The Heartfelt Saga

by Dustin De Felice

  Chapter 5

  March 28th, 770; The Farmer’s Region

  Craaack!

  Talon swung again.

  Craaack!

  This time the log split in two. Talon threw the two pieces onto the growing pile. He wiped his brow and looked up at the sky. To no one particular he said, “I wish I would have started this earlier. Day’s almost half over.”

  Craaack!

  The next log split.

  Thump thump thump.

  Talon stopped swinging his ax. He could barely hear it, but it was getting closer.

  Thump thump thump.

  Talon tossed his ax on top of the woodpile. He wasn’t sure, but it sounded like horses, a lot of horses. Talon made his way to the front of his cabin where he found he could make out a group of riders coming through the dust cloud. Talon hadn’t seen this many riders since he had been at the Trader’s Center and it struck him as unusual. The Farmer’s Region was so far away from the Castle that Talon’s house was closer to Redderin. Seeing such a large group of riders was virtually unheard of.

  While Talon was musing, the first of the horses came within eyesight. The first thing he noticed on the riders was the bright royal colors. Talon wasn’t sure what he had done to deserve a visit from the crown, but he imagined he would find out soon enough.

  The unusually hot day left the sun beating down and caused Talon to wipe his brow again. The five riders he could see must have thought the same thing, since they were barely wearing any armor. This left no doubt to the identity of the riders. Talon thought back to his years of service with the Royal Guard and was surprised he couldn’t recognize any of the mounted riders.

  As three more riders came into view, Talon stepped over to the side of the path and the entourage pulled to a stop followed by the next set of five. Two more riders than Talon first thought.

  Talon instantly recognized Blackheart, but before he could wave, he was forced to bow in recognition of Prince Christopher. He went down to one knee and as he waited he stole a quick glance up at Blackheart. He seemed to look the same as when he had last laid eyes on him, though it felt like such a long time ago.

  The Prince dismounted from Regal, his horse, and walked straight to Talon. “Stand tall before your Prince, Talon. How long have we known each other that we stand on such formalities.” Prince Christopher said while looking over the land around him. The Prince couldn’t remember the last time he had been this far out of Heartfelt.

  “I can only do my duty to honor my Prince, my lord.”

  “Posh…enough of this lord nonsense!” The Prince said with a broad wave of his hand.

  “As you wish.” Talon grinned. “My lord.”

  “You see Prince Christopher, how stubborn men never change!” Blackheart swung his leg over and dismounted, while looking around the old farm. Once before Blackheart had visited here, but long before the War of Occupation. He had spent time with Talon, his older brother, Barlow, and their father. The farm was full of activity back then. Now, it felt empty to Blackheart.

  “You are quite right Blackheart, not even time has changed him.” With a smile the Prince stared off into the distance.

  “Nice to see you remembered me, Blackheart.” Talon smiled to himself and realized how much he missed these two. He always hoped time would heal his wounds and he knew it was time to find out.

  “Remember Youuu!” The Prince’s attention was brought to Talon. “How will he ever forget one such as you. Can he ever forget the raid of the Redderin harvest or the charms of the Daughter of Massenberg or maybe the missing rum, of which my father has not forgotten…” Prince Christopher was ready to continue for a long time, but Talon stopped him.

  “Please my lord, you will tarnish my good name amongst new faces.” Talon looked over at the other Guardsmen and would swear that a few had smiles on their faces.

  “Your Prince cannot change the truth nor can he tarnish the Bastian name anymore than you have seen fit to.” Blackheart said as he walked towards Prince Christopher. “If we weren’t such good friends, and I use that term lightly, I would be embarrassed to be seen with the likes of you.” Blackheart knew that far too much time had passed between them. He really missed Talon and was happy to see him. Blackheart knew the Prince was a little more reserved in his opinion, since he needed Talon and wasn’t prepared to hear a no.

  Talon, still on one knee, started to wonder what had brought out such guests and he got the feeling it wasn’t for a social call. Talon left Heartfelt two years ago without looking back and had never set foot back there.

  Talon spent those years recovering from the losses he suffered after the war. The whole time he spent recovering he would often think about these two friends of his from the castle. He could feel the unanswered questions that the both of them had.

  The Prince placed his hand on Talon’s right shoulder and released him to rise. As soon as Talon stood, Blackheart commanded the detachment to dismount.

  “My lord, I don’t think you have ridden all this way to refresh my memory of our past deeds, nor to allow Blackheart the chance to change his mind about me. We have known each other for far too long to change those opinions.” Talon said as he placed his hand on Blackheart’s shoulder. He noticed how tired Blackheart looked and started to dread hearing what news had brought him out to the farm. Even with the heavy unanswered questions in the air, Talon couldn’t help just feeling happy to see Blackheart. The feeling was mutual and the men embraced.

