The Knight of Honor (The Arising Evil, Book 1)

by Ulysses Troy

  “But I am noble, Ser! There are rumors about him. A Vampire within the ranks of the Brotherhood, roaming in the woods and drinking the innocent’s blood. Folk want to ignore these rumors as they are about the Brotherhood, but I know some of them are true indeed. And Eddon, he was always a good lad who never liked to lie, well, at least if it is not for a couple of more corns.”

  This Vampire . . . it can be the one that the bandit had mentioned . . . Retlaff. “Can you take us to this cousin of yours?”

  “Of course, noble Sers. He lives in the shack just next to mine.”

  ***

  Eddon’s shack was a small one, but it appeared to provide enough of a space for its owner, as Eddon was an unmarried young man who lived alone and did not have any desire for luxury or even decency. He had only one table, one grate, and one bed in his house, which he was lying on right now. But at least it seemed as if he were able to feed himself well, as he was a bit fleshy, especially for his age.

  “I saw him, I saw him with my own eyes! His were as red as newly spitted blood! And his skin was as white as the moon, just as his hair, but he was not of old age!” Eddon scratched his feet, still lying on the bed. His voice was full of thrill and had an active feel, contrary to his lazy looks.

  “This Vampire, where did you see him?” Conrad asked.

  “And how?” The Baron asked too, while Merlon was examining the apple tree outside the shack, apparently wondering if he could manage to sniff some without alarming any of the villagers.

  Eddon stretched his feet again. He looked as if he had all the time in the world; he was in no hurry. “With a few lads from the village, I was tracing a lost sheep, the newbie Daisy. Following her tracks, we entered the forest, but I lost the rest of the group near the old oak in the forest. That’s where I saw the Vampire. With his men, he was feasting over a Knight’s fresh body! The Knight’s blood and internal organs were everywhere! I would have puked if I hadn’t seen Old Germon’s butchering skills before. It was the Vampire and the Brotherhood!”

  “Feasting?” The Baron was disgusted. “And the knight, do you remember his banner or sigil?”

  “No,” Eddon said. “But I remember him wearing a shield painted blue!”

  “One of the Knights I mentioned were carrying a blue shield too, noble Sers.” Eddon’s older cousin spoke. “I think that’s why they never returned.”

  “It is . . . hideous,” Edmond said to the man, making a wry face.

  “You said to you saw them near the ‘old oak’, where exactly is it?” Conrad asked Eddon.

  “It’s in the middle of the Forest, no way you would miss that. It’s the largest tree I have ever seen.”

  “Yes, noble Ser. The oak has been there for centuries; it is probably even older than our village.”

  “And do you know something about . . . a castle in the forest? Did the bandits mention something about it?”

  “A castle?” Eddon paused for a moment. “No, but I was able to watch the Vampire and his men until they left. I saw them heading for the Oak’s east. They were carrying the spoils they had just seized from the Knight’s party.” Maybe they were carrying them to their secret base, the mysterious castle of Unac’h Dorn. A castle no one except one bandit knows about. It is not much of a track, not at all, but still worth trying.

  “Thank you,” Conrad said and turned to the Baron. “I guess now we know where to search.”

  “Wait!” Eddon called out to them. “If you are going to face the Vampire, I heard onions help a lot with killing it. I have plenty under the crate and I can sell them at a good . . .”

  “Thanks for the help again, but I doubt onions would stop this ‘Vampire.’ I think steel will be enough.” Conrad showed his sword to the man as he was sure it could spill the Vampire’s blood without any struggle.

  ***

  The Jade Forest was a big green mess with its never-ending trees and naturally chaotic appearance. The forest was widely known all across Baltaire for its untamed nature and the mysterious secrets it had hidden within for centuries. As far as Fenhir The White, a capable scholar, and Conrad’s old friend taught him, the forest was much older and mightier than the humans who now resided near it. It was written on dusty parchments in old archives that when the ancestors of the current Baltarians arrived at the forest hundreds of years ago for the first time and started to use its resources for their needs, the forest resisted their attempts to tame it. And after all those years, it was still fighting against the common man. Folk said that if a woodsman tried to cut one of its trees, it would just grow two more, and if a huntsman tried to hunt its deer, he would be lost inside the forest without a single trace.

