Blood Moon Cycle
Chapter Eleven

Vesth sat quietly on his horse as a knight in steel plate armor rode out of the castle, a pennant of a diving hawk on a field of blue at the tip of his lance. The knight came within fifty paces of Vesth and stopped.

“Your pennant displays a diving hawk.” Vesth stated. “What is your name sir knight?” The knight removed his helmet, revealing blonde hair and green eyes, and placed it on the pommel of his saddle.

“I think that question applies more towards you good sir. It was you who called me out from my manor. State your intentions.” Vesth watched the knight carefully, but gave a slight nod. “I am Captain Vesth Dagda, Captain of the armies of Gentry under the authority of Commander Thereon.” Vesth stated formally.

“I was sent to replace a knight whose pennant displays a diving hawk. I assume you are the only knight in Laytrow who has such.” The knight nodded.

“I am. Why do you seek me?” Vesth sat still on his mount.

“I have answered your question with my name, sir knight, now I would have yours.” The knight stared for a few seconds before answering.

“I am Sir Segine Memoria.” Vesth half bowed in his saddle in acknowledgment.

“Sir Segine, I have come under orders to seek you out and escort you to a place to await further orders. This concerns the war with Telatia and, as I have been told, is of the utmost importance.” The knight nodded, his features set in an indifferent expression.

“I understand your orders, and that you are honor bound to follow them through. However, your kingdom’s orders do not hold sway over me. I cannot leave my manor. I must be here in case of a Telatian attack.” Vesth could feel himself growing impatient with the knight, but carefully checked himself.

“I can understand your desire to protect the people of your manor, but the Great Gates have been destroyed. There will be no Telatian attack.” The knights expression fell for a moment before he could take control of himself and return to his indifferent expression.

“How is this thing possible?” He asked. Vesth took a long slow breath before answering. “Magic.” The knight quickly made the sign to ward off evil. Vesth nodded.

“The Hermit Mage came down from the Mercury Mountains to aid us in the war. I myself have been taught from birth that magic is evil, and I adhere to those teachings rigidly, but I did not feel evil in the Hermit Mage’s presence. It was not Gentry that gave me the order to replace you, It was the Hermit Mage. As much as I have despised magic, I would not disobey his orders, no matter the cost. His very existence demands respect.” The knight sat quietly for several seconds before speaking.

“You think that I will follow an order given by a practitioner of magic? Even after I refused an order from Gentry?” Vesth shook his head.

“I expect no such thing, But I will follow my orders. You can come willingly, or I can take you by force, which I would not prefer. But, again, I will follow my orders.” For a moment, the knight’s expression turned to one of surprise and shock before returning to his indifferent mask.

“I admire your desire to follow your orders, as well as your tenacity to do what you think is necessary, but I will not be so easy to bully into following you.” Vesth nodded. “Understandable, But this task truly is in your best interests. We work to stop Telatia, who has also began practicing magic, before they can do something unspeakable.” The knight sat silently and Vesth continued.

“We have no way to combat magic on such a large scale. Despite its evils, we must ask one skilled in magic to aid us. I have spent a good deal of time in the presence of the Hermit Mage. He is not only a powerful magic user, but his skill with a blade is unsurpassed. Even I was no match for him, though I am considered to have no small amount of skill.” The knight eyed Vesth, then he placed his lance in a slot against his saddle and tied it into place before dismounting.

“Dismount and let us duel. I would see your skill before I make my decision.” Vesth nodded and slid from his saddle, easily landing on his feet beside his mount. The knight made his way to a point between their horses and drew his two-handed sword. Vesth immediately noticed the crouching dragon etched into the blade. Vesth half smiled to himself as he made his way out to meet the knight. He drew his own sword, being careful to keep the etching of the rearing dragon on his own blade turned away so the knight could not see it. Vesth stepped into position across from the knight and held his sword at the ready.

“I will attempt not to cause you any serious injuries, Captain.” The big knight stated. Vesth nodded in return.

“I will also pull my blows if I can.” The knight nodded and then leapt at Vesth with a dexterity that defied his large sword and heavy armor. Vesth quickly side stepped and struck at the knight’s unprotected back. The knight reversed his blow in mid-air and managed to intercept Vesth’s attack. Vesth deflected another blow, then tried to drop under the knight’s guard. But as he rose back up, the knight released his sword, wielding it one-handed, and struck directly at Vesth with his empty hand. Vesth raised his sword and blocked the punch, sliding backwards on the dusty road from the force of the blow. It was then that the knight noticed the dragon on Vesth’s blade.

