Rise of the DarkWalker: The Chronicles of Carter Blake, Book II

The rain continued to fall as Adora slogged through the mud. The downpour helped clear the air of the stench of the latrines, unwashed men and horse shit. She paused to allow a patrol to rush past and continued at her march. Earlier, one of her guards had awakened her with a message of a badly wounded scout barely making it back alive. ‘What could be so important, he wouldn’t allow the healers to begin working on him?’ Thunder rumbled in the distance.

The horrendous odor of putrefying flesh told her she was near the surgical tents. The repugnant perfume was undiminished by the rain. ‘This was a smell I wish I’d never had to become used to.’ Ducking under the heavy canvas flap at the front allowed the smells of rotten flesh, vomit and blood and the sounds of pain intensified by the heat to assail her with all their fury. Unable to control it, she recoiled before shaking her head and moving forward. ‘I wish I had more healers. The few that I do have are burning themselves out with the near constant use of their magic.’

Divine magic was different from arcane in that holy magic was channeled through the worshipper from the celestial realms while arcane magic utilized what was in the environment. Mortals weren’t meant to channel the amounts of holy energy through their body the clerics, paladins and the other Warpriest had to to heal the numbers of her army.

The inside of the hospital tent was as bright as if it were under the noonday sun. Occasional flashes came from various beds as clerics’ blessings from the gods allowed for intense healing or resurrections. She paused as a newly resurrected warrior released a torrent of vomit on the ground near her feet. Adora had heard from soldiers who’d been returned from the dead the experience wasn’t pleasant.

She passed a couple of beds with sheets pulled over the heads of those who they hadn’t made it back in time to bring them back. The gods placed stringent limits on the spell. In addition to only having an hour from time of death, the spell needed expensive components and could only raise people who were killed. If you died of old age or illness, only the gods could bring you back. They tended to not do that.

Despite her hurry, she made certain to pause next to each wounded, yet conscious solider and offer a brief word of encouragement, or a soft squeeze of a hand. Five minutes after she entered, she was met by one of the healers who brought her to the wounded scout.

His scale mail was ripped to shreds. His upper torso wasn’t in much better shape. It was a miracle he’d made it this long. His breathing was short, and shallow. When she leaned over, the scent of corruption smote her like a closed fist. It was much more putrid than the usual stink of the tents. ‘He’s not long for this world.’ As if he sensed her presence, he opened his eyes and locked his stare on her face.

“I am here as you asked.” She knelt next to his bed, and took his bloodstained hand in her own.

“We are doomed, my lady. Drago has opened a rent in the fabric of the plane. Hordes of demons pour through from the Abyss in a torrent.”

“How many?”

“I’m not sure, Your Highness. Maybe half a million, or more.” He cast his gaze down his ruined body. “I was attacked by a Viserious, and barely escaped with my life.” He captured her hand. “My Lady, his army swarms this way, even as we speak. We have no chance.” A fit of coughing sent flecks of blood to her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m going to make it. Tell my mother I love her, and tell my father I slew many before I fell?” Another round of coughing overtook him.

“I will. And, I name you a Knight of my Watch.”

The slackened grip on her hand told her her words fell on deaf ears. She turned to the healers. “Send word to the clerics: He is to be resurrected.”

A wizened cleric stepped over to her side. “Your Majesty, we’re nearly out of crushed hypersthene. It’s the core component of the spell.”

“Damn it. How much do we have left?”

“Enough for maybe three more resurrections.” He wrung his hands. “I’m terribly sorry, Your Majesty, but Drago’s army has been quite effective at cutting our men down.”

“Yes, and now demons will be pouring through a portal to join them.” Adora ran her fingers through her hair. “We’re going to have to retreat.”

“Has there been word from His Majesty?”

She shook her head. “Not yet.” She crossed the tent and moved the flap. The thunder from the pouring rain did little to muffle the sounds of battle. “I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

A runner spotted her and came to her.

“Your Highness, a report.”

“Yes?”

“Outriders say a company of Lyxo and Shauxtine demons are headed our way.”

‘Oh, fuck.’ Adora took a deep breath and slowly released it. It wouldn’t do to show her fear. “Okay. Get to the quartermasters and tell them it is time to move to the rear. Any knights, runners, or mages you encounter as you go, send them to me. Got it?”

