Keeper of the Realms: Crow's Revenge (Book 1) Read online

  In the centre of the clearing a group of maybe ten or twelve Tremen were sitting around a roaring bonfire. They all seemed very merry, passing a leather gourd to one another and eating freshly barbecued fish. A couple of the Tremen were pounding out complex rhythms on leather-bound drums. Some were singing along and several others were dancing and cavorting about. They all cheered when the four of them came in sight. Charlie did a double take when she saw a familiar face.

  ‘Jensen!’ she cried.

  ‘Charlie! Wotcha doing here?’ he asked, clearly pleased to see her. His eyes took in her wet and dishevelled clothing and the big bump on her head. ‘I see ya’ve been in the wars. Everything all right, me little Hippotomi?’

  Before Charlie could reply the other Tremen began to badger Jensen.

  ‘Who’s she, then?’

  ‘Who’s the lass, Jensen?’

  ‘Yeah, who’s she?’

  Jensen waved his hands for silence. ‘All right, lads, dis is the little lady I was telling ya all about. Say hello ta the stompin’, stampin’ girl, me little Hippotomi, Charlie!’

  A large chorus of ‘hello’s and ‘hi’s greeted Charlie, who couldn’t help but grin. The Tremen were very welcoming and their good cheer and big smiles were infectious. Many of them tried to come up and ask her questions.

  ‘Stand back! Stand back, ya useless lotta weasels!’ shouted Jensen. ‘Let’s give her some grub and a chance ta dry out before ya all start bothering her!’

  Jensen led Charlie over to an empty seat, sat her down and got one of his companions to fetch a towel. The smell of the freshly cooked fish set Charlie’s stomach rumbling; it had been hours since she had eaten. Accepting a plate of the Tremen’s dinner, she tucked into it straight away, washing it down with a drink that tasted like fragrant vanilla, lime and raspberries.

  ‘Charlie, me lass, are ya all right?’ asked Jensen, obviously concerned. ‘That’s quite a big bump on yer noggin.’

  ‘My head’s OK,’ said Charlie. ‘I think it just looks worse than it is.’ Seeing the worry in Jensen’s eyes, she added, ‘Really, though, I’m fine.’

  ‘Well, if ya be sure, but if ya don’t mind I’ll have Lentol look at it later,’ suggested Jensen.

  Charlie nodded, wondering vaguely who Lentol was.

  ‘So, tell me, lass, wot brings ya ta Bellania?’

  ‘Urm, I didn’t really have a say in the matter. I kind of got chased here,’ said Charlie.

  ‘Chased?’ said Jensen. ‘By who?’

  ‘By a really, really big giant with poor anger management and a whole load of black, hissing shadows!’ explained Charlie.

  ‘Big giant, black shadows?’ muttered Jensen. His face suddenly looked very grave. ‘Dis giant, did he keep his face covered?’

  ‘Yes, that’s right. And everything else was covered in black bandages.’

  ‘Bane!’ hissed Jensen.

  One of the Tremen sitting close by promptly fell off his seat upon hearing the name. Silence fell across the campsite and all the Tremen turned to stare at Charlie.

  ‘Bane? Who’s Bane?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘Bane, the Western Menace, is bad, bad news,’ said Jensen. He spat into the fire to prove his distaste. ‘He’s an evil thug with a thirst for power. And he’s been a right pain in the neck. He’s been closing down a lotta the trade routes, forbidding travel through the Stoman lands and amassing a huge army. He’s a bringer of war.’

  ‘Oh, he’s worse than that,’ cursed Kelko. ‘He’s an eater of flesh! Children from all three races have been sold ta him in slavery and then never seen again. It’s said he has an unquenchable hunger and appetite, with a particular fondness for bone and marrow.’

  ‘Stomen,’ asked Charlie.‘What are they?’

  ‘Stomen are one of the three races in Bellania,’ explained Jensen.

  ‘They live mainly in the mountains.

  Big fellas too. Trust me, ya won’t mistake one for a Treman or a Human when ya sees them. Bellania used to be a pretty peaceful place … Sure, ya would get an occasional rumble or bicker between peoples, but just over little things. Now things are different and Bane has got a lot ta do with that.’

