Ancient Magic

by Blink, Bob

  That cut had made an impression, and the man winced as he raised his sword. His confidence was affected. The giant seemed to realize that he did not have much time left and recklessly charged with his sword raised. One stumbling step told the monster that he was not running anymore. In desperation, he threw his heavy sword at Kaler. Kaler sidestepped while deftly deflecting the mighty sword with his own weapon. The man left a trail of blood from his wounds. Kaler had also been lucky enough to land a small cut on the giant’s forehead, and blood was leaking into the man’s eyes. Then, without warning, the man stumbled. Kaler backed away and watched the man collapse from loss of blood. Suddenly it was all over. Once the man was down and Kaler saw that he was dead he quickly checked on the small persistent fighter, but that one had bled out while Kaler was fighting the giant and lay in a crumpled heap at the base of the tree.

  Gasping for breath, Kaler realized he was shaking and placed his back against the nearest tree and waited for his heart rate to return to normal and the shaking to stop. He looked at the dead and bloody men. He had never killed before, and felt a bit queasy about what he had done. There had been no choice, of course, and he knew these wouldn’t be the last. Still, it was one thing to contemplate killing another in combat and quite another to actually do so.

  After several minutes he felt his body returning to normal, and he stood and checked himself carefully. He had a couple of minor wounds, cuts that were already drying, the flow of blood minor. A large cut in his shirt showed how close the big bastard had come to running him through. He’d have to fix that later. He also examined his sword. It had taken some fierce pounding from the large man, not to mention repeated blows from the thinner one. The quality of the blade was apparent in the fact he could find nothing beyond the need to stone some minor nicks from the blade, again something he could take care of once he reached the inn.

  Finally he walked over and looked at the body of the giant. He picked up the sword which was no where near the quality of his own blade. It made up for strength by the thickness of the blade. It was so heavy Kaler could barely lift it. He set it aside and checked the man for anything else. He found a pair of silver Falcons and a half dozen smaller coins. Nothing else was of any real value, and he walked over and checked the other. He retrieved a single Falcon and small change, as well as the man’s sword and a cheap belt knife. The blades went on his packhorse and the coins in his purse.

  Kaler considered the bodies, and then shook his head. He had better things to do than to try and bury these two. They were far enough off the trail that riders could pass. He would tell someone at the inn in the village ahead about the attack and the location of the bodies. Perhaps someone there would want to check the identities and would have to dig them up again anyway. He took a moment to clean his sword, then returned it to the scabbard before climbing back onto his mount and continuing on his way.

  He stopped at the first inn he came to. It looked adequate enough, and truth be told he could use a drink and a bath. Besides, it was already late afternoon, and he wouldn’t get that much farther along before he’d have to start thinking about quarters for the night. This inn was also closest to the attack, and telling someone here seemed more appropriate.

  The innkeeper was a short, slender man. He didn’t look the type to be running an inn at all, but was quick to respond to Kaler’s request for a room, telling him that the only bath available was the stream out back of the inn. When Kaler told him of the attempted robbery and the results, the man looked at him with renewed interest.

  “There’s been a rash of robberies of late,” he said. “A couple of men were found with their throats cut off that way just a week ago. There have also been a couple of incidents up the road to the north over the past few weeks, so I’d keep my eyes open as you continue on your way. Might be the same two, might not. I’d say you appear to have done everyone a great favor.”

  “Is there some kind of sheriff who would want to know of this?” Kaler asked.

  “He comes by once a week or so. You don’t need to worry about him. I’ll tell him your story when I see him.”

  “What about the bodies? I just left ‘em there.”

  “I’d guess by tomorrow or the next day some of the critters in the woods will have dealt with that problem. Again, not to concern yourself.”

  Kaler nodded. “I have the swords they were using. If you don’t mind, I’ll leave them here with you. You can show them to the sheriff. Maybe the blades will tell him something.”

  After washing in the stream, Kaler dressed again in the same clothes. He’d shaken out most of the dust and dirt. He couldn’t see getting one of his good sets travel stained. He’d want something nice when he arrived in Pagner and his clothes had to last him for some time. Satisfied with his appearance, he headed down to the common room for the drink he’d promised himself and something to eat.

  The tale of his encounter had been spread by the innkeeper. Kaler wasn’t certain he was pleased about that. The men might have friends after all, which could make him a target. Well, it was too late to worry about that. The story of his adventure did earn him a look of interest from the waitress, however, and feeling a bit randy from his encounter with death Kaler was quick to flirt with the young woman. She wasn’t a beauty by any means, with an overly large nose that looked like it might have been broken at some point in the past, and a scar that ran from the corner of her mouth halfway across her left cheek. She was, however, amply endowed and willing. She was also skilled as Kaler learned later, and by the time she left his room early in the morning he was completely worn out.

  Kaler was a bit of a ladies man, and had worked his way through a goodly percentage of the young women of his village since learning what the fairer sex liked. While not what most would consider handsome, his rugged looks had served him well in that regard. He was also wise enough not to brag about his conquests, which had worked in his favor. Someone had talked, however, as word got around among the ladies, and more than one had dropped hints in his direction from time to time.

