The Hellhound Consortium Read online

  “Here, let me take him,” Mark told Edwin and immediately reached out to take hold of Alfie’s arms.

  Edwin said nothing but continued the fast-paced march back toward the shore and their salvation. Over the tops of the cornstalks, he saw the light of the fires set by Jacob’s group. He looked behind him and saw Trina several paces away, her head turning every direction.

  They were forced to stop twice. First to exchange Edwin for Roger and then the second time after Alfie had passed out, to break the arrow shaft and allow Mark to take the full load of his limp body. They arrived at the shore where Jacob’s group waited. Just as they shoved off from the rocky shore, they heard the bays and howls of dogs sound over the plateau.

  Most of the raiding party, including Alfie, were taken aboard the Alphina. Richard tended to him but he didn’t regain consciousness during the voyage back to Engle Isle. Mark took passage aboard the Entdecker along with Edwin and Trina.

  “You shouldn’t feel guilty,” Trina told Mark as they sailed.

  “Alfie knew the risks, but he’s one of us. I mean an Engle Islander. I’m just worried about how people . . . his family is going to react. Especially if he dies.”

  Trina nodded and said, “I was actually talking about the woman.”

  “Oh. Her.”

  Mark had done his best to put it out of his mind. He knew what Trina was going to say. He’d been telling himself the same since they left Alimia.

  “She was shooting at you. She would have killed you.”

  “I know. It’s just a new face of this war that I suppose I’m not used to yet,” he said glumly, then he added, “she was just defending her home.”

  “So are you,” Trina reminded him.

  To that home, the Engleman brothers returned, victorious, yet depressed in spirit.

  2 – Doctor Morris

  Rob did not rest after arriving again at Engle Isle. Instead, he walked the three miles from Port John to Harrisville, straight to the house of Doctor Morris. It was early in the morning when he arrived, and the teacher was still breakfasting.

  “Rob, come in. Would you like some toast?” he said upon opening the door for the young Engleman.

  “No, thank you, Doctor. I’ll wait until you’ve finished yours,” Rob said and sat himself down on a chair in the front room.

  It was the first time Rob had been inside his former teacher’s home. He was a bit surprised at how well decorated it was. The furniture was beautiful with ornate woodwork and staining. Maps and paintings adorned the walls, and brass candelabras stood on end tables. Mottled glass lamps with perfumed oils burned low, giving the air in the front room a light and pleasant scent.

  Morris returned from the kitchen with a small copper plate with lightly toasted bread. Rob could smell the fresh butter melting into the crusts. A small open jar of strawberry preserves sat on the plate with a tiny spreading knife on top. It made his stomach growl loudly.

  “There’s plenty if you’d like,” Morris said cordially. “You know, I suppose I shouldn’t have, but I thought you’d come to see me sooner following your brother’s wedding. I realize how harsh I was to you, and that it’s probably taken some time to forgive me.”

  “We just got back from a raid on Alimia. We left on the third day after the wedding,” Rob replied.

  He admitted to himself that even as he had walked into Harrisville that very morning, he still hadn’t let go of the antagonism he felt toward the old man. As he sat there and saw that there was no hint, not even a trace of the hostility he had been met with before, that he could no longer bear his grudge. Rob reached out and took a slice of toast and spread the jam on it.

  “I want you to know that I’m torn about this war,” Rob said. “I always have been. We had to watch in silence as the people of Alimia were carried off. By Ayday, they’ve all been sold into slavery now. Tom and Pete’s aunt and their family on that island . . . they’re all gone. I felt . . . I felt we had to do something. We remembered what you said about them—the Falcons. About their greed and their hostility toward the rest of the world. We needed to do something… we just had to. And yet . . .”

  He trailed off, not wanting to say what was on his mind. Morris nodded and finished for Rob.

  “And yet, now that you’ve been a part of the killing and slaughter, now that you’ve shed blood, you realize what it takes from you.”

  “Have you ever been in battle?”

