Dark skies blanketed the valley and unyielding rain encompassed the land—the dark forest surrounding the city with a single dirt road leading to an old stone gate. The old stone walls were gray and green with moss and all manner of mold and mildew with a slight sheen glistened from rain. Old wooden buildings deflected the rain onto the cobblestone streets. Water rushes from the cobblestone to the storm drains in the walls. A few torches steamed and provided a little light for the soldiers standing next to them atop the wall. A shout breaking through the monotonous sound of the rain.
“Caravan,” a soldier said atop the wall
The small group of wagons pulled by a few horses with people walking on both sides broke through the forest, the small convoy following the washed dirt road towards the entrance of the city. Creaking wheeling was drowned out by the pouring rain and occasional thunder. Three soldiers stood in front of the caravan leading the group. Their armor clunked loudly in the rain as they proceeded to get closer to the gate.
“Open the gate” the soldier said atop the wall
The gate lurched with large clunks and clanks as gears and chains began to move to life opening as a group of soldiers proceeded out of the tower next to the gate. One of them holding a bunch of papers with a quill carefully tucked under his arm to avoid the rain. The three soldiers proceeded in as soon as the thick metal gate had completely opened.
“Caravan from Kavas The front soldier weakly said. Mostly merchants, two nobles, and delivery of ale for the keep,” the soldier said wearily lifting his helmet, his balding head with only tiny red hairs clinging to the sides. His thick red mustache and beard dripped water to the floor.
“Awe Thoranst it's been a while since I have seen you here.” The soldier with the paper said.
Thoranst squinted looking over the guard, his eyes now making out the distinguishing features, his eyes growing wide. The long dark hair under the helmet and the small scar on the right side of his eye. “Corvas is that you” his face shifting to one of amazement.
“As the king surely liveth” he said with a chuckle.
“Moving up I see. The last time you could barely lift a sword” a gatekeeper already Thornast thought in amazement had really that much time passed?
“Good to see you friend I do need to see your papers,'' he said, the smile on his face still visible from the helmet he wore.
Yes yes, he said, reaching for the satchel on his side next to his sword and drawing out a small piece of paper.
Bring them in, we will have the inspection while I go over the manifest. And let's get you out of this dreadful rain. He said as he walked back into the Tower paper in hand.
The caravan pulled into the courtyard the giant circle with several streets pouring in line with stone and wooden buildings opening into the massive courtyard. The soldiers began looking through the chest in the carts opening and shifting things around. The tired-looking people looked as if barely able to stand glaring over at the soldiers as they checked every inch of the carts. They had been traveling nonstop for a week. The soldiers finished their search and proceeded to Thoranst and the other two soldiers at the front of the caravan.
“All looks to be in order,” one of the soldiers said, not noticing the small dark figure moving from the side of the closest building over to the back of the caravan. With small silent steps, the figure gained ground pausing listening then moving again. The small figure climbed into the last wagon opening the first chest. Corvas came strolling out of the tower.
“Will this rain ever let up?" Thornast said looking towards the sky with disgust.
“One more day the Thunderbreakers are really trying to water in the crops this year,” Corvas said just as his eye caught sight of the dark figure climbing out of the last wagon.
“Stop thief” he shouted as all guards turned to the last wagon, the dark figure bolting for the street he had come from. His footsteps and loud breathing were muffled by the rain. Only making it halfway before the soldier sprinted grabbing the boy by the arm and throwing him back. The boy hit the cobblestone floor on his back a few gold coins flying out of his hands. The boy was flat on his back dazed and confused as the soldiers surrounded him. Two soldiers picked him up, each one grabbing him under the shoulder as the boy flailed trying to escape their iron grip.
corvas and thoranst walked over as another soldier dropped to his knees and began picking up the coins briskly.
What is the meaning of this thoranst demanded looking over the boy? His dark black hair soaked his brown rags that weren't fit to be called clothes they were torn barely holding on by a thread. The rags revealed big black bruises and ribs fully exposed through the skin.
