The Spotting of a Knight
Formerly; Pierga falls under the curse
By Kamau
Part 2
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As he expected his dreams were troubled again that night. Just as
before the nightmare began and the soldiers once more came forth. This
time however as the man with the halberd approached three others came
forth as well. As they stood before him each made the sign of the Yew
then dropped their weapons. Marching past him toward the chasm they
walked into the flames. Pierga trembled as he watched expecting to see
the men committed to the everlasting flames as a punishment for the
lives they had taken. But instead, like the story in the Canticles of
the young men thrown into the furnace by king Nebuchadnezzar, they
walked on untouched. Indeed as they walked their clothing did not char
but instead became white as snow. As each reached the other side of the
chasm he saw Yahshua step forward and embrace each of them.
Then a cry broke forth from those still on Pierga's side. It was a
sound of pain and sorrow such as he had never heard before and hoped
never to hear again. Those by Yahshua's side reached out toward their
companions across the chasm of flames. These men however wavered,
seeming unable to move, like one stuck fast in a muddy road. The sound
continued to ring in his ears, echoing as if he stood in some great
canyon. Pierga's eye shot open and he clasped his hands over his ears.
The screams of the soldiers and the black of the night were all he could
sense. Finally it died and only the stillness of the night remained.
To Pierga the meaning was clear. Before he would rest tomorrow these
men must be given the peace of the grave.
With the first light of dawn Pierga rose and, quickly breaking his fast,
packed a meager meal before heading for the tombs. He worked like a mad
man turning the earth and pitching out any rock that stood in his way.
More than once his spade found a stone too large to move and he was
forced to start anew. Stopping only long enough to take his noon meats
he worked well into the afternoon.
Finally the graves were ready and he returned to the keep. Repeating
what he had done in the officer's chamber he prepared the last men to be
taken to their resting place. As he brought them to the common room
however he realized that it would take him more than one trip to bring
them all there and the sun would soon set.
"I've got to have these men in the ground before this night comes," he
moaned trying to reason how he could convey them there.
"Cr-r-ruck," came a cry from over the stables.
"Go away," Pierga shouted in frustration. "I don't need you to remind me
of what I must do."
"Rrronk, " the raven continued to caw. "Cr-r-ruck, rawk, awk, ruck."
Grasping a stone to pitch at the bird he saw his horse standing below
it. Suddenly the solution came to him and he ran to the stable.
Saddling his horse he brought it to the gate. Then, tying the burial
bags in pairs, he placed them over the saddle. He was concerned that
the horse, only accustom to a rider, would rebel at such use. To
Pierga's surprise but great relief it stood calmly, accepting each new
burden as it was added. It was almost as if it understood the role it
must play in this task. Gently leading the horse down the trail Pierga
saw the raven sail overhead and he knew for certain where he would find
him next.
The cries of the bird announced his entrance into the burial grounds. As
he gently unloaded each of the men's remains the raven watched, its
black orbs fixed on the labor below it. In the fading light of day
Pierga filled each of the graves and affixed a cross before them just as
he had done for the officers. Again he recited the prayer and giving
the sign of the Yew led his horse back to the keep.
The last rays of the sun played across the tower as Pierga placed his
horse back in its stall. He was exhausted from the day both in mind and
body but the task was done and he would not hear their sorrowful shrieks
in his dreams this night. Sleep quickly overtook him and the old dream
of his demonization played out as before. But to his greater horror the
clicking sound of bones was there as well.
Then the first man walked forward and into the flames undergoing the
brilliant transformation as he did so. The condemned knight gave a sigh
of relief as the last of the eight men, like the officers before them,
crossed over to Yahshua's embrace. Suddenly the same soul wrenching cry
pierced his ears. Looking back from the chasm he saw one man left
standing there. As the scream continued to echo in his ears Pierga
counted those reaching out from the other side of the fiery abyss. His
count confirmed that all those in the keep had crossed.
Looking back to the man left on his side he now saw that he was not so
plainly dressed as the others. His clothing was finer and the sword at
his side was not that of the common soldier yet it was not like any he
had seen before. Again the cry assaulted Pierga's ears and as the man
reached out toward him he awoke.
"No," he murmured shaking his head as he sat on his bedding. "Who have I
missed? Where else in the keep is there that a man could be hiding?"
He resolved that tomorrow he would fetch some of the oil for the lamp
and examine every inch of the cellar to be certain he was not there.
Slowly he drifted back off to an uneasy sleep knowing he would not be
free of this until he found this man's remains.