  ‘Um, any idea why he’s chasing me?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘I’ve got a couple of good ideas,’ said Jensen. ‘But I’ve taken a vow of secrecy ta the Jade Circle and certain matters take precedence. Although I must admit I wasn’t expecting ta see ya here in Bellania. But, never fear, yer safe here. We’ll get ya to Sylvaris and there the Jade Circle will take ya under their wing and sort matters out.’

  ‘But if you know something surely you can tell me? For heaven’s sake, I’ve had a giant tearing around my house, threatening to feed me to his sidekicks, and now I’m in a strange place that I know nothing about. I’ve got no idea what’s going on! Jensen, come on, you’ve got to tell me something!’ implored Charlie.

  ‘Blossom, he would if he could, but a vow ta the Jade Circle is unbreakable,’ said Kelko, coming over and placing a calming hand on Charlie’s shoulder. ‘If he were ta speak he would be banished from Sylvaris and he’d spend his life as an outcast. Listen, we’ll take ya ta Sylvaris and there all yer questions will be answered.’

  ‘But my gran – is she safe back at home on her own? How can I leave and not know for sure if she’s OK?’ asked Charlie.

  ‘Me little Hippotomi, matters have been taken outta our hands.’ Jensen shrugged apologetically. ‘Bane is too dangerous ta face – ya can’t go back ta yer house. Even if ya had us by yer side it wouldn’t be enough ta ensure yer safety, not from Bane. But I’m sure yer gran will be fine. I can’t see an old lady having a part in Bane’s plans. For now the only way forward lies with the Jade Circle. They know wot the deal is with ya and yer family. They’ll help ya for sure.’

  ‘What’s the Jade Circle?’ asked Charlie. ‘Hang on a sec. How come they know about me? I’ve never been here before and I only met you for the first time last week!’

  Jensen rubbed at his forehead and sighed. ‘Charlie, there’s something I gotta tell ya.’ He cleared his throat. ‘The thing is … I know yer parents. The Jade Circle know yer parents –’

  ‘You know my parents?’ squawked Charlie, jumping to her feet. ‘Where are they?’ she half demanded, half pleaded.

  Jensen looked uncomfortable. ‘I can’t tell ya where they are, Hippotomi. In truth, yer parents have worked hand in hand with the Circle like, well … like all yer family have done for generations.’ He smiled at Charlie, trying to reassure her. ‘Little lass, yer family are the Keepers. Gatekeepers, that is. They protect one of the few paths between Bellania and Earth.’

  But Charlie wasn’t concerned with being a Keeper, whatever that meant. ‘But you know where they are, right? Where are they, Jensen?’

  ‘Charlie, I took an oath ta the Jade Circle not ta talk about the whereabouts of yer parents.’

  ‘But they’re my parents. You’ve got to tell me. At least tell me why they haven’t got in touch with me. Why haven’t I heard from them? They’ve been gone for almost seven years! YOU’VE GOT TO TELL ME!’

  Charlie wanted to kick something, hard. To actually find someone who might know where her parents were but refused to tell her was enough to have her spitting with rage.

  ‘Charlie, I can’t tell ya, I’m sorry. I know the vow don’t mean much ta ya right now, but I promise ya it’s important. Please, for now, just trust me like yer parents have always trusted me.’

  Charlie had a sudden urge to kick Jensen in the shin. Fortunately he turned away before she could act. ‘How long will it take us to get to the Jade Circle?’ she asked, a little more calmly.

  ‘If we push it, we can make six leagues by nightfall,’ said Jensen. ‘And if we can keep the pace up we’ll make it ta Sylvaris and the Jade Circle in five days.’

  ‘Five days!’ protested Charlie. ‘There’s no way I can leave my gran alone for that long. No way, no how. I’m sorry, but I thought we could get this sorted a lot quicker, but
if we’re talking five days or more then I’ve got to go home.’

  Jensen shook his head in sorrow. ‘Charlie, lass, if ya go home now, Bane is gonna get ya. Yer of no use ta anyone if ya get eaten, and that’s wot’ll happen if ya return. Please trust me: the Jade Circle is the only way to help yer family.’

  While Charlie was thinking about his words, Jensen turned back to the group. ‘Lentol, come over here and take a look at the bump on Charlie’s noggin. The rest of ya, pack yer bags – we’re going back to Sylvaris.’

