LX. Two days passed since the slaughter at the Mirn, and the news of it had travelled faster than wind, it seemed, for Edwald noticed the thoroughfare was twice more watched than it was before, and every second hour a throng of guards rid from west to east and back again, scouting the lane. Edwald and his fellowship strode south up and down the slopes of the grey country and towards the rising sun keeping their pace from the road and yet not loosing sight of it. Upon the third day, their eyes caught a city beyond the meadows, its towers were yellowish-grey like sand of dunes or strand, and its spires were red like roasted clay that had been laid long under the sun. That city was known as Hebrom and they did not dare approach it, for there the watch was high and many sentries guarded the gates, ever questioning the farers that travelled hither. So they went around its walls until the east and south were opened again to them.
Asadue was glad that they would not enter Hebrom, for among slaves it had another name, ‘the Chain Exchange’ they called it, for many rich masters met there to sell and buy thralls to work their holdings. Already a large mob of bondmen walked out thence as they gazed at the gates and among them were tall whipmen that scourged them to march behind a wealthy man. The three men scorned them, but little could they do for the slaves from afar, other than pity their torment.
-“Surely, we can wield our blades to help them” said Asadue, “We have managed so far with what little we’ve got. Doubtless, we can handle them too.”
-“Nay,” said Hank, “there are too many guards on the alert and neither luck nor magic will help us against our odds, now. I fear many swords must fall ere all bonds are broken and slaves can walk free again.”
-“Alas, sir Frann speaks truly, mentor” said Edwald with heavy drawl, “Another task is at hand, and we cannot mend all the wrongs of the world with one single blade stroke. We must go on, now ere the day light dwindles and night takes us. We can only pray they will not suffer long in chains.”
-“And wither shall we go, pupil?” asked Asadue, “You are noble to keep your oath to lady Aléndra, though she did not tell you much about the site of lord Hadril’s demise, so unclear is our aim now.”
They pondered long on what to do next, their minds were wearing out and the sun yearned to sleep, bidding them farewell from afar like a dying fire waning red in the west, until only the stars were seen sparkling silver high above them but quickly they were outshone by the bright lights coming from the windows of the city before them. Then, Hank spoke.
-“It’ll be of no use for us to wait out here in the dark” he said, “We should not forget that we have no need of maps, for the sword of the dwarves steers better than any compass of men. Why don’t you ask Oakenjaw, what path we should follow next?” he said now turning to Edwald. He had forgotten the sword and the powers that were attached to its blade.
-“You are quite right, sir Frann” he answered, “only the sword can lead us now. I may not be strong enough yet to bend its power at will. Nevertheless, I only need ask, if I wish it to show me what lies hidden from me.”
Presently he drew out his sword, and bent his whole mind and will to it, and if by wonder awoken the blade spoke back to him, glimmering pale beneath the stars. It moved his arms and he was swung west and south until he could master the spell and its point aimed at Hebrom beyond its gates. Thither, they did not wish to fare, but the blade was adamant and saw beyond their worries and fears that their path lay before them. At bearing witness to this, Asadue and Hank were dismayed and then the mentor spoke again.
-“Nay, it cannot be so,” he said, “we were clear, we would not enter the city. Ask again, pupil, should its aim be wrong.”
-“The sword only seeks truth, it has never been wrong so far” said Edwald, “it knows our hearts, and yet can see, beyond our fright, a way to hidden things.”
-“But the lord Hadril died in the woods,” said Hank bewildered, “How come it, it leads us now to Hebrom?”
-“I do not know, but the sword does” Edwald answered, “All that is left for us is to decide whether we trust its aim or not. But know that we may wander long and without certain course if we do not heed its guide now.”
Asadue kept his bearing and the three men waited until the late morrow when a crowd of farers of all kind came to the city. By the looks of them and the garments they wore, it seemed they had returned to their home, refreshed by long holidays in Harador. Edwald and his fellowship mingled with them and hoped the sentries would not question them, but the crowd was too large for the guards to do so and yet they knew many faces among them. So, they let them all pass without asking their names or business there.
Once inside, the air was clear and fair, and the breeze of winter was not so cold there, for many braziers flamed along the way which brightly coloured many houses and dwellings about them, that would otherwise be hued dim and pale veiled by the haze. They came to a market by the River Jehr where the faring crowd mixed with droves of merchants like rushing streams that formed a lake of folks gathering and sundering in the square. They had come to the heart of the Chain Exchange, and ever they saw sales and purchases of slaves young and capable among the trade of goods and wears, and others more late of age were already employed walking behind the shadows of their masters, while by their sides a few were seen of comely guise taking on the role of the spouse. But sorriest of all to see were children bound to iron wagons carrying a prise on their necks. Asadue was distraught and his heart fell heavily with sorrow to then rise again in rage, Hank and Edwald shared in the feeling, yet they constrained their anger and bid Asadue to do the same, but they saw the slaves with pity, for among them freedom seemed like a dream far-flung whither hope had failed to lead them.
Aside from slaves, there were other things in trade; many bought and sold barrels of ale and there was much merriment in the air, for the next day would be Jahr’s Day, the first festivities of the year, and though it was a religious fest, most would take this chance to warm up themselves with beer and ale so as to fight off the cold of winter. However, in his mind, Edwald was not in the mood for holidays, all he cared for was not being recognised or questioned. But even at that moment, when they thought they were safe, a man yelled from among the crowd.
