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Chapter Six
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�Hey, Albel! Isn�t Kirlsa this way?� Fayt yelled after his companion�s back.
Albel had veered off the path toward the base of the mountains without a word of warning. He didn�t turn at Fayt�s question but instead strode forward with determination, his good hand extracting his katana as he moved.
Fayt stood still and watched in confusion, but when sunlight caught the glint of steel his reflexes jerked him into motion. He wasn�t sure whether or not he would have to fight, but if Albel were in danger he couldn�t stand idly by. As soon as he broke into a run, he saw what it was that the swordsman was after. A beast, already low on its haunches and snarling at the man, stood directly in Albel�s path. It was clear that the creature would have been of no threat to them if they�d stayed on the road.
Fayt watched as the Glyphian swung his blade effortlessly through the air before it fell into tough skin, cleanly lopping off the monster�s head. The boy stopped in surprise when the bloody thing landed pate-down at his feet. Tearing his eyes from the mess of the dead creature�s severed neck, he again sought Albel, who was flinging the blood from his sword as he returned to Fayt�s side.
Seeing the boy�s marked perplexity, Albel narrowed his eyes as he brushed past the other. �Don�t tell me being cooped up on that ship hasn�t made you desperate to kill something.�
�As a matter of fact, it hadn�t crossed my mind.� Fayt wasn�t sure whether to be insulted or not.
�Bah. You�re only suppressing it. Come on. There�s another one over there.� Albel moved toward the unknowing beast several yards away without waiting.
Whirling around, Fayt glared at the man�s back. There was no reason to go around butchering animals that posed no danger to them. Albel was just being reckless. Fayt hoped that his time here wouldn�t always be like this. A nice long break from fighting sounded like a novel idea, but traveling with someone like Albel Nox would probably complicate that particular desire. Fayt sighed and trailed after.
There had been a path of corpses in their wake once the two finally reached Kirlsa. Fayt was tired after the long walk, especially after having been used to relaxing in the Diplo�s small environment, but Albel only appeared more enthusiastic after his long string of kills. The open space certainly agreed with him, but then again Albel never seemed quite himself when walls surrounded him.
The sun began its descent as the pair entered the town gates. The air was warm between the buildings, sliced by an occasional breath of cold mountain wind. Fayt breathed in deep, enjoying the freshness of natural, unfiltered air as he watched a two-tailed tabby cat race after an unfortunate rodent.
It was clear that the guards at Woltar�s manor were rather surprised to see the young captain of the Black Brigade approaching the gates. The two men surveyed Albel�s bloodstained clothes with wide eyes before shooting a questioning glance at each other. Fortunately, one of them had the wise impulse to speak before the swordsman could lose his temper over their artless welcome.
�Lord Albel! It is good to see that you are returned.�
The other man found the nerve to join in. �How did you fare on your journeys?�
�Is the old coot here or not?� Albel barked.
The guards visibly flinched. The first spoke again. �Yes, milord. Please go ahead.�
Once the sentries had pushed the gates back and the pair crossed the threshold, Fayt nodded politely at them. �Do you have to be so rude?� he said once the men were out of earshot. �They were just trying to welcome you back.�
�I couldn�t care less what those worms were trying to do. They are louts whose only concern is their wages.� Albel didn�t even bother knocking on the front door as they came to a stop. He seized the handle and threw it open, letting himself in before Fayt followed.
The boy looked around. Though he had been in the manor before, he still found the luxury of its setting a rich distraction to his senses. He allowed his eyes to wander over everything from the doorway as Albel made his way up the stairs.
After a few moments he heard raised voices, though he couldn�t understand what they were saying. Once they had abruptly stopped, footsteps thudded across the floor overhead followed by a slamming door. Then it was quiet and Fayt felt uneasy. Leave it to Albel to get into an argument as soon as he set foot back home.
When he heard footsteps descending toward him, Fayt looked up to see Woltar in his customary dark robes. The man moved slowly and carefully, and his expression was etched deeply with fatigue, as if he hadn�t slept for days. Albel wasn�t with him. Seeing Fayt, Woltar paused with his hand on the polished railing and smiled.
