At the bottom of the stairs he halted as a drunken warrior squeezed past him, his hands around the waist of a young woman. He was reminded of days past when he had tried to settle down and raise a family, but it was not to be. Now he was an old man, and the closest he had ever come to a real friendship was Natalia, a thought that sobered him. He must find her before the family did!
Carefully, he threaded his way through the room only to spot a familiar grey tabard. Altering his course, he steered towards its occupant, taking a seat opposite.
"Brother Diomedes," he began, "so good to see you again. Can I offer you a drink?"
The Cunar Knight stared back, his face, at first, stern, but it soon cracked a smile as he recognized his associate. "Stanislav, so good to see you again. I'd heard you were in town, but to actually see you is quite another matter."
"And you, Brother." He raised his hand, signalling the waitress for a couple of ales. "Tell me, how have things been going?"
"Well enough, I suppose." The Temple Knight leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Things are starting to move. The campaign will begin soon enough."
Stanislav's eyes swept the room. "I assume these are some of your recruits?"
"Not the order's," said the knight, "but certainly auxiliaries to the Holy Army. This lot falls under the command of the Duke of Braymoor."
"Is that a good thing?"
The Temple Knight smiled. "Some might think so, but to tell the truth, the man has little experience. Still, they're only here to augment my own order."
"Any word on when the campaign might begin?"
"Likely not till the end of the month. Why? Interested in joining?"
"Me? I'm far too old for that."
"Oh, I don't know. You should see some of the knights who have shown up."
"Knights?"
"Yes, from all over the Petty Kingdoms. They come seeking fame and fortune, and not necessarily in that order." He chuckled to himself.
A maid deposited two tankards on the table, scooping up the coins that Stanislav tossed.
Brother Diomedes took a sip. "Are you here looking for mages?"
"I am always on the lookout for new talent," he replied. "Why? Have you heard of anyone?"
The Temple Knight laughed. "By the Saints, I think you would sell your own mother for a crack at a new mage!"
"What can I say?" said Stanislav. "It pays well."
"I doubt you'll find one here. There are far too many soldiers hereabouts."
"What's that got to do with anything?"
"This is a Holy Army, Stanislav, not that of a king or duke. Mages don't hire on as mercenaries. If they did, we'd have them all under our employ."
"None at all?"
"No, not yet, at any rate. There's still a week left, so I suppose it's possible one might show up, but I doubt it. In any case, if they did, they'd be fully trained, no use to you."
Stanislav took a sip of his drink. "I only ask out of professional courtesy. It matters little in the grand scheme of things."
They sat in silence awhile, nursing their tankards.
"This group has been here awhile," noted Stanislav. "The landlord seems to know them all by name."
"So they have," agreed Brother Diomedes. "In fact, they've likely overstayed their welcome, if the bartender is any indication."
"Why haven't they marched? I would have thought summer more fitting to the campaign season than autumn."
"So would I, but it can't be helped. The enemy has withdrawn deeper into the forest."
"And that stopped you because...?"
"It forces us to stockpile food. We can't very well live off the land if there are no farms to raid."
"Hence the delay," said Stanislav.
"Exactly. Mind you, we're still waiting on the arrival of the local master of the Order. He has to give Father General Hargild permission to begin."
"Ah yes, the famous Temple Knight discipline. Tell me, will this lot last that long, or will they ransack the town before you can march?"
Brother Diomedes' eyes searched around the room. "It's hard to tell at this moment, but I think if we don't march soon, it will be the latter." He chuckled at his own remarks, then took another tip of his ale, this time in greater quantity than before.
"You still haven't told me why you're here," the Temple Knight continued.
"Yes I have. I'm looking for prospects."
"No you're not. You never go anywhere without a plan, even if it's just rumours." He smiled, pleased he had found a hole in Stanislav's story. "Don't worry," he added, "I know it's the business of the family. I won't interfere, nor will any of my order. You shall have free rein in Ebenstadt."
"Thank you," said Stanislav. "That is most welcome news." He drained his cup dry. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have some business to attend to."
"Will I see you again?" asked Brother Diomedes.
"Of course! Shall I order you another drink?"
"No, I think I've had enough, thank you."
"Very well, then. I shall bid you a good day. May your order prosper."
The Temple Knight held up his cup. "And your mages be found."
Stanislav made his way into the street, unaware of the cloaked figure that followed him.
Ebenstadt
Autumn 1104 SR
* * *
Athgar stepped aside, pulling Natalia with him as a passing carriage rolled through a rain-filled rut and splashed them both with filth. Natalia shook her hands, trying in vain to dislodge the clumps of mud but to little effect.
"This is just like Draybourne," she said, looking down at her feet, "but at least I have decent boots this time."
"Draybourne?"
"Yes, when I first arrived there, I stepped out of the carriage to sink into the mud. I can still remember my shoe getting stuck."
"Not surprising when you think of it. That was only about a year ago."