The next morning Pierga worked on cleaning the oil lantern he had found
in the common room. The residue left by the oil was like paste and took
far longer then he expected to clean. Descending into the cellar he
brought out one of the bottles of olive oil he had found there and
filled the lamp. It would take time for the wick to draw up the thick
fluid and so he decided to spend the time searching the upper end of the
valley. Taking his horse with him so it could graze on whatever grass
there was he made his way toward the rocky face. As he approached the
rubble that lay there he could clearly see the remains of what looked to
be a wall much like the one surrounding the keep's tower.
"Strategically this would be a better place for the keep," he said
looking back at the valley. "Solid rock to your back and a large killing
field before you, yes you could mount a good defense from here. I
wonder if this was the first keep?"
His musing was interrupted as a black form swept between him and the
rock fall. Glancing up he could see the raven darting back toward the
keep. He resumed his course only to moments later have the bird brush
close by him yet again.
"What on earth is that crazy bird doing?" he grumbled again moving
toward the ruins.
It was now clear that the rockslide had buried more than the wall.
Within the perimeter of this outer defense work he could see another
stone wall that had been crushed by boulders that dwarfed it. As he
turned his horse loose to graze he moved within the broken remains of
this keep. Scattered here and there were beams and rocks that had never
been put to use but still it looked like a great deal of the structure
had been set in place. Walking by some stones larger than his mount he
looked up at the ledge from which they had come. His eye searched for
any weakness that might exist but saw nothing. In fact to his eye all
of the remaining rock seemed solid and without flaw.
Nearing the inner wall he could see from its remnants that it had been
designed much like the tower below. Arrow slots were visible in some of
the places that remained upright. One wall had been lay to ground like
a man laying open a book. Whatever this was to be it was already two
stories tall judging from the beam holes and shattered planking. The
remains of a large chimney could be seen indicating that it was to be of
good size. For some time he looked about the ruins but saw no sign of
the man who had haunted his dreams the night before.
Moving outside of the debris itself Pierga looked up again at the rock
face. It was almost as if someone had taken a great knife and cleaved
the stone directly above this place for other then the manner in which
the stone had scattered after striking no other rocks had broken from
the mountain. Seeing that his horse had now moved back toward the keep
Pierga walked down and again took control of his mount. He had no more
then picked up the reins when his feathered antagonist flashed past him
again with a cry. Darting low over the field the bird then darted up
and toward the stream.
Judging that the wick was ready he made his way back toward the keep,
all the while being plagued by the bird. He was no expert on birds but
this raven was acting in a very strange way. Reaching the safety of the
keep he returned the horse to its stall and reentered the tower.
Lighting a small fire he put a taper to the lamp's wick and after a
moment it came to life. Now supplied with a steady source of light he
returned to the larder and began to examine it in detail. In the
process he found several stores of dried peas and beans as well as other
food stuffs that he hoped might supplement what he had brought with
him. He also discovered more supplies of blankets, clothing, tools and
weapons all indicating that this keep was prepared to sustain a long siege.
Finally as he searched the west wall he made a surprising discovery.
What he had believed to be yet another box was in reality the cover to a
well or cistern. As he held the light over the opening it seemed nearly
dry with only a small puddle of water near the side. Reaching the lamp
downward and looking within he could see a small outcropping that
occasionally let fall a bit of water. Taking a piece of rope and tying
it to the handle of the lantern Pierga lowered it to shed more light on
that wall. As the lamp was lowered and spun about he began to see more
of what was there. A square conduit of some kind with a wooden gate
protruded from the wall. From the top of the gate an iron fitting held
a wooden shaft that ascended to the top of the opening.
Grasping the shaft Pierga gave a pull but it refused to yield. He tried
yet again but stopped when the light of the lantern fell upon something
round and white near a corner of the cistern. Lowering the lamp a bit
more he waited for the light to fall upon the spot again. As the light
slowly swept across the surface he believed he was seeing another skull
meaning his quest had come to an end. Then the light moved across the
full surface and the mouth of a pot of some kind was revealed. Giving
one last careful examination of the bottom he withdrew the lamp and
resumed searching any box and barrel large enough to hide or contain a body.
As he finished circumnavigating the cellar he had found much that was
useful but not the remains he had hoped to discover. Bringing some of
the food stuffs with him, he returned to the common room. After closing
the trapdoor he moved to the hearth and made a careful examination of
the pots there. Each bore its share of dust and dirt from the years of
laying idle. For a moment he pondered which would be better, to take
the pots he would need to the stream or to fetch water from there to
clean them with. Recalling a yoke and buckets he had seen under the
stairs he chose to go for water instead.
While the distance was no more then two hundred feet Pierga understood
why the cistern was so needful in the keep. Once he had completed his
current task he would see if he could restore it to operation. As he
drew forth the first bucket from the stream he was met with a great
disappointment as water poured from each seam. Dipping the other bucket
within he found it too was unfit to carry water. As he was about to
discard them he recalled how one of the cooks had scolded a serving lad
for leaving buckets out in the sun. He had told the lad that for them
to remain useful they had to be kept wet lest the wood dry and the seams
open. Placing some rocks in the buckets he left them in the stream
hoping that by the morning they would again hold water.