  “Me? No. I grew up on a peaceful island. However, I have seen the effects of war. It isn’t just fighting hand to hand with weapons. It changes who we are. It makes us more like beasts and less like humans. Men fight for various reasons, some noble, many not so much. But it mars the soul all the same. There is nothing noble in taking the life of another intelligent being, especially one of your own race.”

  “I want to go back. I want to return to the beginning and start again.”

  Morris nodded. “I know a story about that feeling. But perhaps we can talk about that later. Right now, I need you to tell me about Hellhound Isle and what you found there.”

  Rob was surprised. How had he known about Hellhound Isle?

  As if he was reading Rob’s mind, the old man said, “Anna told me about it. That is, she mentioned it accidentally while talking to me about your adventures. She was the only one who seemed to trust me with such information.”

  “Did she tell you why we call it Hellhound Isle?” Rob said with a smile.

  “She mentioned that you killed a hellhound there. You, Rob. Not Mark or the others. You saved his life and probably everyone else’s.”

  Rob averted his gaze and blushed. “I didn’t really—”

  Morris cut him off. “But that’s not what’s important. You need to tell me about the tablet. Where did you find it?”

  Rob sucked in a breath and began. “We call it the Duarve House and it was built into the island . . .”

  Rob related his experiences opening the Duarve door and exploring. He gave as much detail about everything he could remember, especially the mummies. Doctor Morris listened intently and nodded continuously throughout the story. As Rob finished, he leaned back in his chair and sighed.

  “The lightning spear,” Morris said. “Does Edwin still have it?”

  Rob looked perplexed. “Yes, I think so. He used it to defeat the Oric on Fishhook.”

  “Anna left that part out. She and Edwin have been telling people he stabbed it but not with what.”

  “You think that the lightning spear is more important than the tablet?” Rob said, still looking confused.

  “No, but based on what you told me about how you opened the door to the Duarve House, I think I may have a way of unlocking the tablet’s secrets.”

  Rob finally understood. “You want to use the lightning spear’s power on the tablet the way I used it for the door of the Duarve House.”

  Morris smiled seeing that his student comprehended what he intended. However, his smile faded as he noticed that Rob’s expression didn’t match his own.

  “What’s the matter?” Morris said.

  “Whatever that tablet tells us, if anything, will be in the Duarvish tongue, wouldn’t it?”

  “Yes, and I don’t speak Duarve, nor can I read it. We’ll need to find someone who can translate for us. There’s also the potential problem of whether or not the lightning spear still works.”

  “I don’t even know if Edwin will let us use it.”

  “Why don’t we go ask him? I’ll get myself prepared and we can be in Port John by noon.”

  “One more thing,” Rob said as he raised himself up. “How do you know the tablet has secrets? Couldn’t it just be something ornamental? And how do you know that the lightning spear will even work on it?”

  “If you were trapped in a cave, running out of air to breathe and you were to hold one thing in your hands as you died—believe me, Rob, if it was important to that Duarve then it is important enough for us to know what it contains.”

  Rob’s eye
s narrowed, not sure what the old man meant by his last comment. How could the tablet contain anything? He remained silent though.

  Doctor Morris readied himself, and the both of them set off for Port John.

  When they were outside Harrisville, Rob looked at his teacher. Suddenly, Doctor Morris didn’t seem quite so old. It was as if the intrigue of this mysterious tablet had given him new vitality.

  “You know, I’ve been here on Engle Isle for more than ten years,” Doctor Morris said. “In all that time, I had only hoped, dreamed even, that one day one of my students would do what you did.”

  “Really? Why? I defied the council and wisdom of my parents.”

  “Yes exactly!” Morris said excitedly. “You probably already know this, but when I first arrived here and petitioned the Council of Elders for permission to teach, they agreed under one condition. I was to teach you only what was useful for your life here. Anything about the Duarves, Quillians, Ferlies, or even the myths and legends of our own race were deemed inappropriate for the youth of this island.”

