Rise of Centuria: Fall of Centuria Volume 2 Read online

  “Yes, yes, I do,” answered Kimberly. “We have some fresh goat inside. Will the bird take to that?”

  “I believe so. It’s worth a try,” replied Ben.

  Gathar piped in to the conversation, “I think the Éan is about to land out there in the field. Come quickly.” He started for the field of a different crop and the warriors and Angela followed while Kimberly went inside to get the goat meat.

  Gathar watched closely as the Éan circle the field. He noticed something small tied to the bird’s left leg with vines. At once, he knew that getting the bird to accept the bait was imperative. The small object looked like a scroll and it was probably from Geoffrey or possibly the Council. He told those around him, “That’s a scroll tied to the Éan’s leg. Angela, please go help Kimberly get the meat. We will keep a close eye on the bird.”

  “Okay.” Angela looked at the bird one more time and turned away toward the house. Her heart was beating fast from all the running. The excitement that there may be news from Geoffrey made it beat even faster.

  The Éan stopped circling the field and glided toward the ground. Its left wing stopped flapping as if it suddenly became paralyzed in midair. The Éan fell to the ground landing on its side. Gathar approached the Éan cautiously with Ben, Ungo, and Thoris at his side with weapons and shields at the ready. Gathar expected the Éan to be distraught and watching them with eyes wide open, but it lay there motionless with its eyes closed. If not for the chest rising and falling heavily the bird almost looked dead.

  Kimberly and Angela came up behind them with slabs of meat on platters. Kimberly, having never seen an Éan before, was unsure of what to do next. Gathar instructed her to wait for a moment while he untied the scroll strapped to its leg. Gathar was correct. He untied it carefully, unrolled the scroll and began to read, “Dear Kimberly, I have made it to Khalan. I am so sorry that this message was sent so late. I had a few unexpected barriers on the way here, but I am safe. I will give you the details when I return home. I hope all is going well, Geoffrey.” Gathar rolled the scroll back up and looked at Kimberly. She had tears in her eyes and was ready to cry. Hope and sadness mixed her emotions, but she was happy to hear that her husband was safe. Angela wrapped an arm around her. Gathar talked softly, “The Éan is hurt badly. Angela, will you tend to its wounds until we can get further help?”

  “Yes.” Ungo took the platters from Angela and Kimberly and set the food down by the Éan’s beak. He patted its head, but it continued to lay still with its eyes closed. A heavy sigh came out of the Éan’s mouth but that was the only reaction they got.

  Gathar said, “We need to get healers for the bird.”

  Ben replied, “Yes, we can head back into Chugean and seek them. Would you like me to go?”

  “Yes, Ben, and thank you. We will stay by the bird until they come. Please ask for many hands because we should move this bird into the barn. We will also need rope to tie it down. When feeding, birds of this size like to prey on horses. We cannot risk that.”

  Within the hour a group of clerics, shamans, warriors, and a large cart were brought onto the field. They lifted the bird onto the cart and rolled it into the barn. Gathar left the healers to do their thing with Angela’s assistance because she had been caring for it until their arrival. Gathar, Ben, and Ungo returned inside to further discuss their plans in the catacombs.

  * * *

  Angela snuck away from the Ringharts’ home when everyone had settled in for the night. Even Gathar did not wake upon her rising and sneaking off in the darkness, or so she thought. She avoided walking down the creaky stairs on the front porch by jumping over the fence surrounding it. Her clothes consisted of dark gray and black fabrics that flowed smoothly with her genuine movements. Beneath her sleeves she wore bracers with knives hidden in them in case she had to fight. A sword was sheathed at her side in a leather sheath layered over hard steel. The sword was heavy, but she handled it well for she trained with it for years. A black hood topped her outfit so if anyone did see her she would be difficult to recognize. Angela slipped through the shadows like a lagarto. The two moons were covered by clouds and barely visible. She kept walking till she met a shadowy figure in an alleyway filled with garbage and the wreckage of unwanted equipment. The shady figure spoke with a scratchy voice when she arrived to their secluded spot. “You’re late. What took so long? I’ve nearly been spotted several times and had to hide in the wastes scattered across these grounds. Now it will take a week to wash this smell out.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

  “Anyway,” he quickly changed the subject. “Are you ready to share the information we have been requesting for quite some time now?”