She looked at him in surprise. "I suppose it was. Sometimes it feels like we've been on the run forever, but it hasn't been that long, has it?"
"A lot has happened in that time," he mused.
She rubbed her stomach, breaking out into a smile. "It certainly has."
"You know you're not showing yet. You don't even look like you're pregnant."
"I know," she replied, "but just the thought of carrying our child makes me so happy."
"You might think differently when you're further along."
"Perhaps, but for now, I am content, and that's the important thing."
The road they were on twisted around a group of trees, and then Ebenstadt came into view.
"There it is," said Athgar. "The whole reason for us coming north."
"It looks so tranquil from here. You'd think the land was at peace."
"I suppose it is, at least for the moment. The crusade won't begin until the troops march."
"Let's hope they're not in a hurry to begin," said Natalia. "We need time to assess their strength. Once they start moving, it'll be hard to get close to them."
"I've been thinking about that."
"Oh? What in particular?"
"I was thinking," Athgar explained, "it might prove beneficial to join their army."
"You can't be serious?"
"Where better to assess your enemy than by walking amongst them?"
"The idea has merit," said Natalia, "but it's a big risk. Supposing they recognize you as a Therengian? Or worse, if they realize who I am?"
"Look around you," he said, indicating the people approaching the city. "We're miles from anywhere of interest to the family. They like power, and this place is literally in the middle of nowhere."
"The Church doesn't think so," she chided.
"That's different. They're zealots, and they fight for a cause."
"They're not all bad. I'm sure there are many members of the Church who follow its teachings properly."
"A Holy War attracts the fiercest believers," said Athgar. "I doubt we'll find any moderates here."
> Another horse trotted by ridden by a warrior.
"There's a lot more traffic than I had anticipated," said Natalia.
"We're coming from the east, the same direction the war will take them. I would imagine the locals are all travelling to the city to avoid getting caught up in the fighting."
"Good for us, we'll be able to slip into town with little notice. You remember what to do?"
"Don't worry," he said, removing his sling bag, "I have my helmet in here somewhere." He rummaged around in the bag, finally producing the conical helm. It had a metal frame into which a leather cap had been sewn. With the nose guard in place, it made him look like any other warrior seeking employment. They had already worked up a story to account for their presence here, but as the gate loomed, it proved unnecessary, for the guards simply waved everyone through, taking little interest in people's identities.
They passed under the raised portcullis and into the cobblestone streets, a welcome change from the mud of the road.
"I thought this used to be a Therengian town?" said Natalia.
"It was," Athgar replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Isn't it strange that it has cobblestone streets?"
He looked down, letting the image soak in. "So it is, now that you mention it."
"That's not all. This road looks old, far older than I would have expected. Didn't Raleth say they lost it five years ago?"
"He did, but he didn't say how long it had been held by the Therengians. Do you think it dates back to the original kingdom?"
"That would make it over five hundred years old," she said. "Though, now that you mention it, some of these buildings look ancient."
Athgar nodded his head. "Yes, the wooden buildings are all new, but those of stone are a whole other story."
"Dunmere was burned if I remember correctly."
"It was, though I doubt the whole city was torched. They couldn't have rebuilt all of this in only five years."
"If my supposition is correct, this is likely the last true city of the Therengians, Athgar. It's a part of your heritage."
"Possibly, but it means little to me. I have an aversion to large cities, remember?"
"Maybe Ebenstadt will be different?"
"We can only hope. In the meantime, let's find some decent lodgings. We'll need to establish a base from which we can conduct our enquiries."
"You're beginning to sound like a real diplomat. Are you sure you haven't had court training?"
He noted the look of mirth on her face. "Very funny."
"I thought so."
They proceeded down the street, passing by a number of shops and homes crowded together, making the entire area look like one long building.
"This place feels very constricting," he noted. "Have you noticed any alleyways?"
"No, but then again, we've only gone a few blocks. On the other hand, the streets are easy to navigate. I think I'd have a hard time getting lost here."
"That's because the streets are laid out similar to Runewald, though not so dispersed."
"More evidence of its history, no doubt."
"So it would seem." Natalia paused at an apple cart, handing over a coin, and selecting a ripe fruit. A quick enquiry soon sent them on their way to a modest inn.
"There it is," she said. "The Wolf of Adenburg."
Athgar began laughing.
"What's so funny?"
"Don't you remember Caerhaven? I had that wolf costume when we went to the ball. You're the one who told me the folk tale."
"Oh yes," she said, "I remember now. How strange, it must be some kind of sign. After all, the Ancestors wanted us to come here."
He held out his arm. "Shall we?"
She made an exaggerated bow. "Of course, my lord."
They stepped into a relatively large establishment that was packed with mostly warriors, by the look of them. Athgar steered Natalia towards the kegs that lined the wall, where an older woman, somewhere in her fifties, was filling two tankards. She looked up at their approach.
