A War to Come @page { margin-bottom: 5.000000pt; margin-top: 5.000000pt; } A War to Come Catherine Forbes Smashwords Edition Copyright © 2011 by Catherine Forbes Smashwords Edition, License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. The loud, low blast of the alarm horn rattled every nerve in Clayton’s tired body. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He could hear the sound of running footsteps approaching, but he ignored them and continued on his way down the little cobbled road, quickening his pace. His cloak billowed out behind him�"revealing his light armour�"as the once gentle breeze turned fierce, making the wooden houses he passed creak and complain. Dust kicked up from the ground and stung his dark eyes when he opened them, causing him to grow more irritated than he already was. �śSir, sir!” shouted a young man’s voice. �śThe alarm has sounded!” Clayton grimaced, lifting a hand to rub the dust from his eyes. �śYes, I know. I am not deaf, you fool!” He stopped as the young guard appeared in front of him, looking terrified. A layer of sweat covered his skin, and his hair was soaked, making its light brown colour look a shade darker. His boyish, hazel eyes were unblinking and wide. His body language made him look even younger and smaller than he was, but what hit Clayton the most was the stench of fear. This was a human, after all. The humans of the Kingdom didn’t take well to stressful situations such as oncoming battle. The human body was weak and could perish if inflicted by the simplest of wounds. �śWe need to find that bloody wizard,” Clayton said, and started walking again. The boy followed, his nerves making him clumsy and nearly causing him to trip over his own feet. �śSir Rasmel has already started looking,” he replied quickly, his voice trembling. �śGood. I want you to go and prepare yourself for battle with the others.” The boy froze on the spot and stared at Clayton’s back, his breathing becoming rapid. �śCould it be a false alarm?” He looked hopeful. Clayton stopped moving, the question ringing in his ears. He stepped close to the boy, ready to order him to stop cowering and man up. But he couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. He was young, after all. �śIt could be,” Clayton lied, trying to sound soothing, but failing miserably. �śEven so, we have to prepare.” The boy nodded slightly and lifted a shaky hand to rub his forehead. �śGods, I hope it isn’t them. They’ll kill us all.” Clayton bit his tongue impatiently. �śBoy,” he said, �śnow is a time for strength. You serve our great Kingdom and you swore you would give your life to protect it.” The young guard straightened, seemingly trying to pull himself together. �śFor the King,” he squeaked. Clayton nodded and turned. �śNow, go,” he ordered, and breathed a sigh of relief as the guard ran off, his footfalls echoing loudly down the silent street. Off in the distance, they roared with hatred, and their eyes blazed with burning rage as they stretched out their powerful wings, gliding swiftly through the open air. They were the giants of the sky, keepers of wonders and guardians of the natural world. They were also the bringers of death to those who threatened the land. They growled ferociously, now nearing the human Kingdom� .� .� . * * * One moon ago� .� .� . Hundreds of heavy footsteps thundered throughout the grasslands of Kalem. The clinking of metal armour cut through the chilled air; fierce growls rose and fell with the changing wind; the ground trembled, causing small grassland creatures to flee from the sudden disturbance in fear. The small army of ugly, humanoid creatures were headed north, resolute in reaching their destination. In perfect rows of six, the creatures marched through the open land, stopping only when something got in their way. Bronze short swords were tied to every creature’s tattered belt, and giant carved knives were strapped to their backs. Their bronze armour, strong and heavy, was stained with patches of mud and other dried substances. To their right, beyond the grasslands, the City of Palensia could be seen in the distance. To the left, past the Great River, Mount Cravek stood miles high. However, the army ignored both, keeping its sights set straight ahead. It was nearing nightfall. The sun was slowly sinking behind Mount Cravek and casting a deep crimson sheen over clouds and sky. It almost looked like spilled red wine, a wondrous sight to be appreciated�"or so Calium Beadson thought as he sat back against the large boulder and relaxed in the heat of the small campfire. Once every year he had the delight of taking in the view, as once every year he travelled to Palensia for trade and business. It gave him satisfaction that even though his travels were always work related, he always had pleasurable moments that he favoured. A soft noise to his right attracted his attention to where his wagon and valuable steed, Torque, stood