by Tom Rogal
A draft came through from the slightly open doorway. Cerrapies peeked a look before returning to his work. A larger draft entered the room this time. His gaze met the doorway once again. Something was different. The outline of a young woman now stood in his view. This was a pleasant surprise. Not many women visited his shop, which was one of many reasons why he was such a regular in the taverns afterward. Cerrapies flashed a grin and began to walk her way.
“Well, what is a fine young lady doing in a place of death?”
Suddenly, a blade made contact with the back of Cerrapies’ neck. The point pinched him a little. At first, he was shocked, but after a few seconds his shock turned into thought. He recognized that unique feeling, but it had been years since he experienced it.
Cerrapies commented, “Slightly arched tip point, eight-five degrees from median to the tip, and a metal that should be cold, yet has a particular warmth to it. I never thought I would ever touch this blade again.”
The blacksmith knew that blade well, but he also knew that Jared hadn't taken it with him. There was only one person this could be. “May I go now, Levus?”
A slight snicker came from behind Cerrapies as the blade was lowered from his neck. The blacksmith gave a hearty laugh and turned around to see Levus, embracing him with a tight hug. The woman stepped into the sunlight as she reached the counter.
She asked, “This is your friend?”
Levus replied, “Divi, I’d like you to meet Cerrapies: finest blacksmith on the continent and one hell of a fighter.”
Cerrapies added, “You’re forgetting my reputation with the ladies. While on the subject, where did you find this lovely specimen?”
“She’s a mage from Myyril.”
Divi flashed a worried gaze, something that Cerrapies picked up immediately. “Levus!”
Remembering what he told her, responded, “It’s all right. He’s my friend. He won’t tell anyone about you.”
“He's right on that. Been a friend of his family since I first met his father at The Great Tournament on the mainland. A mage of Myyril, heh? I truly don’t want to know how you two came together. Yet I must ask you one question. What do the Dyyros forces want with you and this young lady? It’s the reason security has been tightened up here in Tartus. He has delayed all sea travel until you are apprehended. At first I thought it wasn’t you because I knew that Leeta wouldn’t allow you to get into any trouble, but when the wanted posters talk of a boy with two eye colors, it certainly narrowed the field”
“Who’s Leeta?” Divi asked.
“Why, that’s Levus’ love.”
Divi gave an empty smile. Somehow, she felt defeated. She just couldn’t understand why she felt so disappointed by this news. Whatever made Levus happy made her happy, right.
Levus explained, “We had a couple of run-ins with Kile. He was after this girl at first, but now he's after me.”
Cerrapies grabbed a finished blade from one of the iron blocks and began to examine it. That was not a good start, having Kile hunting you. Yet it wasn’t Kile they should be worried about. It was the one he called Lord who they all had to be afraid of.
“That’s an odd move. Especially from one of Ulcinar’s stature. I can understand a group or rebellion, but a hunt for two people? Commoners at that . . . no offense I hope.”
He stared at Levus and Divi. The severity of the situation was beginning to settle in his heart. He was glad they came here to him, but there was no way he could hide them in Tartus. The guards were checking shops, searching in every crevice imaginable. It was only a matter of time before they were found and taken to Ulcinar. He had personally encountered the Dark Lord and knew what he was capable of. He couldn’t let that happen. Plus, he was interested to hear the story of how these two came to know each other, as much as his gut told him to not ask.
“We have to get you out of here.”
Cerrapies dropped the blade and went to the back wall before asking, “By the way, how did you get inside Tartus?”
Levus explained, “Through that secret tunnel by the sea. I remembered you telling me about it.”
Cerrapies gave a deep smile. When he reached the back wall, the blacksmith grabbed two large swords. The hilts were thick and the blades incredibly strong.
Cerrapies had named these two the Twin Venoms, mainly because of the snake heads carved at the bottom of each handle. They were specially made for him, allowing him to fight by his strengths, covering his weaknesses. Even so, they were very heavy; Cerrapies' veins bulged from holding the large weapons.
Cerrapies continued, “I’m proud you remember that, but if we are going to get you out of Tartus, there is only one way.”
Levus and Divi looked at each other in confusion.
Cerrapies sheathed both swords behind his back. “Through the front.”
***
“Halt!”
Cerrapies stopped his horse-drawn wagon at the gates of Tartus. A head officer, identifiable by the absence of a helmet and the presence of many medals of honor, walked over as the blacksmith fiddled around with the stem of wheat in his mouth. The officer looked at him strangely, no doubt due to the way he was dressed. He looked poor, but if he was he wouldn’t have a cart of his own.
“What is it I can do for you?”
The officer backed off a bit. He wiped some hay off his uniform and looked up at Cerrapies. The blacksmith had seen this man guarding the gates before. From what he understood, this man had a constant scowl on his face; suggesting a bad attitude and a short temper. He believed his name was Rolick. If it wasn’t, that was what he would refer to him as anyway. Although he would be himself, he would have to watch what he said so as not to infuriate the man enough to land himself in prison.
Rolick, finally recognizing the face, said, “Well, if it isn't Tartus’ favorite blacksmith. Where are you going and what is your destination?”