He had no more then straighten up from doing this when a familiar caw
sounded above him and a dark form darted by. The raven was flying up
the stream toward the waterfalls at its head.
"What in the name of Eli is that bird up to?" grumbled the knight
watching as the bird soared upward to the falls then banked sharply and
returned down the stream.
Once again it darted by him, swung a wide arc and winged its way back to
the headwaters. This was not a mystery Pierga was interested in solving
and so leaving the buckets in the stream to soak overnight he returned
to the keep for one more meal from his saddlebags.
Much as he expected the dream of the previous night assaulted him
again. Like all his other dreams, no matter how often they occurred the
terror was always the same. After having returned to sleep this night
however he was awakened again not by a dream but by water dripping upon
his face. Rains had come in during the night and the stable roof was
not entirely sound. Shifting his position nearer to the wall he drew
his cloak over him and returned to sleep.
The next day broke dreary and wet with rain still dampening the lands.
Moving within the common room Pierga lit a fire to warm and dry himself
by. After his morning meal he climbed the stairs and examined the upper
chamber where the soldiers had slept. He knew the roof over the
battlement above was no more sound then that of the stable but between
it and its floor the soldier's chamber was dry. Looking out through the
arrow slots he could see the rain was continuing and so resolved to do
what he could within hoping the day would clear.
The first task he set to was removing the remaining ticks and straw from
the officer's quarters. From his exploration the day before he knew
there were more ticks to be had down in the cellar and he planned to
salvage what good straw he could to fill one of these. As the morning
and rain continued he managed to gather enough bedding to fill a tick
for himself. Once the storm had passed he would bring what remained
outside and perhaps be able to use some to give his horse some bedding
in the stable. Taking his cloak he next moved to recover the buckets
from the stream. As he drew them forth he could see that while still
not entirely sound they would indeed hold water long enough to make a
trip to the keep worth while.
Using the water he had fetched he then began to clean out the small pots
and crockery. Placing some of the peas within a large bowl he filled it
with water hoping they would be useable. The rain persisted throughout
the entire day and after more trips to the stream he resolved himself
that there would be no search for the missing man this day. Pierga then
made use of the rest of the day cleaning the officer's chamber and
exploring the chests there. When evening drew on he looked to the peas
but they were still far from ready if they ever would be. Still he lit
a fire and sat in a chair before it eating his rations.
Before retiring to his bed, he strung trip ropes at the gate, the door
and the stairs lest anyone should attempt to enter that night. A final
thought came to him as he placed his blanket on the bed farthest from
the stairs. Going to the soldier's beds above he drew forth ticks and
blankets. These he placed in the other beds so as to make it appear
that other men were sleeping there as well. To complete the scene he
place a small barrel in one of the chairs near the officers' hearth.
Draping a cloak over it he set a helm to its top thus giving the
appearance that someone was keeping a watch. If others came to attack
they would slay this fellow first and have no way of knowing which of
the other beds were truly occupied.
Thankfully the night passed uneventfully save for his nightmare and
Pierga rose the next morn to the sun breaking through the clouds.
Finishing his breakfast he began his search for the missing officer at
the ditch below the keep. Carefully walking along both sides he found
no indication of the restless soul. Looking to the pale he began to
search its length. Where ever he found it fallen he would use the stout
staff he had been given at Noirhet to raise up the fallen timbers,
making certain that a body had not been pinned below. By mid day he had
completed his search of both and resolved to move next into the woods.
On several occasions the raven had again swooped down and past him, each
time returning to follow the stream. Even though he had attempted to
strike the attacking bird it would not cease this odd behavior. As the
knight began walking through the new growth trees on the edge of the
wood he knew this task would only succeed with Eli's blessing for after
all these years a body fallen in the woods would certainly have been
scattered by predators and buried beneath seasons of leaves and twigs.
Still he had to try or live forever with the screams of this man in his
head. By the end of the day he had still found nothing and returned to
the keep to suffer another night of haunted sleep.
Rising early the next day Pierga resumed his search of the woods. He
moved carefully through the younger forest, sweeping the ground with his
staff so as to see anything that might lay hidden. Several times his
hopes were raised then dashed as a stone or other object tricked him
into believing he had found the man's remains. In the course of his
searching he disturbed a rabbit warren and he vowed to bring a bow with
him the next time in hopes of getting some fresh meat.
By sunset he had covered most of the ground before the old growth woods
and was beginning to wonder if he would ever be able to put this man to
rest. That night he was able to use the peas from the cellar and had
the first warm meal in several days. This, however, did not prevent the
nightmare replaying in his sleep that night.