a few feet away. The dark chestnut stallion seemed restless, frightened, even, as Calium pulled at the rope that tied him to a tree. �śSsssh.” Calium tried soothing his companion, but the creature wouldn’t settle. He looked around, trying to work out what was scaring the horse. Everything seemed as peaceful as always. The sun was still setting slowly as twilight moved in; the first few stars glistened in the sky, and the full moon peeked out from behind the clouds. In a couple of minutes, complete darkness would descend and Calium would move on. As evening fell across the grasslands, the army picked up their pace as they continued north. Something�"other than the tiredness that ached in their bones�"burned in all of them. It strengthened with every movement and made saliva spill from their discoloured mouths. It was a relentless craving that had turned these once-humans into something monstrous. Soon, it would become so unbearable that each and every creature would have to satisfy its insatiable hunger. The chilled night air clung to their bodies, but they didn’t acknowledge the cold, or much of anything else, as their long journey neared its end. The Kalem Caves were only a league or so ahead, just past the main road leading into the Kingdom of Palensia. The army wasn’t expecting any trouble when it reached the road; it was likely no one would be travelling at this time, as the main gates of the Kingdom closed soon after sundown. Calium sat on the uncomfortable wooden front seat of his wagon and held onto the reins. Torque, now settled, was elegantly trotting along the main road into the city. The night was cold, and a freezing chill began to creep over Calium. He pulled his thick wool coat closer around himself and tried to keep his teeth from chattering. He thought of the Howlett Inn, where he spent his visits in the city. He thought of his room there, and of his warm, soft bed�" �"suddenly he heard a low, rumbling sound. It reminded him of a stampede of horses (which he heard quite frequently back home), yet he knew there were no wild horses in Kalem. He narrowed his eyes as Torque halted and started struggling against the reins. There were no other animals in Kalem that would make that much noise, and as Calium tried to get his steed under control, the earth started to shake. He let go of the reins in surprise and left his seat, his back and legs stiff as he climbed down off the wagon and started toward Torque, who was adamantly trying to get free. Warm blood and fresh meat�"the army growled and roared lustfully as the smell of living flesh reached them. Consumed by hunger, their animal instincts took over as all four hundred charged in the direction of the smell. Some bared their sharp teeth, others brandished their weapons, while others still merely relished the thought of sinking their claws into the soft flesh. Calium’s eyes widened as the sounds of growls and roars filled the air. Sweat began beading on his forehead, and his heart felt as if it were trying to punch its way through his chest. He stepped back from Torque and looked around, not seeing anything but darkness. Just as he looked in the direction of Palensia, with its lights shimmering in the distance, something hit him on the head and pain shot through his entire body. He groaned miserably and fell to the ground. As another kind of darkness overwhelmed him, the last thing he saw was ugly deformed faces and razor-sharp teeth. * * * The brightness of the Royal Hall bombarded Clayton�"it felt like piercing shards of glass were being jammed into his eye sockets. He blinked and squinted; his vision was, annoyingly, blurred by tears. Quickly rubbing his eyes with his right hand, he willed his senses under control. This cannot go badly , he thought, taking deep breaths. After momentarily standing by the large marble doors through which he’d previously entered, dabbing at his eyes, willing his senses, Clayton was satisfied enough to carry on. He stepped into the hall�"and suddenly his efforts of control were washed away as a wave of anger completely overcame him. He stumbled back against the doors, shut his eyes, and shook his head as if doing so would somehow fling the emotion away. A movement nearby made him open his eyes. A man radiating a calming presence was standing before him. Clayton sighed, relieved. �śThe King and Queen are waiting for you,” the man said loudly. Then, in a quieter tone, he asked, �śAre you sure you can do this?” Clayton nodded and subtly shook himself while he constructed a brick wall in his mind to block out the emotions of mortals. He smiled at the eyes of concern looking upon him when he had finished. �śCalith, my friend, I am fine.” Calith shook his head in concern. �śIt seems you are not,” he replied, sadly. Clayton started walking as Calith urged him forward. He could see the King and Queen on the other side of the long hall, sitting on their thrones, talking