  “This much is true Talon, although I am glad to see you. May we come inside?” Prince Christopher said and he waited for the invitation.

  “By all means. How long have ridden?” Talon stepped aside and gestured for both men to follow him.

  “It took us two days, with some detours.” The Prince took a moment to look around the farm and could only imagine how long Talon spent keeping ahead. It looked like a tough load for one person.

  “I understand. Your men can use the well around the side of the house and there is fresh feed by the stable entrance.” Talon pointed to the far side of the house. “Your mounts look exhausted.”

  “This is because you choose to live on the outskirts of the castle’s reaches. Sometimes I think you looked for the farthest spot and then added twenty feet.” Blackheart smiled at Talon and then excused himself for a moment.

  Talon watched as Blackheart addressed his men. He issued only one command. “Sentry positions.” Since this detachment was carrying a Prince, at least two men were required to stand guard, but Talon watched as four men assumed watch positions. The others saw to taking care of the horses. With the men in order, Blackheart followed Prince Christopher and Talon towards the house.

  “Please come in, but Blackheart must wipe his feet.” Talon shot Blackheart a look.

  The Prince grinned at the remark and said, “I cannot make any promises for Blackheart. He is as stubborn as you.” He stopped at the front door. “Shall we?” Christopher was comforted by the appearance of the farm. He had an idea of what Talon had gone through during the final stages of the War of Occupation and it looked like he had made it through those troubled times.

  Talon opened the door and escorted them inside. “Can I interest your men in some food or some ale?” There was a large jug of ale in the corner of the kitchen and Talon offered it to Blackheart for his men. Blackheart disappeared out the front door with the jug in hand. Talon watched him go and noticed the Prince sitting across the room with his eyes closed and his head settled into his hands. He looked exhausted. Talon could hear Blackheart talking to the Guardsmen and it wasn’t long before he came back into the house.

  “Let me see what else I can offer you, maybe something for you to drink Blackheart, to keep the conversation less one sided.” Talon said this as he opened the cupboard. He pulled down some loaves of bread, some cheese and three cups. Talon sat down with food and beverages and settled in, while Blackheart se
ttled into a chair opposite of the Prince. The memories of the adventures he had with these men were threatening to overwhelm him. Only a few survived those days and that number seemed to be shrinking.

  Talon’s attention went outside as he watched the Royal Guard as they filled up on water and supplies. They were passing around the ale Blackheart had taken out there. Eight seemed to be a lot of men for just an escort into Heartfelt territory. Talon could have sworn that, from his days with the Guard, only four escorts were required inside Heartfelt lands. Talon wasn’t sure he wanted to know what had brought about such changes in procedure.

  The Prince rubbed his eyes and adjusted himself in his seat. “I see you still keep your common sense on the mantel, Talon.” Prince Christopher settled deeper into his chair.

  “Yes, my lord and I see my lack of using it might prompt me to sell it to Blackheart.” Talon flashed a smile in Blackheart’s direction and a snicker added to it from the Prince’s direction.

  “I see your fast wit and sharp tongue have blossomed in this hermit lifestyle. We passed your last neighbor almost half a day’s ride away.” Blackheart laughed as he continued. “The conversations you must have with your chickens or maybe with that donkey you call a horse, eh Talon!’

  Talon’s horse is small, but Talon never left Blackheart with the last word and today wasn’t going to be any different.

  “Are you still sore from the day she tossed you clear across the Royal Parade Ground in front of everyone, including, oh, what was her name, Rosalyn? Grudges are not one of your better traits, being a Royal Guardsmen and all.” Talon smiled again at Blackheart and heard the Prince shift in his chair.

  This topic caught the Prince’s interest. “I don’t believe I have heard this story, Blackheart!” Curiosity showed on his face as he grinned towards Blackheart.

  “And never will you, nothing from me, bloody Prince or not. There won’t be a word coming from this old man, even if I am a Royal Man.” Blackheart crossed his arms and shut himself up. Many times Blackheart had wished Talon wasn’t the one who witnessed that debacle, since he had been secretly giving him a hard time since it happened. The last thing Blackheart wanted was to have to endure both men giving him a hard time.

  “It is no surprise you haven’t heard of the tale of Blackheart’s only love, well, that I know of anyway.” Talon didn’t want to change subjects, but this promotion was news to him. “What’s this about a Royal Man? Blackheart, you were promoted to Royalty.”

