The Bard

Chapter Seven

By Faelyn Rose

            In the murky depths of the fire dungeon, Lord Jack followed the well worn path through a narrow tunnel. Few knew of this hidden route, but Jack had used it for years.

            Ahead he could hear the sounds of men and their pets in mortal combat with the guardians of the Semidar. The time was right for the dread lord's henchmen to set traps for those who were alone and unprotected.

            As Jack neared the cramped cave where he had ordered Charlie and Zing to wait, an uneasy feeling came over him. Jack stopped and pressed his body against the damp wall of the tunnel. "Zing!" he called into the darkness.

            "Aye, milord" came a deep muffled voice in reply.

            "Where are the others?" Jack asked as he ventured into the small rock chamber. He cast night sight upon himself and the area was at once illuminated to his eyes.

            There upon the muddy floor were the bodies of Jack's men, Zing and Charlie. And standing over the corpses was a knight dressed in black. Before Jack could react, the deadly blade of a magic bardiche cleaved into his shoulder, severing his arm completely off.  Jack fell back in shock as the weapon caught him in the chest, killing him.

            Dominic used the toe of his boot to push the remains of the dread lord over, checking for signs of life. Upon finding none, he silently withdrew into the darkness.

*******************************

Jack exited the healer wearing a grey robe. He was consumed with rage at having been murdered by the same man who had taken Shana Rose from him. Jack vowed that his  revenge would be swift as he opened his rune book and chose the rune to his tower. It was too late now to return to the fire dungeon. He would retreat to his home and devise a plan to destroy the warrior from the house of Lord Augustus, who so plagued his life.

            Jack appeared a few feet from the steps of his tower. He closed the rune book with a snap and shoved it back into his pack.

            A rumbling purr drew Jack's attention to a white wyrm standing patiently in the snow near the southwest corner of his home. The huge creature rock back and forth as it crunched on a mangled lich.

            "Og!" Jack gasped and spun around searching the clearing for the wyrm's master.

            "Looking for me, Jack?" asked a familiar voice from just over his shoulder.

            Sitting atop an ethereal steed, near the steps of the tower, was Seamus. Beside him stood Patrick, crossbow in hand, and Bronson, riding Nox. The three men smiled as they watched the startled look upon Jack's face. They had been waiting under the spell of invisibility for the lord of the tower to return.

            "What do you want?" Jack spat out and started towards the door of his home "Come to pay your long lost brother a vis..."

            A crossbow bolt struck Jack in the shoulder, knocking him back into the snow. With a roar, Patrick stomped across the short distance which separated the two "I WILL SEE YOU DEAD!!" Patrick bellowed.

            Bronson quickly maneuvered his mare between Patrick and his wounded brother "Hold, Paddy, my friend" he laughed "Do not make a corpse of the mighty Lord Jack before Seamus has had a chance to deliver his message!"

            Jack scowled and tried to stand "Be gone from this place. These are my lands and you have no right to..."

            Bronson's booted foot tapped Jack's chest, knocking him back down into the snow.

            "You invited us here when you kidnapped Shana Rose." Bronson said, circling Jack on his nightmare. Nox tossed her head and snorted, as her red eyes glared at Jack.

            Seamus dismounted and strode over to Jack. He grabbed the front of Jack's grey death robe with both hands and pulled him up on to his feet.

            "I did not hurt the lass!!" Jack protested.

            But Seamus shook his brother and growled into his face "You caused my wife pain, and this I vow. Anyone who hurts my lady will feel that hurt tenfold." with that he proceeded to drag Jack in the direction of his wyrm.

            Jack began to struggle "You can not mean to feed me to that beast!" but even Jack's wrestling skills were no match for the strength of Seamus' anger.

            "I know it is an unkind thing to do to my beloved pet," Seamus threw Jack down into the snow before the huge wyrm "But I seriously doubt that you could be fouler tasting than a lich."