  The next morning he hooked up with a couple of families who were headed his way. Seeing safety in numbers, he rode with them for the next two days until they turned off to the west and he continued on alone once again.

  Chapter 10

  Pagner, the capital of Kellmore, was unchanged from the previous time Kaler had come here. That time he’d been with his uncle, but the city looked exactly as he remembered it. They hadn’t spent much time in the western districts where the castle was located, but eager to see where royalty had lived, Kaler had badgered his uncle until they spent a full day playing tourist. Now that diversion paid dividends and Kaler found himself comfortable with the twists and turns of the nearly randomly laid out streets that wormed their way through too many houses and businesses crammed together haphazardly. Only to the north of the castle had the city been laid out with some forethought as the city expanded and lands once reserved for farming were made available for urban development.

  Even Kaler’s horses seemed aware that they were nearing their destination, and that rest and a comfortable stall were not too far away. Now that he was here, Kaler wanted an inn that was a cut above the kind of place he’d been staying as he traveled. That would mean he’d have to part with more coin, especially here in the city proper, but he expected to be paying for only a few days before he was accepted into an assignment that would provide him with room and board. He felt it wise to reside in a solidly middle class establishment rather than the poorer accommodations. It would improve the type of people he would come in contact with, and would look better to whatever officials he was required to give his temporary address to. Given what he’d been told about the elite nature of the Royal Guard, it would have been even better if he could afford to stay in one of the truly first class establishments. Unfortunately the cost of a single night in such places was more than several weeks in the kind of place he was seeking.

  Kaler passed over a half dozen inns befor
e he found one that met all of his requirements. As he’d hoped, he was able to negotiate a better rate with the proprietor by agreeing to one of the smaller rooms in the back that looked out onto the stables behind the inn. The King’s Land Inn was located a mere half mile from the public entrance to the castle grounds, and was close to a large and bustling marketplace which would provide Kaler with access to anything he could envision needing. The inn had a large stable with a small staff that would care for his animals, indoor baths that could be provided with warm water for a suitable fee, and two common rooms for social activities and meals. One was rooms was more refined, for those who wanted a more formal experience, but the same food was served in both.

  The innkeeper was a middle-aged man, short and cheerfully plump as was his wife who was often hurrying about seeing to one thing or another. He eyed Kaler as he dug into his purse and retrieved the amount they had just negotiated.

  “Remember now, you can have your meals here for half the listed price,” the innkeeper explained as he handed over a large brass key. Apparently the food at the inn was very good and many who ate here were not residents. That was probably why there were two dining areas, Kaler mused.

  “I assume that the Captain of the Royal Guard can be found at the castle courtyard?” Kaler asked.

  “Are you here to join the Guard?” asked the innkeeper, looking at Kaler with new respect, and a little discomfort. “Perhaps you would prefer a better room. I did not realize who you might be. I apologize for any offense I might have given.”

  Kaler smiled his most sincere smile and said, “I’m not of the nobility. But I do hope to find a position with the Guard. I have trained hard and hope to be able to gain entry on the basis of ability.”

  The innkeeper relaxed again, but looked at Kaler doubtfully. “I hope you won’t be disappointed, but the Royal Guard has a long tradition and those trusted with the protection of the Royal Family have with few exceptions come from the titled class. I have always believed that one must be born into the proper position to have a chance to join.”

  “I have been told as much as well, but also that there are exceptions. I hope to be one of the exceptions.”

  “I wish you luck, but advise you not to get your hopes set too high,” the innkeeper said. No matter how good the young man might be, and he looked strong and capable, the traditions followed by the kingdom were deeply ingrained and he gave the poor lad little chance. Nonetheless, he gave him careful directions on where he should go.

  “My son will show you to your room,” the innkeeper said finally.

  Kaler nodded and then followed a young lad of about twelve, who had picked up one of Kaler’s bags and now led the way into the back of the establishment. They passed by the two common rooms impressing Kaler with the number of people present. He saw more than a half dozen serving girls moving expertly through the crowded room. A couple of the young women were quite attractive. He particularly liked the tall one with long black hair. They were dressed more conservatively than he’d become used to, but he was certain they were available under the proper circumstances, not that he was thinking along such lines at the moment. He wanted to get cleaned up, have a quiet meal, and report early in the morning to the garrison.

  Kaler felt a little self conscious as he made his way through the twisted streets toward the castle wearing all of his swords. While most men were armed, few carried as many weapons as he was at the moment. This morning he had the large two handed sword across his back, and the sword he’d used to kill the bandits strapped to his left hip. The belt knife was on his right hip. He didn’t know what would be required of him once he presented himself for consideration, but fully expected to be asked to demonstrate his expertise, hence he might need all of his weapons to give a full accounting of his skill. The members of the Royal Guard were said to be among the most skillful fighters in the King’s Army, so he would need to be sharp and prove himself well.

