Shadows of Ollanhar by Robert E. Keller

Author:Robert E. Keller [Keller, Robert E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, magic, epic, wizards, sorcery, goblins, quest, knights
Publisher: Robert E. Keller
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11:

The Path of the Dark Watchmen

For Aldreya Silverhawk and her battalion, it was a time of despair. Without the White Flamestone or Lannon Sunshield to guide them, they had fallen into a wretched trap that seemed inescapable.

After separating from Lannon's group, they had ridden to Werldock without incident. They had been received warmly at the Birlote outpost, and with the help of Foshen Redhill and Emerald Thoza had quickly organized an effort to explore the ancient ruins. Aldreya's goal had been to save time--to have the mystery of the ruins solved before Lannon even arrived. It was a bold decision. And it was a decision that now haunted her.

The Farrald Ruins had proven to be far more dangerous and bizarre than the Green Knight had ever anticipated. The wizard Emerald--a young and charming Birlote--had done her best to guide them through the snares, but ultimately her efforts had failed. Two Birlote warriors had been killed by a falling rock, and then the party had been attacked by cloaked archers. Outnumbered, Aldreya had ordered a retreat. As they fled through the tunnels, two more Birlote fighters had fallen--pierced by black arrows. Then they blundered into the final trap: a large hallway with a dead end. A huge slab of stone, moved by some hidden contraption, had lowered behind them, sealing them in.

The trap seemed inescapable. All around them was solid stone, and they had no means of breaking through it in time to keep from dying of thirst. Jerret and Doomar hammered at the stone slab, but it was extremely thick and stout. They could barely chip it. At last they gave up in despair.

Lannon's battalion was their last hope, but there was no way of knowing when, and if, it would find them. It was a sad and embarrassing situation, and Aldreya expressed the shame she was feeling to the others.

"This is my fault," she told them, as they sat on the cavern floor in a circle. "I am the Green Knight--the one who is supposed to make wise decisions. Well, this obviously wasn't a wise decision. Far from it. I should have waited for Lannon and Prince Vannas before ever coming to the Farrald Ruins."

Emerald Thoza raised her hand to speak. She was a beautiful, muscular Birlote woman with a cheerful face. Her silver hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She wore tight green clothes with red designs--clothes that moved fluidly with her and that were more suited to an athletic warrior than a wizard.

Aldreya nodded to her. "You may speak freely, Emerald."

"Good," said Emerald, smiling. "I would hate to have to keep raising my hand. As an Honorary Princess of Borenthia, I outrank you, Aldreya. After all, I could be Queen of Borenthia someday. Though not born with royal blood, my position is one of high royalty nonetheless."

"Of course," said Aldreya. "I recognize your rank and significance. However, I am the leader of my battalion. Thus, I bear the greatest responsibility for blundering into this trap."

"I disagree," said Emerald.

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