Demon child you have been a blight on us long enough corvas said a stern look in his eyes as he drew his sword moving closer to the boy. The boy was expressionless looking toward the sword for only a moment before his eyes widened as he fought against the soldier's grip.
The cold rain had already soaked through the rags, his body completely numb. The boy stood struggling in the grip of the soldiers. His eyes were cold with a hollow look. His back and head were still throbbing with pain. As his thoughts trailed back to the orphanages a few faces of orphans he would miss appeared in his mind. Small tears formed in his eyes. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky illuminating Corvas's sword as he drew closer.
Thoranst eyes drew wide would he execute the boy for such a minor offense, his soft tired eyes focused on the boy. He had seen his type many times before especially after wars.
“No more beating this time boy, we dealt with you long enough,” he said, raising his sword.
He started swinging down with all of his force, a hand lurched out of the darkness catching his wrist. Corvus turned, seeing the caravan man holding his arm. The man stood there his dark cloak covering most of his features peering over to see the boy. The boy, a look of surprise crossed his face eyeing the sword and the hand that had stopped it in disbelief.
“Last I checked public executions had to be ordered by the king.” The man said, still holding the arm firmly and looking at the boy.
Corvas stood there in surprise turning to the man.
He is a criminal and a curse on this city and I will do my duty to the king, Corvas said with conviction freeing his hand from the man.
I will take the boy, the man said lowering his hand. I am only in the city for one night before I move towards Talonde. I'm a simple farmer and I could use the extra hand for work curse or no curse. I need help harvesting the crops the man said
corvas turned back towards the boy and raised his sword again
“I can pay for him twenty gold pieces,” the man said, sounding desperate. Corvas paused and lowered his sword “Twenty pieces and if I ever see him again I will not hesitate to run him through on the spot.” The soldiers dropped the boy he landed on the ground with a loud splash, the pooled water on the cobblestone being displaced violently. Corvas turned to the guards, let them through he shouted a tinge of anger still in his voice. Distant thunder boomed against the rain.
The man removed a pouch from under his cloak and gave it to Corvas; he then helped the boy to his feet. Thoranst let out a large sigh of relief.
Get out of my sight Corvas said turning away
Poor boy you really drew the short lot Talon thought as he led the boy away from the courtyard and into the streets.
“What was that all about?” Thoranst said, looking at corvas. He is just a boy, he said As they walked into the tower.
Sorry for that friend, that cursed child has been a thorn in my side for too many seasons, he said eyes smoldering.
Orphanage to orphanage he’s traveled with death and strange occurrences following close behind. They kicked him out of every orphanage in this city after bad omens appeared. After that, he started to rob our caravans. He's gotten me in a lot of trouble with the nobles he said clenching his teeth. The memory of that day was the day he had almost lost everything his post his status. I'm glad to be rid of him although I would have preferred to run him through for the trouble he's caused.
Shifting uncomfortably he spotted the ale in the corner of the room. The few wet barrels had already been dragged in.
“Awe King Lot will be most pleased with this ale. They say Brigem Brew is one of the best,” Throanst said, pointing back to the first cart.
Corvas snapped back to himself, his expression changing back to normal. Yes, quite would you care to accompany me to the royal banquet?
That would be lovely. Thoranst said stroking his mustache even the thought of a banquet made his mouth water; it had been days since he had a decent meal.
Corvas called over two soldiers “Grab the cart and load the ale we leave for the keep.”
Colt struggled to walk down the streets, the uneven wet cobblestone almost robbing him of his balance with each step. the mysterious stranger prodding him from behind to keep him moving. His thoughts focused on the future would not death be better than being a slave no he had to survive and had to keep going but he wasn't sure why. He had heard of the slaves that worked the fields most died from beatings their owners were dissatisfied with the progress or a grievance they had. Some slaves died because the owner missed their morning ale with breakfast or didn’t bed their wife that night. I wished I had never been born, he thought, glancing up at the three-story wooden building. The shield-shaped sign swinging in the wind dripping wet had a blue horse in a field on it. The windows blasted light into the street. The door was bulky with rods of iron running in between the wood. The circle nob on the left side matching the iron rods was in the shape of a horse.
