On Blackened Wings: Soul Force Saga, #5

Chapter One

The charred stink of burning wood curled Binder’s nose. The remains of the birch clump he’d crashed into still smoldered behind him. With a thought, he snuffed out the flames, leaving only a lingering wisp of smoke. His fall from Heaven had been long and dark, but now he had arrived in the mortal world .

The Throne of Chains tugged at him, but weakly. He’d landed far from the imperial capital, which, given the size of the hole his arrival created, was just as well. Had he struck a populated area, blocks would have been leveled and thousands killed.

It would be hard enough getting everyone to work together; beginning his rule by killing a large swath of his future subjects would win him no hearts or minds. Though he had the power to compel obedience, in the long run freely given loyalty worked best.

First things first. He’d gotten rid of his wings and reduced his eight-foot height to a more reasonable six for the moment, but remained stark naked. That wouldn’t do at all. Humans had the strangest ideas about nudity and he didn’t want to get that sort of attention. Appearing to be a lunatic would do him as little good as leveling a city block. Fortunately, his power was such that shaping an outfit out of grass and twigs presented no obstacle.

When he’d finished, Binder wore black trousers and matching tunic and boots. He made the material light to account for the heat and humidity of the empire’s southern regions. His hair obediently wove itself in the single long braid favored by the locals. With his disguise sorted out, it was time to fly. He could reach the capital before dark if he hurried.

Hey, mister, what happened?

Two boys came running toward the blackened trees, their clothes more patch than cloth and filthy as only unsupervised boys could be. He guessed they were both under ten and badly malnourished given their height. One had a tan vest and the other blue. Aside from that, little differentiated them.

I believe a meteor impacted here. I checked, but the stone must have disintegrated when it hit.

Wow! Blue Vest peered at the smoking hole with big brown eyes. Lucky it didn’t hit you.

Indeed, Binder said. Why are you two not in school?

School? Tan Vest asked as though unfamiliar with the word.

Yes, you know, a place of learning. The masters teach reading, writing, and basic math. It’s mid-morning, surely you should both be at your lessons.

Blue Vest laughed. We don’t have lessons, mister. Only thing orphans do during the day is try and find enough food to survive until morning. We were headed for the brook to fish or gig frogs when the meteor hit.

Binder stared for a moment, but sensed no lie in the boy’s words. At its height, the empire had educated its citizens for free, even those without parents. And no child worried about having food to eat or a roof over his head.

True, the orphans would have ended up at a government work camp or in the military, but even forced labor would have been better than scrounging to survive. This was what lack of order led to. The other archangels never understood that while he wanted order, he wanted it for the good of all, not for personal glory.

Is your town nearby? Binder asked.

It’s not much of a town. Tan Vest pointed behind him. Just go that way a mile or two. You can’t miss it.

Come on, Blue Vest said. We got fish to catch.

The boys waved and ran off to the north. Binder wished them a silent good luck and turned in the direction indicated. Perhaps flying to the capital wasn’t the best course. He needed to see with his own eyes what happened to this place. Other matters had turned his gaze away for too long and this was the result.

It took twenty minutes to walk to the small patch of dirt and huts that aspired to be a village. Rice paddies ringed the town and would serve as a minor deterrent to anyone thinking about raiding the place. A dirt road in and out offered the only easy access. From the condition of the huts, he judged the villagers possessed little worth stealing.

A dozen workers in off-white smocks and large round hats looked up as he approached. Binder raised a hand and waved. He carried no weapon and should pass easily enough for a simple traveler. He’d made a point of not shaping his costume into anything too fine.

He passed between two of the paddies on his way to the village proper. None of the farmers greeted him, instead bending back down and resuming their work. From the height of the plants it looked like they’d bring in a good harvest.

The moment he reached the first building a black-and-tan mastiff came running out of the largest hut barking and snarling.

Binder glared at the animal, stopping its charge and sending it whining back home. A moment later three men emerged, better dressed and much better fed than any of the farmers. They also carried weapons. Wide, curved swords hung at their waists and the rightmost carried a cocked crossbow.

The center man was a bit thinner and a bit shorter than the other two. He stroked a narrow beard and smiled, displaying yellow teeth. We don’t get many visitors to our humble village. What brings you by?

Just passing through. Shouldn’t you three be helping with the harvest?

The men laughed so hard their faces turned red. When he’d caught his breath the center man said, We aren’t farmers. Our job is to protect this village from those who would steal its harvest and harm its people.

Binder gave the ragged village a meaningful glance. I can’t imagine other bandits are much of a problem. I’ve seen leper colonies with more to steal.