As Pierga set out the next morning the raven again swept by him
repeatedly, its course always ending near the falls.
"What in the name of Eli attracts that bird to there?" he murmured as
the bird completed yet another pass.
It was then he recalled that crows and ravens were attracted by shiny
objects and that perhaps some metal or jewelry carried by a man might be
drawing the bird to that location. He resolved to look there after he
had completed searching the young woods. Shortly after taking his noon
meats he finished covering what ground he had not yet explored and
followed the stream up to the falls. Along the way he was able to
employ the bow he had brought to bring down a hare that had come to the
water to drink.
"Ah, Eli is smiling on me this day," he thought picking up his evening's
meal. "Perhaps there will be more good fortune at the falls."
All the time he was making his way up to the falls the raven flew
overhead but did not dive on him as in days past. As Pierga reached the
pools etched by the falling water he could see a narrow passage just off
to the side. While he was still examining this path the raven dove past
him and hugging the wall near it disappeared beneath the falling waters
not to reappear. For a moment he considered whether the bird had
misjudged and been swallowed by the raging water but then he heard its
calls echoing off the walls. Carefully he began to follow the ledge
toward the base of the falls.
A fine mist filled the air as Pierga made his way toward where the
raven's calls continued to sound. This wet the pathway and made for
uncertain footing the closer he came to the torrent that descended from
above. At times, when the path barely accommodated his feet, he
considered turning back but the bird's insistent calls kept him
wondering what was beyond and so he pressed on. At last he stood on a
broad shelf behind the column of water and spied the raven sitting on a
ledge several feet above.
Looking about he could see nothing that should have attracted this
creature to its unlikely perch. Suddenly he noticed something that
altered his thoughts completely. Not far from where the raven sat was a
carved step within the rocky face. Looking above and below he quickly
found others placed in such a fashion as to make a steep stair or more a
ladder by which to ascend the wall. Moving to the first of these steps
he closely examined them.
They certainly had been finely crafted by some stone worker untold years
ago. The cut was made so that they sloped back into the rock leaving an
edge on which a man could find sure footing even in the damp. To each
side a groove had been carved to allow what water did enter to drain.
As he placed his hand into the one at the level of his chest he found
that there was also a depression well sized for his fingers to grasp
assuring a firm hold.
"And what awaits me above?" he asked the raven who now silently look at him.
To Pierga's surprise the bird seemed to reply with a series of muted
caws and squawks. Setting his tools to the side he began to lift
himself upward carefully testing each handhold as he went. In only a
few moments he found himself cresting over the lip of rock from which
the falls was given birth. Here again he found carved hand holds by
which he could pull himself up until he stood by the flowing water just
before it crashed to the valley below.
Turning to face the valley he saw not only the commanding view that this
gave but also the beauty of the land. From this height the valley
stretched out before him like a river of green descending to that larger
valley beyond. In the distance he could see the smoke from the houses
he had passed the day he came to this place. Beyond them and more to
the south he saw what he felt certain was the tower where he had seen
the strange figure somewhat more than a week ago. For a moment he
pondered if this had been a place from which the keep would signal that
tower in time of need. Then something else caught his eye. There, not
far from the overgrown road he had traveled, was the ruins of another
structure. It was difficult to tell at this distance but from what he
could see it well might have been a fine house or villa many years ago.
"Yet another place to search," Pierga murmured to himself. "That could
explain why I have not found him. Perhaps the officer was there during
the attack."
A shudder ran through him as he thought about what else he might find
there. If a stronghold like this keep had fallen what might an enemy
have done to a mere house. How many more slain might there be at that
place?
Turning his attention to the opening from which the water flowed he
noted a set of iron rings much like those that held arrows at the keep.
Moving toward the nearest of these he now saw that the size of the
opening was deceptive. It was a large overhang of rock that created the
illusion of an opening just large enough for the water to flow when in
fact a sizable entrance lay behind. Moving to this entrance he peered
inside and saw that it opened into a cavern whose size he could not
estimate from the limited light the opening provided.
A loud caw from behind him made Pierga look back outside. There perched
on the rock was the raven once again. It jerked its head about as if
examining him and called out again.
"What?" he said facing the bird. "You surely don't expect me to go in
there without a light."
The raven simply continued to look about and wait. As Pierga moved back
from the opening the bird flew by, coming to rest on the opening and
called loudly. The knight looked at the bird for a moment and shook his
head.
"Not until I get a lantern will I explore any farther," he said making
his way to the carved steps. "This will have to wait for tomorrow,
besides I've a meal waiting to be fixed just below."
To the loud objections of the raven Pierga made his way down to the base
of the falls and back to the keep. There he dressed out the rabbit all
the time being scolded by his black feathered friend. As he finished
dressing out his kill he threw some of the guts into the courtyard.
