Part 11
Metamor Keep: Keeper's Return
By Charles Matthias
After
escaping Murikeers trap, Kayla ran through the endless halls of Metamor
looking for some place she could hide. But her particular species
left an unmistakable odour behind; she could smell it every time she
slowed. Rickkters amulet, gifted to her so long ago to mask her
natural potent musk, had weakened as much as the mage himself had.
Simply by following that scent she knew it was inevitable that they would
capture her.
So she did
the only thing that made sense; she ran down to the dark and mouldy
cellars where it stank even more than she. Her nose revolted at the
putrid scent of mildew and decay festering for untold ages amidst slime,
oil, and water so foul that nothing could live in it. She was
careful of her paws that she did not leave a trail visible to the eyes in
lieu of one to the nose and thought of nothing deeper, further, darker,
more pungently foul places where she could hide hoping that the mage of
the Keep would heed her. But even as she ran through those dank
passages ever fearful that the Keep would redirect her right back around
into the waiting arms of her pursuers she felt some measure of
relief.
For the
first time since the waking nightmare began she couldnt hear anyone
behind her.
I cant
stay down here forever, Kayla whispered in that soft voice Charles had
taught her on their long journey together. Only somebody standing
next to her would have heard her, even with the ears of a beast to aid
them. But her voice did little to comfort her. Still, from
all her experience in Intelligence, shed long learned that before a
winning strategy could be devised all of the obstacles had to be
identified.
Kayla kept
walking. The hallway was long with several branches all of the
stones stained dark with soot from the unevenly spaced flambeaux that
brought the only light theyd ever born. It was enough to show her
the floor and the safe places she could walk amidst turgid puddles and
rancid growths. She briefly wondered who lit the torches this far
into the unused depths of the Keep but brushed the curiosity aside as a
distraction from her purpose. Even so deep as this, it was still
part of Kyia, and she could provide whatever she wished.
And she
had provided for Kayla; shed given the skunk a way to escape her
pursuers and gain time to plan. Her objective was simple enough
she had to reach Rickkter and place Vissarion within him to restore his
strength. Once done, all would understand what she was attempting
and together they could set all to rights.
But
Murikeer was between her and Rickkter. He had also recruited George
and members of the Watch and probably the Longs to the chase. She
couldnt hurt any of them; they were her fellow Keepers; they were her
friends. She had to outsmart them if she was to reach her
love. They were all tough soldiers and the Keep was their home; it
wouldnt be easy. And there was a second mage that she saw,
Kindle. The mouse may not be as formidable a foe as Murikeer, but
he was still more capable than Kayla on her best of days.
What
advantages did she have? She had the dragon swords but she dare
only use those for defence. A slight smile creased her snout as she
recalled the way shed felled Zagrosek when hed threatened to kill her
love. If absolutely necessary she could use her spray. The
thought had a pleasing sort of irony. Even Murikeer, a skunk
himself, would not be immune to that.
But her
greatest strength was as always her own mind. It had brought her to
the cellars. But how to get back to Rickkter?
There
is a way.
Her
tail lashed and nearly brushed against the foul mucus coating the wall.
What is it, Vissarion?
Rickkters quarters have windows.
Kayla
reached an intersection and cautiously glanced down either side.
She saw nothing but more guttering torches and ancient refuse. But I
could never climb the outer walls! They are slick with snow and
ice. Id fall to my death.
Yes,
thou would. But I would not.
I
dont understand.
Find me
a window and I will tell thee on the way what I can do for thee.
Kayla
breathed a sigh of relief. Vissarion would help her. She felt
intensely grateful to have him with her.
----------
At first
it had been easy to follow Kaylas trail. Not only did she leave an
olfactory path in the air that even the humans could detect, but Murikeer
knew her magical signature so well that he could see the way the conduits
of magic had altered in her passage. She did not drip taint like
was done at Akabaieths camp or in the Askaaren pass, but even the way in
which it disquieted the Keeps magic was visible to him.
But as her
path headed lower and lower within the bowels of Metamor, her scent trail
was overwhelmed by other stenches that none of them ventured to
name. Only desperation could have driven her through these
passages, Murikeer knew, because the foul miasma curdled his stomach and
filled him with an ever present nausea. It took all of his
self-composure not to vomit. Belin the dog was not so capable and
added to sickness draping the walls.