The spokesman’s smile vanished. Are you implying we aren’t earning our keep? You walk into our village and insult us? For an unarmed man you’ve got a lot of guts. Maybe me and the boys will spill ’em in the dirt. That’ll teach you to keep your mouth shut.

Who said I was unarmed?

Gray chains of pure soul force shot out of the air.

They pierced the bigger men’s throats.

Blades appeared on either side of the end link. When Binder called the chains back, the bandits’ heads plopped to the dirt.

What are you? the survivor asked. A trickle of liquid ran out his pant leg and pooled around his feet. Binder grimaced at the stink.

I am your new emperor. Or I will be soon enough. When I’m finished, there will be no place for leeches like you in this world.

A nervous chuckle slipped through the bandit’s lips. You’re going to have to murder most of the population. You think simple bandits like us are bad? The nobles put us to shame. They rob whole territories. We were just trying to survive.

I don’t suppose it occurred to you to do something useful to earn your living?

Like what? He gestured at his dead companions. We have no trade. We grew up orphans. No guild would take us in without sponsors. We don’t even know how to farm. Becoming bandits was better than starving. We had a good thing here, until you showed up. These spineless cowards would rather give us what we needed than risk a fight.

You make a fine speech. Nevertheless, your time of preying on these people is over.

The bandit shot Binder a pitying look. If it isn’t us, it’ll be another group. There’s always another group.

Perhaps your heads on spears outside the village will discourage your peers. If not, I’ll return and kill whoever shows up next. I’ll kill as many as it takes to purify this empire. You humans breed so fast I can afford to sacrifice a generation or two if that’s what it takes.

The bandit opened his mouth and a chain shot through it. He collapsed beside his worthless friends. Binder shook his head at the waste.

Fixing the empire was going to be a bigger job than he first thought.

Chapter Two

A re you alright?

The question seemed to come at Marie-Bell through a haze. She understood the individual words, but the meaning of the sentence eluded her for a second. When her eyes finally opened, she found Damien staring down at her, his forehead creased in concern.

Are you okay? he asked again.

This time the question made sense. Yeah. Sorry, my partner dragged my spirit away a little more aggressively than usual. I’m okay now, except for the rock digging into my kidney.

Damien held out a hand and pulled her to her feet. You gave us quite a scare, though Dreamer assured us you were fine.

Fine might be a stretch.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to clear the last of the fog. The sun was still high in the sky, so she hadn’t been out for long. Slowly it all came back to her, the dragons and their armies coming from north and south, the battle, and the Binder in Chains falling from grace. So much had happened. Her mind boggled at the idea that she’d forgotten, even for a second. Of course, getting your soul pulled from your body would make anyone feel shaky.

The three dragon representatives had gathered a little ways away and put their heads together. King Andrew and the archmage were engaged a similar distance away in the opposite direction, leaving only Damien and Jen keeping her company.

So what happened? Jen asked.

Marie-Bell forced herself to focus. The remaining archangels gathered us for a meeting. They tasked twenty paladins with finding and securing the aid of Golden Dawn. I was one of those selected.

That makes sense, Damien said. I can’t imagine a purer soul than yours. If anyone can convince the final dragon to aid us, it’s the paladins. Who else is going?

She glanced over his shoulder and grimaced. The rest of the paladins marched toward the group with Sir Collin in the lead. Someone had fetched the camp’s flag and carried it from a short pole. It looked like they’d decided to have a parade through a war zone.

The answer’s on its way.

Damien turned. Figures he’d be going. How did Sir Collin get chosen in the first place?

The same way everyone else does I suppose. Marie-Bell shrugged. She’d never given much thought to how most paladins found their partners. Sir Collin has been grandmaster for as long as I’ve been a paladin, but I suppose he must have started as a regular soldier, the same as everyone else.

The parade had moved close enough now that the others had noticed them. The king and the archmage turned to greet them while the three dragon-chosen watched with silent disdain. She knew how they felt. Sometimes the Order preferred showing off to getting things done.

Sir Collin stopped ten feet from the king and nodded, more like a greeting between equals than of vassal to lord. If the relative lack of respect bothered King Andrew, he hid it well. He’d probably dealt with Sir Collin enough to know what to expect.

Majesty, Sir Collin said with proper deference. We have been called to find the final dragon. The archangels commanded us to locate and secure the creature’s aid. The kingdom may rest easy knowing my people are on the job.

Splendid, Sir Collin, the king said. I assume you have a plan to complete this task.

Of course. I will lead my followers to the Thunder Peaks, fly to the top of the highest mountain, and convince the dragon to invest her power in me. With that done we will return to lead the fight against the fallen angel.