            "Og kill" Seamus calmly ordered, as Jack screamed in horror.

            Jack's death was brutal but far too quick for Patrick's liking.

            "Stay away from my family, Jack!" Seamus told his brother's spirit as it approached him for resurrection "I will not warn you again."

            Bronson cast a blue moon gate in the center of the clearing. Seamus called to his wyrm and led the way back to Malas, leaving Jack's ghost standing in the Grove of Love.

*********************************

            Dominic closed his bank box and walked out into the street of Skara Brae. The sun was setting and the street lights were being lit. Parties of warriors were returning from their hunts through the Skara Brae moon gate and the small island town was filled with people.

            The sound of a familiar female laugh caught Dominic's attention as he neared the stables. His sister, Regina, and his young cousin, Michael, were standing together by the stable door.

            Dominic's cousin, Michael, was a strapping youth with wide shoulders and a shaved head. Although he was only sixteen winters in age, Michael had already proven himself in combat many times and was considered a formidable warrior among Augustus' men.

            "Hail brother!" Regina greeted Dominic as he approached "Come join us for we are in need of entertainment."

            "Entertainment?" Dominic laughed "Should you wish to follow me this night, I can promise you entertainment of a most violent kind."

            "Lead on, cousin" Michael responded with a grin "if the violence you speak of will entertain my axe."

            "Aye" agreed Regina, brandishing her katana "my blade will rust at my side if it does not find amusement soon."

            Dominic laughed.

            "You may not wish to volunteer when I tell you of the dangers involved” Dominic warned them "You must be willing to take a murder count if you accompany me on this quest."

            Regina and Michael looked at each other and smiled.

            "I would be willing to take at least four murder counts if the scoundrels deserved to die" Michael reassured Dominic.

            Regina slanted her brother a sly smile "Could it be that you are going to visit a certain dread lord, Dominic?"

            Dominic's eyes narrowed dangerously "Aye, and I need someone to take the murder count for I have killed his lordship with too much fervor of late."

            Michael and Regina laughed.

            "I assume you have a plan, brother." Regina smiled.

            "Indeed, but it involves a bit of wall climbing on your part, Gina" Dominic told her.

            "I am intrigued." Regina purred "Let us be off before night is upon us."

            "The cover of darkness can only aid us in this enterprise, sister."

            Dominic retrieved his rune book from his pack and cast a red moon gate. Arming himself, with his magic bardiche, he took a step into the gate and disappeared. Michael and Regina, likewise, arm themselves before following Dominic to the tower of Lord Jack.

            The trio emerged from their moon gate in the trees, just east of Jack's tower. Silently they approached the east wall, which was covered with dead vines.

            Regina stood at the base of the old stone tower, gauging its height. "Is this the wall you mean to climb?"

            "Aye" Dominic answered quietly "There are usually two guards with crossbows stationed on roof."

            "Only two?" Michael asked as he gathered a handful of vines and began to climb the east wall of the tower "You and Regina will have to find your own amusement if I reach the top first."

            Regina sprang up, placing her foot on the rough stone and using the vines to pull herself toward the roof "I will race you and kill them both myself."

            "A race, you say!" Michael chuckled; he was already halfway up the wall "You know I can not resist a challenge! Last one to the roof must buy me a pint of ale!"

            Dominic laughed quietly as he followed his companions. Lord Jack's men did not stand a chance against these two.

            The three warriors reached the top of the wall and peered over the ramparts. The roof was empty. No guards were posted to protect the dread lord's home.

            "This is odd" Dominic said softly "Did they hear us and decide to lay in wait somewhere within the tower? Or have the brigands abandoned their master?"

            Dominic and his party crossed the roof and entered the stairwell leading down to the third floor. No torch had been lit to guide them and Dominic cast night sight on the others as they proceeded further into the building.

            "Perhaps Lord Jack has fled to the safety of Trammel." Dominic whispered as he looked into a dark, empty bed chamber on the third floor.