  Back on his way to LaPellás, a wandering merchant he encountered on the road, who was familiar with the forest, said some local peasants do not even drink from the forest’s lakes to avoid offending its ‘soul’. They had strong fears that, if they offended the forest’s soul, it may send its wraiths to punish them with evil methods, as it did to their ancestors. The merchant said at one point that local folk even insisted on bringing a holy priest to sanctify the area, but the temple did not send any, as it was uninterested in their supernatural beliefs about the forest. Conrad didn’t know how much of these tales about the forest’s wicked nature were real, but he knew they were at least as old as the forest itself. More than any of them, more than their cultures, and maybe gods and beliefs.

  The three men, the tireless adventurer Conrad of Battum, the noble Baron Edmond de Gannát, and the gallant servant Merlon were traveling together under the woods of the Jade forest in order to find the mysterious castle of Unac’h Dorn and save Conrad’s friend Gavise of Beocur from the vile hands of the Brotherhood of The Dark Horse. Even though back at the plains, Merlon had tried hard to convince the Baron to let him come with them because of his fear of Lady de Gannát’s fury, he was incessantly trying to persuade the group to go back, as he was worried about the dangers that the forest might conceal.

  There was something that made them feel uncomfortable while traveling under the woods of the Jade Forest. Maybe the stories about the forest were true after all, or maybe they were only feeling that way because the stories existed at all.

  Even though it had been an hour since they entered the forest, they still had no single track nor evidence to confirm the existence of a castle nearby, but it was actually a good sign: They must be on the right track, as there was a good reason why the Brotherhood chose Unac’h Dorn as a secret base for their operations. Unac’h Dorn had to be hard to discover.

  Because of the thick trees, their horses were having a hard time trying to advance through the forest. The Baron spoke as he tried to steer his horse to evade a large and mighty oak. “Before our departure, I managed to talk with some people who may know about this group of bandits. Baron de Lounchat, a few local knights, Ser Robard and some of his men and a wandering merchant.”

  “Were you able to find something useful?” Conrad asked the Baron.

  “Something, but I don’t know how useful it would be. No one really knows much about this ‘Brotherhood of The Dark Horse’, even though they have been active in these lands for years.”

  Conrad thought about the fancy name of the group. In Baltaire, it was not uncommon for bandit groups to call themselves intimidating names, but that one was far too specific and strange. “Their name . . . .is rather an interesting one.”

  After making sure the route of his horse was safe from the trees, the Baron looked to his left, at Conrad’s face. “Knights and the Baron did not know about that much, but the merchant said they named themselves after the famous horse of their leader, The Dark Rider, a mysterious figure leading the Brotherhood since the beginning. Rumors say he mounts a gigantic and robust war stallion with skin as dark as the inside of the deepest cave.”

  Merlon, riding on the Baron’s right side, was not happy with what he had just heard. He talked with an exaggerated and loud voice to attract the Baron’s attention. “My Baron, th
ese are dangerous men, at least consider bringing some reinforcements!”

  “It is too late for that now. If we return to LaPellás and try to find the castle again starting from there, we can never make it to the beginning of the contest.”

  As Merlon started to grumble silently, the Baron rode his horse towards Conrad’s and asked him a question. “It appears that we are still quite a way ahead. Would you like to talk about how you met with Veron?”

  “Veron and I are old friends. We met many years ago, in a village far south named Fenesse, and we have been traveling together from land to land since.”

  “All across Baltaire?”

  “Mostly, but we also have seen other lands.” Conrad thought about them. “We were only able to see a very small part of Utornia, but we traveled in Jamedia for nearly a year.”

  Suddenly, Merlon joined the conversion. “I really wanted to eat some eggs.” He ogled. “People say there are more eggs in Jamedia.”

  “Yes." Conrad said. “It appears that the flu did not strike Jamedian chickens.”

