A Kingdom Bitten

A KINGDOM BITTEN

By A.R.R. Burke

Copyright © 2016 A.R.R.Burke

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

About A.R.R. Burke

Sneak Peak - Soulless Empire

This book is dedicated to the memory of Toby

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Barbara Burke for supplying the artwork.

To all my family and friends for the support and patience they have shown me throughout the years.

PROLOGUE

Maeko was sitting in his study. Outside was the sound of a steady downpour of rain, with a chill in the air to remind you that winter was still apparent even this late into spring. It made him content to be cooped up in his study with a low burning fire in the corner. As he pushed back his grey hair and looked around the room Maeko’s thoughts drifted from the problem at hand. All was as it had been for the last twenty or more years, with the bookshelf taking up the whole southern side of the room. Many scrolls and ingredients were placed neatly on the bench on the opposite side of the room from where he sat, and of course behind him was a wall of fabric in which his sleeping quarters were hidden for when he had time to sleep. He could see the rain outside through the only window in the room above the bench. There was little worry of anyone seeing what work was laid out, being that he was positioned in the top of the tallest tower as a privilege of his station. Now that he had cleared his thoughts he looked down again at the parchment that was on his desk. He was unsure of the full implications this message foretold, but was sure that he had to act on it and do something. If only he had the abilities that was claimed his forefathers controlled, he could then at least see something of what the future contained and could act with more discretion than having no idea at all. Despair washed over him again, and with a supreme effort he regained control. Closing his eyes and concentrating he could almost forget about what he was about to do. Just as he reopened his eyes with the full intent of going back to his studies there was a light tap on the door. Clearing his throat, he requested that the person enter. The door opened, and a figure stepped in to tell him that the two he wished to speak with were in the meeting room down on the ground floor. With a nod of his head the figure quickly withdrew. Maeko slowly rose from his chair and with a single word disappeared from the room.

Maeko was standing just outside the door to the meeting room, and all remained silent in the corridor. He closed his eyes and concentrated, he could see what was going on in the room behind the door. Dayton stood over near the window, brooding as to why he was called over for this meeting, in his dark blue robes that identified him as a member of the order of destruction. Dayton should be easy enough to sway to his cause. He was very rash in making a decision, provided he was led in the right direction. The hard part was the requirement to include the other one. Braden was over in the other corner sitting on a seat watching Dayton with cold calculating eyes. Braden from the order of restoration was a lot more dangerous, as his magic required a lot more thought. Being involved in defensive magic has that requirement. Maeko laughed to himself then, what fools, I being of the superior Arch-Mage order that deals with both of the major types of magic, and a lot of the minor, as opposed to their hybrid arcane dabbling. Looking at both of them he could not help but think that Dayton would defiantly lose in a confrontation involving these two, as he underestimates the magic that Braden wields. Taking a deep breath Maeko opened the door and strode in.

Both were not in the least bit surprised, Dayton spun on his heel to front this new face, with a question on his lips, Braden answered before anyone could say a thing And now we find out why our studies have been so rudely interrupted tonight.

I would like both of you two to keep your mouths shut, so as I can explain. Then you can question the reasoning of my abrupt request for this secret meeting of the upper order. So can I get that much cooperation out of you two?

Maeko was answered by nods. Good, things were going smoothly so far. He could not help but breathe a small sigh of relief. Now what we have is an intruder in the kingdom, this intruder is slowly biting off chunks of the kingdom and the king is having very little luck in slowing the invader down. He needs information, and fast before he loses everything, that is why he has sent us a summons for help.

Why have you called this meeting only with the upper order involved, I’m sure the lower orders would feel that they should have been present? The first question coming from Dayton.

Well that’s exactly why they have not been included, as the decision has already been made. We will decline the request with a formal apology stating our affiliation with the kingdom is of no consequence as to who sits the throne. Maeko was met with a silence from both of them.

Finally Braden broke that silence So why such a cold response to his plea? King Marcellus has been more than decent in dealings with us. He has ruled wisely, allowing us to pursue our studies in peace. There is obviously more to this than what you have said.

You are quick witted, I will give you that. The king has sent me a private message stating extreme caution. He feels that this intruder is using magic, and thus it throws instant threat towards us. We do not know what we are up against. Though this enemy has spies in the kingdom, that is for certain.