The man's hand reached out pulling the knob the latch released letting the light fill the whole street making the falling rain visible. The room was filled with tables, soldiers, and common folk eating, drinking, and dancing. This was the Blue Horse Inn colt that had been outside a few times trying to get any scrapes that had been discarded. The smell and sweet music had always made him feel a little better even after a beating; he always wondered what the inside looked like. The innkeeper stood behind the large rectangular table next to the stairs leading up. His fat round rosy cheeks perfectly matched his big toothy grin. His short brown hair with a circle bald spot in the middle. His tunic and pants were covered in stains and a few tears in the fabric.
What can I do for ya he bellowed his cheeky grin in full view as he looked us over.
Just a room for two the man said, walking over and reaching on his other side revealing another pouch and a dagger in its sheath showing an intricately carved moon crest on the pommel of the blade. Pulling out two gold coins and placing them firmly on the table.
“Sure thing, friend, second room on the right. Let me know if you need anything. We have some of the best roast pork in the land. He then ducked under the table coming back with a key in his hand.”
“Here you go,” he said, handing the key the large black key with two massive teeth on the front end.
“Will that be all,” he asked
Yes, the man said as the other man started Moving to another group of people drinking on the other side of the table their laughter wafted over to them in great waves.
The wooden stairs creaked as Colt slowly made his way up the stairs. Each step up was increasing in difficulty, his breath got heavy and his heart was pounding faster. The warmth of the building reinvigorated his body, the pains that had been silent now screaming for attention. Reaching the second floor the hallway leads down a few rooms on each side. A small iron number stood proudly on each door.
The one on the right, the man said, then pulled out the key. The door latch unlocked with a loud clank of metal on metal and the door creaked open. Two small simple beds on both sides of the room and a small window in between the light patter of the rain hitting the window. A small wooden nightstand stood close to the door along with an old wooden rocking chair, a single-lit candle giving off a dim light for the room. Loud laughter still echoed through the entire building.
The left one is your bunk for the night, the man said, taking over his cloak and revealing short curly black hair that had started the process of graying. His eyes were different in the fact there seemed to be some sort of warmth emanating from those dark brown eyes. Never had he seen this warmth in anyone that had looked at him. Hate, fear, or annoyance was the usual. He hobbled over to the bed looking away from the man's eyes. They made him feel uncomfortable and he quickly climbed into the bed. With the soft hay underneath the sheet, he couldn’t believe how long it had been since he had slept in a bed.
Oh almost forgot the man said reaching into his pouch and tossing a biscuit over to Colt. He caught it eyeing it over in disbelief.
“We got quite the journey tomorrow, better get some of your strength back,'' he said sitting down on the other bed.
Salty buttery sensations filled Colt's mouth as he devoured the biscuit trying to savor the sensation but quickly devouring the whole thing. To have something not rotten or mostly consumed was truly special. Thanks, he said, still not making eye contact. He rolled over in the bed facing the wall. The man stood, blew out the candle, and proceeded back to his bed, the creaking wooden planks following every step.
Music flowed through the keep as the musicians gracefully moved with their instruments masterfully hitting all of the keys and notes. They stood in the front corner, all of their instruments neatly held by each one. The three massive tables formed an archway with many nobles feasting on pork roast and all manners of delicious morsels. Silver plates lined the tables with great brass goblets full to the brim with ale. Rain pounded on the intricate glass-painted windows surrounded by thick stone and a few torches illuminated every inch of the room. Three massive golden chairs with their giant gems stood at the center of the archway. King Lot sat in the center one his golden bejeweled crown glistened in the torchlight giving off red and blue light from the gems. His golden locks fell to his shoulders, his beard dripping with fat as he raised the chicken thigh to his lips, chomping down with a great crunch. Next to him sat the queen several years younger than the king; she sat eyeing the knights and noblemen around the table with lustful intent. On the other side is a man in a cloak. The middle of the cloak was blue with the sides being a tan color. His arms folded his elbows revealed large symbols down to his fingers. A blank expression plastered across his face as he eyed the merrymaking. A few noblemen and women danced in the center of the tables.
