A Murder of Knights by Tim Akers

Author:Tim Akers [Akers, Tim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-11T04:00:00+00:00

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I gripped the ruined ledge in both hands and swung out into the open air. I paused to shake out my left arm. The muscles were still stiff, but the scar tissue that bubbled up in the wounds left by the vulg’s bite was already melting away. Even my leg, nearly crushed in the attack, was nearly back to normal. I would have to spend some time in the restorative chambers at Murdermont, but for now I was fit enough for service to my god.

It had taken hours to climb the long way around the tower, avoiding the areas that seemed to be infected by the broodmother. It was good to be in the open air once again. I paused and looked down. Night had risen. The steady light from the four moons shone across the pebbled roofs of the village below, turning them into jewels. Citizens went about their business, tending the fields and selling their wares, completely unaware of the doom that hung overhead. Small groups gathered in the round, carefully avoiding the entrance to the tower. I thought I could even make out the mayor, lingering beside the gallows-bell. Not long now, I thought to myself. One way or another, the mayor’s wait for his daughter will be over soon.

I heard the ruffle of feathers half a second before the creature landed on my shoulder. I drew my blade and whirled toward the sound, cycling up the godsteel even as I searched for my attacker. But it wasn’t the enemy. It was my god, or a messenger at least.

The pearl-white shape of a raven perched on my outstretched sword. The godsteel transformed beneath him, edge dulling and tip blunting, like an icicle melting in the sun. The bird preened the feathers of its wing with its serrated beak, then fixed me with crimson eyes.

The corruption continues. The silence is spreading. Raven’s voice vibrated at the base of my skull, like an echo through an empty canyon.

“Yes,” I answered. “It has taken Vel. A broodmother. I don’t think I can save him.”

You will be lucky to save yourself. The raven hopped from my sword to a piling that stretched out from the facade.

“How did you know to be here?” I asked.

I am the oracle, it hummed. I sensed your failure, and have summoned the rest of the murder. They are on their way here as we speak.

“Excellent, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to take Vel down on my own, much less the kymera. When will they get here?”

High night, it answered. If you have not destroyed the kymera by the time they arrive, they will cull the town and tear this tower to the ground. Including you.

“I hardly think that’s—”

The oracle has spoken. It wiped the sharp edge of its beak against the stone pillar, then fluttered into the air and away, disappearing like a puff of fog.

“Well, that complicates things.” Judging by the position of the moons, there couldn’t be much more than an hour until high night.

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