So we wait and see? What if this intruder, whatever name he goes under, has the people turn on us after he has finished with the kingdom? We should just go out and kill him now - blast his cursed existence into oblivion! Things have been going well enough without him. Responded Dayton heatedly.

Before Maeko could respond, the light green hood turned in the direction of Dayton, Then you are a bigger fool than I had thought. Did you ever consider that he could wield more power than you could? Of course not! As the leader of your order you have usurped a false sense of superiority. What is more, he could present an advantage to us, having a king that understands and wields magic could allow our craft to expand to untold amounts. We should send an ambassador to find out his intentions and then make a decision as to what action we should take. After saying this Braden turned to Maeko with a smile That is what your plan is. Is it not?

Maeko smiled back, his features wrinkled with age. In a sense, yes. We will send out some ambassadors, but not of the type you are thinking as the king has already sent his own to ask the same question. Their bodies were returned one night with all the blood and entrails removed. I will not send anyone from my order to such a fate, and neither would any of you. We just can’t waste our valuable lives for something like that.

Ha, Vampires is what you are hinting at. We all know that they simply do not exist. Here we have an unstable individual who cravenly wields scare tactics on the populace. I think that for once I will side with Dayton. We should destroy this freak and be done with it!

Maeko Slowly shook his head I expected a better response from you Braden. That closes our options and puts us in untold danger. Just think for a minute. What if Vampires, Demons, Liches and Dragons do exist, but on a separate, parallel plane? If this theory holds true, and this is a Vampire, then he could release all types of fiends onto our world. We must find out more before acting. There are simply too many references on these mythical beasts in our law books to just discard the possibility. After all, if that were true then it could probably best anyone of us, or even all of us put together.

Looking at Dayton, Maeko could see that he was considering the idea. His eyes carried a cold calculating look as he chewed over the information he had been given. But Braden just shook his head slowly and said, What do you want? One minute you say you will not send out ambassadors and the next you say we have to find out what this invader is. What are you proposing that we send a spy?

Maeko smiled with a triumphant glint in his eyes. He knew he had them now. No, at least not anyone from our orders. I suggest that we use some people in the kingdom, form an elite group of heroes, avatars, whatever you wish to call them. The important thing is to get the right people for the job. I would like to suggest that we work on about five of these ‘Avatars’ so that they appear as nothing beyond another band of wandering adventurers. We need a Barbarian that can bash things over the head when the need is there. But he has to have enough sense to keep the others alive in the process. A highly skilled tracker will be essential, one that can warn of danger and heal any wounds along the journey. A thief that can move around undetected to glean the invaluable information that we will require. A Mage that can understand what is seen and protect the band from any magical attacks, guiding them wisely in the direction that we wish them to tread. And finally someone that will keep the band together, someone everyone likes, this person is the most important, as we can’t have them fighting and breaking up after the first difficulty encountered.

The room remained silent for a while before Dayton finally bit his lip and spoke If you can find such a perfect band, then go right ahead. I will support this venture as it does not affect me in any way.

Braden nodded his agreement more slowly, Whom will this mage be that you will be using? I thought that you said you would not use anyone from our orders?

Maeko then stood up straight and looked each of them in the eye I will use someone from my order, so you need not worry about that. The only reason for including you in this is to stop you from interfering with what is happening. Both of you will not do anything that could affect this invasion without my consent, as I am sending one of my own, and it is their life I am concerned about. Is that clear?

Both responded with some sort of agreement, and then Braden bowed and said Well, I will see you in the meeting tomorrow and vote with you in declining the king’s request for aid. Then Braden mumbled some arcane words and disappeared from the room.

Dayton voiced his assent, and with a fateful Good luck finding such a perfect band, also left the room.

Little did the two of them know that Maeko already had the heroes picked out, the only problem was getting them together without too much notice being taken.

Maeko stood in the silence of the night for a while before turning on his heel to look in the direction of the door. At that same instant the door opened, and a shadow slipped stealthily into the room, approaching Maeko with a dutiful bow.

You listened to what was said did you? Maeko was rewarded with a nod. Good. Well then, go and make it happen. And don’t forget to keep me up to date on the progress of our little experiment.

Don’t worry, you know I will keep you posted on our progress, a very feminine voice responded. After a pause she voiced her uncertainty Do you think that we can succeed?