  “Yes. I will, but only if you give me your word to return the Éan to me after it heals.” The shady figure let out a disgruntled moan. Angela continued, “The bird, the Éan, came to us, if I need to remind you, we cared for it first.”

  “We are aware,” he snarled. “We will bring the bird back after it has recovered as agreed. Now tell me where the orange crystals are located.” Angela looked into the figure’s face. He had a pale, skeleton-like face and looked pastier than she remembered. His eyes were sunken and had wrinkles around them.

  “They are in the catacombs that are below the city of Centuria.” Angela told him. She continued to describe the orange crystals, their location, and warned him of the powers they held. His crooked frown turned into a widespread, creepy grin as she went on. Angela felt shivers up through her spine by his reaction and didn’t want to tell him more than what was agreed upon. After their conversation was over, they parted ways, and he disappeared into the darkness. She returned to the Kimberly’s home and snuck in as quietly as possible. As far as she could tell, nobody knew she was gone.

  Chapter Eight

  Geoffrey Ringhart stood before the king and queen of Khalan in the throne room. Torches, along with the sunlight pouring in from the stained glass windows reaching up to the ceiling, lit the inside. The windows were structured with solid steel bars that were intertwined with the hundreds of pieces of glass used to create the mosaics in them. Statues adorned the columns and the craftsman of the place left no detail without careful thought and artistic skill. Geoffrey admired the artwork as he entered, but kept his eyes focused on the royal family. He had spent many days traveling to Khalan to do some trading, and on his journey over he had seen many things that concerned him. He told his story to King Sigismund and Queen Mary about his trip in great detail. “King Sigismund, Queen Mary, I am Geoffrey Ringhart. I am from Chugean and I often travel here to trade with many citizens in your market. However, in my current trip here I had come across many concerning things that I believe you need to be made aware of.”

  “Please continue, Mr. Ringhart. You have our undivided attention,” King Sigismund said.

  “Yes, Your Majesty. I was traveling through the Great Plains to get here, as I usually do, and came across some worms in the sand so large that they created interwoven walls with each other. I saw demons across the Great Plains as well. They were scattered about, but when I started seeing them more frequently, I decided to take my supplies and risk traveling through the swamp. In the swamp, I came across many horrors, most of which you may already know about, but I feel it is important I discuss them regardless if you will allow.”

  “Please continue,” King Sigismund answered and waved his hand, palm facing up signaling for Geoffrey to continue his report. Queen Mary shifted in her chair but kept her gaze on Geoffrey with her soul-piercing blue eyes. Geoffrey started to feel uneasy, but did not allow his feelings to overcome his actions.

  “As I detoured into the swamp, I had trouble getting my supplies through the thick marshy land and travel was slow. I came across many creatures that most people would never want to see. There were glowing spiders, large crocodiles hiding in the murky waters, purple vortices opening and closing in various spots throughout the swamp, trolls, exploding mushrooms, and red and black demons. Those creatu
res I expected to see in the swamp, but there were many more strange creatures that only came out at night and even stranger ones that appeared through the portals spinning in midair. I was afraid for my safety, and I ran as fast as I could. I started seeing the large creatures with many legs and tentacles appearing from the portals. I ran and ran until I found a temple in the swamp. It seemed like the safest place to be at the moment, and I went inside. I hid my supplies in an empty tomb I found and hid myself in another. While hiding in the temple, a group of demons entered and were talking amongst themselves. Some spoke in the human tongue, others spoke a language I couldn’t understand, and a few of them did not speak at all. I stayed hidden in the tomb and crawled behind a skeleton to cover myself more. The demons had brought in one of their kind that was unconscious and were tending to his needs. I watched from my hiding place trying to breathe softly through my mouth, but I had a feeling the entire time that the demons knew I was there and chose not to chase after me. One of the demons who seemed to be leading the group went by the name Xero. It appeared that Xero was wearing royal clothing, but it was difficult to tell because they were all covered in mud. After the demons had left I came out of my hiding place and tripped over an item one of them left behind near the entrance to the tomb. I picked it up and recognized it was a rare black dragon dagger. It was one of three that had ever been made from what I have been told. I found it to be too precious of an item to keep on my person, so I hid it inside the tomb close to where I had hidden myself.