�Ah, Master Fayt. It is good to see you again.�
Fayt bowed his head. �It�s nice to see you too, sir.�
�Please forgive Albel�s rudeness. He clearly hasn�t gained much patience from his sojourns abroad.� Woltar sighed before brightening. �But I am told that you will be staying with us for a while. You are quite welcome in this household for as long as you like.� He continued to cross the remainder of the steps.
Fayt moved to offer him an arm for support but Woltar raised a hand politely to decline. �Thank you, but I still have enough vitality to get around on my own, even if it is at a bothersome pace. I will just inform the cook to prepare supper for three. Until then, please make yourself at home. There is a guest room available for you upstairs next to Albel�s, second from the right. Forgive me for not showing you personally, but I�m afraid I have something to attend to at the moment. In any case, I look forward to hearing all about your travels at dinner.�
�Thank you.� Fayt returned the old man�s smile
Once Woltar had gone, Fayt wondered what he should do. With a glance at the carpeted stairs, he hefted his pack more comfortably on his back and decided to take advantage of the old man�s graciousness.
The thick crimson runner on the second floor felt good beneath his tired feet, and Fayt paused near the top of the stairs to look around at the paintings adorning the walls. The old count certainly had refined tastes. It was like being inside one of those old aristocratic houses sometimes described in his British history books. It felt both strange and a little relieving to be in a place so unlike home.
Fayt counted the doors. The furthest on his right was probably Albel�s, so he approached its neighbor and twisted the knob. The space beyond was dim and musty, like it hadn�t been occupied in years, maybe even decades. There probably hadn�t been a fresh gust of air through the room in all that time. The curtains were drawn shut but for a crack, where a shaft of light enough to illuminate his way came through. He toed across the lush carpeting toward the window and threw the heavy fabric aside. Tangerine sunlight spilled into the room and he could tell, despite the stale air, that someone had been maintaining the place. Only a few dust motes revolted against the bright sunbeam, and the covers of the bed were both clean and turned down, as if the housekeeper had known all along that a guest would be arriving.
Fayt took a moment to get used to the layout of the room before setting his pack down at the foot of the bed. The thick coverlet that lay across the top of it practically beckoned him, and he flopped down onto it, marveling at the luxury of a real down blanket. It even smelled antiqued, but he liked that. Something about it was more comforting than the empty, odorless qualities of the blankets stuffed with acrylic that he was used to. There was more�personality here. That was the only way he could think to describe it. Everything here seemed to carry a trace of the past, of the people who touched these things.
Even while he relaxed, Fayt noticed how strangely quiet it was. No sounds came from next door and he wondered if maybe Albel hadn�t escaped out the window. The man didn�t seem like the type to sit and sulk quietly when he was angry, but more apt to break things and curse. Maybe whatever Woltar had said wasn�t that bad after all.
Fayt suddenly caught a glimpse of something shining reflecting the sunlight on top of the chest of drawers. It was a small painting behind framed glass. Curious, he lifted himself up from the bed and moved closer. It was a man and a woman holding a baby, and they were smiling. Fayt could tell they were genuine smiles, not like those that he sometimes wore for photographs he didn�t really want to be in. The artist of this piece did an amazing job in capturing that essence. As he leaned in closer, he immediately recognized the man in the portrait. Albel, or rather, Albel�s spitting image of a father, only older and with shorter hair. And the smile was different of course; he didn�t think Albel could ever smile like that if he tried. The woman he didn�t find familiar, but he was sure it was safe to assume that she was Albel�s mother. He smiled with a twinge of guilt. Somehow it felt wrong that he was looking into a piece of Albel�s past without the other�s knowledge. But maybe he was just being paranoid.
Deciding he needed some fresh air, Fayt moved to the window and pushed out the glass, immediately admiring the view of the forest trees as their tops swayed with the mountain wind. Fayt thought about the last time he was in Kirlsa; it was hardly time ago to speak of, and yet so many things had changed since then. At least now he was where he wanted to be by his own design, his own choice. That was enough for him.
