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Toryn found it difficult to tear himself away from Telamir. While not entirely comfortable within its overbearing and unnerving presence, his awe had overridden his initial caution, coming to believe it stood with them against the dark. But his mission was to locate the Amayans, and Toryn was convinced they had gone north. The company had ridden hard along the Northeast Road, passing between the Kolososs and the green hills of Emryst. The first night, they had camped where the road forked. Toryn had stood at the junction. The road to their right would take them to Tallabar and Saphrir. But they would take the other route in the pursuit of Eryn and her companions.

On the second evening since departing Telamir, they had crossed the old bridge spanning the Vynmar River. Rivalling the Kel for length, and in common with the great rivers of the realms, the Vynmar’s source lay deep beneath the Kolossos. From there, it crossed Emryst for twelve leagues, then turned northward to eventually meet with the sea in the shadow of Karrock’s twin towers. But that would be a journey for Toryn to take another day.

As they had reached the north bank of the river, he felt a growing sense of unease, and not because it was the last day of summer. Andryn’s words had come to mind as he noted the sun abandon them earlier with each passing day. As a child, he had sensed his parent’s apprehension of whether their supplies would see them through the cold winter to come. But he had more pressing problems on his mind at present. No. His disquiet was not due to the change of season. Toryn knew its source: Ormoroth’s mountain fortress of Vortimo.

‘Here looks like a good spot.’ Gundrul nodded to the settlement of Vymarl. ‘I’ll send a rider to catch up with the situation here. Might also see if they can sell us some proper meat. Getting a little tired of trying to fill my belly with skinny rabbits.’

But Toryn barely heard the captain. His eyes were drawn to the valley that suffered the presence of the fortress. He mumbled. ‘Thank you. Sounds like a good plan.’

Gundrul followed his gaze. ‘You’re sure then?’

The captain groaned. ‘Then I’ll be needing a whole sheep to myself if we’re to go that way. There’s a reason why that road is sealed off, overgrown, and why no one’s taken the trouble to repair it.’

Toryn shivered. ‘And unfortunately, I believe that’s the reason why the Amayans are trapped there, and why we have to go.’

‘Thought as much. Can’t say I know anyone who’s been within a league of Vortimo in my lifetime. Even Hamar was smart enough not to let his curiosity get the better of him.’

Toryn smiled to himself. ‘Perhaps it’s the only part of the known realms he never got to visit. But it didn’t stop him having a story or two to tell of it.’

‘And stories that for once haven’t been embellished by a guard’s imagination on a dark night, I should think. It didn’t get the name Castle of Wraiths in the old tongue for nothing.’

Toryn kept his eyes on the unkempt road beyond a crumbled wall. ‘Well let’s not get too carried away with the stories, eh.’

Gundrul grunted. ‘Suit yourself, but I’d rather go in expecting the worst. Always found that helps. Then I can never be taken by surprise.’ He clasped his hands. ‘Now then. Let’s get the fires going ready for a decent supper for a change.’

Toryn awoke to a silent dawn. It appeared even the abundant foliage on the nearby trees was not enough to tempt the birds to roost so close to the pass. Before he had slept, Toryn had taken himself away from the camp and entered the Song. Shepra had gone with him and had sat patiently by his side. He felt safer with her on watch, knowing she would alert him while he was distracted elsewhere. Toryn had ventured as far back into the Verses of the region as he dared. He needed to know what they would face the coming day. And to his horror, he appreciated the tales heard by Gundrul and Hamar had not been embellished.

The tragic events of the distant past had rent a deep scar across the Verses. A city had once stood close to the head of the valley. But it had been sacked by Ormoroth’s armies, and its inhabitants hauled away in chains to build his immense fortress. Toryn understood the slaves were survivors of a great race weakened by many centuries of war. Thousands had died as they labored to build a stronghold in the south for Ormoroth, said to be fashioned on his castle in the far north. None could withstand the raids on their farms to feed the armies within, choosing to forsake the lands of their ancestors and flee.

Vortimo had stood for over three thousand years until Draegelan had finally wrested it from Ormoroth’s grasp. Draegelan had ordered the fortress to be demolished, but even the explosive might of Shreek’s Rage failed to break its thick walls, hewn from the mountain sides. And as none could endure long the menace of its shadow, Vortimo was abandoned, the road sealed, and a watch set. But as Toryn withdrew to return to the present, he witnessed the defenses collapse from neglect as the realms believed the threat had gone. Of Vortimo, Toryn would have to wait until he stood beneath its walls to determine its condition, but he supposed the stronghold would likely stand until the mountains themselves collapsed.

