LEO
The shadows came again last night.
Leo rode over the hills towards the sunrise in the east. A gentle fog settled beneath the shade covered lowlands. Across the plains a sheepdog herded a flock to their pasture.
It was beautiful, Leo had to admit. Despite his distaste for early mornings he had come accustomed to them.
Roost Nickle, the Master of Arms in Vanguard castle, kept a strict early morning routine during the warm seasons. Leo reckoned he must sleep in his breastplate seeing how he had it on no matter how early it was. Leo had hoped he could sleep in for once with Master Nickle gone, along with half the castle.
But it wasn’t to be.
As his horse crossed a small stone bridge a familiar cottage came into view. Like most homes in the hinterland of Vanguard it was modest. Thatch roof, rustic stone walls, an unmissable smell of manure. It was a simple place.
What it lacked in the finery that Leo was accustomed to was balanced by the love taken in its care. The roof was tended to, ensuring no excess of moss or damp. Handcrafted boxes of plants lined the windowsill and garden. The fence along the dirt trail Leo followed was triple knotted, ready for the storm season.
On his approach Leo was greeted by the home’s watchful guardian. Skip, the aging Carrainhill terrier, was an intimidating half a foot of pure menace. His bark chased Leo as he trotted towards the cottage.
A woman, ankle deep in a cabbage bed, raised her head with a wide smile. "Ah good morning, boy."
"Morning, Miriam." He said bring his horse to a stop. She was a rough woman around the edges, tall and broad shouldered with grey hairs flying untamed, but she was always gentle to Leo.
"Lovely weather ain't it? A Sol'Ra summer we're having!" She chuckled. She then turned sour and threw at the still barking Skip. “Shut it.”
Leo did not flinch at her usual sharp tongue. He offered her a tied package. "Here, I brought you some tripe."
Miriam rubbed her dirty hands off on herself. "Oh lovie, you needn't."
"My mother insisted, after I told her your crubeens tasted better than anything she can cook." Leo joked.
Miriam swallowed her pride and took it. "I'm sure she did. You'll offer her my gratitude. An Astarre is always welcome at our hearth. Feigha is out back with the goats."
Before she could wobble back to her work a bark behind her took her attention. They both looked to see Skip had a head full of cabbage in his mouth. "Oh you absolute eejit!" She exploded running for the pup. After some profane ridden huffing she finally got a hand on the dog and wrestled what was left of the cabbage from him.
Leo chuckled at the whole affair. She turned his eyes on him. "You might be a Lord's son, but I'm a farmers' daughter. Go on, get. And take this scoundrel with you."
"Come, Skip," Leo called and pushed his horse forward down the field.
Over the other side of some grassy knolls a small herd of goats were being tended to by a young woman with deep red hair, braided together to fall as long as her arms.
“Hey there.” Leo called out to Feigha as he steadied his horse for dismount.
“You’re out and about early.” Feigha said back.
Leo hopped off his horse and tied its halter rope to his belt. “You are always saying I need to see more of normal life in these parts.”
“Not my life. I’m busy enough.” Feigha said. Leo ignored her feigned annoyance. He rubbed the head of an inquisitive goat that greeted him. “Here.” She said kicking at him a bag of grass roughage. “Old Nessie here is nearly as fussy as yourself, she needs to be hand fed.”
He grabbed a handful and offered it to the skinny goat. “We’re not fussy, are we?” Leo reassured the goat as she chewed.
"We’re down to six.” Feigha said. “One went missing the last day. Someone’s not looking after the foxes.” She gestured at Skip. “I'm worried Nessie won't make it the winter."
She looked to Leo for a response but his eyes had trailed off. “Nightmares come again?” She asked. Leo nodded.
Leo suffered nightmares since he could remember. A strange kind of nightmare. Where he would wake up and see the shadows still, for a time, until the sun would settle his eyes again. He thanked the gods it wasn’t a nightly ordeal but there were times when they would flare up worse.
Master of House Selmond offered no remedy from his endless researching while the herbalists only offered more sleep. There was even talk of calling for a cleanser to come, though Leo’s mother Ryla insisted that not happen. So he managed best he could, but recent ill tidings have disturbed his sleep again.
"I know why you're here.” Feigha said. “Whole village is talking about it. I saw your father's men roaming the land searching for him."
Leo was scared about what followed. If she asked did he do it? Did your uncle attack the Prince? What would it say that he didn't know the truth. He wasn’t told much of anything yet.
Feigha gave him a playful thud. “Pick one of these up.” She said picking up a bucket of goat’s milk. Leo copied her and they walked towards the shed.
