The Final Redemption by Michael Manning (little red riding hood ebook free .txt) 📕

“It isn’t safe now,” muttered StephenBalistair.

“Things will be far worse,” the godcontinued. “Mal’goroth has grown tired of Tremont’s games. He hassummoned his brethren. Some of them are within the city already,and others will be here soon. Albamarl will become aslaughterhouse.”

“His brethren?” said Pennyquestioningly.

“The weakened remnants of the DarkGods, like the one that Dorian battled recently,” clarified Karenthpatiently.

Dorian grimaced at the thought. “Howmany of them are there?”

“There were forty two originally,according to the lore of the church. If we no longer countBalinthor, and since Mal’goroth has not yet shown himself directly,that would put their numbers at forty—assuming they all come here,”answered Karenth.

Dorian could feel his heart dropping.There was no way to deal with such a number. “Thirty-nine, Idispatched one,” he announced.

“No,” said Karenth sadly. “Youtemporarily immobilized one. Even Mal’goroth cannot destroy them.That is why they still exist.”

“So how many are in the city now?”asked Penny.

“I have already detected eleven, andmy sources indicate that more are approaching,” replied thegod.

“And this is why he wanted us to fleethe city?” she continued.

Karenth shook his head negatively, “Hewas unaware of their presence in any numbers. He wanted you toclear the city for other reasons.”

“It would help to know them,” she saidsarcastically.

“He said, ‘Tell them not to triflewith the dead. They must leave the city and seek shelterelsewhere.’” relayed Karenth. After a moment he added, “I believehe means to destroy or attack the city in some way.”

“And what of the citizens?! What ofthe innocent, the children?” Penny responded in a shockedtone.

Karenth smiled, “He said you wouldworry for them. He told me to convey that he would do his utmost toprotect them while punishing those who slew your king. He also saidthat he could not guarantee anyone’s safety with perfect certainty.That is why he bids you to take your family and flee.”

“Even if we abandon the city to itsown devices, we still have far too many people to move. How are wesupposed to get the remaining soldiers out? Not to mention theirfamilies—the logistics will be impossible to manage so quickly,”argued Penny.

“Caution them to stay in groups oftwenty or less,” urged Karenth. “He said any large groups, overtwenty men, might be targeted.”

“This doesn’t make sense,” Dorian saidwith some annoyance. “What is he planning? What does ‘might betargeted’ mean? Can’t you be any clearer?”

Karenth gave him a condescendingsmile. “I realize you are not an overly clever man, Sir Dorian, butthink on it a moment. He did not make his plan explicit regardingAlbamarl for me either, but he did say ‘not to trifle with thedead’. It shouldn’t take a great leap of logic to get at least avague idea of his plans.”

Dorian’s patience was close to itsend. He leaned forward menacingly as he replied, “I really doubt heordered you to be insulting while you were running his errands,lackey.”

“The insult was my own contribution,”said Karenth with a smile, “but don’t think to threaten me, SirDorian. While I am charged with aiding your escape, I have hadenough power restored that I can easily ignore any threat you mightpresent.”

“If that is the case, then we cancount on your assistance dealing with the Dark Gods, may we not?”suggested Penny suddenly.

“That would be unwise,” said Karenth.“As it now stands, while I have detected their presence, so toothey have noticed mine. I have enough power to deal with two orthree of them in their present condition; I could not manage morethan that. It would be more effective for me to lead them away fromyou, rather than brave a direct confrontation.”

They talked a bit more before finallyPenny made up her mind. “Enough! If what this creature says istrue, then we have to alter our course.”

Dorian nodded, “Agreed. What do youpropose?”

Penny pointed at the men with them.“Send them along to the rendezvous points. Let them relay Karenth’swarnings about grouping up. Have them keep either the royal arms orHightower’s design close at hand. We’ll return and gather upAriadne and our families. We have little choice other than escape.”She looked in Karenth’s direction, “What will you do?”

“Lead your enemies away and clearobstacles from your path if the opportunity presents. You will notsee me again until after you reach the World Road,” answered thegod.

***

It took more than an hour to rouseeveryone in the house and get them out the door. Elise Thornbear inparticular, was not in good shape for the journey. She could walkbut she still suffered from a large collection of bruises. Also,the poison she had taken, while she had been partly immune to it,had still weakened her. She endured both pain and nausea as theyprepared to sneak out of the capital.

Rose watched hermother-in-law carefully, nervous at forcing her to travel so soonafter her injuries. Mentally she counted their group as theystepped out, a habit that had grown stronger since she had hadchildren. Gram, Carissa, Matthew, Moira,Irene, Conall, Lily, Penny, Cyhan, Egan… She recited the names silently to herself. Along with theirchildren, the group included several warriors and guardsmen,although Cyhan was still in no shape for combat.

A shadow loomed over her,and Rose turned to see the bulky form of her husband looming in thedim light. His presence gave her a feeling of security that nothingelse could. Dorian alone is enough,she thought, no one elsecould protect us as well.

He handed her a soft bundle, Carissa,swaddled against the cool night air. Leaning forward he kissedRose’s forehead. “I wish I could carry her, but it wouldn’t besafe,” he said apologetically.

She lifted her free handto his cheek, feeling the thick stubble there. Dorian hadn’t shavedin several days. She said nothing, letting her expression carry herfeelings. A moment later she caught Penny’s eyes on her. Her friendlooked away quickly, but not before Rose caught the hint of sadnessthere. A momentary pang of involuntary guilt washed overRose. We must constantly remind her ofwhat she’s lost.

“Is everyone here?” called Ariadne,standing to one side.

After what had probably been theirfifth head count she was satisfied, and the band of refugees beganmaking their way down darkened streets. Dawn was close however, andthe light would be upon them soon.

Their group numbered twenty-one oncethe men at