  “The air smelled of the typical swamp inside the temple, but when I exited it smelled especially horrible. The nearby plants outside had burst open and squirted glowing ooze all over the place. All of the leaves that the ooze had touched withered. Globs of it lay splattered across the ground and seemed to have no effect on the soil, but I dared not touch it or even get close to it.”

  King Sigismund frowned, “Where do you think these demons were heading next?”

  “The one who spoke in the human tongue said they were going to a demon fortress somewhere. I can’t remember exactly what he said, but I do know this particular demon, Xero, showed empathy for the others around him.”

  “Xero. What an interesting name. I heard King Katimi use that name before. He called his son that on a hunting trip once. It stuck with the poor lad and every time we got together to go hunting Prince Zacharia was called Xero. Why the name? I still don’t know. Do you think this demon has stolen the royal clothes you saw on it?”

  “I am not sure, Your Majesty. The clothes were soiled and it was difficult to tell if the royal markings were on them and where they came from.”

  “We appreciate your report and will take necessary precautions. Please take this coin for your hardships and finish the business you came here for if you are still able. Before you leave this castle, please feel free to use our services to bathe, eat, and get some rest. Our servants will tend to your needs for the length of your stay.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty. That is very kind of you. A one night’s stay should suffice. I will not take advantage of the hospitality you offer any more than what is needed.”

  Several servants walked up beside Geoffrey and their noses cringed when they smelled the stench of the swamp on him. The taller of the two spoke, “Sir Geoffrey, we will show you to your quarters and offer you a hot bath and clean clothes. Then you may join Queen Mary and King Sigismund for supper. They have an extravagant meal planned for tonight. A meal so fine I am certain it will be to your satisfaction.” The servants guided Geoffrey from the throne room down a long corridor adorned with statues of knights in shining armor. Soft red carpet perfectly lined the floors, and oil paintings of great ones in history adorned the walls in-between gold candlesticks. Geoffrey was mesmerized by the decor and nearly caught himself being drawn away by the realism of the statues. Geoffrey made a double-take at several of the paintings for he thought he saw them moving. Could they really be staring into an observer’s soul? After the third startle, Geoffrey tried to convince himself that the images he saw were just delusions due to his tiredness and hunger. The thought of a hot bath, clean clothes, and good hot food, and a comfortable place to rest filled him with comfort.

  The servants called in several women to tend to Geoffrey’s bathing needs although he found it to be an unnecessary gesture. The tub was filled with a mixture of lukewarm water and pots of hot water that were heated over a nearby fireplace.

  He sat in the tub and the ladies brought him soaps and perfumes to cleanse the dirt and smell of the swamp from his skin. He was grateful to finally feel clean. The servants massaged his shoulders and neck while washing his hair. He felt like royalty. Although perfectly capable of caring for himself, Geoffrey gave in to the pampering. When the water finally became cool, the servants put aside a set of towels and fresh, clean clothes on a rich, mahogany table and left the room. He took a deep breath, very carefully got out of the tub, and dried off before putting on the new clothes. He was impressed about how perfectly the clothes fit him. There was a note attached to the top with the royal stamp in purple wax:

  You may keep these.

  The queen herself had donated the outfit to him. After getting completely dressed, he set off toward the dining hall where he was supposed meet King Sigismund and Queen Mary. The dining hall was extravagant. Candles lined the table, polished silverware was laid out at each seat, the chairs were upholstered in red fabric around the solid oak, and a chandelier of specially cut glass hung above the long rectangular table that could seat fourteen people.