“You are a master of the Rearing Dragon?” Vesth stood straight, his sword resting comfortably in his hand, but ready to spring into action should the need arise.

“I am.” The knight eyed Vesth carefully.

“You told me that you were no match for the Hermit Mage, and yet you wield a Rearing Dragon blade. How is that so?” Vesth breathed slowly and let his heart rate return to normal. “ Grandmaster Solidus, the Hermit Mage, Is a master of the Flying Dragon.” The knight stared.

“There has been no recorded Master of the Flying Dragon since the teacher of High King Hortaal. Even High King Morien Toriel in Hortaal is not yet a Flying Dragon.” Vesth nodded. “High King Morien Toriel is indeed one of the greatest swordsmen in a thousand years, but the Hermit Mage is far older than that. He is the very man who trained and taught High King Hortaal.”

“Impossible.” The knight said emphatically. Vesth simply shrugged.

“I am not one to say what is possible and what is impossible, I am only a soldier. But everything I told you is what I believe to be the truth. Master Solidus is far more skilled in mind and sword than I could ever hope to be.” The knight studied Vesth for several moments before taking his sword in both hands again.

“Win our duel, and I will consider you truthful.” Vesth stood still for a few seconds before nodding and returning his sword to its scabbard.

“Very well, you may begin. My sword will leave it’s scabbard when it becomes necessary.” The knight raised one eyebrow ever so slightly, but nodded. Vesth stood still, watching the knight as he circled, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the knight did strike again, it was hard and fast. Each sword stroke caused the air to sing as Vesth sidestepped each attack.

Vesth’s sword flashed when it finally left it’s scabbard. The blade cut through the air and intercepted the knight’s sword in mid-strike. The knight looked mildly surprised and pulled back to ready himself for another attack. Vesth quickly stepped forward in pursuit, keeping his sword pressed tightly against the knight’s. The knight rapidly retreated, trying to free his sword from Vesth’s advance. Then, in a move of desperation, the knight leveled another punch at Vesth, his other hand holding tightly to the two-handed sword.

Vesth stepped into the attack, avoiding the punch, and brought the pommel of his sword down on the knight’s sword hand. The blow knocked the sword to the ground and, as it fell, Vesth reversed his sword and pressed it up against the knight’s throat. Everything was still. Then Vesth removed his sword and placed it back in its scabbard, the knight took his sword and did the same, messaging his throat with one hand.

“I admit defeat. I consider what you have told me to be truthful.” Clapping issued from one side of the road where they stood. Both men twisted and their swords were instantly in their hands.

“I do not think that will be necessary, Vesth.” Solidus said with a grin. Vesth quickly returned his sword to its scabbard. Solidus stood before them, transparent and surrounded by a soft glow.

“Master Solidus, how is it you are here?” Vesth asked. Solidus’s hands dropped to his side.

“It is a very complex magic that I do not think you really wish me to go into details about.” Vesth quickly nodded.

“Of course. Where is miss Rielle? Is she well?” Solidus nodded with a chuckle.

“Yes, she is resting. She encountered some rather nasty creatures, with which she dealt admirably. Her new companion is also with her.” Vesth blinked and Solidus nodded again.

“Yes, you will meet her when you escort Sir Segine to my home on the peak.” Sir Segine lowered his sword carefully.

“How do you know me sir? I do not think we have met.” Vesth looked at the big knight. “This, Sir Segine, is Grandmaster Solidus.” Sir Segine looked back and forth between Vesth and Solidus.

“Your Master Solidus is a ghost?” Vesth couldn’t answer and Solidus laughed.

“No Sir Segine, I am not a ghost. This is simply an image of myself. At present I do not have a body and I live inside the mind of Rielle, who you will meet when you arrive in the Mercury Mountains. But that is not important for the moment.” Solidus’s face sobered.

“You must spend the night here, then travel as swiftly as you can and do not travel at night. The Telatians are releasing creatures that have been sealed away for uncounted centuries. These creatures are very dangerous and are controlled by much larger creatures that are similar to the smaller ones, but they cannot be touched by light as it burns them severely. Stay in the manors of other knights or in towns as you travel until you reach my home. Make haste, our time grows short.” Vesth nodded.

“As you say, Master Solidus.” Solidus nodded in return and then faded away. Vesth sighed heavily.

“The longer I journey on this quest, the more unpleasantly surprised I become.” Sir Segine returned his sword to the scabbard at his side and moved to his horse.