  Jensen supervised the packing as everyone sprang into action. Water was flung on the fire, food hastily wrapped and fresh water taken from the river. In a very short space of time the Tremen were ready. Bags slung across backs and over shoulders, they began to trudge towards the forest. The pink birds scattered, breaking into flight at their approach.

  Stodel, a young, enthusiastic-looking Treman, held a hurried conversation with Jensen by the edge of the clearing. Giving up his heavy backpack, he accepted a lighter bag and several flasks of water in its place. Shouting out his good-byes, he then jogged down the path, his topknot bouncing from side to side.

  Charlie turned to Kelko. ‘Where’s he off to?’

  ‘We’re sending Stodel ahead to give the Jade Circle the heads up.’

  She nodded, then peered behind for a final view of the waterfall. The path leading up the cliff face was her only way back home. Racked with sudden indecision, she turned to Kelko.

  ‘What’s Sylvaris?’

  ‘It’s our city, lass. The home of the Tremen. “The Flower of Deepforest”.’

  ‘And that’s where I’ll find the Jade Circle? They’ll answer all that I need to know about my parents … and about Bane?’

  ‘Yes, lass.’

  Charlie sighed. I’ll be home as soon as I can, Gran, she promised. With Sic Boy striding by her side, she then turned her back on the cliff and marched boldly into the forest.

  6

  An Education

  Bane watched as the door that led to the other realm swung shut behind him. Flexing his shoulders, he marched down the stone-flagged corridor. The Shades, no longer needed by their master, disappeared through the low archways on either side. Approaching the end of the corridor, Bane clapped his hands together and the two mighty red-panelled doors in front of him opened. Cowled servants, dressed in magnificent blood-red livery, bowed in unison as Bane strode into the lushly carpeted hall. Several approached him bearing fruits, spiced cakes and liquors to refresh him after his journey. Bane dismissively waved them aside.

  ‘Just bring me my robes of office,’ he growled. ‘I have no time to dawdle.’

  Two of the footmen removed Bane’s travel cloak and replaced it with a magnificent black hooded robe that was decorated with gold embroidery. A third footman approached and placed a heavy gold chain round his neck. Its dark red stones flickered and glowed with a soft light.

  Checking his image in a polished brass mirror, Bane grunted his approval, then marched from the hall, his giant stride carrying him quickly along the passages. Opulent furnishings lined the way: great paintings depicting ancient battles, jade vases, marble statues, jewel-encrusted weapons and more hung from the walls. Bane thumped past with uncaring eyes. Opening a portcullis, he entered a large, dank room with a circular pit in the middle. Mildew covered the sandstone walls and fires had been lit in braziers in an attempt to keep the oppressive cold at bay. A heavy, rusting metal grate covered the pit’s mouth, while in the ceiling a shaft led to an overcast and turbulent sky far above. Silent guards, shadowy and helmeted, stood about, shuffling in obvious discomfort, although whether that was caused by the cold or by Bane’s presence, it was hard to tell.

  ‘Guard, how have they been?’ asked Bane.

  ‘Restless, my lord. It has been some time since they tasted fresh meat,’ replied one of the heavily muscled guards.

  ‘Well, that is about to change,’ said Bane, walking over to the pit. He looked into the darkness below, then pulled out something from his pocket, brought it near his face and sniffed at its scent. It was one of Charlie’s T-shirts. Bane addressed the pit’s occupants. ‘Bring me back that squirming, squishy little Human girl. Bring her to me, kicking and screaming, writhing and wriggling. Bring her to me and I will feed you fresh, succulent meat. Little Treman children shall be your feast, yours to suck upon and gnaw, yours to chew and gnash upon. Bring me the disgusting little maggot and I shall show you my delight and endless gratitude.’

  Bane stepped up to the lip of the pit and dropped the T-shirt into the darkness below. A loud hissing and clicking noise boiled up from the hidden depths.

  The walls of the pit shook as they were struck and beaten from within.

  ‘Open it,’ said Bane.

  Two of the guards began to turn a huge winch. Chains hanging from the ceiling pulled taut as the grate slowly lifted upwards in an arc, then fell to the floor with a thunderous clang. The guards edged back from the gaping hole and pressed themselves against the walls.

  The things in the pit, smelling their fear, began to simmer in the darkness. Faster and faster they moved, repeatedly striking the walls of the pit until the whole room started to shake. Soon the hissing was so loud that the guards were forced to press their hands to their ears in an effort to dim the blistering noise.