We can only hope. Now, take care and don’t underestimate the importance of your assignment. Go before someone sees you here. It is very important that your identity on this mission remains a secret. The female mage nodded and left the room with the whisper of her red robes flowing behind through the doorway.

CHAPTER 1

Duncan was walking back to his cabin as dusk threatened another beautiful spring day. He loved it out here in the deep forests of Turanook, away from all civilized land. With a shake of his weary head he quietly cursed, Damn! People are never satisfied with anything and kept walking, his footfalls muffled by the damp earth.

Duncan often talked to himself. As he was the only soul for many a mile, he had little to worry regarding someone untoward overhearing him. It had only been some four or five years since he moved to his present location. That had been when he realised he would never find a community of people that met his expectations and, as far as he was concerned, they could all go and kill one another with their petty little problems.

It took quite a while for him to notice the incandescent trails of smoke issuing from his cottage chimney. He had only walked a short distance into the clearing that circumvented the cottage, his pace burdened by the young doe slung across his broad shoulders, before the intrusion caught his eye. He immediately dropped his kill and drew his sword. Moving with practiced ease, Duncan swiftly drew alongside the cabin, showing greater caution as he approached the main door.

At the door he stopped to listen. There were definite sounds coming from within the building as though someone was digging around in the kitchen. With a deep, nervous breath he eased the door open just a little, peering in he could discern a solitary figure approaching the hearth. As he watched, the stranger put a kettle to the fire, crouching to stoke the flames. Without turning from the hearth, the figure suddenly spoke, fully aware of his presence. You need not worry, Duncan. I am not an enemy that you need to dispose of. On saying this, the figure cast some herbs into the now simmering pot.

With an indifferent shrug, Duncan slightly lowered the blade of his sword and entered his home with a cautious stride. And who are you to break into my house and make do with my supplies as though you owned them?

The stranger kept working for a little while until, seemingly satisfied that all was complete, turned to confront him. For the first time he gazed upon the intruder in the dim light with eyes that had adjusted to the smoky confines of the room. He examined the stranger who stood dressed in a light forest garb of all browns and greens, with a long knife strapped to the hip. On looking at this intruder’s face he realized with a gasp that this person was actually an elven female. Of an average height for her race, she stood just over six feet tall and possessed a very slim, feminine build. Over to the side of the room nestled her long bow, unstrung with a quiver of arrows beside it, and an elven travel cloak lay draped across the back of a seat. He realized then that he had been staring and cleared his throat and repeated his question. Answering as she turned back to the pot I will just finish making this pot of tea, how about you go and get that deer and bring it in? Then I will answer your question. Her tone carried with it the experience of one that is never questioned. Before he knew what he was doing, he was out and heading over to where he had hurriedly discarded his catch. While walking over he was able to think a little clearer. What was an elf doing here, and a female one at that? Whatever it was he was certain he wanted no part in it, and on making that decision, he deposited the doe into a building adjoining the cabin. He would take care of that later, as soon as he was able to get rid of this unwanted visitor.

On entering the cabin again he found her sitting with a cup of tea in her hands, deep in thought. Beside her was another cup, obviously for him. Walking over he picked it up and sat down, and that’s when she turned to look at him. Now to begin with I should tell you my name, as I know yours that seems only fair. She waited until he nodded, then went on. My name is Mishka, and as you can see I am of elven blood. I am actually from the Valley of Halona. All I ask is that you give me a moment of your time, and most importantly that you give it some genuine thought before answering me. Can I have that much? Saying this she put her cup to her lips and took a sip of her tea.

Duncan studied her face while he thought about what she was going to ask of him. Her hair was light-blonde, and she wore it down to her shoulder blades. It was combed back behind her pointed ears, proudly displaying her elven heritage. Her skin was an even milky white without the slightest blemish, her thin lips pale and exquisite, and her feline eyes a sea of blue. All in all she was obviously quite well groomed considering the journey she must have made to reach his cabin. Why would she have any need of a human’s help? Elves always keep to themselves and virtually never ask for help from beyond their own kindred. On thinking this, Duncan’s curiosity was starting to stir after all. What would it hurt to listen and put on a show of thinking about it?

All right then, let me hear what you have to say. I will consider it on its merits though I am not sure what you need that I could provide for you. Barring of course that is, if you need a place to stay for the night. I have left behind the work of a mercenary.