“Suppose that means you’re to stand in your father's stead.” Feigha prodded. “So why are you out here lifting milk? You're always complaining that he treats you like a child."
"I am nearly ten and eight years. Kiann is only three years my senior and went with my father."
"Many more would rather be given the chance to play at Lord surely?" She said, dumping her milk in a churn.
Leo doesn't have an answer. Birdsong filled the silence. Leo recognised it as a red wren, tiny and loud birds.
Feigha snapped Leo back awake by taking the bucket from his hands. "We've both got duties to attend. Off with you, Leo."
Leo turned around and hoisted himself back up his following horse. "If you ever need help, with the cold seasons on their way." Leo offered.
"We don't need your help, m'lord." She returned as she waved him on.
Leo rode back out the dirt trail, over the stone bridge and back on the main Dawn Road. It was a quiet canter back towards Vanguard keep. Leo always enjoyed the ride home.
As you return across the hinterlands the first signs of Vanguard are the three towers of the castle, reaching high into the horizon. They stand alone for a while, towering against the landscape.
The only other building that tried to join it was the Sanctuary, the center of the faith in Vanguard, its spires stretching for the gods above.
As you approach the rest of the settlement of Vanguard falls into view, Vanguard castle its beating heart at its core.
But that ride home was interrupted for Leo when he rode upon a cart, stalled on the road. He slowed his horse down. One of the wheels of the cart sat in the ditch on the side of the road. The waft of fresh fish from the cart was almost unbearable enough to leave the scene as he found it.
He looked around but saw no traces of a merchant. Then he heard it. A wailing.
He jumped off his horse and followed the breathless weeping until he found a husk of a man crying behind a bush.
“Are you alright?” Leo asked him.
“It’s broken.” The man declared, snot running down his face. “It’s broken!”
Leo gently stepped forward. “The cart is yours I’m assuming?”
“It’s broken, by the brother, I’m doomed.” The man cried.
“I think the wheel just came undone.” Leo suggested as he looked the man over. His clothes were stitched and dyed, and he wore a silver necklace.
“What would you know, boy?” He spat back. “Of carts? Of the world!? Lord Sewn will have my scrote for this. He could seize my ship. Why did I come to this blasted wasteland!?” The man seemed lost in his own thoughts.
Before Leo could even begin to decide on reassuring the merchant a large thud sound came from the cart. Leo turned to see a small winged figure atop the pile of fish, clawing at the fish, shredding the flesh with its sharp teeth.
The man crawled behind Leo shaking at the dark creature. “What is that?”
Leo turned around, back to where the man was sitting to see a ring of coloured rocks kicked about. “It’s a fiendling.”
“I thought fairies were just bad luck.” The man said distraught.
“It is for you. You broke his fort ring.”
Leo had only seen a fiendling once before. Caged by some knights after a newborn went missing. Nasty little creatures, with the heads of bats, sticky clear wings like a fly, and a body like a malformed bear cub.
Leo looked towards his horse. “He’s eating out of instinct after being woken. He’ll fill himself soon enough.” Leo went to go for his ride home.
“Wait.” The man said, grabbing Leo. “You have a sword. Can you slay that beast?
“Where are you from?” Leo questioned.
“Eventide.” He answered.
He doesn’t know the old ways. The ways of the Forelands.
“I can’t. Not for eating dead fish.” Leo told him.
“Then get rid of it. Please, I beg.” He groveled. “Please.”
Leo sighed. He knelt in close to the man. “When you get to Vanguard, go to the Faith. They give food to the orphans at the Sanctuary. Tell them you wish to offer one fifth of your fish.” The desperate man considered the offer. “Trust me, that one will eat much more than that.”
“Fine. Fine. It is the Sister’s mercy.” The man conceded. Leo wasn’t sure he believed him. He also knew a disturbed fiendling could cause more than hurt a merchant’s pocket.
Leo picked up one of the coloured rocks and walked back onto the road. Placing himself behind the cart he unsheathed his sword.
He cracked his sword off the road. The creature turned its head around like an owl, its black eyes finding Leo. Leo revealed the rock from its fort ring in his hand.
With a flutter of its wing the fiendling leapt off the cart onto the ground. It snarled, blood dripping from its fangs.
Leo pocketed the rock. He held his sword ready as he stepped back to his horse. The beast jutted forward two feet for every one Leo did. He had to make a break for it. Leo turned and leapt atop his horse.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
The fiendling raced at him. Leo grabbed the horses reins and heaved them to the left. He then kicked his horse into a full trot off the path.
The fiendling chased close behind. Its wings buzzed and feet sprinted across the wilds.