“Evening draws near and night comes quickly. You are free to stay in my manor as your Master Solidus has suggested. We will set off at first light.” Vesth nodded and took the reins of his horse in hand.

“I follow your lead Sir Segine.”

Vesth sat in Sir Segine’s large dining hall eating the large breakfast that had been placed before him. Sir Segine sat at the head of the table sharpening the nicks out of his blade with a whetstone.

“We may begin our journey to the Mercury Mountains when you have finished your meal Captain Vesth.” The knight was saying. Vesth nodded and swallowed the food in his mouth. “That is good. However, you do not need to continue calling me captain. I am a captain of the Gentry army and navy, but on this quest I hold no such authority. I am simply, Vesth.” The knight glanced at Vesth out of the corner his eye as he rubbed at a particularly stubborn notch in the blade.

“A man is nothing but what his name says about him. You are captain. It shows your skill and determination as well as your loyalty. Why would you give that up? Why give up your name so that others may not know you for what you are?” Vesth let out a short laugh.

“I understand that, to a knight, his name and honor mean everything. But for a soldier of Gentry, all honor is for our kingdom, we keep none for ourselves. My title is to let those soldiers of lower rank know that through hardship I have fought for Gentry and brought it honor, earning the honor of being able to give orders to others to bring further honor to our homeland. But what I do now is not to bring honor to Gentry. I am not here to give orders to others. Here, everyone is equal. Everyone does their part as it should be, not for honor, but for the good of all peoples in all kingdoms.” Vesth looked back to his plate, with sudden understanding.

“Everything in balance.” Segine said, placing his whetstone in a pouch at his side and returning his sword to its scabbard. Vesth nodded. The knight stood.

“If you are ready, our horses are packed with rations enough to make the journey. If we travel quickly we can reach the manor house of Sir Dreagnor Nilancint before nightfall.” Vesth stood.

“Then we should make haste. I did not like the sound of Master Solidus’s warning yesterday. I think it wise to follow his instruction.” The knight nodded and swept out of the hall as servants came in to clean up what was left of the meal. The two men rode out of the gate, Segine pausing only long enough to give a few instructions to the guard there before they started down the road. They rode for most of the day, talking very little. At one point Vesth asked how long it would take to get to the Mercury Mountains. Segine thought carefully before answering. “By the end of today we will reach the manor of Sir Dreagnor. From there it is almost two full days to the town of Meria, perhaps three if we stopped in Yal’ Tora.” Vesth shook his head.

“We cannot risk the time.” The knight nodded in return.

“From Meria it is a full day’s ride to the base of the Mercury Mountain.” Vesth shuddered.

“I do not like the thought of entering those mountains. No one venturing into them has ever come back out. Miss Rielle once told me that it is because Evil was sealed in the mountains to maintain balance when Alenon was destroyed.” Segine glanced across at Vesth.

“Did you not also say that Ambassador Rielle entered those same mountains and left them again, with the Hermit Mage in tow?” Vesth nodded.

“Yes. Master Solidus says that he cleansed the path that lead to the peak. He says it is safe to travel as long as you stay on the path.” The big knight nodded.

“Then I, for one, have no qualms about entering the mountains. If there is a safe path with no danger, I see no reason to fear. And if there are creatures there that would attack us, I feel confident that they are no match for ones such as us.” Vesth shrugged.

“You are surely correct, Sir Segine, but I will remain skeptical until I have seen for myself. I would rather be worried and fearful for little reason than travel a dangerous path without caution.” Segine nodded again.

“A strategic process of thought that I will agree upon. However, when we are not traveling amongst the civilized world, you have no need to call me by title. You forsake your title for the sake of the people and you are correct. Outside of Laytrow I am simply Segine Memoria, no longer a knight of stature.” Vesth half smiled and then nodded.

“Welcome to you, Segine Memoria, We are glad to have you with us on this journey.” The knight banged his fist against his chest.

“And I am proud to join you.” They continued the rest of the day in silence, all the while Vesth thinking that the knight would be proud doing almost anything. They reached the manor of Sir Dreagnor just as the sun was beginning to set. Sir Dreagnor was an older man with graying hair and a heavily lined face. He was covered in scars collected from years of tournaments and duels, fighting for the honor of knighthood. The old knight agreed to let them spend the night and brought them inside to a hot meal. They slept well and woke in the morning with knights walking the halls and grounds. Vesth watched warily as a group of guards rushed past him and Segine as they went out to meet Sir Dreagnor.

“What is all the fuss this morning, Good Sir Dreagnor?” Segine asked as they drew near. The old knight turned to them, weariness in his eyes.

