When he opened his eyes again, Knightshade felt the soothing sensation of healing magic washing over him. Leaning over him was Rorke and the young man who was held prisoner. The young man had a healing orb in his hands, which he was holding in place on Knightshade's chest. "Welcome back, my friend," Rorke said smiling. "This is Klaneroid. It was fortunate that he had a healing orb with him. And fortunate that the stranger Millie met was indeed a friend, though I know not who he is." "How did you come to be here?" Knightshade said, raising himself to a sitting position, and looking at Klaneroid. "My tale is one of foolishness, I must confess. Danae and I, she was my companion until yesterday, decided to investigate the mists, and see what was beyond. Curiousity is a failing of mine, I'm afraid." Klaneroid smiled ruefully. " We had barely stepped through the mists when we were captured by Lord Daemon's men. We were taken to their camp, where it was decided that I would be given to the bog daemon. They decided to keep Danae at the camp. The thought of her in their hands horrifies me. I must return there now and free her, or die in the attempt." "Can you lead us there?" Knightshade said, glancing excitedly at Rorke. "We were searching for their camp when we found this cave." "Forgive my suspicion," Klaneroid said, frowning slightly, "why are you looking for them? If you intend to join them, then I will thank you once more and be on my way." "Easy, my friend," Rorke said, smiling gently at him. "We do not intend to join them. I was sent by the Council of Light to find this camp, and learn what I could of the enemy. Knightshade has a similar mission, but a promise prevents him from telling us what he must do. But rest assured that we are with the forces of light. Lead us to the enemy, and we will do what we can to free your friend." "I thank you good sirs," Klaneroid said. "Their numbers are great, and I will be grateful for any aid you can provide. I just hope that we are not too late." Feeling strong again, Knightshade rose to his feet and used his magic to heal the minor aches and pains that remained amongst the three of them. So it was in full health that they left the cave behind and followed their new companion as he led them through the swamps. The enemy camp was not far away. After only a few minutes of walking, they saw the first guard. He should have seen them as well, if not for the fact that he was fast asleep at his post. It didn't stop them from ducking behind a large tree, however. Below the guard, they could see a large bowl shaped area. Hundreds of men could be seen lounging around or eating by campfires. Several tents stood out sharply against the fading light. Klaneroid gestured at the nearest tent. It was there that Danae would be held...if she still lived. "Wait here, Klaneroid," Knightshade said, keeping his voice down to whisper. "I will cast invisibility on Rorke and myself. We will investigate the tent, and bring Danae to you. If you see any trouble, don't wait for us. Just run. Go to the castle and tell them you were sent by Rorke. Ask for LadyKris. Tell her that we made it to the camp and are proceeding with our missions." Klaneroid was about to protest, but obviously thought better of it. In the end he just nodded. Wasting no time, Knightshade cast the invisibility spell on Rorke, and then on himself. They both vanished from sight. Knightshade carefully crept past the guard. He assumed that Rorke was nearby, but without a Belt of See Invisibility he could not tell. He had given the belt Backlash had lent him back, after they defeated the undead. Now he wished that he had held onto it. Dismissing the thought, he descended slowly down the slope towards the camp below. He could see more guards at regular intervals surrounding the camp. When he reached the bottom, the buzz from the soldiers talking throughout the camp, drowned out any noise he might have made. When he got near the tent, he almost yelled when someone bumped into him. Whirling around he saw no-one there. Then he heard Rorke's voice whispering in his ear. "Free the woman. I thought I just saw a familiar face." Knightshade reached around to grab him and protest, but his hands clasped empty air. Cursing softly to himself, he continued on to the tent. Pressing his ear to the canvas he listened for any voices. There was only silence. Carefully he worked his way around to the front of it. Two guards stood to attention on either side of the entrance. They didn't react as he squeezed slowly past them and into the tent itself. There was only one person inside. It was obviously Danae. She was asleep on the far side, her hands securely tied behind her back. Knightshade approached the sleeping form and carefully placed his hand over her mouth. She awoke with a start, her screams muffled by Knightshade's hand. "I'm here to help you," Knightshade said, whispering in her ear. "Klaneroid is waiting outside the camp." Danae relaxed slightly, and he removed his hand. "He is alive then?" "Yes, but this not the place to discuss these things. I will free you first, then I will make you invisible. When we get outside move around to the far side of the tent and head out of the camp." Knightshade quickly removed her bonds, and she sat up, rubbing her wrists where the rope had been tied. "Wait a moment," she said. "I know magic. I will cast See Invisible on you." Knightshade nodded and she cast the spell. Then she cast it on herself, followed by an invisibility spell. Knightshade led her out of the tent and around to the back of it. He pointed to where Klaneroid would be waiting, and motioned for her to go to him. She took a few steps in the right direction, then stopped. Looking back at Knightshade she motioned for him to come with her. Shaking his head, Knightshade turned his back on her and headed deeper into the camp. After a few moments of searching, he saw the ghostly outline of Rorke. Knightshade was horrified to see him bend down near a young blonde-haired man who was sitting alone by a campfire. Rorke appeared to whisper something in the young man's ear. His reaction was loud and effective. Screaming, the young man reached back and grabbed Rorke's arm. He was accurate enough despite Rorke's invisibility, and managed to hold him fast for a moment. Rorke easily wrenched his arm free, but the damage had been done. Even that small act of aggression had interfered with the delicate invisibility spell. Rorke was visible once more, and surrounded by guards in seconds. Knightshade was contemplating what to do, when he felt a cold wind at his back. An instant later the cold had enveloped him, and he found himself trapped in an icy prison. The men nearby were startled to see an empty ice statue appear in front of them, before the invisibility spell faded, and Knightshade's body appeared inside it. A man dressed in black, stepped around Knightshade and motioned for some guards to surround him. He waved his hands slightly and Knightshade felt his body warming, as the freeze spell was dispelled. No sooner had he been freed however, than the guards stepped forward to restrain him. A struggling Rorke was brought to stand next to him. "Welcome, my friends," the man said, smiling. It was not a pleasant smile. "I must say, that you were not expected so soon. Had we realized you would be here so quickly, we could have prepared a better welcome for you. Lord Daemon himself might even have been present. As it is, you have just missed him." One of the guards approached the man. "Commander, the girl is gone. The tent is empty." The man frowned, but only for a moment. The oily smile was back almost immediately. "Don't bother looking for her. We have far more interesting guests to entertain now." Rorke and Knightshade remained silent. Knightshade followed Rorke's gaze. The blond haired man he had spoken to was loitering at the back of the camp. When he saw them looking at him, he ran off, entering a tent on the far side. The camp commander had noticed the object of their attention. "You must forgive Lord Light. Were he able, he would no doubt speak with you while you are here." The man smiled evilly. "But alas, he has not been himself, lately. I'm sure you understand. But let us speak in my tent. There is much that I would learn from you." Page 5 of 8   Previous Page Return to Index Next Page   This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page