Only seconds later the raven swooped down on them, quickly retreating
back to his perch on the wall with his prize.
"You have earned that this day," the man said looking at the bird as it
began to feed. "Perhaps tomorrow I will know if you have earned even more."
Mounting the rabbit on a spit he went back to the hearth and prepared a
fire to roast his dinner on. As he turned the spit his mind when back
to earlier days when such as he was doing now was far more common
place. The days of his youth and of being a squire, days spent on the
road and in training that prepared him for the sometimes harsh life of a
knight. Adjusting the fire Pierga sighed knowing that those days were
now long past. By the mercy of Eli he might still live but never again
would it be as a knight.
Despite the good meal his night was spent in the same restless broken
sleep as before. The next morning he packed up a lantern and a flask of
oil along with some other tools and returned to the falls. Quickly
making his way to the cavern's entrance he lit the lamp and prepared to
enter. The raven again sat watching as if anticipating some event to
yet unfold.
"This had best be worth it," Pierga said to the bird. "And if it's some
kind of trick you'll be the one on the spit tonight."
The raven ruffled its wings and tilted his head at these words. Eyeing
the bird one last time the knight entered the cave.
The first thing the lantern revealed was a set of uplifted planks that
had been cast aside by the water. From what he could make of them and
the rocks nearby this well could have been a bridge to aid in entering.
In a relatively short distance the mouth of the cave opened into a much
larger cavern with a broad floor to each side of the stream that ran
through the center. The place where the stream ran was lower than the
main floor and rose in two steps to that level. Whoever had done this
work knew well the need to allow a stream to leave its banks and planned
their work accordingly. This was obviously the work of man and not of
nature though the roof clearly showed nature had begun the work.
Moving to the back of the chamber Pierga saw where another passage
continued to follow the stream deeper into the mountain. It was here
that he saw more signs that the cave had indeed been used by men. Hooks
were affixed in the ceiling every few paces, perhaps for lanterns to
light the way. The cave made a slow turn to the right and Pierga
pressed on moving deeper still into the darkness. Suddenly his lantern
ceased to find walls and the stream spread out before him. For a moment
he stood there trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Turning
about to let his lantern light all that surrounded him he could see
where the cave had opened into another chamber.
It was when he lowered the lantern and swung it to his left that he
realized what he was seeing. Before him, as far as the lantern's light
would reach was water. He had come upon some kind of underground lake
that fed the stream behind him. Try as he might he could not see an end
to the water save where it joined the wall near where he stood.
Swinging back to the right however he could make out faintly in the
distance what appeared to be wood rising from the water. Moving as
close as he could to that spot he saw what appeared to be the remnants
of a small boat, now half sunken in the lake. If this was the resting
place of the man he sought all was lost for there was no way he could
plumb the depths of these waters.
Turning back he began to make his way down the passage that had brought
him here. He was already thinking of where he would need to search next
when his light fell on an opening across the stream he had missed on his
way in. The angle at which this lay had hidden it from the meager light
of his lamp but now it stood out clearly. For a moment Pierga
considered leaping the distance but quickly judged it too great.
Returning to the first chamber he had entered he used some of the wood
that had made the entrance bridge to cross to the other side.
Moving back up the tunnel he came to the opening he had seen and
examined it. It was indeed another passage and certainly man made for
it had stairs leading upward from the stream. A new hope surged in him
as he ascended the passage that curved gently to the right. The
narrowness of the passage led him to believe it might be another way out
of the cavern. Perhaps that was the value of this place. This cave
with its man made extension was a means of crossing these mountains
instead of traveling about them. But the passage was only wide enough
for one man to travel and certainly would be difficult to bring goods
through. His reflections on the true purpose of the passage came to a
halt as the lantern's light revealed a door ahead. Then Pierga saw that
the door had been dislodged from its hinges and the wood planks to it
center had been shattered like so much kindling.
Sliding past the splintered remains of the portal he entered a chamber
more than ten paces long and perhaps half again as wide. Moving his
lantern to his left he felt more certain then ever that his quest was
nearing its end. Before him were the skeletal remains of those slain in
battle but there was something odd about them. From what he saw the
bodies were too small to be men, the largest no more than five feet
tall. Continuing to sweep the light about the chamber he could see that
this chamber had become a killing ground for there were nearly two dozen
of them scattered about.
Stepping over one of the slain Pierga saw a flash of light from the far
end of the room. His combat instincts triggered and he spun about and
drew his knife. Nothing moved before him and he carefully examined the
area where he believed he had seen the light. Again a glint shined
forth and he focused on that place. Bodies were piled upon each other
here, a skull lay apart testifying to it's being severed from its
owner. Moving toward this mass of death Pierga paused as he looked to
the wall and saw a large darken area he knew for dried blood. Then he
saw what had caught the light of his lantern and he knew his search was
at an end.