Marie-Bell doubted it would be so simple and from the look of disgust twisting the archmage’s face she agreed. Maybe the details would be worked out later.

Do you even know where the Thunder Peaks are? Al Elan moved to join the group—or maybe it would be more accurate to say Dreamer did. The dragon clearly still spoke through the young man’s lips.

Sir Collin stiffened at the implication of his ignorance. Of course, they’re in the Old Empire. Far to the west across the ocean.

The hint of a smile played across Al Elan’s face. You realize the Old Empire sprawls across a continent half again as big as this one. If you fly west you will need to stay awake for three days before you reach land, assuming you don’t run out of soul force and drown. Once you reach the coast you’ll have to travel through the most densely populated parts of the empire, bypassing feuding warlords, and eventually locating a mountain hidden by dragon magic. Even I don’t know exactly where Golden Dawn has made her lair. Do you expect to just stumble across it?

Sir Collin drew himself up to his full height. Heaven and our faith will guide us. Rest assured, we will complete our mission.

Faith is a fine thing, Al Elan said. But a plan doesn’t hurt. The course you’ve chosen will only assure your eventual failure and death.

I suppose you have such a plan? Sir Collin said.

How long was the dragon going to let him get away with that attitude? It surprised Marie-Bell that one of them hadn’t slapped him down before now. Anyone paying any attention could see how much more powerful the dragons’ chosen were than even the combined force of paladins.

Al Elan seemed content to ignore his tone. In fact I have. I recommend you head southeast. The western part of the empire is rugged and sparsely populated. You will avoid detection far longer that way than you will flying west.

Sir Collin shook his head. What kind of fool suggests flying through the Haunted Lands is the safer path?

Marie-Bell darted a look at the others, but everyone seemed mesmerized by the argument between Sir Collin and Al Elan.

I suggest nothing of the sort, Al Elan said. Southeast I said. Travel through the Badlands until you reach my brother’s kingdom, then turn east. A great sea separates the Fire Kingdom from the Haunted Lands. You will have no trouble reaching the eastern ocean. I’ll wager I can convince my brother to have a ship laden with supplies waiting for your arrival.

There’s another ocean to the east? Sir Collin said.

Al Elan chuckled. Indeed, though both oceans are connected so you might as well say there’s only one. What say you, sir?

It seems a cowardly bit of sneaking, but if it helps us complete our mission, then I will consider it. If you will excuse me, my aides and I have much planning to do. He spun and marched back toward their camp.

Marie-Bell moved to join them.

Sir Collin must have sensed her coming. He turned back and raised a hand. Your presence is neither needed nor wanted. Just be ready to move when we’ve finalized our plans.

And just like that they left her behind.

Damien put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. What a prick. You guys really need to put someone else in charge.

Most of those higher up in the Order received their position from Sir Collin. No one will go against him.

Marie-Bell sighed. It was going to be a long trip.

Chapter Three

Sir Collin seethed as they made their way back to camp. He barely paid any attention to the rough road or the growing stench of rotting bodies. The archangels’ declaration that Marie-Bell had to accompany them occupied all his thoughts .

How could such wise and all-seeing beings remain blind to the girl’s uselessness? Other than a streak of luck a mile wide, what did she bring to the journey? What did Marie-Bell know about war and politics?

Nothing! That’s what she knew.

This wasn’t some pleasure trip. They had thousands of miles to cover. He doubted she was up to the task. His jaw ached from grinding his teeth.

A deep breath calmed his racing heart.

If she fell behind, they’d leave her. The angels could hardly blame him for Marie-Bell’s weakness. Her eventual failure would prove he was right all along.

Mallory, one of his personal guards, touched his sleeve. Sir? We’re here.

Everyone stared at him as they waited outside the command tent. Right, time to get down to business.

Thank you, Mallory. Everyone except the regional commanders can begin breaking down our camp. With the battle over, there’s nothing to keep us here. Once I’ve selected those we’ll be taking on the quest, the rest of you will need to return to your regular duties. This emergency doesn’t end our day-to-day problems. The people will be counting on us even more than usual during this trying hour. Dismissed.

A flurry of salutes filled the air before the rank and file dispersed to carry out his orders. When they’d gone, only the four regional commanders and his personal guards remained.

Sir Collin led them into the command tent. The interior held little in the way of personal property or furniture. A rectangular table surrounded by camp chairs filled the central area. His page had cleaned up the breakfast dishes and scrubbed the tabletop to an almost mirror shine before retiring to the small side room where he slept.