“Tell the quarter masters it’s time to move to the rear and send you any mages, knights, or runners I meet along the way. I do.”

“Good man. Go!”

She swatted his rump as he ran off to deliver her messages. ‘I wish I had Carter here with me. Or Robilar. Chronomancy would be a potent weapon. Potentially a war ending one.’ She strode to Sir Alistair’s tents. The massive knight from the Northron Expanse was her second. The only man she’d met bigger than The Avalanche was Angriz. He was also the only warrior she knew who’d fought the half-dragon to a draw. ‘Carter is still the only one to defeat Angriz.’

***

Dearbhaile dangled from the manacles, blood flowing freely from her nostrils. The chain of the manacles went through an iron eyebolt above her head. She carefully pulled her right arm forward and her left went up and close to her head. She wiped some of the blood away and stared at it on her fingers.

***

“Magic is a tool like any other, but certain types of magic are forbidden, Dearbhaile.”

“Why would magic be forbidden?”

“Because it involves pledging your soul to otherworldly entities.”

Dearbhaile stared up at her teacher. “But, Lady Soo-jau, what magic be requirin’ ye tae promise yer soul?”

“Blood magic. It is taboo.” The blue dragon shifted to her human form. “It is said to come from demons.”

***

‘I hope this works.’ Dearbhaile narrowed her eyes as she concentrated on the blood on her fingers. ‘I pledge my soul to the Walker of Worlds.’ Nothing happened.

She sighed. Her stomach clenched as her heart felt like it shrank. She then clenched her fist. As her knuckles bunched, a green flame erupted over them.

“Yes!”

She punched her right hand in the air triumphantly and then gasped as her left bunched hard against the metal cuff.

“Damn it.”

She pushed with her mind, feeling like a membrane was pushing back and then with an almost audible pop, heat shot through her body as her chains exploded. A shard of metal flew across the room, bounced off two walls and flew back, cutting her cheek in a thin line.

“Ow.”

The door to her cell flew open and a large orc in heavy plate mail stormed in, war-hammer in hand. Seeing her free, he lifted the weapon in a threatening manner and crossed to her.

She raised her right hand and a wave of force shot from her palm. The orc was blasted from his feet and back out of the cell, taking a huge chunk of the wall and doorway with him. Orc and debris splattered against the far wall.

‘That was unexpected. I wonder what else blood magic can do?’

***

Carter glanced up at the setting sun with his hand up between it and his eyes. He then curled his fingers to his hand until the sun reappeared just above his middle and index fingers. “Hmm. It’s about two hours until sunset. Let’s set up camp near the town walls.”

Weijia came over. “Madikate will be disappointed we haven’t found her family yet.”

“Which is a good thing.”

She titled her head. “How is that?”

“Means the odds they survived are greater. Not much greater, considering a Soul Eater was here, but still.”

“Good point.”

“Sir Lavitz!” The girl in question jogged up. “I searched the house and the temple like you said, but both were empty.”

He nodded. “We’ll search more tomorrow. For now, see if you can find any dry wood for me.”

“Yes, Sir.” She ran off.

“How come you’re allowing her to search by herself?”

“It gives her purpose and it’s safe enough.”

“What about bodies?”

“Unfortunately, she’s already see a lot of them. She’ll become desensitized soon enough.”

Weijia clasped her hands together in front of her waist. “And what would you like for me to do?”

“I’d like for you to set up the tents and fire pit. I’m going to make sure no one is around and hunt for dinner.” He picked up a bow and quiver of arrows he’d found in an abandoned shop. “I’ll be back after sunset.”

***

Carter knelt on one knee, carefully using the point of a nocked arrow to move a bush’s branches out of the way as he focused on the buck. He waited for the wind to stop blowing in his face, though he was grateful the deer couldn’t smell him. ‘Come on, wind. I’ve only got about twenty minutes of sunlight left.’

A shadow detached itself from a nearby tree and tore the animal’s head off with a single swipe. The breeze died down, allowing the tree branches to stop moving. The dancing shadows stopped and the fading sun illuminated the demon.

It had four long, thick arms, the lower two of which were planted on the ground and two muscular legs. Long and sharp looking horns stuck out of its skull-like head. An elongated, heavy tail swished back and forth like a cat’s. The fiend lowered its head to feed, the glowing silvery orange eyes locked to its meal. Its wings unfurled and began to flap, stirring up a pleasant breeze. The wings were black near the demon’s shoulders and faded to red near the primary feathers. A stripe of yellow delineated the covert feathers.

