Rowan clasped Piero’s hand. “You have my word. I will return to full time duty and Erak will begin training to take up my mantle as a Hunter when I am gone from this world.”
“That’s excellent, more paperwork I’ll have to fill in. Another reinstatement. Sometimes I wonder if we could just throw all of the paperwork at the Vampires and drown them in it,” Piero said. “Barros is everything ready for our journey?”
“Almost. Rowan has a few of the village boys packing our horses with food and a few other bits and pieces and then we will be right to go.”
“Right, well it’s time I got out of this bed,” Piero said. The older Hunter struggled to get to his feet. He waved Barros away as the younger Hunter offered his arm for support. “We’ve waited too damn long. We should have left an hour ago.”
“You’re lucky that the sun’s just risen,” Rowan said. “You’d be stupid heading out into the mountains under the cover of darkness. We lose scores of good men out there.”
“I suppose we’ll be out of the mountains by sundown. Just remember I expect to see you in three months,” Piero said.
“Of course,” Rowan said. “I can never repay you two for what you did here last night. I am truly grateful.”
“Be at the Huntrey three months from now. I’ll put you to work,” Piero said.
15
Fortress
Once they were out of the mountains, the Hunters mounted. Pushing their steeds to their limits, they moved at a canter only stopping when Barros and Piero needed something to eat. For most of the journey, Abner remained as silent as a grave. Uttering but a few sounds only when he needed something from Barros.
It took the Hunters six days to finally reach the Tyrain border, the fairest country in all of Taagras. As the sweeping hills and plains of the Tyrain landscape began to take shape, a light breeze picked up swirling around the Hunters. It was a pleasant change from the harsh heat of Renor and the Rhorn Mountains. Fortunately, the Highlanders had packed copious amounts of water for the Hunters in order to battle with the temperatures of Renor.
“How much further until we reach Malvrok?” Piero asked.
“Not too far, I dare say.” Barros looked up at the sun. “By your calculations, we passed the Tyrain Huntrey this morning so the Bulldrag will be coming into sight once we pass over that next hill. Should be the southern shore if I recall.”
Piero kicked his stirrups pushing his horse ahead of Barros. As Piero reached the peak he looked back at Barros. “We’ve finally made it!”
The Bulldrag Lake was an inland ocean complete with its own island in the center. All three of the major river systems flowed from the lake, providing Taagras with the majority of its fresh water. The sheer size and depth of the Bulldrag meant creatures could live their entire lives in its waters. The only way to traverse the huge surface was by boat.
Far into the distance, Barros could see fishing boats reeling in nets. He had no doubt that most of them belonged to Malvrok and his people. Seabirds flew overhead, squawking and squabbling amongst each other, finally landing in the shoreline trees to roost.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Barros asked Piero riding up beside the old Hunter. “I’ve always found it amazing how a world like this could be created and dominated by men, only to have fiends like Sophia and Namzal attempting to destroy it.”
“Aye, I will never understand what fate the gods had installed for Taagras when they created it,” Piero said. “Is this your brother’s land?”
“I assume so, but I believe he mostly sticks to the forest,” Barros said, pointing to the dark clump of trees several kilometers away. “Malvrok sends out scouting and hunting parties of course. The last time I saw him was five years ago. Malvrok and his men had constructed a large tent city. I wouldn’t have a clue what has changed since then.”
“There’s a wagon over there, maybe we should follow it. It looks like it’s going into the forest,” Piero said.
The Hunters kicked their heels into the horses’ sides and took off in pursuit of the wagon. Within a minute it vanished as it slipped behind the trees. Piero rode ahead, picking up speed on his giant horse keeping both the wagon and Barros just within sight. As Barros entered the forest he saw a dirt path, fresh wheel tracks prominent upon it.
He caught up to Piero and they rode together, side-by-side along the path. Several kilometers down the road, a large black smoke cloud rose through the thinning trees. As he looked west to the lake, Barros saw the sails of a boat near the shore. Finally, the sounds of metal on metal rang out and as the trees thinned out the Fortress was upon them.