-“The King’s Man, find him, he is here!” said one from afar, and at hearing this Edwald, Asadue, and Hank trembled and feared the worst, they knew not how they could have spotted them, for none seemed known to them among the throng that could a put names to their faces. And yet a man shouted again.
-“There he is!” he said, “mingling among the plebs! Seize him!”
Edwald was about to draw out his sword and face the guards coming from behind the many folks before and round him, already he could see their steel glittering ever nearer, when he saw they were not going at him but rather by him, for a sturdy man ran past him with his face hooded and a blade in hand, and him the guards followed until they could see them no more.
Not an hour had passed until they found an empty corner where they could stop, somewhere hid from the mob’s sight, and there they spoke their minds in loud voices, dwarfed by the clamour of the crowd noisier still.
-“What was that all about?” asked Hank distressed, “I thought someone had recognised me, but who, I could not tell.”
-“They were not going at you, sir” said Asadue, keen of ears and eyes as ever, “It seems another man was also in the business of hiding from the watch, but to what end I do not know.”
-“They called him ‘King’s Man’ should my ears not fool me,” said Hank, “But I could not recognise his face. You were closer to him, Elbracht—that is Edwald, begging your pardon—how did he look like to you?”
-“I cannot tell” he replied, “it all happened so quickly, I could not discern his face, but he was sturdy and wore a brown hood, that much I can say, and carried a blade also. At any rate, we should not meddle with that matter. We got enough to trouble ourselves with.”
-“Too right! Whither shall we go, now?” asked Hank, “We made all the way to the market and still no clue of what we seek. I doubt that Lord Hadril would die in such a place, where the eyes are wariest, and many would rush in to help him, had he been met with steel or force.”
-“And yet hither has the sword led us.” answered Edwald, “What its aim should be is not yet clear, but I trust we are close enough now, I can sense it.”
Presently, Edwald drew out his sword and the blade waved to and fro at its own will, and after its swing they went, leading them deeper into the narrow slums of Hebrom, whither the King’s Man had gone. This they knew and yet would not believe it, for what dealings would a rogue knight have with the death of lord Hadril and his heirs? They thought out loud. They went down the alley, their sword at their head showing the way until they came about some forsaken tavern where only a handful of men idled themselves with ale. There the taverner was not seen; he was either busy in the market or else in drunken dreams among the others. No one paid heed to him or the sword that was wielded, and its blade led them to a quiet corner and lo! There he was, the man they had sought, fast unmoved by fear or threat and Oakenjaw pointed right at him, as one accused of crime. He neither removed his hood nor looked up to them. His eyes were hidden in memory, but then he spoke.
-“Lower your steel, pal” he said, “you don’t want to get hurt just yet.”
-“Tell us your name, sir” Edwald said daring and yet fearing his calm.
-“Who asks?” he asked back, but then he lifted up his eyes, and both saw they knew each other.
-“I know your name, my lord” he said, “And I trust you know mine.”
-“Sir Hans?” Edwald stuttered, “How come you be here and sought for no less? Were you not once acclaimed and did not all revere your name?”
-“I might ask the same of you, my lord” he replied, “Even hither news of your dispute with the Black Griffin have fared. I see a brother in arms travels with you. How are we faring, sir Frann?” he said turning now to him.
-“I am sound and well, for now” answered he, “But please do not call me thus. I am Hank for you and all others who ask. You’ll do well to remember that and as for his lordship, here, you may do the same. He is Edwald to you and all those that question him.”
-“I see,” he said, “hiding behind monikers, are we? I was not so clever to think that wise and I’ll be careful not to tell you name if you promise to do the same. But who is this man you travel with? It’s not wise to deal with slaves, not here where there are many of them. They will tell you one thing only to whisper another behind your back.”
-“There are no slaves here” said Edwald, “Asadue is my mentor and a free man.”
-“I beg your pardon, my lord” sir Hans said, “I forgot your other names. The Liberator they call you even among the slaves. But now that names are out of the way, what come you ask of me, my lord Edwald.”
-“Drop the style, sir” he said, “Only Edwald will do.”
-“As you will, Edwald” sir Hans said, “How is it that you found me, when the whole of the city watch is after my track?”
-“It was by chance, sir” said Hank, for he knew Edwald would not lie and that sir Hans would not understand that magic that was bound to his blade.
-“It seems luck is on your side,” he replied, “But not for much longer if you keep talking to me, I am afraid. Still, you won’t expect to me to believe that good fortune alone brought you hither. It is an odd thing to see a fellow King’s Knight so far away from Culgarost and odder still that a lord and a made-free slave would travel along with you. By the looks of it some task must be at hand—and one perilous nonetheless—for the fates would not bring together such a quaint party if they hadn’t something in store for them.”
-“You are only too right, sir” said Edwald, “We are in the search of the place where lord Hadril met his demise. Truly it seems that the Gods are on our side and the fates have favoured us, for, though it seems strange that you might have escaped from that doom, were you not one of the late Hadril’s sworn protectors?”
A shadow passed over the Knight’s eyes and for a moment he turned grim and sad, but he fought off that fell memory and spoke anew.