Carter drew the bowstring further back before releasing it, and sending arrow on its short flight to the demon’s chest, just below the upper leftmost shoulder.

The demon yowled and whirled, snapping at what it thought was a nearby attacker. Seeing nothing around, it sniffed at, and then licked, the arrow protruding from just beneath its shoulder. It bit the shaft of the arrow and pulled it out of its body with a whine and then raised its head.

Carter watched its muzzle twitch and flex as it tried to scent him. ‘That’s not gonna work with the wind blowing into my face, demon.’

The wind shifted as it picked up, blowing his hair over his face and his scent into the demon’s face.

It charged at a dead run.

Carter rolled around the tree which shook violently as the demon crashed into it and drew his sword.

An awful howl rose in the air.

He carefully stepped back around the tree to find the demon lying down, clutching its skull. He shook his head as he snorted with laughter.

“Stupid Lyxious.”

He crossed his right arm over his body, gripping the sword near the pommel. His left hand lightly gripped the hilt near the cross-guard. When he got within a couple of feet of the Lyxious demon, it raised its head and bared its teeth at him. Quick as a blink, he whipped his sword up and around, cleaving through its skull. He wiped the blade clean and sheathed it.

He crossed the clearing to the decapitated deer and dressed it.

***

Carter spitted the deer meat and hung it over the fire. “We’re not going to be able to stay here tonight.”

Weijia glanced up from the bed she was making. “Why not?”

He used his thumb to point over his shoulder. “Lyxious demon was out there. Where one is, more are usually, too.”

“How much time do we have?”

He shrugged. “No clue. We’ll eat and then push on. I’ll carry the girl when she gets too tired to continue.”

She raised her left index finger. “Are you sure we have time to eat?

“If not, I’m going to be a grumpy guy.”

She gave a brief chuckle. “Where do we go from here?”

“Rivorei isn’t too far.”

“Seventeen Wheels.” She pointed to the other end of the destroyed town. “That way.”

‘Damn, I came that far? How?’ He shrugged. “Okay, then. What do you suggest?”

“My village is about two Wheels to the southeast.”

“Have you encountered any demons over there?”

Weijia shook her head and watched Madikate approach. “No. We’re warded.”

Carter raised his eyebrows. ‘That’s powerful magic. I wonder who set it.’ Before he could voice his thought, Madikate dropped and armful of wood to the side of the fire.

“Excellent work.”

She beamed at his praise.

“Now, I’m afraid I have bad news.”

Her smile faded. “What?”

“We have to travel after we eat, which means all your hard work was for naught.”

“Not really.” She shook her head. “If anyone else comes this way, they might be able to use it.”

“That is true.”

She sat down, crossed her legs, and accepted the plate of venison. “What kind of monster was it?”

Weijia waved her hand. “That’s not—”

“It was a demon.” He held the girl’s gaze. “A Lyxious demon.”

“Carter!” Weijia squawked. “How could you?”

He leaned back against a tree. “How could I not? It’s dangerous out here and I’m not going to lie about it.”

“You can skip talking about scary things without lying to her.”

He turned his attention to the girl. “Madikate, would you rather be ignorant of the dangers that we may face, or would you rather know?”

“I want to know.”

He nodded at her and then looked back at Weijia. “There you have it.”

She glared in response which elicited a grin from him. He turned back to Madikate.

“Would you be okay with us taking you to Weijia’s village for your safety while we search for your parents?”

“I’m slowing you down, aren’t I?”

Carter sighed. “Yes, but that’s not the real reason I’d like you to go.”

Weijia growled at him as the young girl leaned forward over her folded legs.

“What is the real reason, then?”

“To keep you safe from wandering demons.” Carter leaned forward as well. “And so I can find you quickly when I find your folks, if I find them.”

“Carter!”

“Sir Lavitz, why does Weijia keep calling you Carter?”

He sighed. “Because she doesn’t know how to keep secrets.”

Madikate frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, my real name is Carter Blake. Lavitz is my secret identity.”

“You lied to me.”

“Yes and no.”

She titled her head. “What do you mean?”