Leo leaned forwards as his horse galloped across fields. Leo knew only one way to go. He followed the amber leaf trees in the distance. The beast was close on their hind.
Leo charged into the wooded area. His horse kept sprinting until the trees cleared. A lake was in front of them. Leo didn’t slow down.
They came to shore a couple dozen metres away. Far enough that Leo was certain their trial had been lost. He wanted to sit long enough to try but he didn’t have the time.
Using quieter roads Leo made his way on horse through the keep and across the bridge to Vanguard castle. The pale, frigid face of Sir Eason was the only one Leo that met him at the castle’s gatehouse. “My Lord.” Sir Eason said as plainly as ever, as the wet Leo strolled past him.
Leo escorted his horse back to the stables and asked the stable boy to keep him warm. He then returned to the castle courtyard.
The castle’s silence was nearly ominous as the sun crept towards noon. With most of the city's soldiers and knights gone with his Lord Father.
The Vanguard was a sturdy castle composed of three large towers in a triangle formation with thick walls connecting one another; in the centre of the three the great hall and other buildings divided the interior area into different pockets. To the front you had a formal courtyard, with a stable just around the corner, on another end the training courtyard sat with viewing balconies around it, and in the third corner was a garden with the greenest of shrubbery contrasting with the stone cage that surrounded it. Outside of the castle walls the daily lives of the common people were completely shut out to the sounds of the usually bustling castle, birds tweeting, and the water flowing from the fountain.
Leo hoped he could return to his chambers and recover from his trouble journey home. A voice interrupted that notion. “Taking a midday swim were we?" He turned up to see his Lady Mother cross the courtyard accompanied by a maiden.
Leo quickly adjusted himself upright. He knew from his mother’s tone that he was in some sort of trouble. “Mother, there was trouble with fiendling.”
“I don’t want to hear it.” She said, skeptical as ever.
Leo noticed the attire his mother wore, a simple black gown that covered her arms and touched the floor. Around her neck she bore a silver falcon, the sigil of her husband’s house Astarre, but on her chest she wore a large brooch of her birth family’s sigil, a dawn tree with a silver bark and vibrant pink leaves flowing from the branches.
“You’re not dressed either I see” his mother commented. Leo began to speak but his mother raised her hand “Enough. You are already late for court.”
“Maiden.” His mother gestured to the girl that stood behind her. Only now did Leo notice the fine clothes she held in her arms. Mother must have guessed I wasn’t ready. The maiden handed the clothes to Leo. “I expect you to be in your seat in a presentable manner momentarily. If you leave us waiting I will take your place, we will start without you, and your father will hear of this.” With that his mother and the maiden took their leave of the gardens leaving Leo alone to quickly change attire.
Leo found a quiet place to change and then made haste through the castle. Dashing from hallway to staircase he was short of breath before he arrived at the door to the court. The doormen bowed as he passed by them. Entering the stoic room he strolled passed guards stationed on the side walls, unmoving as if the walls themselves had grown eyes and arms. On the far end of the room three sat on the raised platform behind a grey behemoth of a table that stretched nearly the entire width of the room. A large Astaire banner hung proudly with the blue bird on a field of deeper blue on the wall behind them. Leo imagined how intimidating it would be for a farmer and butcher to approach his Lord Father from this position.
There were two vacant seats at the table. The chair held by Roost Nickel on the furthest right and his father’s chair and the one he would be taking today. It was the tallest of the chairs with its back delicately designed with multiple different swirls and crosses which climaxed with two stone wings that crossed one another. Left of that chair sat his mother with a regal demeanour she oft bore when she was to be Lady Ryla Astarre of Vanguard. While Leo never knew her to not be composed even as she refused wine from a cupbearer she had a presence that was much more than that in private. Is this act what it means to be noble? Leo thought to himself. Elsa oft mocked Leo for having the gift of the gullible but it always seemed to be important people employing an act of some sort.
On the far left of the table sat his twin sister Elsa in a thin sky blue dress, made of what Leo assumed was lace, which accommodated far warmer winds than the Forelands was blessed with. She smiled warmly at Leo as he made his way to the table.
The third person at the table and the only one to rise to greet him was Selmond Scullen, Master of House. “My Lord.” Selmond had been the head advisor as well as charged with the management of Vanguard Castle for nine years. He was a stallion of a man that had recently reached forty-five but a grey and thin head of hair gave the impression of a much older man. Still a grin and a firm handshake reminded Leo of the youth remaining in him.