  Prince Christopher turned to Blackheart, “I intend to get this story out of you, but for now I will spare you any further embarrassment.” The Prince turned and concentrated on Talon. “Blackheart was promoted shortly after you left. As a matter of fact, he is currently Royal Man to the King and, as such, he is in charge of the military. But enough of that, you probably guessed that we didn’t come out here to make a social call. What have you heard of news lately?

  “Royal Man, in charge of the military. I guess I have missed a fair share, but to answer your question, I hear passing gossip if I encounter a traveler at the trading center. Unfortunately, it is run by a mute and our conversations are rather, uh, one sided.” Talon took a drink and continued. “I have overheard a few pieces of gossip though, and it all seems to be concerning the Northerns. A few months ago I even heard a story about Confidence Massenberg knocking Blackheart out. I thought these stories were just common gossip, but I assume by your visiting that I should have given them more credit.”

  “A mute trading post! You have definitely succeeded in become a hermit, as Blackheart so eloquently put it. Anyway, there is definitely truth to the gossip. We have been having problems with Confidence Massenberg and Confidence Pope for the past year.”

  Talon sat back in his chair as the Prince unfolded the events of the past year to him. Blackheart occasionally added some insights and explained how he was knocked unconscious. When they finished, Talon sat back even further, almost overwhelmed.

  “I didn’t realize how difficult things had become. Has nothing been heard from the Royal Messengers?”

  “No and still nothing from the Northerns.”

  “Has anything been done?”

  “Surprisingly, the King didn’t realize how serious things had become until a few months ago, though I guess it didn’t matter considering how harsh the winter had been. We never even entertained the thought of visiting up north.” The Prince paused to drink his ale.

  “Amazing. I really thought we wouldn’t see another war in Valerica for a long time after the last one.”

  “So did I, but it seems Massenberg has his own ideas about it. Blackheart and I have spent the last week with the Confidences from Redderin and Elizabeth Towne and the Townesmen from Hearttowne and Markham. As you can imagine, no one is interested in starting another war, but this boycott has to end before it really cripples the kingdom.”

  Blackheart continued for the Prince. “Redderin can’t afford to lose the trade this spring, since it is still recovering from the war. Elizabeth Towne wasn’t able to trade because of the harsh winter, so it is waiting for the spring to reopen the Teal River. Like Prince Christopher said, we have to stop this boycott. Not to mention putting a stop to the other ambitions the Northerns may have.”

  Talon nodded his understanding.

  “If the Northerns go through with this boycott, Blackheart and I have been placed in charge of recalling the army to put an end to this nonsense. For the time being though, the King wants to have a small contingent in Markham, just in case there is more to this then we are seeing.”

  “Why do you need a contingent in Markham? Isn’t the Royal detachment enough?”

  “A year ago it would have been, but my brother convinced the council that the budget couldn’t handle the cost, so all of the detachments were disbanded. Each of the Vassals became responsible for themselves.”

  “That is ridiculous!” Talon was shocked to hear about the poor decisions the castle had made. “I can’t believe that was passed.”

  “Prince Christopher and I fought it, but the army and the detachments weren’t considered necessary, since there was peace again in Valerica. During this past week, we were able to present a new plan to the council and because of the situation with the Northerns it was met with a unanimous decision; well with the Confidences present anyway.” Blackheart refilled his mug and broke off a piece of bread as he continued. “Never-the-less, the contingent is forming and needs to leave as soon as possible. We have the full support of the crown to reopen those trade routes, even if we have to force it.”

  The Prince picked up for Blackheart. “How I wish this will just turn out to be a misunderstanding and not a full blown war. I don’t feel King Frederick can withstand another war. He developed some kind of illness during the winter and it continues to grow worse. He is forgetting things and has lapses where he doesn’t know where he is. It scares me to think of losing him. Philip isn’t ready to be King, though in my opinion he will never be ready. It seems that we see eye to eye on fewer and fewer things these days, but I was born to be a King’s man and I will do my duty.

  But enough of this chatter Talon, I need you. This contingent planned for Markham is missing a key role: its leader. I have come out here to ask you to fill that role. Will you accept?”

  Talon was taken aback for a moment. “I am honored. I would have never guessed that this is how my day would begin. I…” Talon started to understand what the Prince was asking. Of course he felt honored to be asked to serve again, but was this what he really wanted. He grew silent as he collected his thoughts.

  Prince Christopher momentarily interrupted his thoughts. “I know you have some demons to fight with, since you didn’t leave us two years ago without a reason.

  I realized the fact that we never heard from you again is enough of a warning for me, but I hope we can work through those reasons and in enough time for you to work with us. I need you to
make the trip to Centerpoint. And quite frankly, I would be honored to be working with you again.”

  Talon drew in a big breath and tried to sort through his feelings. Barely able to concentrate, Talon focused outside the window and thought deep and hard about this decision. He was still fighting with his decision when Blackheart broke the silence.