He hadn�t realized how long he was standing there until a knock sounded at his door. One of Woltar�s servants was waiting to announce that supper was served. Fayt followed, descending to the main floor-dining hall where Woltar was already seated at the table. The old man�s fingers were steepled in front of his closed eyes but he roused at Fayt�s arrival and flashed his white teeth in a smile.
�Please take a seat, Master Fayt.�
The boy sat at the master of the manor�s left, stifling the urge to ask where Albel was; he had noticed the latter�s absence as soon as he arrived.
But Woltar answered that unspoken question anyway. �Albel is probably still brooding in his room, just like when he was a child.�
Fayt adjusted in his seat. �Erm, if you don�t mind my asking, sir, what is he so upset about?�
�No, I don�t mind at all. You see, just a few days before you two came here, I received a message from Airyglyph summoning the captain of the Black Brigade. Its nature was urgent so I informed Albel right away. Naturally, he revolted.�
�Why would he do that?�
Woltar shrugged. �He just does not want to do any work as soon as he gets back, I imagine. Although his true motives have always been based on an indignation at having to serve the king.�
Fayt nodded. He could believe that, given what he had seen of Albel�s rebellious temperament. Just as he raised his water glass to his lips, the subject of their brief discourse came into the room. Albel practically spilled into the seat across from Fayt he was so ungraceful. He propped his elbows on the table and glared at Woltar, who ignored him in favor of the meal.
�I hope you like game hen, Master Fayt,� Woltar said and unfolded his napkin.
Fayt blinked against the static electricity that had suddenly built up over the vicinity of the table. �Oh, yes, it�s fine.�
�The grouse in this area are renowned.�
�Really?�
�Indeed.�
Albel suddenly slammed his arms flat against the table, shaking the glasses. �Enough mindless pleasantries already, old man. Do you plan on telling me the real reason why I have to set foot in that infernal dungeon again or is that also �unspecified�?�
Fayt waited silently, too taken aback by this outburst to move. But Woltar was unfazed. He merely gave Albel patient look, which only served to make the young Glyphian angrier.
�My boy, I�ve already related to you all that I know of the situation. What more can I tell you?�
Albel sneered. �I�m no fool. There is more to it than that.�
�If there is, then I know it not.�
�Then perhaps I will refuse.� There was certain triumph in his voice.
Woltar finally broke down and gave his best friend�s son a stern look. �Do you really wish to be tried for treason again, Albel? That dungeon on the wrong side of the bars is no place for boys like you.�
Albel�s eyes spilled fire. �What is that supposed to mean?�
Woltar smiled very slightly. �It means just what you believe it does. Boys of your temperament and, well, unusually slight build, are not suited to handle such punishments for a length of time.�
Albel spoke through his teeth. �In case you�ve forgotten, I have already tasted them.�
The old man nodded and shrugged. �Yes, indeed you have. But were you not pardoned so soon, I highly doubt you would have been capable of withstanding those chains. It would have broken you.�
Fayt held his breath and waited for the blood to flow. To his surprise, Albel rose without much of a fuss. But the fire scorching through the Glyphian�s eyes had frozen over into something all the more deadly for its eerie calm. That glare was fixed brutally on Woltar.
�You�re wrong, old man. There�s nothing I can�t handle.� With that, Albel stomped through the room and out the front door.
After a tense silence, Woltar cleared his throat. He looked at Fayt and smiled with a bit of embarrassment. �Well, that solves that little problem.�
Now that he had witnessed it, Fayt found it almost shocking how Woltar mentally manipulated Albel. Not that there was anything truly malicious in his words or intentions; they were crafted deliberately to rile and push the swordsman. Fayt wondered how much of a role Woltar had in shaping Albel�s immense strength of both body and character in this fashion. Albel clearly didn�t see it. After that day in the baths at Aquaria, Fayt had seen to what extent the Glyphian took Woltar�s words to heart. It was probably a habit from childhood built on fear of a parental figure, but Albel was genuinely upset that time, more so than he had ever seen the man. He wondered if Woltar had ever once spoken a word of love or compassion to his surrogate son. Fayt thought back to the portrait in his room, how happy and caring those people looked. How different would Albel have turned out if his father hadn�t died protecting him?