“Hmm. How to explain.” He scratched the top of his head as he stared at the ground. “Oh, yeah.” He straightened and locked his gaze on the girl. “Both are me. Carter Blake is how I was born and live most of my life. Sir Lavitz, the Patchwork Knight, is how I travel in secret and help people.”

Madikate stuck her finger in her left ear and wiggled it. After a couple of seconds, she shook her head. “Sorry about that. My ear itched.”

Carter chuckled. “I can relate.”

“My mom told me you saved our Queen by marrying her.”

He nodded. “Among other things.”

“So you save people as Carter Blake, too.”

“Indeed.” He gave her another nod. “But sometimes, a king can’t be seen.”

“Sir Lavitz is how you work in the shadows then.”

“That’s an… interesting way to put it.” He titled his head. “Why would you frame it that way?”

Madikate shrugged. “My daddy used to work for the Queen’s father. He would say things like that.”

“Your father sounds like an interesting man.”

“He was before he died.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. When did it happen?”

“When I was eight summers.”

Weijia spoke up, reminding them she was still there. “It’s just you and your mom?”

Madikate shook her head. “No. My mommy married again last winter.”

Carter stood and stretched. A wave of heat slammed into his chest, knocking him to the ground. It tightened into a ball of liquid fire, leaving him gasping for air. As suddenly as it hit, heat vanished.

He opened his eyes to find Weijia and Madikate kneeling beside him.

“What happened, Carter?”

He blinked. “I don’t know.” He slowly pushed himself up to a sitting position. A look at his armor showed it didn’t have a mark on it. “I felt like I was hit by a fireball spell, or a Tianarri smacked me.” He touched the breastplate and found it cool. “Well, it wasn’t a fireball.”

He slowly rose to his feet, reaching out to the tree trunk in case his knees wanted to give way. He offered his left hand to Weijia and his right to Madikate. They took his offer and he easily pulled them to their feet. He ignored their concerned looks and raised his eyes to the sky. A meteor flashed by the full moon. The rest of the sky was free of clouds, but the stars and moon weren’t enough to allow them to safely travel. They’d need a torch. He’d also need to keep his hands free in case of an attack.

“Hey, Weijia, do you have an everbright torch?”

“I don’t. Usually, I camp or am home at this time of night.”

“Damn. I don’t have one, either.”

“You don’t have anything other than your armor and sword.” She reached out and rapped her knuckles on his breastplate. At the metallic noise, she frowned. “When did you start wearing metal armor over leather?”

“A half-dragon made it for me to replace my leather.” He shrugged. “Said it’s better. Raeppa.” A knapsack materialized on the ground before him. He reached in and withdrew an ax. On catching Weijia staring, he smiled. “Pocket dimension spell. Keeps a few things handy for me.”

“When did you learn magic?”

He laughed as he straightened. “Hsinav.” The knapsack disappeared. “I haven’t. I bought this.”

“How?” She flapped her hands. “They’re incredibly expensive.”

“I am both a king, and an adventurer. Money comes easy to me.” Carter paused, his hand over his mouth. “Well, not easy per se, but at a greater rate than for regular folks.”

Weijia and Madikate watched as he used the ax to cut a rough handle at one end of a log and then made cuts at the other. He then used the ax to scrape fat from the deer hide and spread it over the end of the log. Next, he passed the log’s thicker end back and forth over the fire before keeping the end in it. When he lifted the log by the handle, a flame danced at the top. He passed it to Weijia.

“Here you go. A light for our hike to your village tonight.”

“Why do I have to carry it?”

“I need my hands free in case we’re attacked, and I’m not sure Madikate could hold it properly.”

“I can fight as well as you can.”

He shrugged. “Okay.” He took the torch from her and turned away. “How long did you spend in the Abyss, by the way?”

Madikate hurried to walk to his left on the opposite side of the torch. Weijia scrambled to catch up also.

“What do you mean?”

“You did say you could fight as well as I.” He shrugged again. “I was wondering if you’d spent as much time there as me.”

“I, uh, what?”

Carter glanced over to her. “The Abyss? The plane of evil where the demons and devils usually reside?” He used his free hand to slap at a bug biting his neck. “How long were you there?”

“I didn’t know anyone living could go there.” She sounded as if the wind had been knocked out of her.

“Why not? It’s just another plane like the Realm.”

“What?”