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More ale the king demanded throwing back his cup and greedily consuming the drink. A slight burp escapes while slamming the cup down. A servant holding a vase came quickly refilling the king's drink.
“What is it with you religious types not able to partake in any pleasure?” Lot said, lifting the cup back to his lips.
“Thunderbreakers are strict in our code of conduct; we do enjoy more mild manner creature comforts.”
Lot chucked “What's the point of having power if not to enjoy the most deserving of comforts” grabbing another chicken thigh and pulling it towards his mouth. Ale and fat dripping off his beard steadily
“We are not all-powerful. All Mana comes from the great divine who gave a sliver to man to protect and take care of his creation.” Rejecting some comforts is a small price to pay to be able to serve the great divine.”
“Hogwash if the great divine cared about his creation he wouldn't have put so many incompetent peasants here.” Enough talk of this religion is dampening my mood. Lot said finishing the last meat on the chicken thigh with an irritated look on his face.
Very well the Thunderbreaker said, turning his attention back to the court. The loud music and dancing were very strange to him. The temples of Atruinum had always been silent other than the occasional blast of thunder. He longed to finish his work and return to his real mission of Teaching about the divine creator. “One more day,” he thought
Two torches next to the great wooden doors at the opening of the room flicker out darkness slightly overtaking the room, their smoke rising towards the ceiling. The retraction of light was immediate and started to expound as the rest of the torches began to follow suit. The musicians stopped playing, and a stern expression overtook them glancing over at the torches going out one by one. Their smiles faded, lowering the instruments. The whole room fell silent and a now audible slight breeze could be heard, the faintest howl of wind moving through the room. As the whole of the room watched the last torch go out. An eerie feeling washed over the room as everyone seemed to be holding their breath.
“What is the meaning of this?” Lot shouted, his eyes fixed on the spot where the last torch used to be. A blue light erupted from the Thunderbreaker as blue streaks of lightning blasted around his body as he jumped atop the table his body crackling with power. The blue light gave enough light to see the disturbed occupants in the room. The Thunderbreaker's vibrantly glowing blue eyes scanned the room as the lightning arced around him. Several soldiers dazed for a moment, straightening up and pulling their swords; a few of them headed towards the first torch. A shrill scream burst through the silence, the queen scrambling to get away from the king's seat. Blue light shone brightly as the Thunderbreaker turned towards the king. His veins had all turned black bludging up against the pale skin.his hair turned gray then white as it fell out in great handfuls. Mouth foaming as a twisted look of pain stood frozen on his face. The queen kept screaming as his body began to spasm and shrink all of the king's muscles evaporating, leaving only bone and skin. The body slumped and then dropped against the table. Terror filled the room as all of the nobles and musicians screamed running for the exit. Plates' goblet instruments fell to the floor as the mass of people proceeded toward the exit.
Flame erupted from Thoranst's fist shooting out and hitting one of the torches as he stood up the brilliant flame emanating from his fist and the torch. Corvas stood still, frozen eyes locked on the king Then on Throranst. “Lock down the court” he yelled with authority looking toward the soldiers and knights.