They continued their meal in Albel�s absence, Woltar prompting Fayt to relate in some detail the story of his traveling. Even though Woltar�s countenance gave no indication of his doubt, Fayt could tell that the old man had a difficult time digesting much of what was said. Though he couldn�t blame him; surely if their roles had been reversed, with Fayt knowing little to nothing about the universe other than his own world, he would probably understand very little of what was coming from his mouth. But Woltar was a wise man, and seemed interested in knowing all the same.
Once supper was ended and the two moved to stand, Woltar, who had not spoken much over the course of the evening, asked what was doubtlessly in the back of his mind the entire time. �Master Fayt, if I may be so bold as to request a favor of you?�
�I don�t mind.�
�I was hoping you might consider accompanying Albel to Airyglyph for his assignment, as I believe your assistance would be of great value to him. However, I must warn you beforehand that the situation sounds rather dangerous, so you needn�t feel obligated to assent.�
�If you don�t mind me asking, what sort of assignment is this?�
Woltar nodded. �Of course. Recently it has been discovered that there is a secret catacomb of old dungeons beneath the castle that even the king himself knew nothing about. After being sent in to search the area, several troops have disappeared, some of Albel�s infantry being among them. And as you know, the captain of the Dragon Brigade is no more, so it is Albel�s duty as a commander to take over the investigation.�
�That is strange.� Fayt couldn�t conceive of how such an old castle would have no records of an existing portion of itself, obscure or not. He could understand Albel�s wariness; there was something fishy about the whole thing.
�Indeed. That is why I am hoping you will aid in the search. Of course it is entirely up to you, but if you decide to help you will certainly be granted nomination into the knighthood of Airyglyph. However, with your pragmatic combat skills and talents in runology, I have no doubts that your induction is all but guaranteed.�
Fayt couldn�t help but smile at the flattery. Him? A knight? It sounded like something out of one of his boyhood fantasies. He could see no reason to pass it up. Besides, he didn�t want to let Albel undertake such a shady mission alone.
�I would like to tell you that you have plenty of time to think about it, but unfortunately I cannot,� Woltar continued.
�That�s alright. I�ve already made my decision.�
Once Woltar had retired for the evening, after informing the guards that Fayt had free and unquestioned passage in and out of the manor, the boy decided to look for Albel. It was already dusk; the stars shone in accompaniment with an amber moon. He hit the weapon shop first with no luck. Next he tried the grocer and the dry goods store, but Albel was not to be found. He thought about the mines. Certainly Albel wouldn�t find anything amusing there. Maybe he had gone out to slay some more monsters. Fayt never thought he would feel sorry for man-eating beasts while he was still sane, but Albel�s ferocity and ruthlessness on the field had changed that. He approached the guard at the gate to the road that led to the training facility and asked if the man had seen a tall skinny guy wearing a purple skirt pass through. The guard smothered a laugh.
�If you mean Lord Albel, then yes, he passed through a while ago. Everyone here knows who he is, so if you ever want to find him, just ask by name. Forgive me, but I�d hate to think of how he would react if he caught wind of how you describe him.�
Fayt thanked the guard for the �precaution� and exited the town. He hoped he wouldn�t have to walk all the way to the training center, and was subsequently rewarded. A figure caught his attention down by the seashore not long after his departure, and he moved in that direction. Albel was sitting on the beach with his katana plunged into the soft dirt beside him. To Fayt�s surprise and though it was dark, he could see no blood glinting on it, nor were there any corpses in the area.
At the sound of footsteps, Albel jerked around and tensed in case he would have to seize his sword and destroy whatever is was that approached him. But seeing that it was only Fayt he frowned with disappointment and propped himself back on his elbows, letting the water nearly touch his outstretched legs.
Fayt stood next to the man and looked out over the dark sea. �It�s so pretty.�
�I didn�t know you were a poet,� Albel mocked.
�Woltar asked me to go to the castle with you.�
Albel did not reply, but threw a pebble into the waves.