Still they
pressed on for a few minutes more as Murikeer could still see the magical
trail. After reaching an intersection with another passage Murikeer
stopped and stared for several seconds in each direction before growling
under his breath.
What is
it? George asked. The jackal was doing his best to pretend like he
couldnt smell anything.
I cant
see her trail anymore, Muri admitted with a sharp churr. Its just
gone! I dont know which way she went!
Lets get
out of here, Andhun the bull suggested in a strained voice against the
stench. She cant be staying down here.
Murikeer
snapped. No, we have to find her! Before she hurts somebody.
Patri
shook her head, nose hidden beneath her collar. The human woman
looked pale green. Shes not going to find anybody down here.
Shes
right about that, Muri, George replied, putting one paw on the skunks
shoulder. Lets double back. Kayla wont stay down here forever.
The old warrior, of them all, seemed the least discomfited by the
overwhelming reek of the place. To him was hardly a comparison to
fighting a battle on fields strewn with the fallen left to rot for days
or weeks.
Murikeer
ground his teeth in frustration. Give me a few minutes. I might
still find something. He touched every cord of magic around him,
reaching down them to feel everything he could. He tried to
remember all he had seen in that terrible day last year when Agathe had
been revealed to be the power behind Bishop Hockmanns invasion from
Breckaris. Murikeer shuddered at the memory of his attempt to
contend with her. Never had he seen somebody able to draw so much
power. It had taken all his skill just to survive and even that
thin victory had come by the aid of other brave souls. As it was
she had nearly emasculated him.
And now an
evil power moved a woman for whom he had deep affection. His paws
trembled at the memory of a dark sword that had driven somebody else hed
cared for to commit atrocities. It would not happen again!
But try as
he might, he saw nothing in any of the strands of magic. Murikeer
growled but relented. Theres nothing here. Lets head back up a
few levels. George, we need more soldiers to patrol all the exits
from Metamor. If we keep her in the Keep, Kyia may yet lead us to
her.
George
shook his head and waved for the others to turn about. I doubt that will
be necessary, but I will spread the order. Shell most likely circle
about and try to get at Rickkter again to continue whatever plan she
has.
The
soldiers retreated gladly. Murikeer lingered one moment more before
dropping the cords of magic and following them. He shook his head
and with a bitter laugh whispered to himself, She may have lost us down
here but this stench is going to cling to her just as much as it is
us. Wherever you are Kayla, Im going to save you.
----------
I cant
believe were already here! Charles said with a bright laugh as the city
walls of Metamor loomed ahead. Beyond the pale shadow of the Keep
towered, brooding like a giant mountain as the snow kept falling.
Ive
ridden in sleighs before, Lindsey murmured thoughtfully, but none have
moved as fast as this. Yours have a wind behind them, Master
Julian.
The white
rat nodded, red eyes wide as if he himself couldnt believe it. Im very
pleased with how well theyve performed. I hope you can give us
your perspective when we unveil them. Im sure many will be
interested to hear of their speed and smoothness.
Most
likely, Abafouq said with admiration. I am wishing I had something
smaller for when I travel the mountains again. But I doubt Guernef
will let me attach a harness to his back.
This led
to guffaws from the Nauh-kaees friends. Speaking of Guernef, Charles
asked, where is he?
Abafouq
gestured to the snow white sky above. Somewhere up in that I fear.
Hell join us when he joins us.
And that
was something else they were all accustomed to.
The road
to the city gates were chocked with snow and few travellers. What
few there pondered leaving the Keep, saw the huge piles of snow and the
futile efforts of the Keepers to clear the roads and promptly changed
their minds. So they reached the guards at the gate without
delay. A quartet of guards bade them stop for inspection. All
of them were animal men well suited to the winter weather.
The
foremost was a polar bear dressed in iron breastplate whom Charles
recognized as Cassius. A fellow Follower, theyd sometimes
commiserated after Mass about the content of Father Houghs homilies, but
rarely had occasion for much else. His eyes found Charles
immediately and they brightened.
Cassius
smiled faintly and looked the sleighs up and down. Charles! We
were told to expect you but I didnt think youd actually attempt to come
home in this.
This news
gave the rat pause. Who told you to expect us, Cassius?
Message
from Andwyn, Cassius replied. He says you, your friends, and the Longs
are to head to Master Rickkters quarters immediately. Theres
something wrong with Kayla but the message didnt say what.
Lindsey
tensed and leaned forward. Somethings wrong with Kayla? Then let
us through now!
