Before I post a batch of statistics for a group of beings that many of
you will not recognize, I will post an alternate time-line to a series
written by the author Glen Cook, namely, the Black Company books. The
characters are a copyright of Tor Books. This is just being written to
convey a feel of the Black Company mentality.
And so....................
The Hanged Man looked over the plans for the upcoming battle. His head grotesquely flopping from side to side, as his neck no longer supported his head. The Rebel was moving in too fast, with the struggles among the other Taken escalating, there would be no point in trying to rally them to battle, these petty squabbles would probably cost them all their lives, or existences in the case of the Taken. The original Ten Who Were Taken were centuries old wizards, freed from the torment of their graves when the wizard Bomanz awakened the Lady.
A calm, soothing female voice responded to his thoughts," Yes, something must be done, my husband has sown discord within our ranks. The Rebel puppets dance to his tune as well, when he awakens, this world will be shattered. I have an alternate plan." It was the lady, as radiant as ever, even with a look of concern upon her face. Demi-goddess of darkness, she was not as evil as she would have everyone believe. The Hanged Man looked puzzled.
Shimmering light formed a portal. The Hanged Man looked into the glowing oval. He saw a world torn by warfare and chaos, with unworldly creatures and men marching in skull-adorned armor. He saw people in battle with strange, intriguing weapons. A sickly smile crossed his purple lips.
"We have a lot to learn, " she said in a low, hypnotic tone, " however, this will be our new home. We shall leave this world to the Dominator and his servants and travel to another, more interesting world. I want the Taken all here in an hour's time. And the 'Company. I will gather various odds and ends from other places. Let the Rebel march into the Tower of Charm! I will have a surprise for them."
The plan had changed. There were thousands of Rebel soldiers headed our way, and trenches dug. And the plan changed. I often wonder why I stay with this outfit, too much exercise for these old bones. Well, nothing for it. I started up a game of Tonk with Elmo, Goblin, and One-Eye. The latter two must have been really upset, they weren't trying to kill each other. Raven stumbled in, he looked tired and worried, like he hadn't slept for days.
"Is it true?," Raven asked. He almost looked scared. No, not tough-as-nails Raven, he didn't get scared. Darling ran up to the Tonk players, sat down, and watched them play.
"Looks that way," I answered, knowing he'd heard about the turn of events. Everybody was mumbling about it. Military secrets often become public knowledge. Three can keep a secret if two are dead, all that rot.
Just then the Captain flung the door open and entered the makeshift HQ barracks. He looked bear mean and ready for a fight. I tried to blend into the background, just in case he was looking for volunteers.
"We move tomorrow, into the Tower, full battle gear, ready to fight, " he grumbled harshly.
Elmo looked up from the Tonk game, raised an eyebrow, "Wha?", he asked. Eloquent Elmo.
"The Lady says we move into the Tower. We're her mercs. She wants us to move, we move. Oh, and Croaker, She wants to see you whenever you finish what you're doing, " the old bear cracked a smile. Bastard. The Company had been jabbing me for some time over the fact that I had met with our dark matron a few times. Alone. I tried to look busy, a cold clamminess washing over me. Then I shrugged, there was no avoiding this, just as well get it over with.
"Okay, time to see what she wants," I muttered, reaching for my cloak.
"Give her a kiss for me, Croaker," Goblin giggled.
I swatted at Goblin's addled head, he squeaked out of the way.
"Don't worry, Goblin, I'll be sure to bring up your name," I called out as I left the room. Wish I could have seen the look on his face, probably swallowed his tongue.
The Tower of Charm cast it's shadow over me, embracing me in darkness. Am I being too poetic? Probably, need to watch that Croaker. My heart was in my throat as I approached. Just like before, the Man At Arms lead me to the portal leading to the Tower. He always had a slight look of resentment as he brought me here. I would gladly switch places with him. He didn't know what he was missing. Fear, pain, and almost unbearable discomfort, all wrapped up in false courtesy and mind games.