�I agreed.�
The swordsman grunted. �Ah, what a noble undertaking on your part.�
�Look, I know it�s because you were locked up there that you don�t want to return, but your men need you.�
�You certainly have the annoying habit of claiming to know many things.�
Fayt sighed and sat down next to his companion. �I�m just saying that it�s the right thing to do.�
�And I�m just saying that your mouth is relentless.�
Fayt pitched a rock into the sea. He didn�t know why he even bothered trying to talk to Albel sometimes; it seemed impossible to break through that stubborn exterior. But then again, he had to give some respect to the Glyphian. He had never met anyone with such a strong will and sense of self, even if it was infuriating.
For a long while the two just sat on the shore and watched the moon as it slowly shifted from amber to white as it ascended and appeared to grow smaller.
�I remember that night the stars disappeared, how black it was,� Fayt said. �I think that was when I realized how much I took them for granted.� He looked out at the stars� reflection on the calmed water. �Even though I�ve seen them up close all the time from ships, I still think they look nicer from far away.�
�Hn.�
�When I was little I used to dream of going out into space and walking on the moon, or seeing other galaxies. Then when we took our first vacation to a resort planet far away I had my chance to see everything up close. I still remember how amazing that was. But even while I was out there among the stars I missed being home. I think it was the feeling of ground under my feet that I wanted back then. Weird, huh?�
�No.�
�Why�s that?�
�It�s because you detest being caged in. You don�t want to see the world through a plane of glass.�
Fayt looked at Albel�s faintly illuminated face and opened his mouth to say something, but he couldn�t find the words. What Albel had said was so simple, but there was profound truth in it. He had never thought of it that way before. Albel was able to realize this feature in Fayt because he too hated the thought of being caged in. But Fayt believed that with Albel it was different. He didn�t just hate the idea, it terrified him. The Glyphian would never in a million years admit to something like this, but Fayt already knew�though he had only just realized it.
�It�s late.� Albel stood and sheathed his sword before beginning back toward town.
Standing, Fayt brushed the dirt off his pants and moved to follow. He wanted to say something, but he couldn�t. He wanted to reassure Albel that whatever awaited them in that castle dungeon would not entrap him. That Albel�s death would not come in a cage. Fayt would make sure of that.
With a few provisions, a heavy coat, and boots for each of them, Fayt and Albel put the final touches on their preparation for their trip through the Traum Mountains. Initially Albel protested having to wear the cumbersome boots because they would hinder his speed in combat, or so he claimed. But Woltar reminded him of the thick snow that awaited them.
�If you�ll recall, the last time you tried to make it there as you were, you ended up with frostbite. Now drop the stubborn fa�ade and put them on.� Woltar had barely flinched when the boots were ripped impatiently from his hands. He turned to Fayt. �All set?�
The boy nodded and thanked the old man.
�Then I wish you luck, and please be careful. I will look forward to your inherent return.� With that, Woltar sent them off.
The air was already cold just outside the town gates and the tall mountains were barely even visible apart from the bleakness of the sky. Only a few scraggly trees or patches of dirt marked their presence in the near distance.
�Ah what perfect timing. It looks like we�re in for a snowstorm,� Albel growled.
Fayt squinted his eyes to study the sky. It all looked like one big gray haze. �Are we going to be okay?�
Albel sighed. �It will be about a two-day journey, maybe longer depending on the extremity of the conditions.�
The blue-haired boy swallowed. Surprisingly, even with the several trips he had taken through these same mountains, he had never seen more than a few scattered flakes fall at one time from the sky. It didn�t bode well for the apprehension already stirring in his stomach.
The leather boots and fur-lined coats, though burdensome, were suddenly a blessing in the swirl of tiny freezing daggers that screamed down from the void of a winter sky. Though Fayt soon concluded that if there was one good thing about having to travel in such weather, it was not having to deal with attacks. He didn�t see another single living organism the entire time they walked. Even the starving beasts that dwelled in cold mountains had more sense than to be out in such a miasma.