-“Aye, that I was,” he said, “and few men have ever loved their lord and master as I have. In my days in the King’s Guard, much fame I gained. Even when King Elorio III came to be known as ‘the Unfortunate’, my name remained spotless and I had great honour under his liege. Then I aquainted his son lord Hadril and he was kind and upright, much more deserving of a king’s grace. Come the death of his father, I pledged my sword to him, and ever was I glad under his banner. But there were those that had no love for him, and many uprisings I put off against him. In his own court, no less, there were men that hid under guileful guises, and with their mouths they would say one thing while with the eyes they meant another. If there is any truth to the gossips that have travelled hither, you must have met one of such men, the one that now sits upon his throne and claims to be his rightful heir.”
-“Lord Carathuel, you mean?” Edwald said.
-“Aye, the same” sir Hans said, “ I will tell you all you need to know, but sit down first and put away your blade. No harm will come your way from me, I swear.”
Shortly, the three men sat by him and heeded carefully to what he had to say.
-“None have believed my saying so far,” he said, “But I give you my word as a knight that only truth, I tell. So, as you now know, The Black Griffin had long plotted against my liege, and many rivalled lord Hadril under his name, from which he cunningly estranged himself, and I believed neither in his sly looks nor his soothing tongue. Often would I warned my liege not to trust him, but he would not listen, ‘He is my kin and blood, sir Hans’ he would tell me. He was gentle and dignified, yet he could not see beyond his own grace that many were disloyal and untruthful to him. And, though he could not see the shadows in his heart, Carathuel he loved most of all. Many times they hunted together and he always had a chair in his councils for him; that is until the day he returned from Keor.
“My master did not take well your behaviour towards the lady Alyse. In his mind he struggled to see through your eyes ‘How could he refuse the hand of my daughter?’ he often asked aloud, ‘for they are much alike in mood and soul.’ But on this matter, I could not help him, though my heart so wished to ease his. He went to lord Carathuel instead for council, yet he did not care for what he had to say. Ever proud and selfish, he boasted of the nobility of his own stock and that he should wed his daughter to one of his sons. My lord declined and they never spoke again until the day came that they would travel together to Nalas for Elsarmas. All were ready to part, both caravan and guards, and since Lord Carathuel refused to leave, he and his family stayed in Fyore and lord Hadril was sad his dearest sister would not be by his side for the holidays, but they departed nevertheless. I deem it was then that the Black Griffin’s designs were set in motion, for already his bannermen were called to the Nysdorth a day after our parting.
“We fared to the south and east by a thoroughfare that is known only to few. We made a stop here in Hebrom upon the first day and were received by the local liegeman, but his mood was quaint and grim, unbecoming of a loyal villein, yet we paid no heed to him and and on the next morrow, we carried on with our journey. A warm wind blew from the west and the sun shone bright one last time to raise our spirits, as a last breath of gladness ere the coming of the wintry season and then we saw the edge of the Oenic Forest afar and knew our next stop drew nearer, for we aimed to go to a place, which—I am sure—you do not know by name. It is called ‘Locht Nelbáris’, which in the Tongue of the Elder Ones means the Passing of the Elves, for it is said that was of old the way in to the old Elven-Woodrealm ere the Smash of the Elfbane*(1). Now that place is held as a shrine for all the lords of Fyore, and often they would go thither to pray before Elsarmas.
“All fared well until the gloom of the third night outpaced us, and with it came a haze and mist that shrouded the path before us. Then the night grew darker and while the lord and his family wandered in dreams, I was scouting the path ahead. All was at ease, the shire was still green and fair and the woods had some leaves to spare, but even amidst the quietness of the meadows before me and the crackling of trees behind me, I heard a clash of steel, like a whisper in the wind, and then I knew we had been betrayed, for many among the escort wore the banners of the Black Griffin. Lord Carathuel had offered some of his men to guard us on the road as a token of his friendship, yet little did I know that their minds were turned awry and that evil had striven in them.
“When I returned to the caravan it was too late, many laid dead and those that had still some life in them longed for death. I helped as many as I could, but my strengths failed me as my heart grew sorry to see that my lord and his heir had been slayed among the rest. I went to lord Hadril to see if he had survived the slaughter, yet there was only horror in his face, in his eyes was still the memory of his last breath. Then I sought about to see if any of his children had outlived the butchering, alas, all shared the look of their father, safe for lady Alyse. The Bravegrif honoured her own name, for in her eyes there was grace, even beyond the shadow of death. At seeing such a valiant maid had been taken before old age, I could not hold back my sorrow and my tears washed away the mud on her face.
“My grief grew into a blaze of rage, and my steel yearned to avenge them. I left them to their deadly dreams and saw that the butchers that killed my liege had left a trail behind them. So, I took a horse and traced their tracks west thence. I rode in haste beyond the dark and haze, until I saw their colours galloping nigh the reach of my pace. I’ll never forget them; black and red were their capes, and their spears and shield were blood-stained, and they were nearing the gates of Hebrom, but little did I know that city was their haven and that the villein there had sold his loyalty to Lord Carathuel. My ire blinded my judgement, so I followed them even beyond the gates. Yet the fates were not on my side on that day, for before I could get my hands upon them, many guards gathered about me, and told me to put down my blade. I thought, I had some fame and standing still left in my name, so I ordered the guards to seize the butchers I had preyed. Instead, they tried to seize me, and the butchers spat lies to my name, blaming me for the demise of my lord and master. Seeing I had no options left, I fled but the gates were shut behind me, so I ventured into the slums of Hebrom where only shadows were keen to take me, ever since I have been on the run, cursing the butchers and lord Carathuel.