There on the floor lay the strange blade he had seen at the man's side
in his dream the night past. The blade was slightly curved and had no
guard or quillions save a small disk near the hilt. His eyes moved from
this to a bony hand a short distance away. Stepping forward and by the
bones of the fallen he followed the hand back to a cloak covered form
that he knew had to be the owner of the blade. A pair of boots still
covered the man's legs but the rest of his body was hidden beneath.
Setting the lantern down to free his hands Pierga lifted the cloth to
reveal the body of the last he had to bury. What he found left no doubt
in the knight's mind that the blood on the wall was his. The back of
his skull was shattered and the flatness of the brigandine he wore
assured him that he had several broken ribs as well.
Taking off the pack he had worn he withdrew the bag that would allow him
to carry this man's remains back to the valley for burial. Beginning
with the boots he reverently emptied the bones into the bag. Moving up
the body the knight continued the morbid labor. Just as he had expected
he found a finely crafted Yew belonging to the warrior under the armor.
When he reached the hand he noticed they somehow seemed deformed but
thought no more of it. Finally all that remained was the skull.
Reaching under the broken head and jaw he lifted it toward the bag but
could not suppress a gasp as the light of the lantern fully revealed its
form.
What he held in his hands was not the skull of a man but of some form of
beast. A long muzzle extended from the face, its mouth studded with
sharp teeth and fangs. For a long time Pierga simply stared in
disbelief. How could this be? Everything spoke of this being the man
he had seen in his dream but the head, the face, how could it be?
Placing it in the bag he knelt there trying to recall every detail of
the man from his dreams. In none of the dreams had he ever seen the
man's face nor the skull as he had with the others. What did this
mean? Was he cursed in the same manner that the knight himself was for
his actions? How could that be as it would only be at his judgment that
he would be condemned to a demon's form for all eternity?
Glancing back at the sword Pierga reassured himself that it was the very
one he had seen in his dream. Of this there was no doubt for its form
was unique to any other weapon he knew of. Moving to the discarded pile
of armor he picked up the scabbard and carefully slid it on the blade so
that he might carry it without touching the hilt . This he placed in
the pack to be carried down as well. Then shouldering the pack he
picked up the lantern and bag and made his way back to the cave's entrance.
Stepping once more into the sunlight he extinguished his lantern and
paused as his eyes grew accustom to the sun's brightness. The cries of
the raven began to sound as soon has he had stepped clear of the cave.
The bird had not seemed to move from its perch for all the time he had
been inside. Even now it held fast its place only jerking its head
about as it looked at the bone filled bag on the ground.
"If only you could talk," Pierga said looking at the raven. "Perhaps you
could shed some light on this mystery."
Fastening the bag so that he could descend the carved steps Pierga
carefully made his way to the foot of the falls. Returning to the keep
he discarded the pack and picking up the spade headed for the woods to
put this last man to rest. The sight of the skull continued to bother
the knight as he crossed the field. He could make no sense of it at
all. Yet he knew to be free of that part of his nightmare this was what
he had to do. The raven shadowed him to the edge of the woods and when
he arrived at the tombs it was already perched on a limb overlooking the
graves.
Setting quickly to work Pierga dug the last grave and after placing the
Yew within lowered the bag to its final resting place. Replacing the
earth and setting the simple wooden cross at the head he recited the
committal prayer as he had twice before. The raven from its perch added
its own cawing dirge to the ritual but never moved from its place. His
task completed he returned to the keep his mind filled with the many
mysteries he had found in the last few days.
When he slept that night as he expected his nightmare returned. He held
his breath as the figure with the fine sword appeared and approached
him. As its face was illuminated by the flame of the chasm Pierga knew
this was the man he had lay to rest that day. Only he wasn't a man.
The muzzle that protruded from the hood of his cloak was like that of a
dog or wolf as were his eyes. Somewhat flattened by the heavy fabric he
was sure he saw a set of ears near the top of his head. The flames also
revealed the fine Yew that he had found in the cave resting against the
figures chest.
He stopped just out of reach and turned to face the condemned knight.
As he made the sign of the Yew Pierga saw his hands. They were fur
covered with dark claws at the tip of each finger. Finishing the
gesture he bowed to Pierga, a faint smile somehow gracing his canine
features. Reaching to his side he grasped the strange sword that sat
there. For a moment the former knight feared that this was his
executioner standing before him. Instead the man knelt and laid the
sword before the Yesbearn knight then with a bow turned and walked into
the chasm. Like the others before him he crossed without harm. As he
reached the other side he turned and knelt before Yahshua. In a gesture
recorded many times in The Canticles the Son of Eli reached out his hand
and touched the creatures head. Immediately his muzzle began to melt
back into his face and his hands lost their fur. Moments later the
restored man stood and Yahshua embraced him as he had the others.
