By Patrick M. Fitzgerald
Merrick rapped the door’s ornate knocker. “Garrett is one of the most honorable knights of the Order of the Trinity. He retired years ago, and his reputation is impeccable.”
The initiate, Derrin, showed him the list of names. Every one but Garrett’s was crossed out. “I hope you’re right, sir. He’s also our last hope.”
An elderly manservant answered the door. He eyed the insignia on their tabards and nodded. “Please come in, sirs. I was just preparing tea for my lord.”
The servant led them to a spacious living room. As Merrick and Derrin took the offered seats, they sank deeply into the velvet sofa cushions, a welcome change from the hard wood of the barracks. The horns of the dragon Garrett had slain were mounted over the fireplace. The servant brought tea for the three of them, pouring it from an engraved silver teapot.
Out of courtesy, Merrick took a long drink of the tea. “Esteemed sir, we need your aid desperately. I assume you’ve heard about the necromancer practicing nearby?”
“I have. The defilement of gravesites is a terrible crime. We know the soul moves on, but it’s horrible when a person’s last resting place is dishonored.” Garrett’s brow furrowed as he gazed into the fireplace. “My wife should be here.”
Merrick nodded and paused for a moment, stirring his tea. “He’s also amassing an undead army and gathering more corpses to fill its ranks. It’s become a threat to the entire kingdom. Queen Estrella has charged The Order with eliminating him.”
As Lady Eliza entered the room, Derrin’s eyes widened, and with shaking hands, he set his teacup down, rattling the saucer.
Garrett’s wife had been a member of The Order herself and a woman of stalwart faith with an unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. The golden embroidery in her crimson gown matched the floral patterns of the velvet furniture. Garrett smiled. The reflected firelight made his eyes sparkle as he watched her cross in front of the fireplace.
Eliza took a seat beside Garrett. “Dealing in magic is always a hazardous business. Tampering with the forces that bind the world together risks interfering with the will of God. Necromancy, especially…” She frowned and placed her hand on her husband’s. “One doesn’t practice that sort of magic unless that is exactly one’s intent. This man must be brought to justice.”
Garrett nodded as he gazed at her. “Indeed. This blasphemy cannot go unpunished.”
Derrin looked sharply at his sergeant and opened his mouth to speak. Merrick put his finger to his lips to keep his charge from talking out of line. “Our armies have made a number of forays against his troops. There were casualties, on both sides, but the Queen’s army was routed each time.”
“Perhaps the soldiers are too undisciplined to stand against the undead?” Garrett flexed his hands and rubbed his battle-scarred knuckles.
“We believe the necromancer’s magic altered their perceptions.” Merrick’s eyes darted briefly to Eliza. “They fled in terror from easy battles when victory was close at hand. The army is well trained, but men of stronger will are required to lead them.”
“Surely, there are younger knights than I who can handle this matter.”
Derrin leaned forward, gripping the table. “The necromancer’s magic is affecting many in The Order. Most of the knights refuse to fight against him. The reasons they gave were deeply personal. One man believed the necromancer’s associates would kill his family. Another said he was worried his grandfather would be among the corpses he would have to face. Even Petrus claimed that—”
Merrick kicked Derrin’s shin. “We need you to lead us, sir. The necromancer has occupied the ruins of St. George’s Church, less than a day’s march from here. We believe a frontal attack, with the knights of The Order leading the Queen’s army, should be enough to penetrate his forces so we can eliminate him.”
Eliza narrowed her eyes. “Eliminate him? Your goal should be to bring him to trial. However vile his crimes might be, it’s not for The Order to execute him. We are not the Queen’s assassins.”
“Eliza…” Garrett stroked his wife’s arm. “You know practicing necromancy poisons the mind and soul. Bringing him to trial could be dangerous. If he’s allowed to live, he could spread his toxic philosophy or tempt others to follow in his path.”
“I can’t believe anyone is beyond redemption, even this man. As long as he lives, he’s one of God’s children and must be given the chance to redeem himself. If we forget that, then we are corrupt ourselves.” She stood, turning her back to the men.
Garrett looked to his wife, then slowly turned to stare into his tea. He placed his cup down and looked gravely at the two knights. “She’s right. I can’t take part in this. I have ethics to uphold, and assassination is beneath me. Have you considered his goal may be to denigrate The Order by luring you into committing murder?”
Derrin jumped to his feet. “That’s madness!”
Garrett stood, a deep frown on his face. “I hope you are not insulting my wife’s honor.”
Merrick grabbed Derrin by the collar. “Esteemed lord, please forgive our overzealous initiate. We have only respect for the lady. I honor your decision and shall leave you in peace.”
They saluted and hurriedly made their exit.
“How was he so easily fooled?” Derrin asked.
Merrick put a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Garrett’s grief over his wife’s passing is as strong as his love. Nothing we could’ve said would have convinced him that it was merely a phantasm. He had to fight through the illusion on his own.”
“So, it’s just the two of us left?”
“Yes. May God help us.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Oh my goodness that ending TWIST *freaks out quietly*
I did not see that twist coming! *applause*
That was SUCH a great plot twist!!
I’m glad you all enjoyed it!
That twist 0.o