  A servant approached Geoffrey shortly after he entered the hall, “Welcome, sir. The king would like you to have a seat close to him for this meal. Do you object?”

  “No. That will be fine. I have more to report to the king so it will be very helpful to have a seat close to him. Do I look appropriate for such an occasion?”

  “Just a slight adjustment,” the servant grabbed Geoffrey’s collar and adjusted his shirt. “You look splendid, sir. Please have a seat.” Geoffrey sat down and admired the designs on the silverware. In the handles were forms of the naked human body. He picked them up and was fascinated by the extreme detail placed in the design. He wasn’t sure how many minutes had passed before the servant who sat him down spoke in a booming voice, “The queen and king have arrived!” Geoffrey did not notice that the seats around him were now occupied except for the two at each end of the table. Everyone stood up and he followed suit.

  Queen Mary walked in front of her seat and a servant pulled her chair out. She kept her eyes locked onto her husband’s until she spoke, “Please, please have a seat. Always so much mannerisms at a simple occasion as a meal. I understand you are doing it to show us respect, but it is unnecessary. Sit, relax, enjoy. This is supposed to be a pleasant event.” King Sigismund took a seat and took a drink. Everyone else sat down and remained quiet. Geoffrey felt an itch to continue his earlier conversation with the king.

  Geoffrey broke the silence as baskets of fresh baked rolls were served. “Your Majesty, while bathing, I remembered some matters of my time in the swamp that I forgot to mention. With your permission, I would like to share them.”

  “As you will,” King Sigismund replied spreading butter onto his bread.

  “When I was in the temple watching the demons, I noticed one was unconscious, and the demons were tending to his needs. They waited to have fresh water to splash on his face to wake him up. The demons knew what they were doing and avoided using the swamp water that can lead to driving its drinker mad. A couple of the demons did not speak. I don’t think they knew how to speak in the human tongue and they were not attentive to the passed out demon’s needs. They also had red eyes. Your Majesty, I believe the demons with red eyes are different than the rest. The others seemed to have human attributes. They talked, planned, worked together, and actually showed caring gestures. Even their clothes, although covered in mud, were different. There may be something going on beyond our knowledge and understanding.” The king
gestured for him to continue. “I also noticed purple things spinning in the air throughout the swamp. The demons tried to avoid these things while they moved and I actually believe I saw several red-eyed demons come out of one. Please forgive me if I sound mad. I know there are things in the swamp that can drive anyone over the edge, but I tried very hard to avoid them.”

  King Sigismund, Queen Mary, and all of the guests stared at Geoffrey. They were intrigued by his story. Nobody spoke. Geoffrey felt uneasy and thought they were passing judgment on him. He reached for a roll and took a bite. King Sigismund spoke next, “Sir Geoffrey, we do not doubt your report. We have a few of these so-called demons held captive in the wizards’ citadel. We know about the destruction they left behind in Centuria and Salidon and are aware they are not native to Palatovia. Is there anymore you can tell us about them?”

  “I’m afraid not, Your Majesty,” Geoffrey started to feel knots in his stomach and nearly refused to eat, but he knew that he needed to. He chewed a few bites of bread before the servants came around with covered platters. The firelight flickered and cast shadows in the hall that Geoffrey did not notice before. He hesitated and took a second look when his racing thoughts troubled him. Nothing was there. Geoffrey started to doubt his own senses. Maybe what I saw in the swamp was all just a hallucination, he thought.

  Queen Mary broke his train of thought. “Is there anyone else that wishes to speak on this matter?” she asked. Two people at the table coughed. Geoffrey wasn’t sure what to think anymore. Were they being respectfully silent or did they disbelieve his report? It was hard to tell. He looked around at them and recognized three of the guests as members of the Council of the Elemental Guardians. Two others were warlocks he had seen in the streets of Centuria before and only knew them from frequent passings. There weren’t many windows in the hall, but Geoffrey had taken notice it was getting dark outside.