Suddenly it struck Pierga that this dream might be something more. Was
this a test? Was his faith being tried and the chasm of flame only
there to be the place of testing? He remembered how The Canticles told
of Yahshua calling Cephas to come to him over the waters. The way the
apostle had stepped out of the boat and done what was impossible for a
man, walking upon the water. He faltered only when his faith failed
him, yet even then Yahshua has saved him. Was Pierga expected to do as
this man had just done and be relieved of this curse?
Steeling himself for what he must do the demonized knight turned to face
the chasm. Through the flames he could still see Yahshua standing on
the other side. Crossing himself Pierga walked toward the chasm. With
every step the heat grew and it was only by force of will that he took
another step. Finally, he was at the edge and he knew his next step
would be into nothingness. Praying more fervently than he ever had in
his life he took the step of faith.
With a roar louder than a thousand lions the flames seemed to rise up
and he felt himself falling. He was engulfed in pain such as he had
never felt in all his days.
"Yahshua, have mercy," he screamed only to feel the burning fire race
down his throat.
The fire seemed to consume him but he still fell, the pain echoing
throughout his body as the lip of the chasm vanished above him.
Pierga's own screams roused him from his torment but their sound seemed
to ring in the chamber as he sat trembling in his bed. Staring into the
darkness the pain slowly receded from his mind. He was drenched in
sweat and his body was shaking uncontrollably, his breath coming in
short violent gasps. Not since the first night of this dream had he
been so terrified. For a long time he sat there, the image and pain
forever etched into his memory. He rose from his bed and paced the
room. What was the meaning of the dream? Was there a meaning? Why had
there not been some solace this night as there had been when he had
completed laying the other Followers to rest? He searched for meaning,
any fragment of rationale for what had happen. Yet the only answer that
came forth was that this was the price he must pay for his sins.
Finally, his mind and body exhausted, he returned to his bed where
slowly darkness and sleep overtook him once more.
As the night marched on Pierga stayed barely within sleep's grasp, so
violently did he thrash about his bed. Abruptly he found himself wide
awake but not as from the dream. Something was wrong but he could not
discern what it was. It was the sensation of impending doom, an
unquenchable apprehension that something was about to happen. He was
too many years a soldier not to respond to this feeling. Looking about
the dark chamber he could see nothing. Taking up his knife he cast his
blanket aside and slipped into his boots. Cautiously he moved to the
stairs, searching for the slightest sign of danger. He listened for any
sound coming from the lower room but heard nothing. Moving down them he
carefully stepped over the trip rope that was still in place. While it
was approaching a full moon there was only enough light coming in to
discern that nothing was moving and the doors were still shut.
Going to the door farthest from the gate Pierga carefully opened it
slightly and looked out. The back door in the wall was still closed and
barred. Looking to the battlements he saw no one moving above and
slipped out into the night. The moonlight was still dim and the
occasional cloud reduced this even more. Looking at the stable he could
see his horse moving about nervously, a clear sign that all was not
well. Staying close to the tower's wall he took a quick glance around
the side. He felt a shiver run up his spine and thought the better for
having come out in only his shirt and boots. There was nothing to do
for it now and he eased past the corner making his way toward the broken
front gate.
He could feel his skin crawl as he moved along the wall, inching ever
closer to where he could look at the entrance. As he neared the corner
his hand began to ache as if he had been wielding a sword for hours.
Reaching over with his left hand to ease the cramp he stopped abruptly
as his fingers felt something far different from skin beneath them.
Looking down he saw a fine covering of hair, like that on a man as he
first grows a beard, breaking out. Even as he looked it grew thicker
and longer.
"No," he gasped, all thoughts of an enemy being flushed from his mind.
"Oh dear Eli, no!"
The cloud that had been dimming the light passed and the full light
revealed the hair was now so dense that it was like fur.
"No Eli, please no!" he cried out falling to his knees. "In the name of
Yahshua have mercy!"
Pierga's arms began to itch and he pulled back his shirt sleeve to see
fur now marching across his arms. Behind him he could hear his horse
whinnying frantically. Then he heard him kick and wood crack. A second
time the sound rang out followed by the sound of wood bouncing across
the ground. Pierga turned just in time to roll clear of the horse as it
charged past him. Jumping the barrels that blocked the gate it charged
out into the night.
A sudden tremble in his arm made Pierga redirect his attention from his
fleeing mount to himself. The moonlight revealed that the fur was
continuing to grow over his body and to his horror his limbs were
distorting.
"Yahshua, please have pity on me," the man called out as he felt his
body shifting in ways not possible. "No, merciful Lord, I beg you, stop."