“Long I wainted for my chance to escape, I tried down the river, then up the walls, and even through the sewers underneath the streets. I mixed among beggars and the downtrodden, where the proud could not see me. Last night I was hopeful, for I thought I had come out with the best disguise to flee hence. Earlier today, I chained myself among the slaves and I was nigh being bought and driven out of the city, when a wary eye among the watch caught sight of me, and I had to run off again. So I am come here, hidden from the watch. Many times I have taken shelter in this wretched alehouse, but it has proven useful enough, so far.”
When his telling had come to an end, his mind dwelt still on those memories, swollen by his own torment, then he spoke again.
-“Gods damn me!” he said, “Had I not gone scouting or persisted in my warning, lord Hadril would still be among us today. I was foolish not remain by my liege.”
Edwald had heeded his every word, and with the sword by his side, he sensed he was telling the truth. But not only the power of Oakenjaw whispered him thing; his heart also moved him to ruth and pitied the knight in his remorse.
-“It’ll do you no good to torment yourself with those thoughts” he said, “for against the hand of fate, little can a man do. I believe your words to be true, for some of it matched the account of lady Aléndra, and fills the holes in her telling.”
-“You have spoken to lady Aléndra?” sir Hans said, “How is her ladyship faring?”
-“She grieves her brother and distrusts her husband,” Edwald said, “much she had guessed, and your telling only builds on hers. But here is something you may not know. Her hearts tells her, her brother, sir Antuel had escaped the doom, and indeed, his body was not among the dead in the dome.”
Then Edwald told him all that happened to them in Fyore. He spoke of their deceit of the Black Griffin, of the mood of the people there and the burial of the Sovarós. Sir Hans was glad, his lord and family had received a funeral befitting his style, yet his spite did not lessen the hate in his heart, and ever he spited lord Carathuel, whose name he accursed.
-“Damn the black birds and his slyness!” he said, “May he find no rest in life, and be doomed by the doings of his lies. I curse him that his rule may be poor and short-lived.”
-“Should it ease your pain,” Edwald said, “I promise you that all shall know the truth before the end and Carathuel, himself, will meet his doom with truth laid bare.” As he said this he did not know his sword had heard him and bound him to that promise yet again. And then sir Hans spoke again.
-“I am glad to hear you say this,” he said, “Though I won’t hold you to that oath, should the conviction with which you pledged it wane, for I have sworn the same. I will avenge my lord and bring down those who beguiled him. But you speak of sir Antuel and that he has outlived his sibling’s fate, if this is true, he is his brother’s rightful heir and danger may go his way should he stand against lord Carathuel. What know you of his whereabouts and how can I help you in seeking him?”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
-“We know as little as you, sir” he said, “safe that hope wills it that he is sound and well. We had no clear aim, yet now we know lord Hadril in his journey had an aim. If you were to help us, we would want from you neither your shield nor your blade, only that you guide us thither, where your masters met their end.”
-“It’ll be hard for me to go there again” sir Hans said, “For many a sorry memory lingers there, that my eyes wish not revisit. But would it that it’ll help you find your way to him, I will gather my strength to lead you thither. The site of lord Hadril’s butchering is sixteen days on foot hence, although the journey won’t be as hard as getting you out of Hebrom. You will find it is far easier to get in that it is to get out. The sentries are not so keen to ask many questions when farers come, but it is hard to pass over the guards when they mean to leave. As I said, I tried to go out with the disguise of a slave, and even then they’ll put a name to my face. They will put a name to yours too, for it is already queer enough to see a Hazagodian, a knight and a southling faring by these parts. As you said, you are also wanted men, so the odds are high you will be told apart. The moment they spot a man of swart skin roaming without a chain, hear the mouth of a Southling speaking in a foreign brogue or see the noble bearing of a knight such as master Hank’s here, not even your monikers will help you.”
-“So you are saying there is no way out?” asked Asadue.
-“None but the guards walk hither and thither at will and unquestioned.” sir Hans answered. And then Hank spoke.
-“Then guards we must be” he said, “we could find some gear and pose as watchmen until we get past the gates.”
-“‘Tis a sound plan” said sir Hans, “Yet you’ll stroll long in the market until you can find any gear and ware of the kind. Such things are kept under watch in the armouries and barracks of the guards and they are well defended and therein none can pass safe by the villein’s leave.”
-“Surely there must be a way to fool the guards” Hank said.
-“There might be, but not without its risks.” sir Hans said.
-“What whereof we have done has been peril-free so far, sir?” Hank retorted.
-“Very well,” Hans replied, “We’ll have it your way. Tomorrow is Jehr’s Day and many will feast and drink the cold away. We can be sure to guess that in the barracks they’ll do no less. We could break in in the cover of night while some guards sleep and others drown themselves with beer. The armoury should be easy to find, but we’ll have to be keen not to sound the alarm.”
-“Then we shall be partners” Edwald said, “We’ll wait here until dark.”