“Good morning, Sir Segine, I trust you slept well and that your breakfast was suitable.” Sir Segine nodded.

“It was all very satisfactory, thank you. What has your men so tense this morning?” The old knight looked around the grounds as knights and guards scrambled from one place to another. “Last night there was an attack outside the manor walls. Nobody saw what it was, but it killed a guard and wounded another before it ran off. I brought everyone inside and locked the gates.” “I think that was very wise.” Vesth stated. The old knight turned to Vesth.

“Do you know what it is that has attacked my guards?” Vesth licked his lips and scratched at his chin as he carefully thought through his words.

“I have heard intel from outside sources that said the Telatians found a certain type of creature that had been sealed away in the mountains centuries ago. We have no name for it, but it is said that they are strong and fast and are controlled by the Telatians through much larger creatures that are similar to the smaller ones. All we know for sure is that they are severely burned by light and fear it. I would suggest that you keep your people indoors at night and keep watch fires burning at all times.” The old knight nodded.

“I agree, that is a sound course of action. Even if they are not burned by light, the fires will at least allow us to see their approach. Will you be leaving immediately?” Vesth nodded and Segine spoke.

“We are to meet with someone who will be giving us further orders in Meria.” The old knight looked to Segine.

“Will you be stopping in Yal’ Tora?” Segine shook his head. “I am afraid not. We must arrive in Meria as soon as possible. We will travel until nightfall and then stay with one of the farmers along the main road there.” The old knight nodded again.

“Very well, safe journey to you.” Both Vesth and Segine half bowed and then quickly mounted and left the manor, heading south. This time no words passed between them. Both men sat upright and alert, looking for any signs of danger.

The capital city, Yal’ Tora, drifted by them, a few miles to the east as they rode. They entered cultivated land that was divided into large fields. Some grew wheat, some corn, and others held livestock or horses. As the sun set they found a farmer that was willing to let them spend the night and locked their horses in the barn. After dinner with the farmer and his wife they took turns standing guard at a small window by the door. When the farmer asked what they were looking for Vesth simply replied that there had been reports of dangerous creatures around. “Perhaps wolves.” Segine suggested. “The reports aren’t clear. But we would rather be safe than sorry.” The farmer shrugged and left it at that. The night was uneventful but both Segine and Vesth noticed soft growling sounds and the occasional movements outside when it was their turn to stand guard. In the morning they thanked the farmer for his hospitality quickly saddled their horses and set off. Riding most of the day brought them to a low hill looking over the town of Meria.

They rode down into town and found an inn that was not too crowded and stabled their horses. Segine paid for their rooms and Vesth found a corner table in the common room and sat with his back against the wall. Segine soon joined and sat near Vesth, but turned enough to see the entire room.

“Our rooms are at the end of the hall on the second floor, directly across from one another.” Vesth nodded.

“Good.” They sat silently for several minutes, declining to order from the maid as she swept by. Vesth breathed deeply.

“Something does not feel right.” He stated. Segine looked at him across the table.

“You sense it as well?” Vesth nodded.

“There is something off in this town. I don’t know what it is, but I do not like it.” The big knight nodded his agreement.

“Maybe we should investigate.” Vesth opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted. “That would not be wise, Vesth Dagda of Gentry.” The voice was drawn out in a long hiss. A man in a dark cloak rose from a table a few paces away from them.

“I think you would be more wise to stay out of affairs that do not concern you.” Vesth nodded and seemed unconcerned, though Segine could see that Vesth’s hand was resting carefully on his sword.

“That may be true, but I think that, by revealing yourself, you have only served to make me more inclined towards investigating further.” Vesth looked around the room. It was abandoned. The innkeeper, the maids, and those few people who had been there escaped into the kitchen when the cloaked man had spoken.

“You must be truly horrible to behold, seeing as all the other guests have fled.” The man scoffed.

“They are smart enough to know when something does not concern them. You would have been wise to do the same.” Vesth raised an eyebrow.

“Would have been? Is that a threat? Sir Segine, Is this man threatening us?” Segine rose from his chair, flexing his shoulders and placing one hand on the sword at his side.

“I do believe he is.” Vesth nodded once.

“You speak often of wisdom, yet you do not practice it. You would have been wise not to start this confrontation, but now it seems that we have come to a disagreement.” The man tilted his head to one side.

“So it seems, but do not be hasty. Perhaps we can resolve our differences without violence.” Vesth shrugged indifferently.