They had walked as far as they could before night began to fall. Albel, who had been in the lead, stopped and gestured with his hand at something to the right. Fayt looked to where he had pointed and saw a wall of rock with something dark chiseled into it. A cave. He followed Albel until they reached the gap and kicked the snow off the bottoms of his boots against the cliff wall.
It was really more like a fissure than a cave; there wasn�t much room and it seemed to cleave quite a ways into the mountain but became more and more narrow the further it went. While Fayt triggered their lightstone, Albel settled down against the wall. There was just enough room for him to stretch his legs and only have his knees slightly bent when his feet hit the opposite wall. It was not comfortable. He crossed his arms, pulled his shoulders up close to his ears, and lowered his face without a word. Though the wind could still be heard howling outside, the cave was quite still.
Once Fayt was satisfied in his brief exploration, he turned and found Albel sitting still. Deciding that he too was tired, the boy turned off the lightstone as he moved and sat next to him. He could practically sense Albel�s desire to scooch away, if only there had been more room to do so. Besides, there was nothing there with which to sustain a fire. Fayt could muster a spell for a while, but his energy was nearly sapped from the cold and from the exertion of the climb. After that, they were going to have to keep each other warm if they wanted to use their muscles again tomorrow morning.
Fayt mumbled a few words under his breath and concentrated as he formed a ball of crimson fire. It hovered over his gloved palm, emitting warmth enough not to burn his skin.
Albel looked up and watched the thing burn and slightly bob above Fayt�s hand. It was almost hypnotic, yet it hurt his eyes all the more for having nothing but white to stare at all day long. But it was still the next best thing to a real fire. After about ten minutes the ball started to shrink and its brightness dulled before it completely disappeared, leaving the two back to freezing darkness and the sound of the wind outside.
�Sorry,� Fayt muttered. �I can�t��
�I know. Go to sleep.�
Fayt snuggled deeper into his coat but was already shivering. He doubted whether he would be able to follow Albel�s advice. He was a little more than stunned when his companion moved closer, pressing his body up against Fayt�s side. He didn�t say anything, but closed his eyes and concentrated on the faint warmth seeping through to his skin. Before long his mind slipped into a troubled sleep.
The next morning Fayt awoke to Albel�s head resting heavily on his shoulder. He blinked groggily, slowly remembering where they were and why. He turned his head and looked outside. The snow had stopped falling, but the clouds were still thick and gloomy in the sky, hiding the sun. There might be another storm today. They had to get moving soon if they had any hope of beating it.
He was about to shake his arm to rouse Albel, but paused to look at the sleeper�s face. The large hood he wore obscured the majority of Albel�s face, and from his angle Fayt could only see the end of his nose, his lips and chin. Albel was breathing steadily, the usual scowl on his lips dissolved into a calm line. There was something entrancing about it, and Fayt was faced with a clich� opportunity to steal a kiss from the unsuspecting man.
But he knew that should he try and have Albel wake up, he would probably sport a bloody lip into Airyglyph. He decided to carry on with his initial plan.
Albel jerked awake at the movement and cast a drowsy glare in the boy�s direction. Either he was upset at being awakened or else he was indignant at the fact that he had fallen asleep using Fayt as a pillow. He then studied the day outside and moved to stand.
�Wait,� Fayt said. �Don�t you want to eat something first?�
�If you want to see a fire before dark, we need to get moving now.� Albel exited the cave.
Fayt resigned and followed behind; he would have to suffer through another day, but if it meant sleeping in a room with a real bed instead of one made from rocks and dirt, he wasn�t about to complain.
When the sky eventually deepened into a threatening shade of granite gray and still there was no sight of the castle, Fayt began to worry. His stomach growled in revolt of his neglect, and his body ached miserably. How in the world did Albel even know which way they were going? They could have easily been turned around in that storm.
He stopped. �Are you sure we�re going the right way?�
Albel halted as well, turning around. �It�s not far off, so don�t you dare start complaining.� He pointed at the slope ahead. �Just over this rise.�
Fayt scrunched his face in doubt. He was sure they wouldn�t survive if they tried to continue on in the freezing night. But he had no choice but to trust his guide�s word.