After a quick sigh, Sir Collin shrugged off the holy shield, leaned it against the table, and settled into the chair at the table’s head. He held himself rigidly upright, but resting his feet felt wonderful.

The regional commanders dropped into the empty chairs while Mallory and Jenkins took position behind him. Everyone looked expectantly at him. Couldn’t the useless fools think for themselves just this once?

Probably not, and Sir Collin didn’t want them getting into any bad habits. If they started thinking for themselves now, they might decide to do it again later, at a less convenient time.

Sir Collin cleared his throat. Well, what did you think about the dragon’s suggestion that we take a southeastern route? Making the long flight wouldn’t be easy for any of us and arriving exhausted would leave the group vulnerable to attack.

I believe the dragons know far more about this world than we do and if they suggest the southern route, I’m inclined to take their suggestion, Sir Aldren said.

The other commanders nodded their agreement.

Also, if the Fire King can provide us with resources, we would be foolish not to take advantage, Sir Gerard said. The journey will be taxing enough as it is.

Very well, Sir Collin said. Moving on to personnel. I’ll be leading the mission so naturally Mallory and Jenkins will be joining me. Marie-Bell will be along as well, as if we don’t have enough baggage.

That drew a chuckle from the others, but it wasn’t a laughing matter. If she jeopardized the mission, he’d never forgive her.

For the remaining members, Sir Collin continued, I’ll need each of you to select four of your strongest and most loyal paladins. Only the best can go on this quest, especially given the stakes. You have until the tents are broken down to ready your people. Is there anything else?

Perhaps… Sir Aldren cleared his throat and smoothed his thin mustache. Perhaps we should leave the girl behind. For the good of the mission.

In direct disobedience of the archangels’ command? Sir Gerard’s bushy eyebrows had risen so high they nearly merged with his short gray hair.

It was only a thought, Sir Aldren said.

Sir Collin raised his hands, a faint smile quirking his lips. And not a bad thought at that, but we serve the angels and if they believe the girl is necessary, then she might be, despite what we know. Either way the die is cast. She will come with us. If it should prove that she is more burden than help as we fear, she can always be left behind.

The four commanders rose, bowed, and made their way out of the tent. Sir Collin put an arm over his eyes. This quest would be his final mission. He felt it in his bones. He would find the dragon, gain its power, and save the world.

Sir Collin would retire as the greatest paladin in history. Statues would be erected in his image and for all time paladins would speak his name with awe.

It was destiny and no one, least of all some wisp of a girl, would keep him from his fate.

Chapter Four

Marie-Bell watched the last of her fellow paladins march out of sight. She hadn’t attempted to join them again. They made it perfectly clear she wasn’t welcome and Marie-Bell didn’t want to risk Sir Collin deciding to ignore Adonael’s decree and attempting to strip her of her power. Of course, once they set out it would be nineteen to one so she might still be in danger .

Not that she wanted to believe the others would go along with his plan, but just because she didn’t want to believe it, didn’t make it impossible.

What will you do now? King Andrew asked the three dragons.

There is nothing we can do until Golden Dawn has chosen, The Voice said. I will return with the few survivors and make arrangements for the paladins’ transport. When the time comes I can travel anywhere necessary in hours.

You don’t even know if Sir Collin will follow your advice and travel south, Damien said.

Stupid as the human may be, even he must realize flying directly across the Western Ocean is suicide. No, they will travel through my kingdom and I intend to have my swiftest ship waiting for them at Port Crimson. The Voice turned a hard glare on Marie-Bell. "You will need to travel through the Badlands then follow the coastal road east. Port Crimson is the northernmost port of any size. You can’t miss it. The ship’s name is Sea Wing and her captain will be expecting you and ready to sail at a moment’s notice."

Marie-Bell bowed. It’s very kind of you to provide us transport. Thank you.

Save your thanks. The success of your mission is every bit as vital to me as it is to everyone else. The Voice gave Sig a final scowl. We will finish our business another time.

In another thousand years I hope, Jen muttered.

Marie-Bell swallowed a giggle. She hadn’t had anything to laugh about in a long time. It felt good.

The Voice gestured and her surviving warriors were wrapped in a sphere. She shot into the sky with her men and was soon out of sight. Everyone focused on the Ice Queen’s representative.

Sig shook his head. I will depart as well. It is far too warm here for my liking. As with my brother, when the time comes I will return to do my part.

He departed with the still-living ogres. Marie-Bell needed to grab her bag out of the tent King Andrew had been kind enough to lend her. She was in a deep enough hole with Sir Collin already. Keeping him waiting wouldn’t do her any favors.