That is what has always surprised me about you humans. You all live such short lives yet you think you can control when you will stop doing something that you simply have no control over. I would think that you would be trying to live life to its very end. Instead you all just stop and let the brief flame of life burn down to the end of its very existence. Saying this with a genuine smile on her lips, she then stopped smiling and continued with a much more serious tone to her voice. What I have to tell you is of no consequence to this, though. In short, I need someone that has a very good sword arm and boasts a lot of experience to go with it, someone that will know when to fight and when not to. And yet the two most important things are someone that is not elven, but human and has been known to have dealings with us in the past.

You fit both of those requirements and also know our ways very well. What I need is for you to escort me to the capital of your kingdom and present me to your King Marcellus. I have a very serious matter to discuss but I will be pushed back and ignored, or will be forced to talk to an adviser, or diplomat instead of the king were I to go with an elven guard. Taking a breath she looked him in the eyes and awaited his response.

Duncan could not read anything in those eyes. She simply sat there and waited for his response. Why not just go to the city with an elven guard and hire someone there, or hire a couple of mercenaries in a village? Why do you need someone like me? Duncan was quite annoyed now. This elf thought she could just come here and wave a moneybag in front of him, expecting him to jump like a trained animal. Sure he had spent quite a time working for the elves in the past and was deemed a friend in some elven communities, but not from the Halona Valley. There the elves are notorious for shunning even some of their own kind that would dare associate with any other race. The elves of Halona were very well known to keep to themselves so why would they seek the assistance of a petty human?

Mishka made an attempt to look unaffected by this last statement although the anger showed through quite plainly as she responded, You of all should know how immoral your kind is! You primitive barbarians are well known for the lust you harbour for elven women. All you need to do is take a look around at all the bastard half casts to see that. Taking a deep breath she continued on in a more steady voice. That is why I am in need of someone that is a friend of the elven kind, one that has been trained in our ways and respects them with all seriousness, not someone who is run by your animal urges.

That was a big mistake. Duncan could tell she also realized this for she quickly looked away, a very slight crease etched across her brow. It took some time before he could talk in a controlled manner and when he did speak it was in a very quiet tone. So what I am to you is an animal that has been trained, like an obedient dog. You thought you could just come here and tell me to sit up and follow you at your command. I have been told about your people in the Halona Valley and I think it is plain that you could never mix with any of the other races. You have always deemed yourselves to be the superior race, treating others as inferiors. I think you would not be able to see beyond your raised nose to notice what anyone else would have to say. You want to know what else I think? I think you would be incapable of living outside your little world where everything is made specifically for your purpose. What do you?... He stopped himself just in time. How dare she come here and speak so to him, in his own home?

She was standing now and looking directly at him, her eyes were the roundest he had ever seen an elf’s eyes get. She spun away and walked towards the fire. As she gazed into the crackling flames, she replied in a repentant voice, I am sorry that is the impression I have given. I am not one that is good with words. Turning, she came back over to him. I have spent the majority of my life never having conversed with other people of the kingdom. I like to be out in the wild, away from people where you don’t have to say the right thing, rather than the words that you really feel. For that I apologize for offending you, and hope that you are able to see those words of mine as someone that only has been able to form my opinions on your race through rumours rather than any true experience. It was the last thing he expected from her. He was actually hoping that she would bite back and leave in a big huff. Then, at least, he would be rid of all this business. In his mind the sooner she left, the better.

It took some time for him to formulate a reply that would hopefully end the conversation. Well, I accept your apology and am also sorry for the last few words that I have spoken out of anger rather than any real truth. He waited for her to acknowledge what he said, and then before she could reply he rose from his seat, I need to go out and cut up the meat, clean and salt it. If you want to stay the night you’re welcome to have the floor by the fireplace. Saying this, he left the room without waiting for a reply.

The axe came down squarely on the piece of timber, splitting it very close into two even halves. He brushed the two pieces aside and proceeded to put a new piece onto the block. There was already plenty of wood chopped to last a week or so, but it gave him a good excuse to be on his own to think a little. It had been several days since the elf had arrived and she had made no move to leave, seemingly quite content to wait him out. She had remained reasonably friendly towards him and was even aiding with all the chores. So it was not causing him any major problems in that respect. What annoyed him more than anything was the fact that she thought he would change his mind on it, as though it was just on a whim that he had said no to her already, and was susceptible to change his mind at anytime. The only consolation was she had not said any more to him on the subject, and that he was glad of. It was good to eat someone else’s cooking for a change though. After all, Duncan had to admit to himself that he was not the best cook in the kingdom. The way she prepared the meals was nothing over the top. They were always a simple fare, but spiced with certain herbs that lent the food a delicious flavour.