Then sir Hans stole some food and drinks from the tavern’s store. Never did the keeper mind, for he was indeed among the other drunken men fast asleep. When night came, most were in the streets and alleys of Hebrom, toasting in the name of Jahr. In the market Numéres recited holy tales and chants, but their voices were dwarfed by the songs of bards and while only a few prayed in silence, most sang and danced under the starry sky. It was amidst this merriment that Edwald and his fellowship fooled the sight of guards and made it all the way to the barracks through the frolic crowds. As they came there, they saw the outpost was poorly manned, most were on duty, and even then they drank and feasted among the rest. So with much ease, they broke inside. There in the barracks there were only a handful of guards sat around a fire and they shared with each other stories of their watch with mugs of ale in hands.
Sir Hans took the lead, and Edwald and his fellowship followed him to the armoury, fooling the guards along the way. There they found breastplates, iron breeches, helmets with crests and other hardwares. But they did not need much, for they deemed the coat of mail they already bore would good enough for them. Edwald’s mail-chain was made of Nurg-iron, and he would not part from it, for it was far finer than any armour of men. Nevertheless they put on the red garments of the watch, and Hank wore the king’s banner beneath them. Once clad with new colours they went to the yard and made their way out thence while the watchmen laughed and loafed by the brazier. Yet even as they reached the gate, one of the guards spotted them, and thinking of them as one of his own he cried out to them.
-“Oye lads, come join us” he said, “the fire is hot and we saved some ale for you.”
-“We are on watch now,” said sir Hans posing as one of them, “Some one is got to make the rounds, mayhap later.”
-“Nonsense,” another guard said, “The captain is out with the most of the lads; leave the job to them. Come sit with us by the fire.”
At hearing this, Edwald and his fellowship were troubled and worry ran down their spines, for if they were to go out now, they would surely tell something was off about them. So, knowing little of what else to do, sir Hans and the others, did as they said. They sat by the brazier and were given mugs of ale and tunes were sung on to the stars above and the flames before them. They kept on talking to one another as if sir Hans, Edwald and his fellowship were not there. But then, one of them, with idled eyes and speech, had a closer look at Hank and said.
-“Oye, I don’t recall your face. New in the watch, are we?” he asked and Hank answered.
-“Aye,” he said, “we enlisted a week before lord Hadril’s passing.”
-“I see,” the guard said, “Sorry business it was, the Slimmer Griffin’s death. But he had it coming to him, for he did not see many among his court were not loyal to him. Even here in Hebrom, some spoke ill of him after the Fyore was sieged. Never before had that city been humbled, and since that young lordling from Keor took his city in the war, many have thought him weak. But we’ve got a new lord now; this one is strong and cunning. The Black Griffin will not be fooled by southlings or king’s men.”
-“The new lord seems strong, but I don’t trust he’ll last for long if you don’t mind me saying.” said another guard, one stout and more befuddled than the next, “There is trouble brewing in the north, a dreadful business they say. Ever since the Black Knight has taken the Pass of Hel, there have been talks of the mustering of fell men beyond the King’s Mountain, folks say. And then there is the matter of the ‘rightful heir’.”
-“Rightful heir?” asked Edwald, unable to withhold his tongue.
-“Are you that new that you haven’t heard about him?” said the stout guard, “there’s been whispers that sir Antuel, the late lord’s brother somehow ran off his siblings’ fate.”
-“Watch your mouth, Rold” said the one, who had the sternest face among them “You shouldn’t speak of it even when you are off duty.”
-“Piss off, Greg” replied Rold, “They’ve got to keep an eye out too, for if they hear about him.”
-“Leave that business to the captain for when he’s back” Greg said, “We’re not allowed to speak of it, when he’s not about.”
Greg, the stern guard, seemed adamant about not saying anything on that matter, but even then, as a child who is eager to hear of tales and myths, Edwald could not restrain himself.
-“What has been whispered about sir Antuel, Rold” he asked the stout guard in a low voice caring not to give away much of his souther brogue, and Rold chatty as ever was pleased to answer.
-“There have been reports lately” he said “That a young man had been hiding in the woods east of here. Some say he walks like a shade beneath trees and that he gained the favour of the ghosts that linger there and that they tell him secrets of the men that fare thereby. Those who have got a glimpse of him say he is the likeness of the Sovarós; gold of hairs, pale like milk and red of dress like maple leaves, he seems. Hadril’s Wraith, they call him, but we know by the looks of him, he can only be sir Antuel, for his body was not among the dean when we searched for him.”
-“I said you should hold your tongue!” raged out Greg upon hearing this, “We mustn’t speak of it while the captain’s not here. For all we know someone might drop an ear, and if some ones of this they’ll be trouble, I tell you.”
-“Ach, you needn’t worry, Greg” said another drunken guard, “We’ll find him sooner than later, any way. We make rounds quite often by the woods. He cannot hide behind trees and ghost forever.”
-“Aye,” said Rold, “For now, let us drink some more and fetch some more wood for the brazier; the fire is nigh its embers.”
Presently, another guard from the party brought some hazel hardwood and cast it into the brazier. The bonfire crackled and flared up brighter than before, and its flames were mirrored on Edwald’s gear. His mail shimmered gold and silver and all stared at it with awe, for it was of steel they had never seen before.
-“You’ve got some fancy sheathing with you,” said Greg, and he stood and approached him, wanting to get a closer look at his mails “By the looks of it, it seems it was meant for a famed captain or else a wealthy lord. Where did you get it from?”
