

The two are inseparable, Canela thought.

Karesna’s thoughts were silent for a while.

Suddenly, a solid white beam shot from the wall of the chamber and slammed into the Sword. Everyone ducked and a few people screamed. The inside of the chamber was lit up as if the sun had suddenly appeared. Karesna stood and watched her people. Saena cowered behind the High One.

The beam lasted only a few seconds and then vanished.

Karesna crossed her arms and glared at the council.

Saena looked around the High One at the others in the room. At one time they were the most respected of the people. After uncounted internal scandals and backbiting, the citizens of the Platen regarded their council with a jaded eye. But, Saena thought. They’re all we have.

Canela stood. Karesna looked at her with shock. It was consider treasonous to stand in the chamber without the express consent of the High One.

Canela looked straight at Karesna. We must act. Begin preparations for war.

Karesna nodded.

Saena sighed. That was entirely too easy. Damn Karesna.

CHAPTER 5

Range stood. What is this?

The robed figures did not move. One pulled his hood down. He had gray hair and a stern, sharp face. I am Praeceptor Arnmundur.

Well it’s about time you people decided to show up! Nicky said.

Range stabbed Nicky with a look and turned to the mage. Can we help you, Praeceptor?

Attingere must be found, Arnmundur said. It may be the only hope.

Hope for what? Range asked. Why must this be happening now?

Hope of a future for this land, Arnmundur said.

"And let me guess, you want me to locate it," Range said with as much sarcasm as he could muster.

Who else? the mage said.

How did you know where we are? Why are you here now? Range asked.

We were alerted by Father Jordan of the House of Ooln. He informed us of what happened. We were dispatched and have been looking for you ever since. We were informed of your location by the king.

Range looked over at Hutch. You told the king where we were?

Hutch shrugged. Didn’t seem to matter too much.

Range nodded in agreement. It really didn’t. He then shook his head and said, The answer is no.

That simply cannot be, Arnmundur said.

Look, I’m not going through this again. I have been through enough.

You will not go alone. I will send two Praeceptors with you. You will be well protected this time. There will be minimal danger to you.

Why me? Range asked. I am just another man.

You have been involved in this since the beginning. Even after Lazerek took Bellatrix from you, you still went after him and played a key role. You are a catalyst. You are the center of this.

Range threw his arms up in the air. That’s simply not true. I have wanted nothing to do with this since the beginning. He suddenly realized he was talking to a Praeceptor, a mighty mage of Akilade, someone who could snuff out his life with a thought.

He did not care.

Nonetheless. You must seek the Third Sword, Arnmundur said.

Send your two mages and have them locate it, Range said.

They are meant to bolster your hunt, nothing more.

This is ridiculous, Range said.

We have learned that your wife was taken with Saddig to Godhome.

Range stood. He was taller than the mage. How did you learn that? How can you be certain?

We have done extensive research on you and your family since learning of Bellatrix. We have also consulted with many people since the happenings two months ago.

We don’t know if he took her or not.

Yet, she was there one moment and gone the next, Arnmundur said.

True.

The likelihood that he took her to Godhome is great.

So what? You don’t even know for certain. You have no proof. Range said. He’d just about had enough of mages.

If he did, there is only way to rescue her.

Range felt the trap, but could not turn from it. What is that?

Obtain all Three Swords and place them together. Doing this will grant you the ability to enter Godhome, alive, human.

Nicky whistled. Range ran his fingers through his hair. His mind reeled. This will never stop. You cannot be certain of that. This is getting to be too much.

Not until it is done, Arnmundur said. Range thought he could sense something in the mage. Perhaps it was