quietly to each other. �śIt is getting worse, is it not?” Clayton looked at Calith. His dark brown eyes stared at the floor as he walked. His brown hair, untied and hanging around his shoulders, looked un-brushed and messy. His skin had patches of dirt on it, and the clothes he wore�"a thin cotton shirt and breeches�"looked untidy, dirty. �śThey got you to look for him,” Clayton noted, rather than asked. �śThey did, but I could not find him, even in my other form. The man must be using magic to keep himself hidden from sight and senses.” Clayton nodded. �śThe man uses magic for everything.” �śIndeed. That was why I never trusted him.” Clayton pulled his black velvet cloak tighter around him�"a nervous habit. �śBut that is not the only reason I was called here,” he said. Calith sighed. �śTrue. The King and Queen do not think you have been doing your job as Captain.” �śAh. So, let me guess: they called me here to tell me to sort myself out or else?” Calith nodded. �śThey do not believe your� .� .� .� condition is an excuse to ignore your duties.” �śMy condition?” He means my going insane . �śJust do as they ask, Clayton, and listen carefully to what they have to say. Something else has happened that might relate to the wizard’s disappearance.” The long walk down the hall was coming to an end, and both Clayton and Calith kept silent to avoid being overheard by the human King and Queen. The enormous hall felt empty. The ceiling felt too high, the arch-shaped windows too big, and the stone walls too cold. With only the thrones to fill out the entire hall, the place was unwelcoming and hollow. Clayton didn’t like it. Nor did Calith. They stopped just below three shallow steps that led to the thrones. As Clayton got down on one knee, he tried hard to reinforce the solid brick wall in his mind. �śClayton, how kind of you to join us,” King Eomadas said, his anger spilling through his teeth and radiating from his entire frame. Clayton rose slowly and tried to stay silent. The King, tall and lanky, with cropped red hair, seemed weak and unworthy of leadership of any kind. He carried the title of King simply because he’d inherited it. Human Kingdoms worked that way: inheritance over skill, greed over need. �śMy King, I do apologise for my absence,” Clayton said. �śWell, that makes everything better!” the King spat. He got up off of his throne and came closer to Clayton, stepping down two of the small steps and standing on the first. The brown animal fur cloak he wore was tied at the neck around his front, covering his top half, and the dark velvet trousers he wore were tailored and of the highest quality. Clayton didn’t look the King in the eye, but kept his gaze aimed at the floor. Dominance was such an important thing in the Kingdom. You had to know your place and respect those who were superior to you. Clayton, being the Captain of the Guards, had many people who were superior to him, and only a few who were inferior, such as peasants, commoners, and his guardsmen. This didn’t bother him, though, as all human Kingdoms worked that way, even though the people at the top of the hierarchy were not always worthy. �śTell us, what is the reason for your many absences?” Queen Thiana asked, her tone soft and not at all like her husband’s. �śAnd ignorance!” the King shouted. Clayton’s hands balled into tight fists at his sides. His nails started digging painfully into his palms. He controlled his anger by concentrating on the pain. If he didn’t, the King would surely not be standing in front of him; he’d be lying on the floor, crying in pain. �śClayton, we know it has something to do with your health,” the Queen said. �śBut we heard no word from you. You ignored the people that came to your door, and you did not even try to contact the healer.” The Queen looked innocent and petit sitting on her large silver throne. The jewels that were embedded into it gleamed in the light and made her look like a goddess. Clayton relaxed somewhat and answered her, ignoring the King. �śYes, it is my health. The past week I have not been able to get out of my bed, so I could not answer to anyone or contact you, my Queen.” He couldn’t help but look into her blue eyes as they stared back at him. Unlike her King, she was understanding, kind�"the qualities a true Queen. She was one of many things Eomadas didn’t deserve. A memory crawled its way into Clayton’s mind, a memory he would never forget, even if it was probably best that he did� .� .