  “Speak Talon, what say you of this?”

  “Hush Blackheart and let him collect his thoughts. He is not bound by duty like we are, but served with distinction until he was released from duty. He has the option to choose to be a King’s man.”

  “You speak wisely, Prince Christopher, for my father is turning in his grave knowing I am considering rejoining the army. It almost killed him when Barlow went into the service and then I followed soon after him. My father never understood why we felt obligated to serve for the crown. He only served the land he owned.

  I guess he chose his path as we all choose our own, though I do respect his choice. This cabin and lands are all I have left of my family. My father once said that the war only made heroes out of men whoo can no longer enjoy that status.

  Anyway, I do have some ghosts, as you say, but I am ready to work them through. I cannot turn my back on my calling in life and I will not have my Prince ask me twice. I accept your offer, but I do have one condition!”

  “Condition, eh?” The Prince sat back in his chair and awaited the inevitable.

  “Blackheart will bathe.”

  Talon and Prince Christopher started laughing and reluctantly, Blackheart joined in. As the men laughed, Talon started to realize he had just accepted into a journey that he knew he would never forget.

  Before finishing for the day, the Prince asked Blackheart if he could have a minute alone with Talon. Blackheart nodded his head and stepped outside to assemble the unit. Talon could hear him barking commands in the background.

  “Talon, I wanted to ask of your father? If you would be able to tell me what became of him?”

  “Of course. It took some time, but I have finally laid my father to rest.” Talon sat back in his chair as he started the story.

  “After we received word that the war was over, we were sent back to Heartfelt and I can’t explain to you how happy I was to be going home. As soon as I arrived at the castle I searched for Barlow’s company in hopes of both of us being able to return to the farm. I was only on the castle grounds for a few hours when I heard the news. It seemed that Barlow’s company was still receiving resistance and the fighting was pushing itself into the Farmers Region. I was shocked. My moment of happiness was out the window.

  Fearing the worst, I immediately headed for the farm and I made the trip in record time. I was surprised that I didn’t encounter any Guardsmen as I made my way to the farm. I almost started to believe that the messenger was wrong, that the gossip was just gossip, because I just didn’t see any evidence.

  Of course, when I finally arrived at the farm I encountered a different story. The area was covered in a smoky haze and the smell of burning fields was overwhelming. I jumped from my horse and ran to the farmhouse. From the front of the farm it looked as if the house had survived the destruction. I tried to go through the front door, but it was barricaded shut, so I ran around the back and was greeted by acres of destruction. The stable was in pieces and carcasses of my father’s horses were strewn all around me. The burning fields engulfed the horizon and the smoke blocked the sky.

  After a long struggle with the back door, I eventually gained entry and my worst fears came true as I surveyed the inside of the house. There were scorch marks all over the house and broken wood and metal pieces everywhere. I searched room by room and when I walked into the kitchen the sight of my father, dead on the floor, greeted me. He had a dagger sticking out of his side and was lying in a pool of blood. After seeing that, I wondered if there was any way things could be any worse, until I saw who had killed him. Laying about ten feet away were the bodies of two Guardsmen. Two Heartfelt Guardsmen had killed my father.

  I was devastated. I ran from the house to avoid the stench of death. I really don’t remember much about those few days, but before I was done, I found the bodies of two more Heartfelt Guardsmen. I searched the entire grounds and I never saw any sign of Redderin Guardsmen, nor did I ever come across any more Guardsmen bodies.”

  Prince Christopher nodded his head. “I am beginning to understand your feelings toward the crown, especially Philip. It was his bad judgment that led to that night. Talon, I feel guilty about asking you to serve again. I don’t know what more you have to lose to the crown. I…”

  Talon interrupted him. “I do this because I have to, I need to serve. Feel nothing, my Prince, but feel proud that I am ready for this. Time will heal my wounds, but there is no reason for me to be wasting my time on this farm. You can count on me, but I do thank you for your concern.”

  Prince Christopher rose and walked over to Talon. “Then I will see you in Heartfelt in a few days. Until then Talon.”

  The duo walked outside and Prince Christopher mounted his steed. Now that the Prince was mounted, the detachment started its long trip down the path to the castle. Talon stood on the path and waited until he couldn’t see them anymore before heading back into the cabin to put affairs in order before heading off to the castle.

  He put away the cups from the visit and stared off at the horizon. He didn’t know how long he had been doing it, but Talon stopped day dreaming and walked outside. He made his way to the back of the cabin and picked up his ax and swung. After a few swings he realized his heart wasn’t into it. He knew in his heart that it was time to get ready. Duty was calling to him.