A dense wooden wall layered with steel traps greeted them. Behind it stood an even higher wall made of stone. It too was covered in traps and large wooden spikes. Barros smiled proud of what his brother had achieved even though the second wall wasn’t finished. The wooden wall would hold attackers at bay until the defenders could drive whatever force away from the unfinished stonewall.
Barros watched as the wagon they had been following was searched by Malvrok’s men and cleared through the first steel gate. The Hunters rode slowly up to the fortress so as not to raise any suspicions. By the time they arrived, a dozen longbows were aimed at them.
Each man on the wall wore a half uniform consisting of miss-matched armor pieces. One shoulder the ensign of a Lord was clearly visible, while the chest plate displayed the proud arms of Sauria. One man in particular commanded Barros’ attention.
He stood high on the wall dressed in a full suit of maroon armor with gold trim and a long purple cape running down to his ankles. The armor bore no ensign and whoever wore it clearly received respect from his men. A wide long sword with twice the thickness of a usual blade, sat easily on his hip. The commander raised his mailed fist at the Hunters, indicating for them to stop. He leapt down from the wall with grace, landing softly before them.
“It’s been a long time since we last had one of you visit our home.” Barros frowned trying to recall the voice. “You’d best be warned if you wish to do us harm we will not hesitate to kill you, Hunters. We serve our own justice here and live by our own rules. We are not bound by any King, Queen or Councilor.”
“Peace, friend, we simply seek an audience with Malvrok. My companion here has it on good word that he still leads the fine people that are under his protection,” Piero said.
“You seem to be an educated man. Tell me, Hunter, Malvrok has this entire place to run, why would he want anything to do with you?” the armored man asked.
“He’ll want to see me because I’m his fucking brother,” Barros said. He drew his crossbow and raised it into the air. “Now take off your fucking helmet and let us in before I put a bolt through that visor of yours, Mal.”
Malvrok laughed pulling off the helmet revealing a good-looking man no older than twenty-three. “Ha, good to see you haven’t lost your mettle, Barros!” He had long golden hair, flawless complexion and dark blue eyes, the complete opposite to Barros. The only thing that likened them as brothers was their facial structure and heavy brows. “I never thought I’d see you again when you went running off to Sauria. How did you know it was me?”
“Your insolent manner and the way you made your first impression to a potential enemy,” Barros said unimpressed. “For the love of father, don’t go showing off like that again to those that may be a threat to you.”
“Oh come on, Bear, you’re no threat to me,” Malvrok said. He flashed a cheeky grin in the Hunter’s directions.
“I might not be, but my friend here is certainly unknown to you,” Barros said gesturing to Piero who dipped his head in greeting.
“Bear, please, that’s Piero Raldfast. What’s he got on the best sword in all of Taagras? A duel with him would only last a few seconds.” Malvrok laughed again.
“And you’re Malvrok Toldar. An ignorant shit by all accounts. I could simply shoot you with my crossbow and not have to come near you with my damn sword. Don’t piss me off again.” Piero’s gaze only he
ld venom.
Another easy grin spread across Malvrok’s face as he shook his golden mane. “Come on, Piero, I’m just messing around. I’m a huge fan of what you’ve done over the years. I have followed all of your hunts. My favorite is the tale of how you tracked down Gundral in the Windswept Desert.”
“At least someone, aside from me, remembers the name of that bastard,” Piero said.
“Shit, where are my manners? You two have travelled a long way. Surely you would like a drink and some rest,” Malvrok said.
“Yes it would be much appreciated, little brother,” Barros said. “If it’s not too much, we’d also like to ask for the great Malvrok Toldar’s time. We understand you’re a busy man.” He looked down as Abner stirred in his arm.
Malvrok studied the boy, his eyes widening as he realized what he was looking at. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Aye, it’s a long story,” Barros said. “We can tell you everything.”