The first drops of rain started to fall, causing him to break from his musings. The storm had been brewing for most of the day now and it looked like it was about to break. Damn! He could not help but say it out loud as he put the timber away under cover and started to head for the doorway of the cabin.

He had just closed the door behind him when the rain started pelting down, the sound was deafening. Looking around the dim room he was able to see that not much had changed since this morning, but something was definitely different and he just had to work out what. He then noticed that Mishka was not anywhere to be seen and that her bow and quiver were both gone. That was something to be thankful for. She had finally decided to move on and that, he decided was just fine for him. Of course he was a little disappointed that she had not even told him she was leaving. Out of no other reason than to occupy his mind he decided to take his armour and weapons out and give them a good clean and oiling down. When he got to the chest, he looked into the mirror above it just to get some sort of memory as to who he was. He saw a large, mountain of a man, huge in all proportions with a strong jaw line, thick limbs like tree trunks, a large face framed by a dark beard and equally dark hair and eyes. First impressions always led people to believe he was a dark and violent man. A scar running down his right cheek only helped to add to the appearance of a very dangerous adversary. He nodded favourably. Well that is just as well. He had always made good use of his size to avoid having a scrap with all forms of adversaries. Even though he could have easily conquered his enemy, and for that matter, still could. He had always boasted the fact that he had never lost a fight, but he was also smart enough to avoid them were he could. Chance often played too much of a part in fighting. All it took was one lucky blow or an error on his part and then the battle could be decided in an instant. Over time he found that self-preservation was wiser than brute force and ignorance.

Sitting down he started methodically cleaning and re-oiling his armour. It was a very fine suit of chain that had been given to him by a dwarven smith from a faraway place in the mountains, in the southern end of the continent. The suit was surprisingly light and very strong and was specially crafted for his size. Slowly over the years he had acquired and lost all kinds of weapons and armour from virtually every corner of the known, and unknown, world. With a last wipe over with his oilcloth he put the armour back down and sat back to think for a while. He closed his eyes for a moment and suddenly felt very tired. Getting old, he muttered and drifted off into oblivion…

It was dark, and he was standing in a graveyard outside a little town. The town itself was in ruins after a brief skirmish that day. The smoke was still thick in the air and the glowing timber and stone that remained after all the fires were illuminating the buildings with an eerie light. The only smell worse than the smoke was that of the burnt and decaying flesh. A small part in the back of his mind thought it strange that the flesh of these people would already be decaying after only a few short hours. The chanting was starting to increase in tempo and there seemed a lot more strength behind it now. He realized that it had been going the whole time he was standing there, but only its increased resonance drew his attention.

Looking around, he found the source of the chanting over at the edge of the graveyard. A figure all in shadow and draped in heavy robes hunched over a glowing ball of light. Coming to an end of its chanting it straightened to its full, imposing height. Towering easily over seven foot, it stretched wide its gaunt arms and looked to the sky. Then it spoke words he could understand. I command you to rise up and serve your master! Rise now at my command and I will give you blood to feed on. All of a sudden there was movement around him as the skeleton remains of the long dead villagers started to rise from their clammy graves. They were all around him now, but seemingly oblivious to his presence. Vacantly they all stood as though awaiting the next command from their new master.

The stench was over powering, drawing a gasp from Duncan as he tried to keep the putrid reek from his nostrils. The arcane figure turned slightly and looked right through him from beneath a shadowy hood. Its presence was terrible, exuding fear in waves of despair. All he wanted to do was turn and run as fast and as far from this abomination as he possibly could, but its minions had him pinned. With the acceptance of his lot, he gained his senses and realized he would have to fight his way out of the circle of undead. Unsheathing his sword he adopted the stance of a well-practiced fighter and waited for them to attack.