It was dark when they spotted the first light of a torch in the distance. Fayt couldn�t remember the last time he felt so completely grateful for something so simple. The bridge leading to the castle was buried under virgin snow. They tromped through it, and Fayt wondered how often people braved the elements to visit a castle out in the middle of nowhere in the coldest region of the planet. Of course there were the merchants. And then there were the soldiers and those people who were completely out of their minds. He wondered which category he belonged to.
Nobody was out in the town streets, but torches still lighted the doorways of a few scattered homes and shops. Fayt was surprised to see Albel veer toward the inn.
�We�re not going to the castle now?� he asked. He was sure Albel had claim to a personal room somewhere in the place.
�They can wait until tomorrow.�
When they entered the lodge and the heat of a fire penetrated his cold-reddened face, Fayt�s gloomy mood melted with the snow on his clothes.
Albel threw off his hood and shook his bangs from his eyes before turning his attention to the clerk. �I want two rooms.�
The man obviously recognized Albel, Fayt could tell, because he looked terrified.
�Y-yes, sir.� The man bent and rummaged under the counter. When he straightened he held up two keys.
Albel swiped them up and tossed one to Fayt. �Be up at sunrise.� With that, he tromped up the rickety wooden steps.
Fayt offered an apology for his companion�s behavior to the surprised clerk and made his own way up the stairs. Once he had a fire going in his room he peeled off both the heavy coat and his soggy boots to dry beside it. It felt good to get rid of the weight. Fayt stalked like a zombie to his bed and aligned himself between the cold sheets, pulling the covers up over his head to warm up faster. But as soon as his eyelids touched, he was asleep.
If it hadn�t been for the rays of light shining through his window and falling directly over his eyes, Fayt thought he might have never woken up. He slept so well it almost hurt to drag himself up out of his warm bed. The fire had burned itself out some time ago; only a few embers struggled to survive in the ashy fireplace.
Standing and wavering slightly, he made his way to his bag and fished out some of the bread and cheese that Woltar�s servants had provided for him and Albel. As he devoured a bit he reminded himself to be sure to force-feed the stubborn swordsman later, if need be. Albel was the type that hardly ate a thing when he was determined to do something. No wonder he was so damn skinny. Fayt wondered from where he got all of his energy.
After easing the pain in his stomach he reapplied his outerwear, glad to find them dry. Albel was waiting downstairs when he arrived, and the two set out across town toward the castle.
As they passed the guards at the gate, Fayt observed without much surprise that Albel completely ignored their salutes. He just trailed behind, sure that these soldiers were used to the captain�s cold attitude.
While the king was being summoned from his quarters, they waited in the hallway outside the throne room. Albel paced, clearly distraught with his impending venture down into the squalid bowels of the castle. Fayt watched him in equal agitation, knowing that there was nothing he could say or do to calm the man�s nerves.
A servant promptly returned and announced that the king would receive them. The pair entered into the hall. Fayt stopped and bowed his head low to the crowned man seated on the humble throne, but Albel moved up close and lowered himself to his knees.
�Albel, and Master Fayt too! It is nice to see you again.� The king smiled in surprise at seeing the blue-haired foreigner. �I am sorry you had to cross the mountains in such terrible weather, but the nature of my summons requires immediate attention. As you know, the men who went down to explore the catacomb have not returned. Everyone that was sent in thereafter has met with the same result. Albel, four of your men were with them.�
�I was told,� the addressed said.
�Then you understand that as their captain it is your duty to take over the investigation. But I urge you to exercise extreme caution.�
Albel bowed his head and stood to leave. Fayt moved to follow after, but the king stopped him.
�Master Fayt, a moment please.�
Fayt turned. �Sir?�
Once Albel had turned and left the room, the man gave Fayt an inquisitive look. �Forgive my rudeness, but I was under the assumption that you would be returning home once your battles were over.�
�Oh, yes, well it�s a complicated story really.�
�No matter. Are you to be staying with Albel then?�
�Yes.�
The king thoughtfully rubbed his chin. �Well, if you are willing to aid us here today, you have my most sincere thanks. I have heard much about your combat and leadership skills. Would you possibly be interested in joining our knights?�
That was certainly quick. He hadn�t even done anything yet. �I would be honored, your majesty.�
�It pleases me to hear that. But now is not the time to discuss the matter further. Albel is probably already downstairs. Please do be on your guard.�
�Thank you. I will.� Fayt bowed and hurried out of the room to catch up with Albel. The swordsman had already descended the steps and was waiting in the foyer to the dungeons. There was nobody there on duty.