“Of course, come inside. Darris, open both of the gates!” Malvrok said.
“But sir, it’s against protocol,” the man called Darris said.
“What have I told you about arguing? I made the fucking protocols, just follow my lead,” Malvrok said.
The Hunters nudged their horses forward as the gates rose slowly. Two men, including Darris worked the pulleys while another two served as constant lookouts. Each stood firm with a longbow in hand, an arrow ready to fly. Less than a minute later, the steel gates slammed shut behind the three men. Malvrok strode before the Hunters, his helmet tucked under his arm.
“Welcome to what we call the Fortress!” Malvrok extended his arms and spun around in a circle.
“Bloody hell, it looks like it from this side,” Piero said.
“Aye, those walls are four feet of solid rock and a bit of mortar cemented around a wooden base like you saw outside. We’ll hopefully have enough stone from the nearby mine within two weeks and we can finish the main wall and start construction on the auxiliary,” Malvrok explained picking up a child as he ran past. “Tommy, what has uncle Mal told you? No running by the wall because it could be dangerous.”
“Yes, Uncle Mal,” Tommy said.
“Good, now go back to your mother. I expect she’ll need your help with something.”
“You’ve picked up quite a way with children since I left you. Last time I saw you, you wanted to kick them all when they came near you,” Barros said. “Got any of your own yet?”
“Sadly, no. My fiancé Talia has yet to fall pregnant. Our doctor has no idea why,” Malvrok said. His face turned to one of sorrow.
“Maybe putting your cock inside her might do the trick.” Barros laughed again and Piero suppressed a snort.
“Talia’s ill, Bear. She is in desperate need of the Thoran flower potion but no alchemist resides here. We don’t have the skills to make it even if we could procure the ingredients. I fear Talia has less than a year left.” He gazed off across the fortress a sadness filling his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he rallied. “But we’re getting married next month, we shall make the best of the time she has left.”
“I have something that might be able to help. I dabbled in alchemy and potion making during my five years in Sauria. There wasn’t much else to do down there. From here we are heading to the West Anacore Huntrey, when I arrive I will send you what you need. Be sure, little brother, your woman will live to bear you a son,” Barros said.
Malvrok clapped his hand on his brother’s strong shoulders. A weight lifted from his heart. “You’re the best brother a man could ask for,” Malvrok said. A smile returned to his face once again. “Not only will you save the love of my life, but you’ll help this place prosper as well. Talia is the lifeblood of the Fortress. Without her this wouldn’t be possible.”
“Ah, a man in love,” Piero said. “There truly is nothing more sickening in this world. Congratulations my friend.”
As the three moved through the fortress the in habitants of the fortress moved wearily about their business. Though well fed and protected by the massive walls that surrounded them, Piero sensed a melancholy about them. He approached Malvrok. “Your people here seem to have everything. Why aren’t they happy?”
“Give up your homelands and freedom and see how happy you are, Piero,” Malvrok said. “We only have the basics. No luxuries, but we get by with what we can. Every year things get a little better and I won’t rest until my people are well provided for and believe they live like the Kings of old.”
“To be honest with you, Malvrok, I never would have expected that coming from you,” Barros said. “You’ve always been self-centered and didn’t give a fuck about anyone else in the world. What changed?”
“Talia, that’s all I can say, Bear. Finding the love of a good woman does things to a man. Now welcome to my humble stables. Leave your horses here and let us head inside. From what you said at the gate we have an awful lot to discuss. Follow me, gentlemen.”
16
Parting Ways
As the Hunters walked through the streets of the Fortress, it didn’t take Barros long to realize that the people they passed weren’t staring at them in their mysterious hooded garb. It was Malvrok in his maroon armor that drew the attention of the people. Barros’ brother was truly the force keeping the Fortress running.
“Are you impressed with what I’ve achieved in five short years?” Malvrok asked. “Look at the walls, the farms. It was bloody tough to get this far. I don't know how we managed without any support.”