She was there, as breathtaking as ever, perched upon a high cushioned chair. A goddess on a pedestal.
"So, my loyal chronicler, are you ready for the chance of a lifetime?," she asked, almost demurely.
Fear welled up inside of me, butterflies raged in my stomach. "Is it true about tomorrow? Are we marching in here? I don't see how we will all fit. Sorry if I sound foolish."
Gentle laughter caressed my soul, soothing, wicked. "My dear Croaker. The Black Company will ride up the ramparts and into the Tower, and into another world, a world of power and conquest."
In spite of myself, my jaw dropped. What was she saying? Had some madness invaded her psyche? Had she snapped after all these centuries?
"No, dear Croaker, I am quite sane. Several of the Taken are under the influence of my husband, the Dominator. We are going to a new place where his influence will be broken. New challenges, new territory. If the initial experiments are correct, my power shall grow as will that of your wizard friends and the Taken. All magic will be amplified. Tell me you are not intrigued, " she stated.
I hate it when she reads my thoughts. "Yes, it does sound like an adventure. Yet one day I would like to come back, to journey southward and return the Annals to Khatovar. Will that be possible?"
She laughed, like crystal wind chimes in a slight breeze. "Yes, Croaker, you may return to this world, when your tour in my service is done. Perhaps we will both travel to Khatovar one day. What do you think?"
"That would be lovely, " I whispered. I was pale, and feeling a little woozy.
"You may go now, physician. Go and rest, for we ride at sun-up. There will be no excuses. Whoever is not ready gets to stay and face the Rebel army."
I shambled out of the Tower, broke into a light trot, not stopping until I collapsed on my cot. This was too much too take in.
We were up just before dawn, ready for whatever the day held. Don't lie, Croaker, this is for posterity. Well, we were up.
My orders were simple. Ride in a coach with the Lady and the Captain. I gathered my medical gear and writing equipment. Heaved a sigh, and waited.
One-Eye slithered up to me, "Raven tried to desert last night, with Darling. Put up a helluva fight. Guess he doesn't want to see the Tower close up."
Several of us surmised that Darling was the reincarnation of the White Rose, the savior of the Rebel and the one who could defeat the Lady and her husband, the Dominator. Raven guarded the deaf mute girl with a paranoia that lead many of us to believe that was true. No wonder he wanted to desert. Hell, if I was feeling more energetic, I'd go with him.
An elaborate black coach came for the Captain and myself. We reluctantly boarded the carriage and headed for the Tower.
The vehicle stopped just outside the Tower and the Lady joined us, dressed in splendorous black armor. A vicious looking sabre at her side.
Then the coach raced into the building. I strained to see where we were going. I know a scream escaped my lips as we headed for an arcane portal, I could see daylight in another world. The air crackled with magical energy, everything became murky, and then it was done. Sunlight gleamed on our armor through the open windows of the carriage. It slowed to a halt. The Lady looked like a child in a houseful of candy. Suddenly, I felt an aura about her, much more so than I had ever felt. She radiated raw power. This fact didn't make me feel any better.
"Well, we've got a lot to learn about this new world," she said, leaning forward and pinching my cheek. I had to admit, my curiosity was piqued. We got out, stretched our legs. Surrounding us were thousands of soldiers, ours. The flying carpets of the Taken buzzed about in the air, testing their new powers, I guess.
In a bout of bravery, I turned to the Lady. "What will happen to the Tower when the Rebel breaches the outer walls?"
"As soon as they hit the Tower an explosion will erupt that will decimate the land for several miles, charing the ground and melting rocks. I will have won that battle without one of my soldiers even lifting a finger."
My stomach flip-flopped. If She was capable of that, what could She do here?
The Lady turned to me abruptly, smiling. "Let us find out, shall we?" She tipped Her head back and let out a wicked peal of laughter.
By Ragnar