Cassius
grabbed one side of the sleigh and hauled himself over the edge.
His large body landed with a whump on the snowy hay bales. Keep going
then. Ill wave us through the other gates.
Lindsey
turned to Julian and in a dark command shouted. Move us now!
Julian
nodded to Sir Saulius who cracked the whips fiercely. Even as the
gates of Metamor groaned open the sleighs rushed through in heedless
abandon. What had only moments before been excitement had turned to
worry. Even Charless children kept hushed like their father, eyes
wide with questions. Kimberly held them tight, an old and familiar
worry returning like an unwelcome guest. Charles was going to have
to risk his life again. She didnt know why, but she knew it was
coming.
The spires
of Metamor blotting out the northern sky grew closer.
----------
It took
far longer than she wished but Kayla did find a small window looking out
upon the fields north of the castle. The grounds were covered in
undisturbed snow and more snow continued to fall. The window was
squat and she knew it would be impossible for her to squeeze out unless
she were a normal sized skunk and only after breaking the solid pane of
glass that stood between her and the winter outside.
Neither of
these obstacles bothered Vissarion.
I can
express myself in thee long enough to reach Rickkters window. Do
thee know which way it faces?
To
the southeast, Kayla replied. He likes to see the sunrise. It
also points toward his homeland something he doesnt want to
forget.
I will
help thee find it. Put thy paw on the pane of glass.
Kayla
did as instructed. She splayed her fingers until her thumb touched
the stone above and her pinky the stone below. She felt a hot
strength reach down her arm and press where her fingers pressed. Her fur
nearly sizzled as the glass brightened around her fingers, turning a
brilliant yellow like the sun. She felt the heat as of a forge wash
over her face. Ice and snow on the other side melted and ran.
Yet her hand felt nothing but the melting glass. As if sensing some
impulse from the black dragon within her, she pushed the glass and her
paw sank through it. A few more brushes of her fingers and the pane
was completely dislodged from the window.
Kayla drew
back her paw and smiled. Thank you, Vissarion.
Now
thee must let me touch every part of thy body. It may hurt for a
moment, but I will do what I can to minimize thy discomfort. This
is the only way we can reach Rickkters side in time.
Go
ahead.
That
indomitable strength, something she had witnessed in the breathtaking
cavern in her dreams, now suffused every part of her body. From her
hind paws and the tip of her long tail all the way to her head and her
arms she felt the warm power course through her. It struggled
briefly as it passed through the bracer on her left wrist that Rickkter
had given her so long ago, but the moment of hesitation was short.
And with
the strength radiating from her heart, she felt a tightening grip pull
and crush her chest. She gasped for breath but could not find
one. Her skin stretched beneath her fur as her torso lengthened
like a serpent, bright black scales revealed between patches of
fur. Her little claws grew wicked and long, fingers thinner and
glistening with reptilian sheen. From the tip of her tail grew a
broad flat spade like she saw in her dreams. From behind her ears
and down the ridge of her back she felt horns and spines sprout. No
wings came from her, but she could almost imagine their presence and felt
diminished by their lack.
And then
the discomfort passed as Vissarion had promised. She still appeared
a skunk but now blended with the dragon so mighty and powerful.
Though she could not see them, she knew her eyes were slit as were his,
glowing a brilliant gold flecked with violent and emerald and now the
deep sapphire of her own eye colour. She breathed deep and with her
exhalation, steam and smoke curled from her nostrils.
I am here
now, Vissarion spoke in her voice. This too will be a gift to
Rickkter. Perhaps one day we will even be able to fly. But
Marzac took much of our strength. Thanks to thee, Kayla, I will one
day have it back; now to share with he whom thee loves.
Thank
you, Vissarion!
Kayla
was somewhat surprised to learn she had no power over her tongue anymore,
but not alarmed. Vissarion the Wise would see her to the side of
Rickkter. She only needed his strength to save her raccoon.
Until then, it was best to let the dragon do as he must.
Vissarion
slithered through the open window and emerged only ten yards or so from
the snow-covered ground. Their body, now slinky and serpentine, was
narrow enough to fit through that small aperture. The cool air
touched them but did not chill them. Vissarions claws tightly
gripped the ice-covered stones as they began scaling the outer walls of
the Keep. Their long tail waved back and forth as they slunk higher
and higher.