“I am indeed, it's clear that your people love you and that’s more than anyone has ever given me,” Barros said.
“That’d be because I don’t go shoving a crossbow in their faces,” Malvrok said. “I have to admit that was a ballsy move at the gates.”
“So how do you run things around here?”
“You remember the original twenty that became the council? Well there are only five of us left now. Hendrick lost both of his legs in a fire, the poor bastard. He’s still very useful. Has the mind of a scholar that man does. He was the genius behind the two-wall defense. Once the masons have completed them we’re going to be an extremely tough egg to crack.” He smiled.
“Malvrok, I have a message!” a boy called out, pushing his way past Barros and Piero. In his hand he clutched a small scroll of parchment. Kneeling, he presented it to Malvrok.
Malvrok’s eyes skimmed over the note before looking down at the boy. “Moko, I need you to find Alistair. Tell him he needs to take twenty men to reinforce the eastern outpost.”
“Right away, sir!” the boy said as he ran off.
“What was that about?” Piero asked.
“Alilletians have been seen gathering en masse on the northern border of Tyrain. Whatever they’re planning, I don’t think it’s going to be pretty,” Malvrok said.
“We may know something about that,” Barros said. “As we came through the Rhorn Mountains we were captured by a group of Highlanders led by a Count known as Namzal.”
“Not him again,” Malvrok said. “I hope you managed to kill the fucker this time!”
“We did, I put my knife into his head. Father has been avenged,” Barros said. “But the interesting thing is this, Namzal took control of a Highlander village and said another forty nine thousand were joining his forces in the south from Alilletia. The villagers put down their weapons after we destroyed him. Seems whatever spell he’d cast was no longer driving them, but we can't be too sure of what the rest will do. They were marching on Rhorn but now, who knows what will happen with their puppet master, dead. We have a man on the inside, however.”
“Is your man a Highlander?” Malvrok asked.
“Aye. He is taking control of the village as we speak. His name is Rowan Kreen,” Piero said. “An experienced and very capable Hunter.”
“I know the man of a hundred kicks. I met him once during my time in Alilletia. He didn’t kick me though, which was rather surprising. Now why don’t you come inside and rest y
our weary legs?”
Malvrok had bought them to a large house that overlooked a field backing onto the lake. Barros could see a dozen men drilling away at straw dummies while another dozen sparred. Two men overlooked both drills, pointing out corrections where needed.
“Go inside, I just need to talk to someone,” Malvrok said.
Piero opened the large wooden doors that opened onto an interior much like the Highlander huts, only on a larger scale. The main centerpiece of the home was a large round table that a dozen men could easily sit around. As the Hunters took their seats they looked out the window, seeing Malvrok engaging one of the drill sergeants in deep conversation.
“What do you reckon he’s telling him?” Piero asked.
“Probably mustering a force to raid the Highlanders as they march through Tyrain,” Barros said. “I know it’s what I’d do.”
“Your brother isn’t you, Barros,” Piero said.
The Hunters halted the conversation as Malvrok turned from his man and walked inside to join them. He headed to a closed cupboard and knelt down to open it, revealing dozens of glass bottles. “What’s your poison, Piero?”
“I’ve never been able to refuse full-bodied Alilletian rum,” the older Hunter said.
“Huh, something we all have in common it seems, Malvrok said. “Why can’t we agree on more?”
“Because I never agree with anyone,” Piero said. “Now bring that over here.”
“What did you want to talk to me about?” Malvrok asked, as he poured three drinks.
“A more pressing concern than a Highlander army has arisen. Barros’ ex-wife discovered an amulet of Tal’davin.”
Malvrok raised his eyebrows. “Did she now? Is this the Countess or another one that I wasn’t supposed to know about?”
“Sophia,” Barros said. “But have no fear, she is no longer in possession of it.” His hand went to his chest, covering the amulet that lay hidden beneath.
The Toldar Series Box Set Page 11