“You're a Fireslinger,” Corvas said with a look of bewilderment Thoranst, his hand still on fire, shot eight more bolts of fire hitting each torch and restoring the once-illuminated room. The knights and soldiers quickly moved to each exit and entrance forming a wall. Their crested shields and swords were drawn. The Thunderbreaker stood atop the table, his blue lightning flashing around his electrifying gaze scanning the scene. Nothing seemed to be a miss even with his enhanced eyesight he could see nothing except the electrical impulses coming off of the men as their muscles moved and hearts beat the faint blue light shining through their bodies. No one was using any mana other than the Fireslinger a moment ago he thought finishing his search. Turning off his Athos the lightning and blue light faded as he turned back toward the king. The body looked as if it had been dead for weeks; everything had shrunk and decayed even the now visible bone appeared brittle and yellowing
“What could have done this,” he thought as thoranst walked over to him corvas closely behind. The area is secure, Thoranst said, looking over to the body with revulsion a slight bit of ale creeping up the back of his throat.
“By the great divine,” Corvas said, looking over the remains.
Did you see anything thoranst said turning his gaze to the Thunderbreaker.
Nothing he said this shouldn’t be possible, he thought.
“I have never seen something this vile and evil.” Surely the king did not deserve this. He had been a bit untasteful but was in good graces with the church he thought.
“What do we do now,” Thoranst said, recomposing himself and looking away from the king.
“I will inquire of the order in this matter. May their wisdom and the grace of the great divine bring justice for King Lot. Does the king have any next of kin?
“A cousin is the closest of kin with a claim to the throne. He is away on a hunting trip.`Thoranst said,`` He is young, oh so very young he thought. sitting down on a chair glancing back towards the knight's swords still drawn. Not much good they would do. The king was killed right in front of all of them. Whatever killed him targeted him specifically, the thought triggered his mind to replay the events. The only thing that came back was nothing the night had seemed like any other.
A disappointed confused expression stood plastered on his face looking down at the floor mulling his thoughts over.
“Will you send for him? '' the Thunderbreaker said, breaking his train of thought.
“I'm afraid I can't do that. I’m a humble caravan guard. I only learned of the king's cousin by the chatter at the table. I know not where to send for him, `` Thornast said, turning over to Corvas and raising his thick red eyebrow.
“Yes, I will send someone at once Gareth” Corvas shouted his demeanor changing his mind now focused and alert.
Whipping back around “Holy one I did not catch your name” corvas inquired his full self returned.
“Sartas what is your station soldier”
“I’m the gatekeeper,” he said with pride
Then I leave this in your charge. I will send word when I get back to the Holy Land. He said hastily making his way to the door. The knights parted letting him pass. Corvas looked over to Thoranst
“What do we do now”
“Call for the Undertakers and prepare the funeral rights,” Thoranst said, letting out a long sigh.
Light blazed through the window, startling Colt awake. Was it truly morning? He thought he hadn’t slept like this since the orphanage. His mind remembered the events from the night, his body still sore under the arms where the soldiers had held him. The man he thought turning over in bed to see the man in his cloak, the hood covering his head. He was leaning back in the chair against the wall. His dark brown eyes peered into his soul. A smirk across his face
“Sleep well,” he said not taking his eyes off of him. Throwing his weight forward the chair lurching forward his feet hitting the planks with a thud.
“Yeah, I did,” he said quietly. thinking back on everything he felt like he owed the stranger no one had ever done anything for him. Thanks for saving me sir but I don't have much value I don’t know what you intend to do with me but I'm not very fast I am uncoordinated my body is pretty broken I don’t know much good working on the farm.
We will discuss this in due time he said his grin growing a little wider. You will accompany me to Toland where I have a proposition for you. You can decide to take it or not to take it, come back here and try your luck at stealing for however long that lasts he said with a snort.
Colt looked a little unsure but the image of Corvas's sword kept flashing back in his mind. Okay, he said gulping. Trust no one, the voice in his head said the voice that had kept him alive all this time. Glancing back over to the window the light brilliantly yellow beaming through. What had happened to the storm he thought he had heard that it was going to last one more day. Were the townspeople wrong?