  Finally he arrived at the public entrance to the castle. The massive bridge across the mostly decorative moat was in place and looked as if it hadn’t been moved in decades. Similarly, the huge gate that could be used to seal off the castle was raised allowing people to flow in and out of the entrance, pausing only to pass by the dozen guards who monitored the flow of people. Kaler stepped forward confidently, and when challenged by the guards, explained his destination. That earned him a doubting look, but the guard pointed across the courtyard toward the back, which was in line with what the innkeeper had told him. Kaler nodded his thanks and moved along with the others making their way inside, breaking away from the throng when his destination took him in a direction not followed by anyone else.

  “I’d like to see the Captain of the Guard,” Kaler announced confidently as he stepped up to the older guardsman who appeared to be in charge of the facility to which he’d been directed. While he sounded confident, he suddenly had butterflies in his stomach. All of the doubts he’d pushed aside for so long suddenly came rushing forward once again.

  “Is there any reason he’d want to see you?” the grizzled veteran asked, completely unimpressed by Kaler and his request. “I wasn’t informed the Captain was expecting visitors this morning. Who are you and what do you want with the Captain? He hasn’t time to be bothered by every random youth who wanders in.”

  Kaler gave the man his full name. “I am here in hopes of becoming a member of the Royal Guard,” he said.

  That earned him a smirk and a long look from the aging warrior who now walked over to him. The older man looked him over carefully, noting the swords. Kaler was certain the man could see the quality of his weapons, but also the relatively average quality of his garments.

  “Do you know how to use them swords?” the man asked finally.

  “Yes ser,” Kaler responded politely. “I have trained daily with them for a number of years.”

  “What makes you think you are good enough to be chosen for the Guard?”

  “I hoped to demonstrate my ability,” Kaler replied. “If you, or someone, could test me, I believe I will be able to impress you with my skill.”

  The man scratched at the top of his beard near his cheek. He made an odd sound, then asked Kaler directly. “You have not been told that the Royal Guard only fills its ranks by direct invitation, or that only those of noble birth are granted entry? The Guard doesn’t accept applications.”

  “I was told there were exceptions. I was hoping to be one of those special cases.”

  The old veteran sighed. For some reason he liked this brash youth, but that wasn’t going to change anything.

  “Yes, there are rare exceptions. But those are rare indeed, and those accepted were still lesser nobles and not commoners for as long as I can recall. There have been cases when a member of the Crown’s Regiment has excelled and demonstrated unusual valor or ability and has been selected by the King himself for advancement to the Guard. Finally, there are those who can recommend someone for the Guard, but I doubt you know anyone on the short list of Lords who can do so.”

  “I know no one in Pagner,” Kaler admitted. “There is no way my skill, if I demonstrate such to the appropriate person, might earn me consideration?”

  The old man shook his head. “I’m sorry lad. I can sense your desire, but no matter how good you might be, no one is going to give you consideration at this point. If you wish to serve, you should consider the regiment. Good men are needed. Lopal threatens and at the very least there will be border skirmishes in the months ahead. There you would have a chance to demonstrate your skill, and given time, perhaps you could excel. The odds are exceedingly small, but with war seemingly on the horizon, maybe you could win your way to a commission and be noticed. Truthfully, given that you are not the son of even a lesser noble, I doubt even then that you would have a chance at the Guard. It’s just the way things are.”

  Kaler was shocked at the total rejection he was faced with. He’d always believed he would at least be given a chance to demonstrate his skill,
and once that opportunity was presented, he would win someone over. But it was clear that no one was going to even allow him a chance. He was being told if he wanted to demonstrate his skill, he could do so by becoming one of the mass of soldiers and hope he could stand out. Many of the men that filled the ranks of the regiment hadn’t even held a sword until they joined.

  Uncertain what to do, Kaler thanked the old soldier and unhappily made his way out of the facility. Through one of the back windows he could see members of the Guard engaged in mock battle on the grassy field in back. He watched for a moment, and was certain he was every bit as good as those who he could see practicing.

  Kaler wandered back out into the central courtyard uncertain how to proceed. He hadn’t considered the possibility of outright rejection. He’d been so certain. Normally he was persistent, and would keep at something until he succeeded, but he sensed the old man had been brutally honest with him. It was what he’d been told before, but had rejected as unreasonable. Now he suddenly had to accept that the way things worked didn’t have to meet his expectations of rational.

  That left the question of what he was to do. He needed to find employment. Either that or return to his brother’s ranch and accept his charity. After an hour of random wandering, Kaler asked one of the guards for directions to the Crown Regiment headquarters, and decided to have a look. It didn’t take very long for him to know the Regiment wasn’t for him. The sergeant who showed him around hadn’t realized what Kaler’s dream had been. The pay was poor, a month in the regiment paid less than Kaler was spending a night at the inn. The conditions looked horrible, and he would need to forget about his own weapons and accept one of the standard weapons used by the troops based on the decision of his commander. He could realistically be looking at ten years before he had a chance to advance to any level where he might have a chance to excel.