They both took a seat, Leo at the centre of the table between his mother and Selmond. He had sat at the seat of Lord of Vanguard three times now and each time he remarked to himself of how uncomfortable it was. When he told his father this he was surprised to find he agreed with him. “My father and his father and his father before him. At one point or another they all sat that chair and they all felt its discomfort. And so should it be. No man should be at ease when ruling.” is what his father told him in response. When I’m Lord I shall fetch a comfortable chair.
Selmond leaned over to advise. “You are in luck, my Lord. Most of the common folk know of your father’s absence. No major issues are likely to arise.”
Leo sighed a breath of relief at that.
His mother was not so unedged. “Still, you will be Lord one day and these people’s concerns your own.” She added before passing him. “Master Selmond, the words.”
Selmond moved before Leo what must be the oldest book in his collection, but the easiest to recognise. It was ‘The Covenants of Man’ in its simple red sewn cover worn from use and time. It was the primary sacred text of the realm. Leo had read it several times before he was ten, as does any learned child.
“I pledge to serve justice and favour in the name of the Gods and the Crown to those I serve as Lord.” Leo swore as customary and so the Lord’s Attendance began as the first of the fifty-six waiting was ushered into the room.
A lanky man was ushered into the room. He bowed, thanked Leo for the bravery he inspired in his people, complimented Lady Ryla of her eloquence, and spoke flowery of Elsa’s captivating blue eyes, which Leo shared with her, and her beauty which Leo was certain annoyed her regardless of her returned pleasantries.
He then told the court of his wife. Describing her long blond hair, eyes as blue as the ocean and a voice so marvelous it even the most stonehearted of Craggymen to tears. During her pregnancy she fell ill often. She suffered greatly, unable to eat and sleep and was extremely feeble. Eventually when the birth occurred it proved too much. The man was in near tears. “Alas, when my newborn son took his first breath, my beloved took her last.”
Leo was completely enthralled in the man’s story and could barely fathom the suffering he’s experienced. The man took a moment's silence and composed himself. The man was clearly grieving for his wife who had recently passed away so Leo was willing to give him the time he needed.
His mother demonstrated less patience “Good sir, we mourn for any that called this land home but what is it you seek of the court? Compensation?” Leo found her response to be harsh to a clearly vulnerable man but knew better than a public show of it.
“It’s my pigs.” The man stood upright and cleared his eyes. “I had twelve in total and it may sound queer but a fortnight ago they went missing. I woke up and nothing was in their pens but a hole in the ground the likes of which I have never seen. It was so deep I couldn’t see the bottom.”
“What has this to do with your wife?” Leo questioned.
“A man’s fallen on hard times is all. I’d hope a lord might take pity on one like myself.”
Did he really just sell out his wife for boar money? Leo began to question the man’s virtue but before he could question further Selmond spoke “My Lord will be unaware but the court has heard several similar stories now. Your Lord Father degreed that others plighted by this curse shall be given a quarter the worth of goods lost. Once the claims have been verified of course.” Selmond grabbed a quill and began to write the details of the man in one of the many books he had in front of him. The man thanked the court for their time and was escorted out.
“So what happens to him now?” Leo asked, turning to his mother.
“When we can spare the men, soldiers will verify whether or not he was indeed telling the truth and hasn’t just sold his pigs to some merchant. If he is an honest man he will get some gold for his trouble.” His mother raised her chalice taking a drink of water.
Leo had more questions of the man’s use of his wife’s passing but he had already wasted enough of their time today.
With that the next person came and went, and with them the next. The sun was setting by the time they had seen over thirty people when the guards went to get the final person of the day.
Lady Ryla had excused herself towards the end of the day due sickness which meant Elsa now sat in her place. “I thought there were over fifty people waiting. This isn’t even number forty.” he said to her.
“People don’t always wait. Some people have to work during the night, some have long journeys home. They usually show up the next day.” she returned.
Leo felt guilty at the idea of someone having to turn away because of him. “The blame is mine. What if it was important?”
“If it was important they would have stayed. Trust me brother.” she attempted to reassure him.
Leo wasn’t overly interested in court rulings and appreciated the help. “Why do you always attend these? You know father wouldn’t mind your absence.”
Elsa smirked slightly “I don’t go for father or for mother. I go for our people, to better understand them as well as to better understand myself.”
“You’re in a serious mood.”
“I might not have the ease of a future lord but one day I will end up with a keep of my own and I intend to rule it justly.”
“Spoken like a true Astarre, sister. Mayhaps you are Venna Astarre reborn!” he said jokingly. Elsa’s eyes trailed away as the final supplicant entered the room.
The man was simply dressed. He wore worn leather shoes without laces, a jacket that was torn at its end, and pants that were covered in thick layers of what Leo hoped was mud. This man was in the most decrepit state of any to enter the halls today. Heavy tiredness clouded his expressions as he bowed before the court.