Dong the loud sound echoing followed by another ten dongs the bell from the church blasted loudly penetrating the wooden structure with ease. Why would they be ringing the bell he thought just as the man stood up.
Best be off he said but first things first we need to get you some new clothes can’t have you traveling like that. They made their way down the stairs and several men stood passed out on the floor loud snoring, their bodies covered in sweat and vomit. A small group stood just outside with the main door open. To see a group of soldiers one of them barked, getting his attention. just outside the door to a small group of soldiers walking the streets. What's going on he asked
“The king is dead, all townsfolk will attend the funeral at noon, tell your friends, and may the great divine be with us,” he said as the group held a small stack of papers they were hanging up on the building they passed by. Several papers were already lining the street with somber-looking soldiers as they carried out their duty posting more papers.
Well, we better hurry then the man said, turning back to Colt's smirk still on his face. We got to get to the tailor before noon, he said winking. It surprised Colt that he hadn’t seemed at all upset; usually, grown-ups would be upset with this kind of news or at least a little more stern-looking. They made their way down the street, the old wooden building turning a lighter brown as they dried off small puddles collected in the uneven cobblestone. The tailor had a small shield with a shirt on the front of it hanging right outside the wooden door. The moment they enter the door a man with dark hair and a plump face scowled at Colt. Get out of here he shouted then turned his attention back to the man.
“Quite the reputation you have here,” the man said then turned back towards the tailor. “He's with me, the lad needs a new set of clothes. I have 2 silver pieces plus a bronze if you have some shoes.`` The tailor stood puzzled for a minute then proceeded to look through the smaller shirts on the side of the room. The room was filled with clothes. Three-fourths of the room was filled with peasant and working-class clothes, the ruff tunics and trousers unevenly sewn together. Right behind his desk stood the noble clothes, the ornate buttons, and velveted gold-lined ruffled shirts a stark reminder of their nobility.
The tailor returned a few moments later tossing the clothes and shoes over to Colt not wanting to get close to him with a disgusted look on his face. Turning back to the man, hand extended and palm out. The man shuffled through the pouch pulling the coins and depositing them in his hand. If our business is done then there's the door he said promptly turning around. Colt quickly threw on the new clothes and shoes. It felt good to be completely covered and his feet now had some padding. The man grabbed the old rags and tossed them into a pile of scraps in the corner then they went out the door.
Why was this stranger being so friendly to me? Colt contemplated why he had bought me clothes, given me food, and saved my life. What proposition could he have for me? Is he lying and I'm a slave to be sold or does he plan to have me killed and brought nice clothes for a funeral? Nothing seemed to make sense the more Colt thought about it. One thing came back into his mind he had never asked the stranger's name.
Excuse me mister I didn’t catch your name Colt said. Talon said moving towards the courtyard not slowing down. A large group of soldiers stood at the gate inspecting everyone coming in and out Corvas stood atop the tower directing traffic as people were cleared or stepped to the side. Colt scrambled to get closer to Talon hiding right behind them as they approached the soldiers.
Two leaving for Toland Talon said the soldier was eyeing him and glancing over to Colt. He then looked towards Corvas who looked down and gave a thumbs up.
You may proceed, he said coldly.
The trip had been quite enjoyable, passing by many streams and forests. Small hills that curved leading up to domineering mountains, their white crested tops blending in with the clouds in the sky... The rocky road had been pleasant to walk on with the shoes; the small rocks couldn’t be felt through the thick soul of the shoe. They had stopped a few times to eat more biscuits or collect some water from a river. The sun started to dip down when they crested the last hill overlooking a valley. There in the center of the valley was a small town with small wooden buildings. The first thing Colt noticed was there wasn't a wall around the town. His whole life he had grown up knowing the sturdy walls confining stony walls that seemed to keep order.