Pierga felt a tug at the bottom of his long shirt and looked to see
something slowly snaking its way out the bottom. The image that had
appeared in his dreams for days now was coming true and he knew this
appendage was his tail. Ripping off his shirt he saw his chest was now
hidden beneath the same fur that was growing on his arms.
His entire body now seemed to be shifting, some parts growing longer
others short. His feet elongated pushing the soft boots to his toes.
Kicking these free he saw the ball of his foot begin to swell and
flatten. He was certain a hoof would emerge from it at any moment but
instead a set of claws burst forth. A series of sharp pains in his head
dropped him to the ground, his senses swimming. Before his eyes a
muzzle pushed out flattening his nose into a broad surface atop it.
Then his entire body convulsed and he became a quivering mass of fur and
limbs thrashing about on the ground. Then all stopped.
Panting Pierga slowly rolled to his belly and looked about. He tried to
stand but could only rise to his hands and knees, or so he thought. As
he moved to the barrel and pulled himself up to one he realized that he
was on his hind feet but his legs were shorter and all wrong. As he
tried to stand up the barrel he was bracing himself against fell over
throwing him to the ground again. Looking out the gate he could see
clearly the entire area before the keep and glanced up at the sky
expecting to see the dawn breaking. Instead his eyes were met with a
starry sky. A sound made him snap his head back to earth just in time
to see a rabbit scurry off into a thicket not far from the corner of the
woods. Suddenly Pierga found himself flying across the field, all four
feet churning the rock and earth beneath them. He cleared the ditch in
one leap and soon was inches from the thicket where he had seen the
rabbit disappear. He slid to a stop just in time to prevent himself
from getting a face full of thorns. As he stood there, his mind greatly
distracted by the scent of the hare, he realized that he was standing on
his hands and feet.
"What am I?" he said fighting a torrent of feelings and desires that
were entering his mind. A low growl came from before him and he was
instantly a good twenty paces from the bush. Again he heard the sound
but now realized it was coming from his own throat. Each word, each cry
was now no more then a bestial snarl, unrecognizable as speech. Shaking
his head he looked back at his own form for the first time. His body
was covered with a thick coat of short fur. He could not tell the color
but could see it was marked with a series of dark spots that seemed to
form rosettes over his entire body. His tail lashed in response to the
emotions that were racing through his embattled brain. Lifting a hand
he saw his forepaw for the first time. A large black pad now covered
his palm and stubby toes, each baring a pad as well had replaced his
fingers. He attempted to clinch his fist but only to have his claws
unsheathe.
A pain in his belly reminded him of his hunger and his failed attempt to
catch the hare. Pierga the man tried to resist the desire to follow the
scent but his beastly body continued to sample the air. He prayed to
Eli for mercy but only a deep growl came in reply. Hunger, the need for
meat, filled his mind pushing prayer and rational thought out. Suddenly
the rabbit made a break for its warren and the big cat charged off into
the woods after him. Dodging about trees the rabbit was now inches
away. His paw reached out, claws unsheathed, ready to take its prey.
With an abrupt turn and leap the rabbit headed off between two trees and
into a hole, leaving his pursuer sliding to a stop.
A distant sound refocused his attention outward. Somewhere in the
distance he could hear something move. His nose told him it was not far
and without thought he plotted off in that direction. His movement was
swift but silent and he could smell the scent of the beast getting
stronger with each step. As he reached the edge of the woods he stopped
and crouched to look out into the open space.
There before him was a four legged beast of great size. It was up wind
from him and totally unaware of his presence. It stood there grazing in
the moonlight ignorant of its danger. His whiskers told him the wind
would allow him to move behind his prey. Staying within the cover of
the woods he moved to a position no more than twenty paces from his
intended meal. His stomach clinched once in hunger but he held his
ground. Waiting for the prey's head to dip once more for the ground he
bounded into the open.
A whinny of fright escaped the beast as it took to its hooves but it was
too late. One more bound place the big cat on the animals back, claws
digging deeply into its flesh. It reared, hind legs finding nothing but
air. The feline's fangs now bit deeply into the back of the horse's
neck and it again cried out in fright and pain. Shifting his position
the big cat now used his weight and strength to wrestle the animal to
the ground. Together they crashed to earth, claws and teeth maintaining
their grip upon the prey. While hooves flailed in the air the muscular
cat slid to the front of the neck and clamped down over the throat. The
beginnings of a cry were cut short has the powerful jaws closed tightly
upon the beast's windpipe. Gradually the flailing slowed and then
stopped. For several minutes the predator remained motionless, mouth
locked tight over his prey until death was certain. Then he rose and
moved to the Horse's belly. Minutes later his muzzle was buried in the
beast gorging himself on his first kill.
End Part 2 of The Spotting of a Knight
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