            "Listen!" Regina hissed "I hear voices somewhere below us."

            Dominic, Regina and Michael moved quietly down the stairs, following the low drone of a single male voice.

********************************

            Jack frowned as he sat at the head of his dinner table "That thief, Zing, has migrated to warmer climes."

            His two remaining henchmen, Ben and Charlie, did not answer. One by one the men who followed Lord Jack had departed his company. Now that he had attracted the attention of the house of Lord Augustus, being associated with The Dread Lord Jack had, of late, cease to be very profitable. The son of Augustus was driving Jack's men from every dungeon in Felucca.

            "Zing will be back” Jack said, tossing a chicken bone onto his plate “These protectors of innocents can not continue to focus their efforts on me forever."

            "Aye, milord" Ben agreed "Then those curs, Ivan and Zing, will crawl back begging for your favor."

            "Exactly" Jack concluded with a satisfied smile. "Until then, we will enjoy the comforts and safety of this tower."

            Jack drained his mug and slammed it on the table "Brina!!" he called for his servant "Where is that wench?"

            The wooden door to the dining room creaked open slowly. Jack banged his mug again "Hurry up, you half witted daughter of a headless!"

            The sound of boots walking casually across the stone floor moved into the room.

            "How can I best serve thee, lord Jack?" asked a female voice, dripping with sarcasm "Would you prefer ale or the sharp blade of my weapon?"

            The three men seated at the table turned to see the dark haired daughter of Lord Augustus blocking the only exit in the dining room. Ben jumped up, knocking his chair over and drawing his long sword. He rushed Regina with a battle cry. Ben's sword swung in a wide arch, cutting through the air in a downward stroke, as Regina brought her shield up to block the blow. With a crash of metal, which send sparks into the air, the two warriors began to circle each other.

            Dominic and Michael rushed passed Regina and Ben, attacking Charlie who was attempting to cast an energy bolt at Regina. The brigand fell onto the stone floor, mortally wounded.

            Jack hit Dominic with a flame strike, followed by an energy bolt, as the warrior strode towards him. Dominic raised his bardiche above his head and charged at the dread lord.

            Suddenly a battle axe came flying end over end across the room, striking with deadly accuracy in the center of Jack's chest. The scoundrel crumbled to the floor with a cry of agony.

            "My murder count" Michael reminded Dominic.

            "Many thanks, cousin" Dominic grinned.

            Dominic and Michael turned to watch as Regina and Ben continued their battle in the center of the great dining hall. Weapons clanged and sparked as they dueled with magic swords. Although Regina's katana was faster then the long sword, Ben's weapon did maximum damage each time it found its target.

            Regina's weapon struck Ben's long sword several times as he deflected her blows. But Jack's henchman had suddenly cease attacking and seemed to be merely parrying the blows to keep his opponent at bay.

            Finally, Ben spun away "Hold!" he cried, dropping his sword and throwing his hands into the air "I want no more of your fight with lord Jack" he said to Dominic "I wish to leave this place for Buccaneer's Den at once, my lord."

            "We will finish!" Regina exclaimed and took a step towards Ben.

            But, Dominic caught the back of his sister's cape and halted her advance. "Nay, let him go" Dominic told her "save your murder counts for his lordship" he glanced at the dread lord's body and then back at Ben "Be gone, coward. Join your friends in the jungles of Felucca."

            Ben pulled out his rune book and vanished before Regina could protest.

***************************

A light rain had begun to fall as Shana Rose left Lord British's Conservatory of Music.     Throwing a green cape around her shoulders, to cover the green skirt and white blouse she always wore at school, Shana hurried into the busy streets. She was meeting her sister, Katie Rose, at the west bank for a little shopping before returning home to Malas.

            It had been a week since Shana's adventure in the dungeon Despise. But her mind continued to be preoccupied with thoughts of a warm kiss in a moonlit Felucca forest.