“Just in the nick of time,” Talon said, taking a moment to take the sight of the city in. Well, we best finish up. I'm ready to get to business. He said giving another signature smirk that Colt had seen the whole trip. Talon seemed to smile way too much for any person the colt had ever met. Passing into the entrance of town two soldiers stood on both sides of the road not moving or even glancing as they entered the town. The building looked to be newer, the wood not showing any signs of rot or decay. Small red and white balloon-shaped lanterns lit the small rocky streets in between buildings. There is red and white light beaming through the town giving it color.
Many commoners stood outside the buildings staring out into the distance or talking to each other. Most of the clothing was fairly rouged but looked good for normal commoner apparel. They passed the shield with the boar on it which started to make Colt feel uneasy. Where would they be staying the night he thought just as they came to an older-looking two-story building. A large forge stood outside its red-hot coals beamed as distorted light swirled from the heat. A large muscular man stood stoking the coals. His arms bulged as he pressed down on the large fan sending air into the coals. His thick mustache was in stark contrast to his bald head his large pointed nose was black and covered in soot and dirt. His skin was tanned and battered with a few scrapes and burns in view.
“Talon,” he said with a smile on his face as he walked over to them, extending his hand. The hand was covered in scars and burn marks.
“Barick, it's been too long,” he said, taking his hand with a firm grip. “How’s Seph been doing?'' he said, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.” his face quickly reshapes to one that a person makes when they get a bad headache. “She’s headstrong, arrogant, and inexperienced but she has done everything I have asked of her. I have come to think of her as one of my own but I do miss Philip right about now.”
Well, I did say it wouldn't be easy but that she did have a good heart he chuckled. As for Phillip, he should be arriving in the morning with everyone else. With that news, Barick's face lit up with a joyful expression.
What's the job he said changing his expression back to a serious one that seemed to be his natural facial expression.
We will go over all of that in the morning as for our previous business did the client make good on his end of the deal?
“Yeah, the cart showed up a few hours before you did. All of the gold accounted for all fifty thousand pieces of gold.” although it seems to be a little small for killing a king. “
“Well, it may not be the largest amount but having a king in the courts will help our cause tremendously.”
Colt stood frozen for a moment digesting the new information. He had been the one who killed the king. Emotions washed over Colt mostly out of surprise. How had he been the one to kill the king he saved him and then went to the inn. Who was this man? He thought his eyes going wide. Just as Barick noticed him behind Talon.
Who’s the young lad he said sizing him up with a disappointed grin.
This is Colt. He has quite the reputation and I have some intuition that he could be of the utmost importance to our crew along with a special type of kinship.
Oh, he said still eyeing him over. Looks to me like he has missed a few meals and took a few too many beatings.
“Yes yes, Catlin will see to that when she arrives in the morning.”
A massive crash turned everyone's attention down the road a cart stood on its side its contents splattered all over the floor as a young woman soared above it. A furious-looking man eyeing her stopped for a moment by the cart. She landed on the road rolling forward and turning back towards the man with a grin and sticking out her tongue then turning back around she raced towards them. the man in hot pursuit behind her. She dashed through the street and then slid on the dirt sending her body scooting right under the cart. The man running over paused for a moment out of breath then looked up to see Barick.
His eyes widened, his determination dimming. What seems to be the problem here Barick said grumpily.
“That little terror started a fight with my son and his two friends” Barick let out a large sigh it won’t happen again.
The man crouched down making eye contact with the girl her dark brown eyes and shiny black hair tucked to the side of her rouged face.
Someone needs to teach you some manners if not me someone else will wipe that smug look off your stupid little face.
Barick reached down grabbed the man by his collar and lifted him off his feet with one hand. The muscles bulged in his arm and his forehead.
I said it won’t happen again his voice more powerful than a hurricane. The man's face shrunk his eyes darting to the ground with a docile look.
Barick released him with a shove the man tumbling to the dirt, quickly scrambling to his feet and speedily moving away.
“Seph” he boomed.
The girl slid out in a flash and rose to her feet.
“It wasn’t my fault those privileged pigs were asking for a whooping honest. Although I wish I had gotten a few more licks in before the dad came screeching out.”