Albel turned to face Fayt and pulled the Crimson Scourge singing from its sheath. �Let�s go.�
Fayt nodded and readied his own blade. There was something in the air not unlike the electricity before a thunderstorm. The pair descended further into the dungeons. Fayt didn�t have to wonder long where the secret entryway lay. At the end of the last corridor of cells, where there was normally a wall, a jagged hole yawned and a pile of rubble stood pushed off to the side. The space beyond was dark and silent.
Fayt activated the lightstone on and began toward the gap. When he reached it he stopped and peered warily inside. The air was thin and tinged with the smell of mold and ancient dirt. He saw the glint of rusty bars enclosing the first cell but nothing more beyond that.
�Why do you think they walled this place up anyway?� Fayt asked. When he didn�t hear a reply and realized that Albel was not next to him, he turned. The older swordsman was standing with the tip of his sword resting on the ground, his legs spread slightly to support him as he rested his forehead against the palm of his steel gauntlet. His eyes were closed and pain wrote itself all across his features. His teeth were bared.
Fayt�s eyes opened wide as he hurried to the Glyphian�s side. �Albel! What is it? What�s wrong?� The man didn�t answer, and Fayt grew worried. But when he saw a thin, bright stream of blood run from Albel�s right ear, he was positively frightened.
�Oh my god, Albel, snap out of it!� Fayt grabbed onto the wrist of the man�s gauntlet and shook it.
Albel growled and pushed the boy away. �It�s nothing; just a headache. Let�s just get this over with.� With that he shook his head and marched determinedly into the chasm.
Fayt followed after with the lightstone raised. Water dripped down the wall opposite the one lined with jail cells and formed a small pool on the floor; the rest was sucked into the earth. They walked on, amazed at how big the place was. Hallways twisted into other hallways like a labyrinth.
When they rounded the third corner, Fayt hoped they wouldn�t somehow get lost within that awful place. The air was so thin it was hard to breathe. Suddenly a man�s moaning, filled with pain and despair, came from somewhere up ahead. The sound of it made Fayt shiver to the bone.
�Did you hear that?� he whispered; he hoped he wasn�t growing delusional from the lack of oxygen.
�Quiet, fool.� Albel bit mutedly.
They stole forward a bit until the light shone on a sobbing figure huddled in the corner facing away from them. It was obvious that it was shaking violently, even from their distance.
They approached stealthily until they could see that whoever it was was wearing the garb of Albel�s squadron.
�Cecil?� Albel said with some shock.
The man ceased his stifled wailing but did not lift his head. �C-captain?� The voice that issued forth was full of despair and almost unearthly. He stood slowly, still facing away from them. �Please�h-help meeee.�
�What are you doing here? Where are the others?� Albel demanded.
The man sighed, mucous so thick in his throat it sounded more like a distant rockslide. His voice suddenly altered into something dark and malicious when he spoke again. �You should have never come here. He�ll find you. No matter where you try to run. He�ll take you. You cannot hide.�
The man suddenly whirled around and snarled at them. Fayt�s first reaction was to cry out in horror, but he braced himself with his sword ready to plow through the transformed creature before them. The man was no longer recognizable as such, for the skull of a rotting bull sat atop his shoulders. There were no eyes within the stretched sockets, but a mysterious red light glared through them.
Albel wasted no time with mercy. His sword flew straight through the head and sent shards of dry bones scattering. The possessed creature fell to the floor like a burlap sack stuffed with wet sand.
�What in the world was that!?� Fayt cried.
�Fuck.� Albel stared down at his former subordinate in disbelief. He suddenly became angry. �What the hell are we dealing with down here?