  “I figured that out in my second week as your student when I asked you about the birthing cave. You told me that was a subject to discuss with my mother.”

  “Did you ever discuss it with her?”

  “She wouldn’t talk about it. She said I had no reason to ever go there or even concern myself with it.”

  “The wisdom of a mother.”

  Rob was still curious. “Why don’t they want us to know about these things?”

  “They feel they’re protecting you. If you don’t know about something, then you’ll never leave to see it for yourself, thereby ensuring that you remain on Engle Isle and become a productive member of society. I mean, we lose enough children to fevers and accidents as it is without having them sail off to distant islands facing monsters and starting wars.”

  They both chuckled at this.

  Rob paused before saying, “If only they knew how amazing these other places are. Even a place as small as Hellhound Isle holds wonders that are astonishing. I’m convinced there is more good than bad out there.”

  “And right you are in that. Ignorance is always the real enemy, Rob. Never forget that. I came here as an outsider, but as a native of Engle Isle, you stand in a better position. I think you’ll be the one to convince the Council of Elders and the Matriarchs of the benefits the rest of the world has for us and break us out of this isolation.”

  “I fear the war will do that more than we want it to.”

  “Yes, but the war shouldn’t be the only reason to break the isolation. We must show them the other marvels as well. This is why I’m going to travel with you to Fallen Dome.”

  Soon they approached the Engleman farm. From the road, they could see two men on crutches and another with his arm in a sling, all standing in front of the house. After the battle on Little Alimia, an infection had set in John’s wounds. By the time they reached Engle Isle, he was running a mild fever. After the shrapnel had been removed, the wounds had to be left open to drain. This was an extremely painful day for him. Yet, John had willed himself to heal quickly.

  While the burns and lacerations left deep scars on his legs, it was the muscle that bore the true damage from the Falcon grenade. He could not hide the pain that walking caused him. He winced and groaned every time he tried to take a step, and standing in one place could only be done with the aid of the crutches.

  Malcolm leaned on a single crutch under his left arm. This allowed him to rest his wounded leg on its toes and put his weight on the good leg. His right arm had healed well, there had been no infection but the muscle seemed weaker. Malcolm tried to strengthen his arms by drawing back on his bow. It didn’t really hurt, but a strange feeling accompanied this endeavor and he found that he was unable to give it a full draw. It felt as though some of his muscles were missing.

  Charlie’s wounds were all but healed. The balls had been removed easily as they had barely entered his muscle. His leather vambrace had absorbed much of the damage from the hand cannon burst. With his arm in a sling, he found that sympathetic women paid more attention to him, which is why he continued to wear it.

  Without consulting Rob, Doctor Morris changed direction and approached the three men.

  “Good morning to you gentlemen!” he said cheerily.

  “Good morning,” the three muttered in reply.

  In truth, John and Malcolm had begun to find the constant attention from the islanders to be wearisome. This old fellow who now approached them for conversation only added to their desire to hide away inside the Engleman farmhouse.

  “My name’s Geoffrey Morris. I’m a school teacher here,” Morris introduced himself.

  “You’re the Doctor Morris that Mark and Rob speak of so fondly?” Charlie said.

  “The one who encouraged them to set out on their voyage away from this island?” Malcolm said.

  John added, “Where they found us and convinced us to join in on their crazy war.”

  Morris continued smiling but paused to think before responding. “Yes, well isn’t it amazing the effect one teacher can have on the minds of his pupils.”

  The door of the farmhouse opened and Lisette Engleman walked out. Her long brunette hair was tied back and smears of food decorated her apron. She carried three pasties, which she immediately distributed to the wounded men.

  “John Cooper!” she said with a pleading scold. “You shouldn’t be up right now. Go and lie down.”

  Rob was quick to note the slight blush that appeared on John’s cheeks as he turned his head to Lisette.

  “I’ll be in shortly, I promise.”