            Much to Shana's disappointment, Dominic had not attempted to contact her. She felt certain that he had forgotten her completely. Shana wanted to follow his example and do the same. Unfortunately, her mind could not control the foolish longing that her heart felt.

            Shana sighed and walked on, deep in thought. As she passed under the arched opening in the stone wall by the entrance to Lord British's castle, Shana did not notice a man dressed in a black hooded cloak following her. The man suddenly reached out and grabbed Shana's arm. Shana gasped in surprise as the man pulled her onto the grass, which lay between the cobblestone road and the moat of the castle.

            "Let me go!" Shana cried, wrenching her arm from the man's hold.

            The man caught her forearm again in an effort to keep her from running away.

            "Call off your dogs!" he demanded "Do you hear me? I want it stopped!"

            "I don't know what you are talking about!" Shana answered, as she yanked her arm free once more.

            The man's hood fell back revealing his face "Jack!!" Shana squeaked "What are you doing here?"

            "Call them off I say! What lies have you told your protectors to make them hunt me like a beast?" Jack's eyes narrowed with anger "I can not make a move without being plagued by that arrogant fool!!"

            "I told my family the truth and nothing more." Shana said defensively.

            "You lie!" Jack cried "I am hounded both day and night by that man!"

            Shana could see the desperation in Jack's eyes. She suddenly felt sorry for this vile man "Who is plaguing you, Jack?"

            "As if you did not know" Jack scoffed "Your hero! That heir to the house of Augustus!!"

            "Dominic?" Shana breathed the name, her eyes widened in surprise.

            Jack watched Shana's expressive face, realizing that she was unaware of the trouble which she had brought to his door.

            "So the hero has a name" a wicked smile lit Jack's face "Yes, my dear, the man and his kin have haunted my steps this past week. No doubt, they are seeking revenge for some imagined wrong done to you."

            "I don't believe you, Jack. Why would Dominic do such a thing?" Shana asked "Certainly not on my behalf."

            "Why do you think, child?" Jack answered with a sneer "It is obvious that he..."

            "Lord Jack!" his words were cut short by a female voice whose tone cracked like a whip "You have been warned about abusing young women, have you not?"

            Shana turned to see a beautiful, dark haired woman dressed in red armor and a long black cape, strolling towards them. Her eyes were focused on Jack with dangerous intent "Is it possible that you have not learned from your mistakes, my lord?" she asked as she stopped beside Shana.

            "You!!" Jack exclaimed, clearly shaken by the sight of the lovely warrior "How did you find me, witch?" he backed away, and the woman followed until she had placed herself between Shana and the dread lord.

            "Leave Britain now, Jack. Your conversation with this lady is finished!" the dark beauty commanded "My kin are near at hand" she motioned towards the busy street surrounding the bank "and will come at my call."

            "The lass is my sister in law!" Jack argued.

            The woman turned her head and raised an eyebrow, as she studied Shana closely. Then a smile curved her lips, showing a deep dimple in her cheek "Indeed!" she turned back to Jack "All the more reason for you to return to your decaying tower, my lord."

"You have no power here!" Jack told her, but his eyes darted nervously over the crowd "We are in Trammel and your threats ring hollow in this land."

            "Return to Felucca at once, Lord Jack." the female warrior said with a finality which would brook no argument. She stood firmly in front of Shana, her black cape rippled around her in the wind. Her sultry voice dropped to a threatening purr "Go now if you wish to sleep undisturbed this night."  

            Jack said nothing as he glared hatred at the woman in red and black. Then without breaking eye contact with his nemesis, Jack pulled out his rune book and recalled away.

            When Jack had vanished, the female warrior turned to a bewildered Shana and extended her hand "So you are Shana Rose."

            "Aye, that is my name. But how did you know?" Shana asked, shaking the woman's hand.

            "I am Regina from the house of Lord Augustus, my lady" she answered.

            "Do you know Dominic?" Shana asked, unaware of the happiness shining in her eyes.