Knowing not what to answer and feaful he might say too much, Edwald kept his quiet. But he could not hold his tongue for long, for if he did, the guards would grow wary and question him furthermore. Then Hank spoke instead.
-“It was a gift from his sire” he said, “My fellow here had it bequeathed to him, after his father’s passing.” Yet Greg was not convinced.
-“I wasn’t talking to you,” he said, “Your friend may speak for himself. So tell me boy, where have you got that wear from?”
-“I had it made for me along with my blade” Edwald answered, powerless against the spell of the sword, “And my shield was a gift, as my friend Hank said, but it didn’t come to me from my sires…” and so he stopped abruptly, as if swallowing any other words he had left to say. But Greg had heard enough, to tell something was off about his speech.
-“So it was a gift and yet not so,” he said, “At any rate you’ve got a funny speech. Where did you say you come from again?”
-“He didn’t” said sir Hans now standing on his way, “We come from Fyore.” and that was true enough, but Greg had not fully bought their story and he had a closer look to the man standing before him.
-“Hold on a moment” he said, “I know your face. You are that King’s Knight we’ve been looking for. You thought you could fool me, didn’t you? Seize this man, and sound the alarm; we’ve got a pretty bounty on our hands!”
As he said this, the other guards stood up and wielded their blades as best they could. Edwald and his fellowship rose too. Swords were unsheathed, shields borne in hands and one ran away to sound a bell and alert the watch. They were surrounded, and the guards saw them with the eyes of hunters that had found their prey. The bell rang thrice and the whole of the city heard its clang. Against all guards, the four men could stand up a fight, but soon more guards would come, and against those odds, they would be greatly outmatched. Even as Greg swung his sword towards Edwald, and before he could fend off the strike by himself, another blade parried the attack. It was sir Hans and he quickly knocked down Greg to the ground. Then, another blow came from the right and it was also aimed at Edwald, so sir Hans moved swiftly before him and warded off the thwack.
For a moment, Edwald starred at sir Hans, there was strength in his arms, the likes of which he had never seen, and he swung his sword to and fro as if it was a feather in his hands. Left and right they flanked him, yet as a breeze swirling about trees, he flashed around his foes only to kill them from behind. However, the clash was not over, there were other guards still to smite and they charged towards him from both sides. Edwald, Asadue and Hank stood fast, for though they wished to lend him their blades, sir Hans would not let them, and on he fought off the rest of the guards. But the bell had been tolled and they could hear already the feet of the watch, rushing towards the barrack to join the fight.
-“Flee away hence!” they heard sir Hans saying among the ringing clash, “I will hold them off for now, but more of them are coming, they’ll be too many to quell. Go and find sir Antuel, keep him from harm, but off with you now!”
As he said this, for a moment he lowered his guard, and Rold raked him from the side, but his might had not waned and then he turned and smacked him too from the right. Even as Edwald tried to go and help him, Hank stood in his way and said.
-“Not today, my lord” he said, “We have a task at hand. Save the sword for another time.”
Hank and Asadue restrained him and they pulled him by the arms out from the barracks and away from peril. As they hid under the shadow of an empty roof, a numerous throung of guards made their way to the outpost’s gates, beneath that roof they still had sir Hans within sight, but in anguish they saw him overcome by the watch’s might. As he bore witness to this a shadow set in Edwald’s eyes, he fell into a deep shock, for it was not his wont, to leave a fellow man behind, less so one so brave and mighty. Already he mourned the Knight’s soul, when he decried him beyond the throng. He had been beaten but had not yet fallen. He was bound and thrown into a cell and they overheard the captain among them saying, “We caught him at last,” he said, “Inform the master. His crimes shall be read aloud and then he shall be slain on the morrow before the eyes of all.”
Awoken by sudden hope and kindled with a new flame that sought to emulate the Knight’s valour, he said unto his fellowship.
-“Hear me, now” he said, “It’s not too late just yet. We can still help sir Hans, and that we must do, for I refuse to part from him when he is to meet his doom. Against greater perils we have striven, and I might know a way to save him from his death. But it’s not without its perils.”
-“Then that we must do, nonetheless” said Asadue, “And many risks I am willing to take for him, for to him we are ever in debt, and one who is ready to lay down his life, in hopes to spare another, is a soul worth-rescuing. What say you, Hank? Shall you come to the aid of your brother in arms in his plight, even when another quest lies ahead?”
-“Aye,” he said, “Oaths alike, we have sworn, and though I am bound to another master, our creed is the same. I shall not forsake him, when he has struggled and thriven against much pain, and my sword I will also lend him.”
As the night waned, and the sun aroused from its gloom, Edwald told Hank and Asadue in length of his designs and the plan he had deviced to rescue the Knight from his pending demise. Yet even though, Edwald spoke with much sense, for a moment they thought, how easy it could be, to flee the city, now the watch had bent its eyes and heed on the King’s Knight. Were they to leave him to die, they could fool the sentries and thence depart, without much hardship. But this thought they quickly dismissed, for none among them in their hearts, were willing to strand sir Hans.
And so the morrow came unannounced, and many had gathered in the market, though many slaves were still bound and in sale, there was no trade, for all eyes were bent on gallows that were set up the night before. Thereupon a party of guards had been gathered, and among them was one that had the bearing of a lord, and next to him was his serf that bore a scroll in hands, and when sir Hans was brought forth and forced on his knees he read from it, giving tongue aloud.