  “I would want to travel to faraway lands too, Ser Conrad, but unfortunately, I have a duty to my subjects, a duty which greatly restricts my freedom,” Edmond said. “I would especially like to see the Empire of Carasson and the holy temple of Amnar with my own eyes.”

  “Once I met with a scholar in the market. He said Carasson is the most advanced and prosperous realm in all Bralon,” Merlon said while Conrad thought about Carasson. Fenhir had said Carasson was the only living heir of the mightiest civilization and political structure in the whole known word that ever existed: the Grand Empire of Carcaon. Once, the Grand Empire ruled Bralon from the Uncrossed Borders in the West to the start of the Endless Sea in the East. But after a great event, it was divided into four Empires, and Carasson was the only one to remain. It was the most powerful state in all Bralon, yet it was often known as the land of peace, as since the rule of the White Senate begun, Carasson had never been at war, and preserved the peace in the lands under its rule. Their customs and religion were different, but Conrad doubted if they were not better than theirs, from every imaginable aspect.

  “Carasson seems to be interesting, my Baron, but have you ever thought about what lies beyond the Endless Sea? Or beyond the Uncrossed Borders? That would be my choice.” Conrad said.

  “The world must end somewhere, Ser Conrad. I think they are just the veils of God, protecting us, and keeping us away from places where we have no business to be.”

  “Maybe the cursed hell sits under the Endless Sea and the Holy Heaven floats above the lands beyond the Uncrossed Borders? Who knows?” Merlon spoke.

  “Maybe,” Conrad said, turning his face to the Baron. “You said Veron mentioned me?”

  “Yes, and I am glad he did. He told me about your greed deeds, Ser Conrad. How you slew the Rogue Baron and put an end to his vile and tyrannical rule. He told me how you saved the folk of Nullfort from a dark curse, and how you killed three witches who were enemies of the Holy Faith in single combat.”

  “Veron is . . . an exaggerating type. Most of the things he told you are not real or rather too far fetched.”

  “I appreciate your endeavor for modesty, but he was not the only one who talked about your great deeds. After the things he said, I asked my subjects in Gannadár about you too. Smallfolk confirmed many of the tales that Veron had told me. And I owe you my life, Ser. I saw your bravery and skill firsthand. Humility is a virtue, but one must give credit where credit is due.”

  Conrad was sad. “Tomorrow, you will face the Black Knight. It will be a hard fight for you, perhaps the hardest fight you will join your whole life. It’s important to preserve your strength before facing such a deadly opponent. I am grateful for your assistance, but I think it’s better for you and Merlon to return to the plains.”

  “I gave you my word, Ser Conrad. A knight cannot go back on what he has sworn to do. I will fight alongside you against the Brotherhood as I promised, and I will save your friend.”

  Conrad nodded to Edmond. He knew it was useless to try to convince him; he couldn’t be convinced to return from his oath. And, even with him at his side, Conrad was not sure if he could beat the Brotherhood, as he had no idea what its exact force was. He didn’t even know if the bandit had told the truth about the departure of the Brotherhood’s greater force and the castle’s remaining weak numbers, and even if he had told the truth, Conrad may not be able to take all the remaining bandits alone. He needed every bit of help that had been offered to him. If they got lucky, they could sneak to the castle and save Gavise without bloodshed. And if they didn’t, they may lose their lives at the hands of the bandits. But Conrad lived with risk, just to pursue further risk. He knew the game he was playing; he always had.

  “The things I’ve heard about the forest; they don’t bode well.”

  “What kind of things are you talking about?” Conrad could imagine the content of the rumors, as he knew some of them, but still, he asked to learn more to be sure he was not going to miss a useful detail.

  “Folk say people have been disappearing near the woods for hundreds of years. Tales of kidnapped children and lost hunters have passed from generation to generation. Some even say the place is cursed.”

  “Smallfolk must hesitate to approach the forest and that definitely makes it an ideal place to hide.”

  “Yes. Bandits can really use this forest as a basement.”