The walls
of the Keep were jutted with numerous balustrades, balconies, and
battlements. Kayla saw that they were in the eastern half of the
Keep, the one that brooded like a hunching dwarf festooned with misshapen
towers and donjons. The mighty spires to the west in which the
bells hang and in which Duke Thomas held court watched them with silent
assent. Through this labyrinth Vissarion led them with unerring
direction. Always he turned toward the left, inexorably leading
them around to the east.
The spires
fell beyond the horizon of the Keep, and Kayla contented herself with
watching the walls ahead. Snowflakes turned aside as they neared
their joined body, repelled by some understanding that they would surely
melt if they came too close to the draconic skunk. Claws gouged
into the ice and stone beneath as they dragged their way like a vast
salamander up the bark of a tree. Purpose filled her and a hunger
she couldnt explain.
Soon the
city of Metamor came around the walls of the Keep, shrouded by the storm,
it nevertheless brought her joy to see it. One day soon Rickkter
and her would walk its streets again. That was how things should
be. And with Vissarions aid, she would set the wrongs of
Rickkters wounding aright.
There. I think thats the one.
Vissarion nodded at Kaylas thought and guided their body to the
shuttered window. He pressed a golden eye at its base and through
the narrow slats they saw the familiar mouse mage and four other soldiers
keeping a close watch on the door. Around them were the familiar
instruments of Rickkters magical inquiry left wisely undisturbed.
Reaching
out one foreleg, Vissarion drew a line down the middle of the casement
which briefly glowed a pale red. He then circled above the window,
coiling their massive serpentine body just over the casement. Their
fur shuddered in anticipation. She hoped that they didnt have to
hurt any of them.
I will be
quick, Vissarion assured her in a sibilant whisper.
With a
single impulse of will the window cracked in the middle. Vissarion
leaped, flinging them inside the room where they landed with a tangle of
coils and shouts of alarm. The long tail smacked Kindle in the
chest before he could even lift his arms. The mouse slammed against
the wall and sagged there. The four soldiers, men and beasts,
rushed for their shape, but Vissarion rose to their hind legs and drew
criss-crossing sigils of scarlet in the air. They flashed onto the
foreheads of the soldiers and each of them collapsed into slumber.
As
promised, they are unhurt. The mage will have a bruise on his chest
and head, but no more.
Thank
you, Vissarion!
And
now to aid Rickkter.
Vissarion
lowered to all fours again and crawled to the door of Rickkters
bedroom. They shoved it open with their snout. They found
Rickkter sitting in the centre of his bed, wrapped in quilts and propped
upright on pillows. The quilts hed not removed to keep himself
warm were marred by chalk lines representing circles of protection.
They glowed a sombre green as of Summer grass beneath the shade of
trees. Vissarion came to their edge and snorted.
The
raccoon gasped at the sight of the monstrosity creeping into his room,
eyes widening in horror. Kayla! What has it done to you?
Kayla is
here unharmed. We have come to thy aid, Rickkter. Vissarions deep
basso voice was sublime and sure.
Rickkter
snarled, actual spittle dripping from his snout. Marzac beast! Get
out of her!
I intend
to, Vissarion replied. Extending one half reptilian, half furred
arm toward Rickkter the dragon raked his claws across the linens,
scratching other runes over the fabric that ate away at the raccoons
protective circle like mice at cheese. Kayla has asked me to help give
thee thy strength back. I will enter thee and do that.
Ive had
my soul ripped form my body once already. You will not do it
again.
I would
never do such a thing. Thou will be gifted with the power of a
dragon, Rickkter.
A power
that will consume me! As its consuming my love! Get out of
her! Kayla! If you can hear me in there, fight him!
Hes devouring you! Rickkter pushed away from the dragons runes as they
chewed at his defensive wards. Look what he has turned you into!
Vissarions rebuttal was quick and, it seemed, a trifle hurt. No,
Kayla. I would never do such a thing. Im here to help
thee.
Kayla felt
greater anguish at seeing Rickkter despise them than she had at
Murikeers betrayal. Let me talk to him. Hell believe it
if it comes from me.
But
Vissarion rebuffed her. There is no time. The others are
coming.
She felt
horrified at his words, but even she could hear the frenzied sound of
footsteps both human and beast approaching. She sighed and
consented to him. His spells tore at Rickkters circle. A few
moments more and it would snap. Vissarion could give his strength
to Rickkter then. Kayla hoped it came soon.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4b998805139031226415657!
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