The Spirit of the nether world seemed to shudder a little before it screamed in disbelief. Who are you to defy me? Who are you and what are you doing here! I shall find you and feed you to the dead that you have witnessed rising to my command. Go you insignificant little man and hide. Find what solace you can and wait for my coming, for I will come and I will let you experience an eternity of pain and sorrow. With a wave of its hand Duncan found himself flying through space. With a start he awoke as his sweat slaked body collided with the unforgiving wall of his cabin. He was alone and bleeding from where his head had struck the wall. As he looked groggily around the door opened, scrabbling over to recover his blade when Mishka walked in. She took one look at him and dropped her bundle, putting her delicate hand to her mouth. Oh no, you have seen it too! You’re as white as a sheet and trembling like a leaf in a storm. She started over to him immediately and pleaded with him to sit down. He stiffly did as she bade, questions swirling in his head. What was that and how did it send me flying through the air like that?

Shaking her head, she gravely replied, That I have no idea. The only thing I know is that it must be stopped. Now, tell me what happened in your dream. I need to know what you have seen. With a shaky voice Duncan recounted his nightmare to her. He laboured over the retelling and it was some time before she stood back up and paced around the room. Abruptly turning on her heel she confronted him. We will have to leave tomorrow as he would have already dispatched some kind of being to swiftly end your life.

It is a he is it? And what, by the beard of a dwarf, is this ‘thing’ before I go running liked a whipped dog to my king and hide behind his gown, whining and begging for him to get rid of the bad man. I would rather pick my time and place to dispatch this minion and then go on to kill its master. I have never and will never run and hide like some beaten dog.

So what you propose to do is meet your death head on. The minions that were previously dispatched after me killed many of my kindred, all of whom were skilled fighters. Shafts from our long bows were insufficient to kill one, and there were two of them hounding us. How do you expect to kill them when they don’t bleed? You can fill them like a pincushion with arrows and they just keep coming at you. You tell me brave warrior, what would you do? Genuine feeling saturated her voice.

Duncan stared back at her with a calculating glare. He tried to keep a quiver out of his voice and only slightly succeeded. They do die though for you would not be here in this room if they did not. What did it take for you to kill them? If I know this, then I can formulate a plan, because I will not live a life of fear.

She shook her head. Our elven blades appeared to cause them more pain than the arrows did but those that bit the deepest were crafted of a metal that is very rare to acquire. It seems that magic and fire is all that can kill them, but they were so quick to kill our fighters. Her voice quietened. So very quick. This is what I need to talk to your king about. He must order the wizards of the black towers to come forth and dispatch this foe. Our magic is not violent in its nature and has little affect unless wielded within our borders.

He could not help but laugh and she looked upon his tearful face as though he was going crazy. Just as she was opening her mouth to speak he held up his finger and answered the unanswered question. I don’t think our king could even request, let alone order the mages to come forward and fight this thing. He has no control over them and they have always kept to themselves. I don’t think the mages would particularly give a damn if this creature slaughtered us all. Now if they burn, then that is what must be done. With that he got up and headed to the door. How long do I have?

They will be here sometime tomorrow night I would think.

I best make ready now then if you are unsure. With that he slipped out the door into the rain.

He had toiled away for most of the night, his work drawing him in and out of the rain as he set up for the confrontation ahead. It was just over an hour before dawn when the sky would soon start to lighten in the west, and slowly fill the sky with its faint light like the breaking of a giant wave. He had just changed into dry clothes and had started to ready his travel pack when he noticed Mishka over by a window. You need not stay for this, he offered.

She turned at the sound of his voice It would be easier if I stayed to help though, would it not? He acknowledged her question with a nod. Of course, if I helped you, you would be obliged to help me in return, would you not? Whether you like it or not, you are mixed up in this now and there is no turning back. He could see her looking at him, patiently waiting for an answer. What she said was true - he was trapped in this now and he was just going to have to ride it to its end.

With a grunt he stood up and walked over to his kitchen. She was still waiting for his response. As far has he was concerned he did not need to answer her, she will get the hint soon enough. If he had paid attention, he would have seen the fear showing through the whites of Mishka’s almond-shaped eyes.

It did not take long for her to speak. So this is the mighty wanderer. Once things don’t go his way he sulks. Is it really that hard for you to admit that you cannot control everything around you? She was trying to bait him into an argument and he was not going give her the satisfaction.