� . The snow-covered grass crunched under his boots and the cold, bitter air tried its best to seep through the barrier of his thick woolen coat. He breathed in and out and watched his misty breath in the air. Such cold times made him think of his childhood, when the snow turned the water to ice. He would sit before the blazing fire while his parents served patrons and laughed at the silly drinking games that were being played. He missed the cosy warm tavern. But most of all he missed his parents, who would make him smile, make him happy. Their memory often clouded over him, making him unaware of reality. Knowing this, he cleared his mind and the clouds slowly faded away, making him look around at his surroundings. He’d stopped walking moments before, which left him standing a few steps away from the ice-covered pond. He looked at the glistening blanket of frozen water as the silence registered in his mind. Usually the gardens were full of people taking delight in the beauty of the lush green works of nature, but when the snowflakes fell and the air became not so generous, people tended to avoid the outside. Clayton took this for granted and made sure he enjoyed the deserted outdoors as much as he could. He walked around the large pond until he reached the wooden bench that looked out over the water. As he sat, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness, a sadness that had been with him for some time. It was almost a part of him, and because of this, he couldn’t remember what it was like without it inside him, eating at his soul. Even though cold crept over his body, he didn’t pull the coat tighter, but looked at the flowers that were around him. Red lupas and morrows slightly swayed back and forth in the breeze, dropping clumps of snow silently onto the ground. Their usual bright colours dulled in the cold days, apparently making them less appealing to look at according to some women, but Clayton still noticed their beauty. �śYou seem so lost in thought,” came a soft, feminine voice. Clayton couldn’t help but jump at the sudden interruption. He looked around and saw an unfamiliar woman standing directly behind him. She wore a blue gown that had a fitted laced bodice. At the waist, the gown flowed out in a thick layered skirt. Her arms were bare, and the bodice was low cut and showed the tops of her breasts. Her skin was pale and seemed almost flawless. Her blond hair was tied back, but several strands hung loose in the breeze. She had an obvious beauty that left Clayton staring at her. As he looked into her eyes, he saw a sadness there much like his own. �śYou are cold,” he said, noticing her shaky breath. She nodded and smiled�"but it was a smile that made her look older than her years. �śI had to get away,” she replied, pointing to the castle behind her. Clayton wondered who she was. He hadn’t seen her before, he was sure. But, then, he’d never really been in the castle, so he didn’t know many of the people who lived there. She could be a noble of some sort, or maybe one of the servants, but she didn’t exactly look like a servant. Another thought crossed his mind, which made him wince. Surely, a lady like her couldn’t be one of the Kings whores. �śThere you go again,” she smiled. �śWhat are you thinking about?” Clayton shrugged and turned around, putting his back to her. He heard soft footsteps as she walked over to him, slowly, and sat down beside him. Clayton inhaled, taking in her sweet fragrance. �śI like the castle,” she told him. �śI like the Kingdom and its people. The only thing I do not like is the King.” Not surprising , Clayton thought. Nobody liked the King, as he was simply an impossible man to like. �śBut perhaps over time I will come to like him, even love him,” she continued. Clayton froze, and not due to the cold, as realisation hit. He turned his head and looked at her. Her blue eyes looked back at him, but the look she gave him wasn’t at all what was expected from such royalty. Clayton suddenly dropped off the bench and bowed before her on one knee. His head down, he kept his eyes on the ground. Moisture started to drench his breeches and the bare skin of his knee, but he didn’t care. A small, soft hand lifted his chin. He closed his eyes and didn’t dare look at her beauty. He’d treated the new Queen wrongly, which could mean severe punishment, even death. �śPlease� .� .� .” The one word from her made him open his eyes. Her hand was still under his chin, and she was leaning toward him. �śI need a friend, not a servant,” she said, softly. �śWhat do you think is wrong with you?” Thiana asked, holding eye contact and bringing Clayton back to reality. Clayton slid his gaze down to her small perfect lips as she spoke. �śIt may be best for you to see the healer.” Clayton tore his gaze from the Queen as the King stepped down off the last step and stood inches away from Clayton’s face. His eyes were full of anger, probably even hate. Clayton knew this not by looking at him, but by feeling his stare as it bore into his face. �śWhat were you looking at?” the King whispered. Clayton didn’t say anything, but rather bit his tongue. The sweet taste of blood soon followed, but Clayton ignored it. �śEomadas, please. We do not have time for such foolishness.” Eomadas looked back at his Queen, and after a moment he nodded. �śFine,” he said, going back up the steps and sitting on his throne. �śI will attend this� .