  Lisette looked at Rob with a sort of disapproving look. He wondered for a moment what she meant by it for he knew he hadn’t done anything to keep John up on the crutches. He determined that she felt criticized in some way and was telling him not to say anything about it.

  “Well, gentlemen,” Doctor Morris said. “I don’t mean to keep you, but I hadn’t had the chance to tell you how grateful I am that you’re here. And thanks for keeping my star pupils alive.”

  “You’re welcome,” Charlie answered for them. His next words sounded well-rehearsed. “It’s our pleasure to serve here.”

  “I’m sure. Now, am I to understand that one of your company is a liaison officer for the Barony of Fallen Dome?”

  John looked at him quizzically. “Yes. I am.”

  “Splendid. I’m sure your superiors are looking forward to hearing your report. That is, of course, when you’re recovered enough to return there.”

  “Well, yes . . . I’m sure they will be. I just don’t know how long it’ll be before I’m able to travel.”

  “Consider this, sir. Rob and I are looking to travel that way soon. Since you’re not able to travel just yet, perhaps he could bring them word from you. I’m sure Rob wouldn’t mind.”

  John looked at Rob who seemed as surprised by the suggestion as he was.

  “That’s a good idea,” John said. “I’ll start writing my report today.”

  He slowly turned and hobbled into the house.

  “How are the training sessions looking?” Rob asked Charlie, trying to break the awkward silence.

  “The first one is scheduled for tomorrow morning here at the farm. We’ll see then how ready the Engle Isle militia is to repel a Falcon invasion,” Charlie said sardonically.

  “Right. Well, don’t be too hard on them. We’re not but simple island folk,” Rob said with a smile.

  He and Morris took their leave of the two warriors and continued on their way to Port John.

  After a minute or two, Rob looked at Doctor Morris who seemed to notice and broke the silence before Rob had the chance.

  “In my travels, I’ve met many different people from many islands. I fancy myself rather good at discerning a person’s character soon after meeting them. From the little interaction I’ve had with your mercenaries, I think you and Mark did well. You’ve recruited good men, and of course that youn
g woman. She’s quite a sight now, isn’t she?”

  Rob saw the wry smile on the old man’s face and grasped that he was being set up.

  “Trina? Yeah, you should see her in a fight. She is something to behold.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “I’m curious about your thoughts, sir,” Rob said. “How long have you been planning to travel to Fallen Dome with me?”

  Morris did not look at Rob directly. “Since the night of Mark and Anna’s wedding. However, Fallen Dome is not our final destination. I’m sure we could spend years studying your Duarve House. But, of course, with the war, we won’t have that long. I suppose the best we can hope for is a week, maybe two.”

  “A week or two?!” Rob gasped. “Add on the sailing time and I can’t be gone that long. Mark and others will be fighting on Alimia again. I can’t abandon them.”

  Morris’s expression soured. “You’re not abandoning them, Rob. You’re pursuing a bit of research while helping behind the scenes. You’ll be delivering a report to our allies and spreading word of your success thus far. Who knows but that there are dozens more fighting men like those now at your farm who are waiting to hear this report. It’ll give them reason to join up.”

  Rob looked confused, “I didn’t think you approved of our war.”

  “I don’t, but since you are at war with the Falcon Empire, you need allies like Fallen Dome.”

  They walked a bit further before Rob spoke again.

  “There’s a slight problem in all of this.” He looked anxiously at Morris. “Hellhound Isle is a secret. We can’t take others there unless we trust them not to divulge that secret.”

  “Secrets are vexing, however, I’m sure you’ll figure something out. You are my brightest student, after all.”

  Morris smiled and the two of them reached the top of a rise. Below them perhaps a mile distant, were the rooftops of Port John. Once in town, they walked to the docks, where they could see three ships bobbing among the various fishing vessels. They figured that Edwin was most likely on the Anna Louisa. He was rarely anywhere else.

  3 – Edwin’s Golden Elixir