Her eyes finally noticed the two figures standing next to Barick. Her eyes lit up as they settled on Talon, her face beaming.
“Talon” she shouted with joyful glee It's been too long I'm ready for some more advanced training.
Didn’t I ask you to learn some more restraint and discipline last time I left? Looking towards the girl her dirty tunic and dirty ripped tan pants looked like they had seen better days.
“It's been three days without a fight i'd say that is more than enough discipline being around this crowd.”
Barick grunted exhaling a vein on his forehead still visible. Okay, what punishment this time I can polish all the swords and spears that I have done over and over. Not that they have ever had a moment to collect dust.
Take Colt to the guest room two he said motioning towards me. She glanced over the first time noticing the small figure not showing any interest. “Talon and I still have a few things to discuss before the others arrive. We will talk about your lateness spat at a later time.
Seph turned to gesture for Colt to follow her into the shop where the two disappeared. A moment later Barick turned back to Talon
“How bad is it he said his brow furling?”
Worse than I could have ever hoped for talon said sighing The kingsmen are determined to appoint one of their own to rule. The church believes by the right of the great divine that the church should rule. That with the rule of the church peace will reign supreme. Even the nobles are left with few options other than to side with one side or lose nobility if the other side wins. By this time next year, we could see a monarchy of sorts.
Barick's mouth dropped open “Oh Great Divine” his hand reached up rubbing his bald head.
There are a few hold-outs a few nobles too pompous to service anything resembling a self-appointed king. Although the longer it drags on the more funeral rights will be arranged for them.
“What of the merchants guild? I can't see them being happy about giving up their seats on the one hundred and giving all their wealth to a side. ”
“They're more concerned about a dagger being served than a few new tax laws that being said a few may try some drastic measures to ensure their wealth is safeguarded.” Richard will know more when he gets here in the morning.
Barick scoffed well that's the best news I heard I have been working on my accent for him a grin coming back to his face then fading as quickly as it came. We're not an army talon not even soldiers is there any chance? If he brings in the army we won't be able to sustain any kind of fight.
“I know I have a few ideas on how to do that. A little chaos he said raising his hand towards the gold in the chest.”
“I can’t see Kaitlin too thrilled about that”
Nothing to worry some we will be sure to keep as many of the common folk out of it. The longer this drags on though we might not have any other option as to not get involved with them.
“Much to think about for one night you know the way to your room. I would recommend some rest you look like you haven't seen a decent night in a while.” Barick said returning to the forge.
If only the dead weren't so noisy the sleep would be most appreciated he thought going into the building.
Colt followed Seph into the building the walls were lined with bows, spears, hailbards, and all manner of knight armor. A few mannikins decked out with a full set stood in a way as if to be guards for the shop. Pelts of animals adorned the wall next to a few torches. They passed into the next room a large space with several counters a fire blazed in the center a black pot hanging over. A staircase leading up opens into a hallway with a few doors and toches on each side of the hallway.
This is your room she pointed to a puzzled look on her face she hadn’t said anything to him the whole walk in but he got the impression that she wanted to ask something. She looked to be the same age as him around thirteen.
What’s your name she asked now getting a closer look in the light of the torches an unimpressed look.
“Colt,” he said softly not making eye contact and looking towards the room. Inside a bed, a dresser with an ivory candle stuck on it. A board-up window was the only contrast to the plank walls.
Where did Talon find you she said snapping him out of thought his eyes darting back to look at her.
Lottium he said sheepishly
One of those city folk I see she chuckled not much here to look at but the town does have its advantages anyway” She then went into the room right across from Colts and plopped on the bed. swinging her hand in the air the door slammed shut in unison with her hand. Colt's heart quickened as he stood staring in disbelief he had never seen anyone use mana before he had heard about it although seeing it for the first time was a bit unsettling. Turning towards his bed, going in and closing the door the normal way. How did she do that he thought?