‘Would you ever have thought we’d live to see something that even Hamar hadn’t set eyes upon?’ Toryn turned to find Elrik and Lorek at his side.

Toryn turned back to the pass. ‘Never. But this is one part of the realms I’d rather leave unexplored.’

Elrik shouldered his pack. ‘Shame we can’t take the horses. I can feel the weight of that castle bearing down on us from here.’

‘We can’t risk them bolting. Even Shepra is nervous. The horses will be safe in Vymarl, and it’s only a league or two on foot to the fortress.’

Lorek checked his sword belt. ‘Mine was getting jumpy before we got anywhere near this place. It would be cruel to take them.’

Elrik eyed the ruined wall. ‘Even so, if we need to flee, I’d rather be on the back of a bolting horse than my aching legs.’

Toryn tried to smile. ‘You’d be lucky to last one minute on a frightened mare.’

‘Perhaps, but at least I’d be a minute farther away from whatever we’re running from.’ Elrik looked over Toryn’s shoulder. ‘Janae’s back. She’s a brave one. Wouldn’t accept my offer to accompany her.’

Toryn turned to see Janae walking slowly towards them. ‘A scout through and through, eh. A solitary folk. Probably thought your great big boots stomping down the pass would muddy the tracks. I wonder—’ Janae stumbled. Toryn ran and caught her just as she collapsed. She clasped his arm, looked at his face, but appeared not to know him. He pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around her shivering shoulders. ‘Janae?’

She glanced back to the pass as if remembering where she was. ‘I… I’m sorry. I’m not sure what…’ Janae stood and handed the cloak back to Toryn. ‘Nothing to report for half a league up that road. Well… nothing that I could see with my own eyes.’ She looked to the ground. ‘Apologies, but I could go no farther up that pass alone. There’s something down there… but I can’t be certain what.’

Toryn noted she struggled to take her eyes from the way she had come. ‘Have you ever experienced such a feeling before?’

She turned to face him. ‘Perhaps. Once in Dorn.’

‘Would that be Wyke Wood?’ Janae nodded. Toryn looked back to Elrik. ‘That was Uleva’s domain before Lady Harlyn drove her out.’

Janae found her voice. ‘We lost three guards in that wood. It was an eerie place… but down that pass… it’s worse.’

Elrik handed her his flask. ‘Then just as well there’ll be twenty of us, eh.’

Toryn kept his eyes on the mountain sides. ‘But it’s not going to be easy, even with our numbers. I know their ways. The more minds they have to play with…’

Gundrul approached. ‘We’re ready as we’ll ever be.’ He eyed Janae. ‘Are you well?’

She straightened, regaining the color in her cheeks. ‘Ready for duty, Captain.’

Gundrul turned. ‘And you, Toryn. You’re absolutely sure we’ll find them down there? You’ve seen them in this song of yours?’

Toryn nodded. ‘The Amayans came this way a month back. They did not wish to take their horses so set them free. I can’t find them at present, which tells me they must be weak and in danger.’ He sighed. ‘So yes, that’s where we’re heading.’

The captain stared down the road. ‘But what in the name of the Three possessed them to head to Vortimo?’

Toryn’s stomach knotted. ‘They were pursued. Perhaps they had no other way open to them. But they entered here. No doubt in my mind.’

Gundrul scratched his beard. ‘Do they live? I don’t want to sound like I don’t care, but we’re risking the lives of the company here.’

Toryn shook his head. ‘That I cannot tell. They may be held captive, or still fighting. But if they’re dead it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the realms.’

‘Then as always, it’s down to the Archonians to put our lives on the line and find out.’ Gundrul waved to the company. ‘Come on, lads. Can’t stand around here all day. You’ll soon have more tales to tell your grandchildren around the fire.’

It may have been mid-morning, but the heavy clouds sagging between the mountains kept the sunlight from reaching the pass. They had traveled only a short distance when Toryn felt as if a weight pressed down upon him. It seemed as if eyes on the steep slopes watched them, scornful of their boldness to encroach on their territory. Whether real or imagined, it was an unpleasant sensation that slowed the company’s pace. And the farther they went, the harder it became to walk, and even Shepra trotted at a crouch.

