Extract from Book Six
Underground: The Day of The Sun

“We will protect you while we can. You need strength to withstand the  

urge to correct things. You cannot afford to challenge those who

rule here. Make no mistake, Deathbringer.”

CHAPTER ONE

unedited version

“Nasith is not dead.” Raul’s positive words conflicted with the grief scored in his expression. Flickering torchlight held darkness at bay but nothing could ward off Eluart’s growing despair. In the depths of the cave system the search for survivors continued.

“They have been trapped for six days, Raul.” Eluart turned his head as if to avoid the barbarian’s despair. Haunting echoes of Raul’s voice returned from the lightless chasm deep within the Aruven mines. Eluart ignored them. “We have not found any sign of Nasith or her companions. Even the empath has not found them.”

“Which does not mean Nasith is dead. Fifty people can’t disappear without leaving a trail. Even opening a portal should leave traces of magic energy.”

“These shafts are ancient. The rocks are unstable. Even a slight earth tremor could cause…” Eluart swallowed his words as a third figure emerged from the stygian gloom.

Beyond the flare of Raul’s torch, grotesque shadows danced along irregular tunnels and tumbled over rock formations. Covered in dust and shrouded by a cloud of fine silt a lone figure climbed the steep slope as he returned from his search. He rested when he reached the level floor of the mineshaft.

“Caleath, did you find anything?” Eluart spoke softly, sensing fatigue in the other man’s every move. Dirt cracked where creases formed fissures and sweat created alluvial plains in the dust on his face. No expression or flicker of hope sculpted the landscaped visage.

“Nothing.” Caleath’s voice sounded brittle. While Eluart unfolded a worn map, Raul opened a flask and offered the newcomer a drink. The grim hunter took a quick mouthful, rinsing grit from a parched palette.

Eluart smoothed the map over a boulder and examined the labyrinth of caverns. Caleath wiped a dusty sleeve across his brow and gulped another drink before he returned the flask to Raul. He smeared grubby fingers on his jerkin and traced a line across the edge of the parchment.

“There is no access beyond here.” He sighed when a trail of dust marred the scribed line depicting the layout of the mine. As though embarrassed by his lack of care he again wiped his hands, disturbing a greater volume of fine powder.

“Here…” Caleath’s nostrils flared and blue eyes reflected the cold grey of chipped stone, as if he despaired of keeping the map clear of dust. He pointed with a chipped fingernail to describe the extent of his search. “From here all access is blocked.”

Raul moved forward. The torch flared and showered sparks over the map. Eluart felt the man’s energy pulse as hope surged.

Caleath shook his head before the barbarian could speak. “No Raul. There is no human, dead or alive beyond the collapsed section.”

“Are you sure? How do you know?”

Doubt forced the query. Eluart’s hope faded with every hour. A mistake could prove fatal. For three days and nights, Caleath headed the search for the missing Alliance troops. Fatigue might jeopardize the man’s judgment and force Raul to question the man legend named Deathbringer. Eluart understood how doubt could needle, despite the friendship and loyalty both men shared.

Lost in the labyrinth of mines, wounded soldiers formed a large proportion of Nasith’s company. Every extra moment they remained unaccounted for, lessened their chance of survival. That knowledge weighed on those who searched, crushing tenuous hopes in the same manner the mountain bore down on the delicate web of mine shafts and tunnels. Among the rescuers tempers flared and patience dissolved.

If they found a single member of the group, dead or alive, the discovery would bring a sense of relief and restore energy to the search.

“Go and look for yourself then!” Caleath’s voice cracked as he gestured toward the void beyond the light.

“Let’s keep calm shall we?” Eluart folded the map. “We have covered this section.”

“If you used your magic this futile search would be unnecessary!” Raul lifted his torch and confronted Caleath.

“Fool.” Caleath raked a hand through his hair and seemed unaware of the cloud of silt he created. “Do you think I haven’t tried?” His forefinger stabbed the barbarian’s chest, striking the bone pendant the native wore. “There isn’t anything left I can do to see Nasith safe, except search, like everyone else. I will only use sorcery when, and if, there is no alternative. Try and understand. I can do no more.”

Divided into small groups under the supervision of the empath and Council mages, Eluart had joined the men and women from each of the Alliance’s races while they searched. With the aid of sketched maps, they covered every tunnel and reported progress every hour.

“Shall we continue Raul, or do you want to join one of the Council mages with their search?” Caleath’s voice hung in the dry air.

“No,” Raul’s shoulders slumped. “By the One, if anyone is going to find our friends, you will.”

Eluart breathed a sigh of relief. He sensed the anxiety driving both men as they pushed themselves beyond their limits. They needed rest, food and fresh air. The strange atmosphere of the Aruven mines ground human resolve into silt.

The empath’s references to Nasith’s last shared image confounded the searchers. No one found the landmarks her vision described. Despite the efforts of the sorcerers, neither footprint nor scuffmark revealed the whereabouts of the lost companions.

“I thought you should take a few moments to rest, Cal.” Eluart stretched and stood. “Let the others take over…”

“Don’t start, my lord.” Caleath spun, spreading a film of dust through the air. The hair at the nape of Eluart’s neck lifted, acknowledging an unspoken threat. He cleared his throat before Caleath shook his head and grimaced. “You know I cannot give up.”

“This isn’t your fault.”

“No?” Caleath turned away as pain tempered his denial. “I heard you mention the rock fall. It is hard not to hear the accusations. I can’t argue with facts, Eluart. An earth tremor blocked access to Nasith. Whatever the justification, as a sorcerer I am responsible for the earth answering my cry for help.”

“No one would blame you for your actions.” Eluart recognized the bitter taste of a lie. Rumor and innuendo placed the responsibility for causing the rock fall on Caleath’s shoulders. Convenience dictated that those rumors omitted any mention of the situation leading to the incident and the Deathbringer's involvement in bringing the recent war to an end. “You did what was needed. Everyone who sheltered in this camp while the Cabal held thrall, now draws breath because of your battle.”

“Let it drop, my lord.” Caleath strode away from the halo of torchlight. “I don’t care to dwell on the past. Perhaps when Nasith is returned in good health we can have this conversation again?”

Raul caught Eluart’s arm before he started after Caleath. “You sound as though you have lost hope? Do you know something our friend doesn’t?”

“I am worried.” Eluart confided in the barbarian. “If we don’t find Nasith and the others the guilt will drive Caleath insane.”

“Insane? No. Not him.” Raul released Eluart’s arm. “Insanity would prove a kindness. No, he lives with his guilt and we suffer his anguish.”

“I admire you, Raul. You have stayed with him despite the fact he doesn’t trust you either. Why do you endure his temper and his disdain?”

“Because my lord, he will find Nasith and she owns my heart.”