� .� .� matter after our more pressing issues have been dealt with.” Thiana looked at her husband and shook her head slightly. An expression of disgust passed over her lovely features, then was gone. Her pretty, round face didn’t suit any such looks, but she gave them often enough, and Clayton wasn’t surprised. �śClayton,” she began, �śjust after sunrise we were alerted to something horrid that had happened on Palensia’s main road.” She stopped and once again looked at Eomadas, who watched Clayton like a predator. He really does not like me , Clayton thought while waiting for the Queen to continue. �śOne of our traders was found. Or shall I say, the remains of one of our traders.” Clayton’s expression took on a look of concern. �śWhat?” �śThere seems to have been a savage attack,” King Eomadas announced. Clayton looked at Calith, who was standing quietly beside him. He looked unsettled and almost uncomfortable, as if the animal inside him wanted to claw its way out. �śAnd you do not know who did this?” Clayton was surprised. Surely they had to know who attacked and killed the trader. Calith was the best tracker in the Kingdom, especially in his animal form. Calith shook his head slowly. �śThere was no scent.” Clayton stared at the floor, confused. As his mind started thinking of the enemies that could have done it, the wall in his mind started to shake. Emotions tried to get through, tried to fight their way in. He had to clear his thoughts and make sure the wall stayed up strong�"but he had to do it elsewhere, away from humans. �śHis Highness thinks this may have something to do with the wizard disappearing,” Calith said. Queen Thiana slowly and elegantly rose from her throne. She wore a dark red gown that clung tightly to her upper body and then flowed out at her hips. Her slim, small body gave off heat that washed over Clayton. �śWe need you, Clayton,” she said as she stepped toward the three steps. �śWe need you to help find the wizard and find the beasts that killed the trader. We cannot risk this happening again. No more innocent lives should be lost.” Clayton nodded and was about to step closer to her, but stopped. �śI will, my lady.” The King leaned forward in his throne, his arms peeking out through his cloak and resting on his knees, and pinned his eyes on Clayton’s. �śYou are dismissed.” Clayton bowed, then turned and left. Calith followed close behind. * * * �śNothing,” Clayton whispered to himself as he scanned the grass below him. �śNothing at all.” �śI did tell you, old friend. There are no signs of any strange occurrences.” Clayton and Calith stood in the vast, open land outside the City. The main road lay half a league away, bustling with carriages and wagons. After a few hours of thorough searching, the two men had found absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. �śTell me again what was found,” Clayton ordered, rather annoyed with the whole situation. �śThe remains of a trader and his horse. It looked like they were eaten by animals. We believe it was a Mister Calium Beadson who travels here every year. His wagon was also destroyed, but all the goods within were accounted for.” Calith had a habit of lifting his chin and sniffing the air regularly, which he did at that moment, and it made him look quite crazy. It was merely one of his many canine characteristics that Clayton found immensely helpful. �śI want a group of guards out patrolling when dark falls,” Clayton said. �śIt cannot happen again.” �śAnd the wizard?” Calith asked. �śI will search the city for him. I will get answers, one way or the other.” * * * The tall wizard’s tower stood proudly inside the city. With creeping jeesies hugging its stone walls and a pointed spire roof that rose high into the clouds, it was truly magnificent. Deep under the tower, candles dimly lit a hidden room, where an old withered man sat bound to a chair. He wore a white robe that hung on his frail body. His long grey hair sat matted around his wrinkled face. Before him stood a woman with stark white hair that flowed down past her curved hips. Her attire was that of a brothel whore; too much skin on view to be considered lady-like. Resting in her cupped hands was a large egg that glowed from the inside. �śThey will come and burn this pathetic city to the ground,” the woman hissed. The old man’s eyes were wide with horror, his bushy eyebrows high. �śWhy are you doing this?” �śI have my reasons. With my army keeping the guards busy, they will be too distracted to give you a thought.” The woman smiled, then, a look of pure malice. The old man could have wept. Being without his staff, he was powerless. It sat only feet away on the dirty floor, its blue crystals shimmering as if taunting him. �śIt was most simple,” the woman continued. �śSteal the egg, bring it here. Now I merely have to wait until they come to retrieve what is theirs.” Table of Contents A War to Come Midpoint