  ‘GO!’ roared Bane, flinging his hands towards the shaft above. ‘Go and do not return until you have the girl! GO!’

  The pit erupted as a tide of taut muscles and serrated teeth flashed in the air. The sinuous predators were long in body, grey and worm-like. Slime-covered scales festered along the length of their bodies and ragged dragonfly wings hummed as they beat powerfully against the air. Bane’s robes were swept up around him and flapped in the wind. The creatures spun and coiled around the room, the sound of their scales brushing and rubbing against one another with a deafening screech. Spinning once more around the room, they brushed against Bane’s outstretched hand, then they were gone, flinging themselves up through the shaft and out into the darkening twilight sky.

  Bane stared up through the shaft at the dwindling silhouettes.

  ‘Maggot, I do not think your luck will last much longer …’

  ‘Bless me Leaf, Charlie, but ya never seem ta shut up!’ moaned Jensen. ‘All right, I can see it might be a little hard ta understand if ya’ve never been ta Bellania, but listen for a bit before ya start having another tantrum.’

  Charlie stopped walking and crossed her arms. ‘Tantrum?’ she squawked. ‘I don’t have tantrums! I … uh … merely like to be vocal when I express my displeasure.’ Her foot was impatiently tip-tapping on the leaf-littered forest floor and a terrible frown was plastered across her face.

  Kelko laughed loudly. The whole party of Tremen had ground to a halt and now they stood around waiting to see how Jensen would react.

  ‘OK, OK! Look, if I start answering yer questions, will ya please stop all that stompin’ and carry on walking?’ pleaded Jensen.

  Charlie pulled a face, but continued along the path.

  ‘As I was saying,’ continued Jensen, ‘once upon a time, Bellania and Earth were the same place. However, many thousands of years ago, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions and all sorts of terrible things happened. We called dis time the Great Cataclysm and that was when the two worlds got separated. The Tremen, Stomen and a few of ya Humans decided ta move ta dis side, but the bulk of ya Humans decided to stay put where they was. There are still protected paths between the two sides, but travel and interaction has slowed over the years. Now it’s just us merchants and a few adventurers who cross over. Me and me boys are one of the more successful merchant groups out there. In fact, we was just about ta cross over again when we stumbled inta ya.’

  ‘You keep telling me you’re a merchant, but what do you trade?’ asked Charlie. ‘I don’t see you guys carrying anything to sell.’

  ‘Ha! Ya got good eyes, me stompin’ Hippotomi, but not that good! Here, take a look at dis,’ said
Jensen. Reaching for his backpack, he pulled out a plain-looking leather pouch.

  Opening it, Charlie peered inside. It contained a light-blue powder that sparkled in the sunlight and had the most unusual smell. It reminded Charlie of all the great food that she had ever eaten, all the wonderful home-made pastries that Gran had baked her and all the most refreshing drinks that she had ever had.

  ‘What is it?’ she asked.

  ‘That, me dear, is me little something-something and it’s guaranteed ta make anything, absolutely anything in the whole world – Bellania or Earth – taste yummy.’

  ‘Your little “something-something”?’ said Charlie, looking doubtful.

  ‘It’s Moreish powder,’ explained Jensen, with a wicked twinkle in his eyes. ‘Made from Lindis flowers. It’s an ancient Willow family recipe, made by me great-great-grandma and passed down from generation ta generation … ta yers truly, Jensen the Willow.’

  ‘Moreish powder?’ said Charlie.

  ‘Sure Moreish powder. Once ya’ve had a little, yer gonna want more. More … more-ish … Moreish! It makes for a top-seller and all yer big manufacturers pay serious money for it. Ya Humans can’t produce good grub without it!’

  ‘Are you trying to tell me that you supply all the biggest food corporations in the world with this? Do you honestly expect me to believe that?’ said Charlie.

  ‘Sure, and why not?’ asked Jensen, the grin on his face getting even bigger. ‘Ever wonder why ya always feel like having another ice cream straight after yer first, or why one chocolate is never as good as two? Do ya really think it’s just down ta good baking and cooking skills? Of course not! It’s because me Lindis plants produce the best Moreish powder and, wot’s more, I’m the only one who knows the secret ta producing it!’