-“It is by the will of our liege and master,” he said “Carethuel, by the Grace of the Cross, Lord of Fyore and Beardt, Prince-Elector of Thindur, that the man now standing before ye should be put to the sword today on the charges of colluding with so called ‘Black Knight’ and his minion. This man has broken his oath of fealty and plotted to assassinate the late Hadril, son of His Grace, King Elorio III, lord of Fyore and Prince-Elector of Thindur, and when he was questioned to answer for his crime he fled justice and forsook the all honour. But now our noble liege turns to you for council. What say ye? Should this man be pardoned or should his head roll?”
The people of Hebrom—at least those who were free of chains—loved gossip, and when they mind were not busy with trade, they enjoyed a good fuss. So bored of peace they all shouted in one voice.
-“Let his head roll! Let his head roll! Let his head roll!”
As Edwald heard, he was dismayed to know that much darkness had been bred in their hearts. How could these folks so yearn for blood? He thought to himself. Nevertheless, he would not allow this cruelty to befall the King’s Knight. So, he stood upon a wain that had been laid before him and cried out in a loud voice, outmatching the serf in tone.
-“People of Hebrom, hark my words!” he said, “This man has been wrongly accused, for the one guilty of lord Hadril’s death is none other than he who has cast the blame upon him. You know this man, if not by face then by name; he is sir Hans Woodmot, the greatest swordsman in the realm. Long he’s been acclaimed and his prowess is told in songs and tales. Will you deny knowing aught of him, even when for his honour and valour he’s been much renowned? Will ye let this cruelty befall a man who is so righteous and innocent of all crimes wherefor he’s been arraigned, or will you walk the path of rightfulness and show this man the mercy he’s deserved?”
Edwald spoke with grace and command, and without without misgiving, but he did not know their hearts for though his word might have compelled the mind of most among any other crowd, these folks were eager for blood, and they would not speak for him if it meant, they would be spared the fuss of a man’s life put to the sword. So the mob cried out again.
-“Let his head roll! Let his head roll!” they clamoured even rowdier than before. Then the villein laughed and was pleased with the crowd’s roar.
-“Hush now, brave man,” he said, “You have heard the mob. People have spoken, they want blood, and that we shall give them, be it this man’s or yours. But who are you, who would claim so dreadful things without proof and cast blame upon our lord?”
-“I am the Wielder of Truth!” Elbracht replied in a thundering voice, “And I will not let lies quench the fire of one so brave and true!”
-“The Wielder of Truth?” said the vellein mocking him, then he smirked, “and who shall back your claim?”
-“I will” said Asadue rising tall besides Edwald.
-“And so will I” said Hank joining them two, “For I know this man well and know that he speaks without deceit.”
-“I too will stand with him” said sir Hans kneeling no more, “For I have not yet spoken, and one who is to meet his death may also state his case before his death. Hark my words, people of Hebrom! You have been deceived. For you know my fame and many can tell that I forsook my place in the King’s Guard to pledge my sword to lord Hadril the Proud. Long I served him with love and loyalty; I put off revolts against his name, and kept him ever from harm’s way. When time came that he and his kindred would meet in Nalas, lord Carathuel refused to join him, and his hand worked in the shadows thereafter. By his designs, many among our convoy wore his colours and when time was right and night was dark, they betrayed our master and slaughtered him in his sleep. I was scouting the path ahead as this came to pass, and as soon as I returned to our camp the butchers fled, I followed their trace even hither, and before I could bring justice unto them, the blame had already been cast upon me. I was branded a traitor and oath breaker, for crimes I was not allow to deny, and now I stand before you, chained and humbled, yet what this man says is true, and lies have been told and left to thrive even among the noblest minds. But will you let me die even as this I said, though true I was to lord Hadril until his last breath? Who will stand also besides these men?”
His words were powerful and his speech compelling, and many hearts were turned even then, yet none among them dared to speak and left silence reign supreme. But the slaves had heeded their words also, and now they cried out to him, “Mercy! Mercy” they said, but the free men cared little for what they had to say. And so, the simpering villein spoke again.
-“Let their silence stand against you” he said, “and the song of slaves be your dirge, for none believe these lies, you tell. But I turn to ye again, people of Hebrom, will you stand up for this man and the rights he has claimed, cursing the name of our lord and master, or will you let the blade split his neck?”
-“Let his head roll! Let his head roll! Let his head roll!” shouted the crowd, rekindled with malice, and Edwald was distraught, for what evil had steered their minds, he did not know. Yet not even then would he let the Knight die.
-“You hear their will, O mighty Wielder of Truth?” said the villein, now turning to Edwald “People have spoken again, and their wish must be granted. But don’t you worry, the day slaves walk free, you’ll have enough men about you to stand by your claim.” As he said this, he laughed and ordered his men to seize him. But even as they were about to catch him, he spoke again in a daring tone.
-“That day, my lord, has come at last!” he said, and he unsheathed his sword and went to the throng of slaves, hundred in number, and he and Hank broke all of their chains.
-“Arise, free men!” he said, “let no bond hold you, safe the creed and flame in your hearts!”