            Regina's smile widened, her cheek dimpling once again "Aye, Dominic and I are very close."

            A slight frown creased Shana's brow at the beautiful woman’s answer. She had not considered that Dominic might have a lady within his own clan. A wave of disappointment washed over her at the thought that Dominic might be involved with this lovely warrior. They would certainly be well matched, judging from the way in which Regina had sent Jack running back to his lair.

            Shana tried to hide her feelings of disappointment as she continued "It is nice to meet you, Regina. I never had the chance to thank Dominic for coming to my aid. Pleasel tell him of my gratitude for his help."

            "I will be happy to convey your message to him, Shana." Regina said pleasantly "Perhaps you will have the chance to tell him yourself sometime in the future."

            "Perhaps" Shana replied, uncertainly "But in the event that our paths do not cross again, I wish him to know of my appreciation."

            "I will make sure that he knows" Regina promised. She smiled at Shana with a twinkle in her eyes "What brings you to Britain?"

            "Oh dear!" Shana said, suddenly aware of the time "I was suppose to meet my sister here." she glanced around at the crowd and spotted Katie heading towards her. Shana waved at her sister and turned back to Regina "Here she is now."

            "Then I will take my leave, Shana Rose. It was a pleasure to meet you at last" Regina said, before disappearing into the crowd of people gathered around the bank.

            "Who was that beautiful woman, Shana?" Katie asked when she reached Shana's side.

            "She is truly beautiful, isn't she" Shana said, still staring at the spot where she had last seen Regina. It would be impossible for Shana to compete with a woman like that. "She is Regina from the clan of Lord Augustus" she told Katie, with a touch of sadness in her voice.

            Katie smiled "Isn't that the family who rescued you from Jack?"

            "Aye" Shana sighed "That is Dominic's clan."

            Katie frowned and reached over to tuck a damp strand of Shana's hair back into place "What is wrong?"

            Shana forced a smile onto her face "Nothing, Katie. Come, let us stop at the provisioner's shop first."

*****************************

            Twilight painted the sky with soft shades of pink and gold, as the residents of the Journey's End Inn gathered on the second floor balcony. Like most evenings, Patrick and Bronson played chess at a small table, while their wives sat nearby reading. The children were nestled in their beds on the third floor and the rest of the household prepared to retire for the night.

            As was her habit, at this time of day, Shana Rose sat at the far end of the balcony playing her lap harp. The notes floated across the front lawn on the gentle breeze for anyone who happened by to enjoy.

            But tonight the music, which filled the air, was laced with sadness. As Shana's fingers plucked out a melancholy tune from the ancient island of Occlo, there could be no doubt that her heart was heavy with sorrow.

            Katie shook her head at the change that she saw in Shana. Ever since Shana had returned from Britain today, she had been quiet and withdrawn. Any attempt to distract or cheer her had been met with a weary smile.

            Katie started to rise from her chair and would have gone to Shana. But Jeanne's hand stayed the concerned young woman.

            "Let her be, Katie" Jeanne whispered "Shana will tell us of her troubles when she is ready."

            Katie sank back into her chair and stared up at the darkening sky. Poor Shana, she thought, what could be happening to the once vibrant lass. Katie opened her book and tried to continue reading.

            As the last notes of the Occlo tune echoed across the clearing, Shana was unaware that her audience included a tall knight, dressed in black, hidden among the trees.

            Dominic remained in the shadows, just as he had every night for a week, listening to Shana play. But tonight he could feel her unusual sadness in his own soul and wondered at its cause.

            He watched as Shana left her chair and made her way along the length of the balcony. She opened the door leading into the second floor of the Inn and disappeared.

            Dominic looked up at the stars and raked his hand through his hair. "This is madness" he growled "I will not come here again" he told himself, as he pulled out his rune book.

But in the split second before he recalled away, Dominic knew that he would return tomorrow; hoping for a glimpse of the lovely, flame haired maiden.