“I thank you m’Lord for seeing me so late.” he said.
“No need good sir, what is it that burdens you?”
The man took a deep breath “M’Lord I come here on behalf of my entire village. We have been under assault from bandits for the past season. Our harvest has been deeply affected and our numbers has almost halved. They attack almost weekly and even now I wonder if I will have a home to return to.” Leo could see pain in his face but was weary after the amount of emotional bargaining he had seen in one day.
Selmond spoke “To my knowledge there have been no reports of any such activities. Where do you visit us from?”
The man’s gaze fell downward. “A small village North of here m’Lord.”
“I am certainly no Lord.” Selmond chuckled. “Tell me, who is your town’s warden?” As he spoke Selmond opened another one of his books before him. He landed on a page that listed all of Leo’s Father’s wardens. Written down was a list of the Foreland’s bannerman, lords and knights all, tasked with the oversight of their given lands.
Certain names jumped off the page like Lord Elect Sewn of the bustling Sunken Shore who Leo had visited many a summer. Or Lord Locke Gallen whose bullheadedness is infamous even in the Crag. Yet still some of the names Leo could not place a face to and had not even heard stories of their valour. On the top of the list was his Lord Uncle’s name Leondre Astarre, for whom Leo was named. I wonder if he will be allowed to keep that position after Father brings him home.
The man adjusted his jacket “Lord Roron Twilt.”
Selmond did not even look at his book before he closed it. “Sir? Is your village across the border?” Selmond asked.
The man nodded his head.
“Then I’m afraid this situation is outside of our reach. You should approach Lord Twilt as your Warden, who may bring it to the attention of his Liege Lord or may choose to act himself.”
“Please m’Lord” the man said, throwing himself onto his knees addressing Leo. ““Lord Twilt cannot act for… the men causing these atrocities bare his banners.”
“Why would your Lord raid his own villages?” Elsa questioned him.
The man shrugged. “If I knew what he wanted I would give it to him. I have seen my family and friends die in defence of their homes and children.”
Leo felt pity for the man but was unsure what he could do to help. He turned to Selmond. “Is there nothing we can do?”
Selmond shrugged. “With your Lord Father away the court is... unprepared to provide drastic measures. And even then I suspect Lord Twilt would be displeased with such an action. Mayhaps we can offer a mule supplied with food and medicines?”
The man grimaced. “Without protection my village will perish.”
With dark eyes the man turned to leave but Leo felt like he had not done enough “Wait. Sir, I may not be able to stop the problem but do not reject my help. When you return home bring your people here, to the Vanguard. My Father will have returned by then and will certainly aid in your relocation, in our lands where your safety will be guaranteed.”
The man paused pondering the offer. “Thank you, m’Lord, that is a truer kindness than I expected. But my home is my home. I will fight for it. I will die for it.” The man turned away to leave. As he left Leo noticed his cloak over his jacket, it bore no sigil on its back but the royal crown, a crown of thorns.
The man bowed humbly, thanking Leo for his assistance. When the man had gone the soldiers closed the doors officially ending the day’s events. Leo turned to Elsa, displeased. “Did I do enough?”
“Given the circumstances I think so.” She said standing.
“But what if I...” he continued but was interrupted.
“Brother, unless you have a bannerless army you were keeping hidden from the rest of us it doesn’t seem like there was much any of us could do” With that Elsa turned to take her leave. “But if I should think of anything you did wrong today I will be sure to bring it up later.” I am confident she will.
Leo then twisted to face Selmond who was handing his books to an assistant. “That was quite the solution, my Lord.” Selmond said but seemed as unsure as Leo. “Unfortunately things are rarely so happily resolved.”
“I had to try. Father would not turn away those in need.” Leo said almost defensively. “Thank you for helping today, Master Selmond.”
Selmond handed his books to his carrot-headed assistant, pale and skinny giving the visage of a skeleton. “The pleasure is mine, my Lord. I must say for a youngling you show a great deal of promise.”
Leo shook his head. “If I am honest I am quite dissatisfied.”
“I hope you are plagued with dissatisfaction your entire life, young Lord.” Selmond retorted. “Now, if you’d excuse me.”
With that he left the room with his library of books, his loyal mule of an assistant followed meekly behind. Leo was left alone in the room as the soldiers left in rigid rows. Leo sat in his father’s seat as the first of moonlight began to shine through the windows.
Leo wasn't long left replaying the day’s happenings when a nervous squire rushed into the room. He unsteadily bowed. "My Lord, your father has found your uncle."