The people of Hebrom were shocked and much tumult was in the air, and the slaves that had been freed at last aroused with might and courage, as birds that had been released from their cage to soar their wings high. Some fled the market, others went and unleashed the children that were captive in wagons. But most of them, tasting new valour saw Edwald in wonder, called him Liberator and took him as leader. They stood behind them and picked up spikes and rakes, to hold as weapons as best they could.
Guards soon were about them, but there was a fire in their eyes that no force of man could quench. They fought and fended off Edwald, Asadue and Hank from the steel of the guards, while others rushed to the gallows to befree the King’s Knight. Amid the commotion, the guards that had restrained sir Hans, now warded their master and fled the market, yet many remained behind and aimed their steel and arrows at the slaves. Many were slain, but just enough time had been bought for sir Hans to be released from his bonds. He picked a sword, and a power took hold of him, wherefrom the least brave among them ran away in fear and despair. Few dared stand against him and those who did quickly numb to their knees.
By midday, the market had been deserted and many laid dead, both guards and some slaves, but a good part of them were still alive and followed Edwald, wherever he led them. They came to the southern gate, which had been shut to them. There were a few men of the watch made a final stand, but quickly they brought onslaught upon them, and few were kept alive. Edwald saw then in the eyes of the slaves there was no longer hope, but a rather flames of wrath that wish to repay the cruelty they had been made to endure. And so all pity escaped his mind, and yet did not run from their side.
Since so many guards had died, the slaves took it upon themselves to upon the gates, and once they were outside, a warm breeze from the south stroke their faces, as if breathing out to the words of freedom for the first time. Hank looked for horses but they had all fled the fight, and since turning back to fetch some more only promised further brawl, they left the city on foot. Long they strode, as fast they could, leaving Hebrom behind, and when they reached a hill from which top all the slopes of the shires could be seen stretching outwards beyond the eyes, sir Hans spoke again to Edwald.
-“My lord, I am beyond words and ever in your debt” he said, “for what you have done for me today.”
-“I never leave a man behind,” Edwald replied, “less so one as brave as yourself. And you owe me no debt, for I have only repaid your courage with mine.”
-“Even so,” sir Hans said, “A man can put down his life to save another, but it takes a foolish man to do as you have, and yet I know that there was no folly in your design but rather the wisdom and cunning of mind far beyond mine. I spared you and your fellowship so that you may carry out your task and flee the city while I was put to death. Now I see the stuff that you are made of, tales told of you, are nothing compared to the valour you have shown today. So I pledge my sword to you, and swear by all the gods that I will be faithful to you, and so long as this quest is yours, I will share in your peril and heartaches, until sir Antuel is found and restored to his throne.”
-“Rise, sir Hans” he said, “I welcome your pledge, and so long you fight besides me, I promise to be true to you and you shall ever have a say in my fellowship. But I know not what lies before us, and whitherever our path should lead us, there shall be perils to overcome.”
-“No matter the hardships, I will follow you, my lord” he said, “But what of these men you have released from chains, what shall become of them?”
-“They must go in peace now,” he said “we cannot take them with us. Much they have suffered already under cruel masters and their whips, I will not have them furthermore.”
Edwald then turned to them and cried out in a loud voice.
-“People of Hebrom,” he said, “I cannot repay you for all the torment you’ve come to bear, but now know yourself as free men. Some of you might have homes you have forsaken, kin you have left behind, and though ye yearn to let those loved ones taste the freedom you know taste, I beg you not go to them, for them you cannot yet save.”
-“Then whither shall we go?” said one among them, “we have nowhere else to turn without being chained once again.”
-“Go to the south!” he cried out to them, “to the Harad-lands, there you may rest assured, that your freedom shall be upholden, and there no man shall dare force a bond upon you lest he’ll be punish himself. Now we must part. Make the best out yourself, fare ye well!”
As he said this, many followed his advice and made their way to the south, but some others refused to leave the man by whose boldness had been freed. They came to him and offered their service and fealty to him, even as the slaves in Belém had done the same, and Edwald said unto them.
-“Go in peace, free men” he said, “I have done what I could, but our road leads to peril and against that, I cannot defend you. Join your brethren to the south, and whatever strength you have wished to lend me, give it instead to those who have suffered the same pain, for your trek too is not free from threat. So be wardens to those who cannot fight on their own, until you come to Harador. Do that and you will have honoured me also.”
And so, the free men departed and most went to the south as they were bid, and others guarded them on the road, yet winter had grown fiercer, and many perished on their way thither. Those who outlived the cold made it all the way to Ceor and some even reached the strands of the Great Sea and there they met with their once brethren in chains that had been freed also by the same man as them. In Harpord, tales they told and songs they sung of Edwald and his bravery, of his kind heart and fearless spirit and all came to know of him in Harador, and his fame came even to the palace in Ceor, where only few could tell that this man of such renown was in fact, Elbracht, their liege and lord. But not all slaves fared to the south, some scattered across Thindur, whispering from ear to ear of the feats of that man until his name was known in every borough and town, every road and shire, and to all folks both rich and poor, and among slaves his name gained the most weight and power; hope came back to them, and they praised him from afar. Yet this news reached also the ears of those who had no love for him, for upon the fifth day since the onslaught in Hebrom, the whispers came to Fyore, and hearing of the Wielder of Truth and the things he had said about him, lord Carathuel burst in rage and doubled the bounty on his head, and ever did his minions fared the road keeping watch upon all folks seeking greedy and ruthless for Edwald and his fellowship.