Annoyed by her knowledge Duncan responded with his loner’s logic. I learned a long time ago to take control of my own destiny and by doing so I learnt that some things you just can’t control. This is where I learned to adapt to circumstance as it happens. He was looking at her now. I will take you to the king simply because I am going there myself. With that he turned his back on her and continued rummaging around the cupboards. Shortly he found the items he was looking for while Mishka, a silent observer in the background, stood with her head tilted keenly to one side. The elf looked at him and started to tremble, speaking with a catch in her throat. They come, she prophesied.

Duncan did not stop to ask questions but crossed to his pack and deposited the supplies, reaching for his armour. In a very short time he had donned his mail armour, his sword drawn and ready in his skilled grip. Dragging the pack over to the side of his cabin he made ready in the middle of the room, hefting his blade in trained arcs. He could see Mishka had taken up a position near the hearth, her bow nocked and ready.

Outside all was dead silent, not even a whisper of sound penetrating the pre-dawn darkness. Slowly he could discern a sound that resonated through the wood, growing stronger with the pounding of his heart. It was like heavy breathing that concluded with a long drawn-out sigh. The sound circumvented his cabin in an eerie cacophony as the thing stalked around the cabin once, then twice. What if it stayed outside, what then, Duncan thought? He was starting to doubt his preparations when the door was suddenly ripped out of its frame. Standing in the wreckage where the door had stood but a moment ago was a large, hulking shape. Apparently a bear at one time, the pathetic creature was now something completely different. Its fur had become a series of scales overlapping each other and the claws were longer with a serrated edge along them. An evil looking colour emanated from its vacant eyes. It bore the overwhelming stench of a creature that had soiled itself coupled with a mat of rotting meat and some dank musk smell. All this assailed him like a wave, and like the dream he had to use every inch of his training and nerves not to turn and run.

Before he could draw another breath, two arrows were sticking out of its chest. He raised his sword as it approached with a speed that beguiled its size, yelling at Mishka to shoot for the eyes he defiantly stood his ground. Again one, then two arrows speed towards it. The beast caught the first and smashed it whilst the second grazed the side of its head. Then a third, as swift as a diving falcon, found its mark in the left eye. The thing roared its pain. With satisfaction Duncan knew he had a chance, after all it felt pain. It dove for him and with ease he was able to sidestep and give it a heavy two-handed blow to the back of the head. It hardly stopped as it turned on him with a vicious swipe of its claw, merely winding him as he was cast aside by a mighty blow, once more praising his chainmail for having saved him one more time.

With a thump he hit the ground and rolled. By the time he was standing it had another two arrows in it and the third was alight with a burning rag. It was standing there in confusion as to which attacker to go for when with a hum the arrow flew at its feet. Hitting the floor it instantly caught alight with the oil that had been carefully laid around earlier. Before he could stop to mourn the flames that would destroy his home, Duncan threw an oilskin at the disheveled bear. Sparks flew as he ran towards his pack. Unseen, a heavy arm of the monster smashed into his chest sending him flying backwards into the wall where he slid down to the ground. His vision was dimming when a shape came through the haze and seized him, picking him up and with a sudden jerk, he was in the air again. He lost his bearings as he landed on the ground and again rolled, standing up from instinct alone. He spun and quickly realized he had to get out of the building before it was entirely engulfed. Stumbling around in the chaos a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him in another direction. A window appeared out of the smoke and flame and he immediately dove through. With a heavy crunch he hit the ground and lost consciousness.

CHAPTER 2

Phanlee was not very impressed with the turn of events so far that night. It had all started out as quite a normal job, one that he had performed on any number of occasions before. He had been hired to enter this wealthy person’s home to remove a small jewel box with as little attention being drawn to him as possible. All had seemed an easy and straightforward theft of the box until his hands came into contact with the little package. As soon as he had the black and golden laced treasure cupped in his hands, the parcel started to warm up incredibly. After hastily throwing it into his bag there was a long series of tiny bells ringing from somewhere else in the building. The intended target had been booby-trapped, and not by any kind he had ever dealt with before.

Now he was on the run from both the city guards, and the goons hired by the master of the house he’d claimed the box from. For the sixth or seventh time he was currently lying low while a patrol searched the area. Cursing to himself he knew that from his own experiences this job was paying too good to have been so easy. He should have been far more careful about this job than he had been. Phanlee could not help but think again that all he had to do was cross to the other side of the street to gain the sewers. It would seem that the guards had the same thought, as they constantly appeared to be herding him down the street. Logically thinking on that he realized that the only thing down