  “I still think we are on the wrong track.” Merlon tried his luck one more time. “Please, noble Sers, what can they hope to steal or plunder in this obscure forest! There are no trade routes nearby and the closest village is tens of miles away.”

  “If you are not going to say anything but words of cowardice over and over, you’d better keep your mouth closed, servant.” This time, the Baron had gotten a little angry with Merlon’s never-ending attempts.

  “You bloody fucker.” Merlon murmured, but it was not silent enough, as Edmond was able to hear him.

  “What did you say?”

  Merlon quickly tried to cover it up. “Nothing, my Baron! Please spare me for the bad word I just used for . . .” He quickly shot a glance around and saw a stone in front of him. He pointed to it with his finger. “ . . . this bloody stone! I thought my horse was about to trip on it!”

  “Don’t use that mouth again, Merlon. I don’t want to hear these filthy words.”

  “Yes, my Baron!”

  ***

  The road to the old oak was covered with the thick shrubbery of the Jade Forest throughout. Merlon, the loyal and capable servant of House Gannát, was trying to turn the group from their path every three minutes. Even Conrad, a man especially known for his determination, was surprised with how dedicated Merlon was with his desire to persuade the group. He really likes to keep his hide safe. If it was not for the dry meat he had brought with him for the journey, he could have been even more persistent, but he was eating as he spoke. The Baron of Gannadár had not wanted him to bring any food or beverage along, as he thought the journey itself would be short, and bags full of rations would only slow their advance, yet Merlon had argued that he was bringing the food for the whole group to consume in the event of an emergency. And now, he was the only one to eat. I wonder how spicy cow meat can save our asses against possible dangers.

  After eating the last chicken wing, Merlon licked the remaining spice on his fingers, slurping his mouth. “I tell you, this Dark Rider is not an ordinary bandit roaming with a fucking club in his hands to rob a poor peasant’s socks! The townsfolk say once his gang slew a knight and his men under the Count’s service in a fair fight! Ser Conrad, maybe you should search for your friend somewhere else.”

  “Silence, servant.” The Baron of Gannadár said. “I am sure Ser Conrad is already bored with your cowardice. That Dark Rider and his followers, they all deserve to face justice. Lady Chanel says they have been staining these lands for months with the blood of honest men. She mentioned pillaged villages and pilgrim
s impaled into stakes, all done by the men of The Brotherhood.” Edmond looked with disgust.” If I did not have a duty over the subjects of LaPellás, I would have already dealt with these vile outlaws.”

  “Just like how you dealt with the Jameidans, my Baron,” Merlon said with a suggestive tone.

  Offended by his servant’s mockery, Edmond turned sharply to his servant and spoke to his face. “Jamedians did not fight with honor.”

  “Nor will these bandits.” Conrad intervened. “Nor would any other men who know the only way to survive is taking your opponent’s life, no matter what. You must not forget that.”

  “You may be right, Ser, but what does it change? No matter what, a knight has to fight with honor and never break the code of chivalry. If we don’t wield honor as our primary sword, then who else can?”

  After another hour of riding, the only person they had encountered was a shepherd, trying to find his lost herd in the woods. They had asked this shepherd some questions to find the castle, yet none of the answers he gave had sounded sane.

  “There is something about this forest, something wrong,” Merlon said, inspecting the green trees of the Jade Forest.

  “That shepherd back there, he looked like an honest man but did not make any sense.” The Baron was worried.

  “It is probably a madman, my Baron, just like that fella that saw a ‘Vampire’.” Merlon paused for a moment, to breathe. “But it could also be an omen from the Holy One. An omen that warns us about the dangers ahead. I think God may want us to turn back and . . .”

  “Exactly when did you start to be a religious man, Merlon?” Edmond asked his servant in a mocking tone. “The last time I remembered, you were swearing at a priest because he wanted some coins from you for a ceremony that you attended.”

  “That priest was a professional crook, my Baron. I can’t prove it, but I know a crook when I see one! No one in this world can doubt my unbreakable faith in the Holy One, except for you of course.”