"I'll be with you in a moment," she said. "Meg!" The last comment was directed at a young, red-headed woman who made her way through the crowd. "These two are for the fancy man over by the window." She nodded her head, indicating a well-dressed gentleman and his companion, a youth several years his junior.
The woman turned to Athgar. "Something I can get you?"
"We are looking for a room," he replied.
"How long do you want it?" she asked, giving Natalia the once-over.
"My wife and I will be staying in Ebenstadt for a few days."
Her eyes lit up. "Your wife, eh? You should have said so. I took her for a companion."
He looked at Natalia for an explanation, but she shook her head. "Have you a room?" Athgar asked again.
"We do, as a matter of fact."
"How much?"
"Do you have a horse?"
"No, we came on foot."
"Then it'll be three silver a night," the older woman said, "and another two if you want your meals."
"We'll take it," said Natalia.
"Come with me, then. I'll show you to your room."
She led them up some rickety stairs with a well-worn banister, then down a hall past some considerably rough-looking doors.
"These are the shared rooms," she said, bypassing the doors and heading up a second set of stairs.
The hallway here at least had a rug on the floor, tattered though it was. At some time, this must have been considered nice lodgings, but now everything was faded and the paint peeling. The woman halted, producing a ring of keys from around her neck and unlocked the door in front of her.
"There you go," she said.
They stepped inside a solitary room, with little more than a bed and a large wardrobe standing against one wall. Light seeped in through a small window, its shutters open to let in a fresh breeze.
"I'll send up someone with some blankets," the woman said, passing over the key. "Now I must be off. I've got a lot of customers today."
"Is it always this busy?" asked Natalia.
"No. It's the army, you see. They've come from all over the Continent to chase down those villains. I don't care two coppers for the war, but it's good for business." She turned, disappearing quickly.
"The villains?" said Athgar.
"She likely means the Therengians."
"Why do they hate us so much?"
"This isn't about your people," said Natalia. "It's about power."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I don't think the Church cares who they're fighting. It's the chance to flex their muscles, don't you see?"
"No," said Athgar, "I don't. Explain it to me."
"This is probably the only place on the Continent where so many Temple Knights are gathered. I think they see it as an opportunity to hone their craft."
"By killing? Isn't that against their beliefs?"
"People can justify anything if they set their minds to it. The Therengians are seen as outsiders. Think back to Runewald. Everyone there hates the idea of the skrollings. It's no different here, except the roles are reversed."
"I suppose that's true."
"It is," said Natalia, "but it's also sad. People fear what they don't understand. You and I have experienced life amongst the Orcs. To us, they are our friends, but to outsiders, they are barbarians. They likely see the Therengians the same way."
"Except that Therengia was once a great kingdom."
"I think that makes them even more fearful. To be honest, I doubt the locals even know it's the Therengians who are out there."
"They must know they're fighting someone," insisted Athgar.
"True, but I doubt they know the full story. Whoever leads this army wants the populace behind him. I imagine they will have painted the enemy as vicious cutthroats, eager to kill and ravage. It's all part of the politics of war."
"You seem to know a lot about such things."
"I do," said Natalia. "It was part of our traini
ng. As a court mage, you're expected to be well educated in all the techniques of war."
"Even politics?"
"Especially politics. It's only when such things fail that war becomes inevitable."
Athgar sat on the edge of the bed, thinking things over. "Where should we start?"
"We'll eat first, then wander around the town. I'd like to get used to the layout of the streets. It'll also give us an idea of how many soldiers there are in Ebenstadt."
"What about the Temple Knights?"
"We likely won't see much of them," Natalia said. "They'll have a commandery here somewhere, but I doubt we'll be able to get inside it."
"A commandery?"
"Yes, like the sisters had in Caerhaven."
"That place was large," he said. "Do you think it will be similar here?"
"If anything, I'd say larger. This is a crusade, and that means the Holy Army is involved. There's likely to be lots of Cunar Knights to lead it."
Athgar frowned. "If that's true, then probably a Cunar will be in charge. It seems like everywhere we go, they're causing trouble."
"We don't know that's the case here," soothed Natalia. "Maybe they're simply misinformed?"
Athgar shook his head. "No, they're involved. I can feel it in my bones."
"You're just overwhelmed. What can we do to help you relax?"
"A bath?"
She laughed. "Maybe when we get back from our walk. Now let's go, my love. We have work to do."
* * *
The streets of Ebenstadt were a wellspring of information. Athgar noticed many warriors roaming about, but Natalia saw so much more, pointing out the armour and weapons of each and identifying their use on the battlefield. It soon became apparent there were a significant number of soldiers ready to fight.
"Who's paying for all of this?" asked Athgar. "It must cost a fortune."
"I would imagine a lot of them are here at their own expense, seeking to make a name for themselves."
"Is that something people really do?"
"You'd be surprised what people do to seek fame."
"How would someone prove their story when they return home?"
Inferno Page 15