Of course, given how much he seemed to hate her, a little wait probably wouldn’t make that much difference. She was the one that knew where they were going after all.

My chosen will remain above ground, Dreamer said. Should you for some reason need to contact me he will provide a convenient conduit. In the meantime I shall endeavor to spy on the Binder. If I learn anything useful I will pass it along.

Al Elan shuddered and rubbed his eyes. I never imagined having another mind sharing my skull would be so awkward. It’s like when I leave my body and watch myself sleeping, only I’m walking around and talking.

I need to gather my things, Marie-Bell said. Excuse me.

She started down the road back to camp. About halfway there Al Elan jogged up beside her. Dreamer says you’re going to have a tough time during your trip. If you want I can try and visit you in your dreams, you know, keep you up to date on what’s happening here.

Marie-Bell’s heart leapt at the idea of having at least one friendly person to talk to, even if only when she slept. I didn’t know you could do that.

I couldn’t, but Dreamer says I can now. One of my many new gifts. Hold still, I’m pretty sure I know how to do this. He raised his hand and soul force as black as night gathered around his palm.

Marie-Bell flinched, but sensed no corruption. Black as it was, the dragon’s soul force was pure.

A lance of energy shot out and pierced her breast. It didn’t hurt but her whole body tingled for a few seconds.

There, I left a tiny fragment of my soul force inside you. With that connection my spirit form can find you anywhere. Good luck. Al Elan jogged back toward Damien and the others.

Marie-Bell touched her chest where the energy struck. Somehow she doubted that would be the strangest thing that happened over the next few months, though she wouldn’t complain if it was.

When she reached the kingdom camp, soldiers were bustling around, breaking down tents and preparing to travel. She ducked around a wagon loaded with supplies and hurried to her tent before someone made off with it. It was a little thing, maybe ten by ten, the only furniture a cot and narrow trunk. Her battered and ill-used pack sat on the cot right where she left it.

She shrugged it on and debated waiting with the king for Sir Collin to return. No, better to show that he couldn’t intimidate her. She left her tent and marched straight across the road to where the paladins busied themselves with their own packing. Everyone glanced her way as she passed, but Marie-Bell made a point of ignoring them. Let them think whatever they wanted to think. She refused to let it bother her.

When she reached Sir Collin’s tent his guards stood outside. Both men glared at her and she glared right back. As long as she stayed angry maybe she wouldn’t get scared.

The longest two minutes of her life passed before Sir Collin finally emerged. He looked her up and down before nodding. You’re here early, good. The rest of the team has been selected. We determined that the dragon’s suggestion of a southern route would be best. All we need are directions to the ship we were promised and we can leave.

The Fire King gave me the directions before the Voice left. Marie-Bell forced herself not to smile at Sir Collin’s surprised start. It seemed the dragon was eager for his chosen to return quickly. The Ice Queen has recalled Sig as well.

Well enough. Give me the route and we’ll gather the others and be on our way. The sooner this mission is over, the better for everyone.

Marie-Bell repeated what the Voice told her.

That’s it? Sir Collin asked. No details, no bearings?

I’ve told you all I know, sir, Marie-Bell said. The Voice made it sound like we’d have no trouble finding the city. My assumption is that there’s only one road that follows the coast and if we follow it, we’ll reach the port soon enough.

Assumptions lead to foul-ups. Sir Collin slapped his palm with his fist. I like dealing in hard facts and details. But what can you expect when you’re dealing with a middleman. I’m certain we can overcome any issues. As long as you don’t hold us back, this mission should be simple enough.

Marie-Bell doubted anything about this quest was going to be simple.

Chapter Five

Damien looked out over the tens of thousands of dead bodies and frowned. What in heaven’s name were they going to do with them all? It didn’t seem wise to bury them in the Golden Plains, but then again what did he know about farming? Maybe tons of rotting meat would help the soil .

I hope no one expects us to deal with all those, Jen said.

You read my mind. At a minimum, you’d think the dragons’ chosen could have cleaned up after themselves. Talk about rude. I say we never invite them back.

Jen grinned. We didn’t invite them this time.

Enough gabbing, you two, Uncle Andy said. I’ll assign a division from each of the three armies to deal with the bodies. We need to get home and survey the grain silos.

Sounds exciting, Damien said. Though at this point as long as dragons aren’t involved, I’m up for anything.

He turned to his sister. Say, where’s your squad?

Edward is leading them on a final sweep of the area. If there are any stragglers, they’ll be dealt with. My second needs more practice leading. I figure this will be a good chance for him and it frees me up to go with you.

Damien grinned. Any excuse to spend time with his sister suited