“I do not think that is an option, but I am listening. What did you have in mind?” The man tilted his head the other way.

“Leave the city, go your separate ways. There is no need for you to reunite with the Hortaal ambassador. This quest you replace yourself pursuing is not yours to bear. Leave it to the ambassador and return to your home. Promise this, and we may part ways in peace.” Vesth almost laughed.

“Are you truly that desperate to stop us? Nothing will stop me from reuniting with Ambassador Rielle. I swore to protect her, and I will do just that.” The man snarled under his cloak.

“If you will not choose to leave, then you will die.” Segine drew his two-handed sword. “Just try it. Be prepared, however, for the consequences.” The cloaked man growled and pulled a short sword from under his cloak, his hands were pale and clammy. Segine leapt at the man, swinging his sword as if to split him in two. The man in the cloak quickly stepped out of the knight’s way and slashed at the knight with his blade. Segine turned and swatted the short sword aside and stabbed at the man’s chest. The man dropped, Segine’s sword catching the top of his hood and tearing the cloak from his shoulders.

Vesth quickly inspected the man. He was thin and pale with yellowed eyes and sharpened teeth. He was bald and his scalp was cracked and oozing a strange liquid. And a long tail covered in pale flesh extended from the base of the man’s spine, a six inch black spike tipping it’s end. The man dropped to all fours and struck at Segine like a scorpion. Segine quickly deflected the black tip with his sword. The man recoiled and struck again, this time avoiding Segine’s sword and striking him in the left shoulder, piercing the knight’s plate armor. Segine roared in pain and dropped his sword, taking hold of the man’s tail. With a shout, Segine lifted the man by the tail and threw him across the room, the black spike tearing from Segine’s shoulder.

The man landed with a crash, smashing one of the tables and several chairs. He rolled to his feet like a cat and turned on Segine again, charging at him with a shriek. Vesth left his chair at a run, leaping over the table and sprinting across the common room. The man struck at Vesth using his tail, and Vesth’s sword left it’s scabbard in a blur of motion. The creature shrieked again as Vesth deftly removed the tail and then twisted and planted his sword in the man’s back. The man cried out and collapsed to the floor.

“Know this, demon host, we will fight you to the end. We will rejoin Ambassador Rielle and from there plan our assault of your masters. Try to get in our way again, and your end will not be so pleasant.” Vesth removed his sword and decapitated the man where he lay and then wiped his sword off on the man’s clothing before replacing it in its scabbard. Segine stumbled backwards and fell into a chair. Vesth turned and rushed to Segine’s side, picking the large knight’s sword off the floor.

“Where are you hurt?” Vesth asked. Segine’s hand clutched at his left shoulder, clear liquid oozing from the wound beneath. Vesth slipped the knight’s sword into its scabbard and then pulled Segine’s hand out of the way and inspected the wound.

“It is a minor scratch.” The knight insisted. Vesth shook his head as he prodded at the wound despite Segine’s grunts of protest.

“This is deep, and it is already full of infection. You will not survive more than a couple of days unless something is done.”

“I’m fine.” Segine insisted again.

“I’ve had much worse.” Vesth scoffed.

“I have seen soldiers in the battlefield who died from wounds such as this. Once the infection has progressed this far, there is little that can be done.” Segine frowned.

“Then what do you propose?” Vesth thought quietly for a moment.

“We should get to master Solidus as quickly as possible. He should be able to do something.” Segine scowled.

“I will not be healed by magic.” Vesth positioned himself under the knight’s uninjured arm and helped him stand.

“You, my friend, have no choice.” Vesth saw movement from the kitchen and glanced in that direction. The innkeeper, the cook, and one of the maids were standing just inside the door. “Innkeeper.” Vesth called. “We will not be spending the night. However you may keep the payment. When I return from saddling our horses have a large sack with as many torches as you can replace ready. We will need them tonight.” The innkeeper stammered his understanding as Vesth helped Segine out the door and towards the stable.

They entered the stables and Vesth set Segine against one wall before going to saddle the horses. As he tightened the straps he glanced nervously out at the early evening sun. When the horses were saddled, Vesth helped Segine back onto his feet and up into his saddle. Once he was sure that the knight would not topple to the ground, he quickly made his way back into the inn. He returned moments later with a large sack of torches. He tied the sack to his own saddle and then mounted.

“Can you ride Segine?” Segine took hold of the reigns with his uninjured arm and nodded. Vesth nodded in return.

“Good, then we ride to the Mercury Mountains. We will ride through the night if we must.” Segine nodded wearily in return.