Vannas nodded. "I'm sure they'll return with the Black Flamestone."
"What's wrong?" asked Aldreya. "You don't seem…yourself."
Vannas pointed at his eyes. "Do I look like myself? Something happened to me during that battle. I became so consumed with power and energy that I lost myself. It was a terrible feeling, and I'm not sure I want anything more to do with the White Flamestone. I'm afraid of what I am becoming."
"I don't blame you," said Lothrin. "I will admit to you that I too have been obsessed with the Flamestone-ever since I touched it below the town of Elder Oak. It did something to me, made me long for it…and suffer. Finally, though, I have freed myself of its grasp and no longer desire it."
"I envy you, cousin," said Vannas. "The problem is that Dremlock depends on me to wield it. Therefore, duty keeps me bound to it."
"Maybe not for long," said Jerret. "Bellis suffered a shocking defeat, and there is talk that the kingdom may give up on Dremlock and just leave Silverland alone. I don't think they expected to take such a beating at the hands of a small battalion of Knights, and I'm certain they're terrified of the White Flamestone now."
"They should be terrified of it," said Vannas. "It's a terrifying weapon. Honestly, I'm afraid of it too. It has power and potential beyond what I had once believed. I'm sure our Divine Essence must have been quite hesitant to surrender it into mortal hands."
"What happened to you?" said Lothrin. "Previously, you seemed so confident in using the Flamestone. What shattered your faith in it?"
"Nothing," said Vannas, "as far as using it to defeat our enemies is concerned. Bellis learned the hard way just how mighty this weapon is. Yet I believe I haven't even come close to unlocking its full potential. This could be as powerful as the Crimson Flamestone of ancient times. Who knows? No, it's the fact that I'm just a mortal man not meant to wield such power. It has begun to take a drastic toll on me. For a moment in battle, I became almost like an enraged god wanting to smite everything around me."
"But you didn't," said Aldreya. "Instead, you destroyed Bellis' greatest siege engine that could have been used against Dremlock Kingdom."
"Yes," said Vannas, "this time I did the right thing. Who knows what will happen next time? As noble as the White Flamestone is, it grants too much power-and such power can corrupt anyone. That is now my greatest fear."
Lothrin nodded. "You are wise to be afraid, cousin. In fact, I take that as a good sign. And as Jerret said, it might not matter. Bellis may stay out of Silverland permanently now."
"I think they will," said Galvia, a proud look on her face. "We crushed them! They had no answer for Dremlock's tricks."
"I certainly hope so," said Vannas, but he looked doubtful.
Aldreya patted him on the shoulder. "Stay strong, and don't fret over it. You'll be fine. You're coming out for the great feast, right?" She winked at him. "I hear that Taris may be granting a few promotions."
Vannas managed a smile. "Of course."
Taris suddenly peered into the tent. "Aldreya, are you ready?"
She rose, her heart racing. The Trial of Shades was at hand.
They entered Taris' shadowy tent and sat down across from each other. The smell of spicy incense hung in the air, and Taris lit two candles. First, they drank some tea, and sat in silence for a time. Aldreya's anxiety grew by the moment.
"Are you relaxed yet?" Taris asked.
"Far from it," she admitted.
Taris chuckled. "I suppose you want to get on with it."
Aldreya nodded.
"Good," said Taris. "Do you understand what this trial means? That if you fail it, your ability to use sorcery will be severely weakened?"
"Yes," said Aldreya. "If I fail, I will leave Dremlock and return to Borenthia."
"Then let us begin," said Taris. He drew his stone dagger and called the green fire into the blade. Then he brought it close to his face. His green eyes shone like the flaming blade-burning with focus.
Suddenly, Aldreya was surrounded by thick shadows that obscured the tent walls. Something was moving in the shadows-four shades that stepped into the candlelight. They wore green, hooded robes and held stone daggers. Their eyes gleamed with power and wisdom beneath their hoods. They were the ghosts of elite Birlote sorcerers from ages past. They closed in on Aldreya and laid hands on her. She felt as if her flesh was burning, but she was paralyzed.
The shades whispered to her, and their words were madness. They said that the universe was flawed and thus all things would come to a dark, bitter end. They prompted her to surrender to infinite sleep.
At first, Aldreya wanted to give up and go to sleep. If the universe was flawed, there was no hope and it was better to simply not exist. But then she realized that she could continue on with life without will, hope, or purpose. She had something that gave control amidst a chaotic universe- strength. Aldreya had strength, and with it, she could control her destiny. Part of that strength was faith in her god, her honor, and her abilities. The shades were telling her that all things were folly, but she was determined to use her strength to resist that notion-regardless of whether or not she was right or wrong.
"You have failed!" Aldreya said to them. "Now leave me alone!" As she spoke the words, a new level of power surged within her-as if the strength of her sorcery had suddenly doubled and new channels had opened.
The shades smiled down at her and then vanished back into the shadows. The shadows themselves departed and Taris Warhawk was revealed. He was holding her teacup, from which steam was rising.
"Well done," said Taris. "You resisted the shades and found hidden strength. Are you ready for more tea?"
With a trembling hand, Aldreya took the teacup and drank.
"Well?" said Taris.
"It was strange," said Aldreya. "I was told there is something wrong with the world-a flaw in the design. It was a very dark vision."
"I meant the tea," said Taris, winking. "Do you like it?"
Aldreya realized she'd been too nervous to taste it. She did so now, and found it was delicious. "Tastes like blackberries."
Taris smiled. "It's the best tea recipe I know of, my fine apprentice."
"Master Taris," she said, "is the world deeply flawed somehow?"
"The answer is in your teacup," he replied.
She gazed into the teacup. "I see nothing but…tea."
"Then perhaps you can taste the answer," said Taris.
Aldreya savored the tea. "It just tastes like a cup of excellent tea."
"And there is your answer," said Taris.
Chapter 23: The Path to Knighthood
A week had passed since Lannon's battle with Timlin, while Dremlock's army remained camped in the hills. Lannon, Shennen, and Aldrek had found their way to the campsite and had given the Black Flamestone to Taris for safekeeping. Funerals were held for the slain Knights, though not all of the bodies had been recovered. It was a time of sadness for Dremlock because of the fallen, but also a time of great triumph. They had defeated a powerful army from Bellis and captured the Hand of Tharnin and the Black Flamestone. A message had been sent to the people of Gallamerth-that Dremlock would endure.
It was a fine spring day, the snow having melted away. The weather was warm and sunny, with Dremlock's proud banners flapping in the breeze throughout the campsite. Now that the dead had been laid to rest, it was time to call a celebration feast and look to the future. Orange Squires were busy cooking food over several fires and setting up wooden tables and chairs, while an archery contest was held for Dremlock's finest.
Shennen and Aldrek had recovered from their wounds, and Aldrek had faded into the background once again-as the hired sorcerer preferred to stay out of sight. Shennen remained saddened by the deaths of his Blue Knights and didn't talk much. He stayed busy with various tasks, however, and expressed interest in again joining the High Council (though Cordus Landsaver's presence was required before a vote could be taken).