Gundrul stopped. Toryn forced his legs to catch up. He whispered, finding his voice hoarse. ‘What is it, Captain?’

His mouth gaped. ‘I can’t go on, lad. I’ve…’ his voice wavered, ‘I’ve never felt anything like this. I’m no coward, but I… I don’t think I can take another step.’

Toryn grasped his arm. ‘You’re no coward, Captain. It’s this place.’ He turned to see the others had come to a standstill, some were on their knees, and another had turned, attempting to crawl away.’

Gundrul’s wide eyes stayed fixed ahead. ‘Is there anything you can do?’

‘Give me a moment.’ Toryn closed his eyes and searched for the moment the Amayans had come their way. He turned back to Gundrul. ‘The Nordleng pursued the Amayans, but it’s not their presence befouling the pass. Something dreadful happened here many years ago. It’s left what appears to be a curse. But… the Nordleng had protection, but by what means…’ Hamar’s account of the Archon surviving the rockfall in the Caerwal Pass came to mind. He looked to Gundrul. ‘Gather the company. We’ll head back to that outcrop. This curse is on this part of the road. I can’t speak for Vortimo itself, but we’ll be through the worst stretch in a hundred paces or so.’ The captain turned, seeming happier to have a command to give.

They walked back a short distance until the sense of dread lifted. Toryn explained his plan. ‘I’ll attempt to shield us from what’s draining our strength.’ He watched them stand a little taller. ‘I can’t make any promises, but I’m hoping it will lift the burden to make our progress easier.’ He clasped his hands, then slowly opened them to create a sphere over their heads. Toryn explained. ‘You can’t see it, but you’re protected by a shield of sorts. I’ll bring the uncontaminated air from this point with us. I’ll maintain it for as long as I can, but we must move fast.’ He looked to Elrik and Lorek. ‘I may need your help, as I will soon tire.’

The company turned and marched back down the pass. Toryn kept his eye on the blue, glimmering dome over their heads as they approached the threshold of the curse. As soon as they entered, the shield shuddered, but the company maintained their pace. Toryn’s legs began to weaken. Elrik and Lorek grasped his arms and took some of his weight. But the dome began to splinter. Toryn spoke through his clenched jaw. ‘Not far now. Keep going.’ The cracks widened as if a great weight crushed down upon them.

Toryn’s legs gave way. Elrik caught him. ‘I’ve got you.’ A section of the shield fell away. Shepra whimpered. Outside, a battle raged. Ghostly knights fought against gangly creatures taller than shrouls. Their long, scrawny arms wielded jagged swords and maces with barbed edges. Shields and armor shattered, but the knights battled on. Half of Toryn’s shield crumbled, bringing the ghostly combatants crashing among the company. Toryn cried out. ‘Almost through, keep—’

‘We made it.’ Toryn opened his eyes. Night had fallen, but the snowy slopes of the Kolososs reflected the faint light of the moon onto Elrik’s face. He beamed. ‘All thanks to you, Tor.’ Elrik whispered, but his words echoed as if carried by the ghost of his breath down the cool valley. He patted Toryn’s shoulder. ‘That was some magic trick, eh. Don’t suppose you could bring some heat from the south. Gundrul thinks it’s best not to light fires.’

Shepra leaped onto Toryn’s lap and licked his face. He looked back along the route they had come. ‘Did you see the battle?’

‘Battle?’ Elrik grinned. ‘The only battle I saw was Gundrul trying to stay on his feet.’

‘Perhaps lucky you didn’t.’ Toryn shivered. ‘This place still suffers the pain of what happened here once.’ The pass appeared peaceful, but Toryn wondered if the ghosts of the fallen still fought their battles beneath the glimmering light of the mountains. He turned. Ahead, a smooth slab of rock jutted out from behind the slopes.

Elrik grimaced. ‘That’s just the top of one wall.’

Toryn reluctantly looked back to Vortimo. ‘I need to get closer. Then I’ll be able to tell for sure if the Amayans yet live.’

‘We thought as much.’ Elrik held out a hand and helped Toryn to his feet. ‘Janae is ready.’ He leaned closer. ‘I think she’s looking for a chance to prove herself. She seems ashamed she couldn’t complete her task earlier.’

Toryn winced. ‘She has nothing to be ashamed of. To come this way alone was beyond most of us.’

Elrik nodded. ‘Janae’s coming. Besides, if two of us accompany you, we can carry you back if your legs fail again. Ha! Remember when I used to carry you over the stream because you didn’t want to get your feet wet?’

‘Perhaps a wise precaution.’ Toryn smiled. ‘Who would have thought we’d end up in a place like this, eh.’ He looked down. ‘And who wants to get their feet wet? Especially in the streams that run through this valley.’

Shepra licked Janae’s hand as she joined them. She kept her eyes on the dog as she spoke. ‘I can find no tracks that could be Amayan, only Nordleng boots and those of other creatures I rarely see. Alas, I suspect at least one droog and a shroul. But shrouls freeze the ground as they tread making it difficult to determine numbers.’

Elrik sighed. ‘But no sign of Amayans?’

Janae shrugged. ‘They’re light on their feet and notoriously difficult to track… if at all.’

Toryn asked. ‘How many Nordleng do you think came this way?’

She met his gaze. ‘I would say perhaps forty in total, but at different times.’

Toryn held out a hand. ‘Then please, lead on. I would be grateful if you could go ahead and check if they watch the approach.’

Janae lifted her hood and wrapped it around her face. ‘Follow twenty paces behind. If they’ve posted a watch, they’ll need the eyes of a hawk to see me.’

They did as instructed and watched Janae disappear around the bend. Toryn looked up to the steep slopes, half-expecting to see shrouls or cobtrolls stalking their progress. All around, the mountain snow glimmered pure white, but the slopes opposite Vortimo were gray. Did the fortress defile the moonlight? He spat. ‘The air tastes wrong. The last time I felt like this was in the Wend Gap. Hamar and I found a Singing Stone. That didn’t end well.’

Elrik whispered. ‘Here she comes.’

Janae hurried back. Her wide eyes shone as she reported her find. ‘There’s no watch, but if I were in that place, I wouldn’t see the need either. It’s… it’s immense.’

Toryn peered ahead. ‘I imagine they don’t get many visitors.’

The three rounded the bend and stood at the foot of Vortimo. Toryn gawped. The fortress appeared to belittle the great mountain from which it had been hewn. It took a moment for Toryn to comprehend what his eyes beheld. A curved wall connecting two lesser peaks formed an outer defense. Behind, the castle keep looked as if the very gods had rammed a sheer slab of rock into the mountain side. A few cracks broke up an otherwise featureless, monolithic wall. The only windows visible were two rows of arrow slits three-quarters of the way up. Toryn craned his neck. Inside the keep, two dark towers rose to the level of the mountain peak. He groaned inside. How could any hope to assail this monstrosity? But Draegelan had done just that. Toryn stood in awe. Draegelan must have commanded a mighty force to breach its defenses, let alone drive out Ormoroth from his stronghold.

He lowered his gaze to the outer defenses standing between them and the steep road leading up to the fortress. In any other part of the realm, the wall alone would be considered impregnable, yet here it appeared redundant. But perhaps the obstacle was meant to taunt and dishearten those foolish enough to believe they could take Vortimo.

The clouds departed from the strip of sky above the pass. The moonlight revealed a great iron gate at the center of the outer wall, sealed shut following Draegelan’s remarkable victory. But centuries of wind funneling through the mountains, aided by ice and driven rain had breached the wall to their right. A pile of rubble lay where a crack had opened into a wide gap to form a convenient, if steep and uneven ramp.

Toryn looked to his companions. ‘I dare not enter the Song up here. I need to get to the other side of that wall. From there, I can get a good look at the whole fortress and find the Amayans by other means. I don’t ask you to come. You can wait here if you wish.’ But they would not have it. Both willingly followed him up the rubble, and Toryn was most grateful for their company. While not as unsettling as the cursed road, standing at the foot of Vortimo overwhelmed them, almost to the point Toryn believed he would be crushed by its giant, towering walls.

They scrambled up the rubble and through the wall. The long, winding road leading up to the main gate was fashioned to leave attackers vulnerable to projectiles from above. Toryn imagined columns of heavily armored soldiers, locking shields over their heads, fighting for every inch as rocks came crashing down from the ledge at the top. And for those surviving the ascent, the main gate resembling a mouth with sharp teeth, awaited them. He wondered once more how Draegelan had managed to win this battle.

Toryn found a position in the shadows and scanned the high walls. He let the farsight take him through the odd cracks in the slab of rock. He soon found what he needed to know, but not what he wanted to see. He ushered Elrik and Janae back through the defensive wall and returned to the waiting Gundrul and company.