His reputation proceeded him. Then again, most of the head guards knew him. He gave them a hard time, though never enough of one to have him arrested. He even had a few on his payroll, but unfortunately, none of them were stationed at the town gates today. Just his luck.
He replied, “I’m going throughout the continent to sell my overstock.”
“Why not sell them to the Dyyros Army?” asked the officer.
Cerrapies gave a hearty laugh, somehow keeping the wheat stem in his mouth.
“Please! I could not sell this type of quality to your Lord’s army! My major destination is Salba. I hear from travelers that the Night Predator sightings near there have them in great fear. Although these weapons in my cart are not of top quality, they will at least give them something to defend themselves with. Now may I ask you something? Why all this security?”
Rolick cleared his throat. “There are two fugitives headed toward Tartus: a young man and a young woman. Lord Ulcinar has issued a large price on their heads. You wouldn’t have happened to see them, would you?”
“No, I haven’t seen them. Then again, there are many young men and women living in Tartus. You’ll have to be more specific than that.”
“The girl is believed to be a mage. The boy we believe is a local. Nothing special about him, except he carries an item of great importance: a black sword. Specific enough?”
Cerrapies, acting like he was thinking, replied, “A mage, here? Ridiculous!”
A lesser officer stepped next to Rolick, whispering something in his ear. Cerrapies watched as he kept nodding his head in agreement with the lesser one, who finally stepped back.
“We would like to check your merchandise. You can’t be too careful these days.”
Cerrapies nodded. He now figured out what the lesser officer was telling his superior. He obviously thought he was lying. Cerrapies flashed the lesser officer the evil eye as he turned to the back of the cart. The only items there were a pile of hay, a couple sacks of grain for the horses, and a large metal box.
Rolick stepped onto the cart and maneuvered until he reached the bo
x, unsheathing his sword.
Cerrapies was a little confused by his actions, but watched with no intention to interfere.
Rolick brought his blade down forcefully upon the metal lock. A loud clang filled the air as the mutilated lock dropped to the wagon floor.
Cerrapies commented, “I hope that Ulcinar will compensate me with a new lock.”
Rolick gave him a nasty look before bending down to open the box. Inside, there was nothing but rapiers and long swords. Some were sheathed, but most were lower quality works left free, covered in oil to prevent rust. The officer began shuffling through the blades, looking furiously at each one.
Cerrapies commented, “Are you mad? Slow down before you hurt yourself. Besides, if I were to hide them, do you think I would put them in a box full of sharp weapons?”
Rolick was getting angry, not only at Cerrapies, but at his inability to find the subjects. He must be so certain they were on here. He picked up the lock and threw it into the hay before stepping off. He came up toward Cerrapies, who had to smile when he saw the man. His hair was disorganized and his uniform off-centered. Rolick tried to make himself presentable, but he was failing miserably.
Cerrapies asked, “Am I free to go, officer?”
Rolick said to his subordinate, “Let him go.”
Cerrapies nodded in approval. The other soldiers around Rolick were ready to check the next cart coming through. He pushed the horses forward as they moved toward the open plains and back into the direction of the Dyyros Woods.
***
Night once again covered the Dyyros Woods. The ominous shadows of the trees passed over Cerrapies’ cart like dark clouds passing over the moons. It had been three days of almost non-stop travel since leaving Tartus. Cerrapies was glad he knew the shortest route. With no reliable shelter, Cerrapies wanted to reach the Dyyros Woods as soon as possible. However dangerous the Woods were, it was far better than being spotted on the plains.
Cerrapies looked from side to side. The Woods on both sides were clear. He pulled the leather reins, stopping the horses in their tracks. He listened attentively. Hurips began to chirp all around the treetops, but nothing was heard beyond that. He cleared his throat.
“All right. It’s safe to come out for good now.”
Two thumps suddenly echoed in the woods. From underneath the cart, Levus and Divi rolled out. Cerrapies had that installed for smuggling purposes, a side job he sometimes took if he got bored. He was used to smuggling goods over to the poor villages. This was the first time he had to do so with people.
Levus climbed up and sat next to Cerrapies. Divi climbed in the back and lay down on the hay, placing the bags that carried their food and water next to her.
“I apologize for the uncomfortable travel, but I thought they would have checked the hay,” Cerrapies said.
Levus muttered under his breath, “Nothing special, those swine.”
Divi chuckled as she made herself comfortable. Humans took such offense to harmless little gestures, and Levus had obviously been bottling that up the whole three days since their departure. Cerrapies waited until Levus was in the front seat before pushing the horses to continue.
Divi asked, “Are you sure that we’re safe?”
Cerrapies said, “The Dyyros Army are cowards. They won’t follow us into the woods with the threat of Night Predator attacks. So long as we stay far away from Fort Kerran and her outposts, we should have no need to worry.”
“What about us?” asked Levus.
“Those creatures won’t attack us. They remember the last time. Just get some rest. We’ll be in Arnis in a few days.”
Divi took Cerrapies’ advice and fell asleep almost as fast as he said it. Levus couldn’t bear to close his eyes. Too much had happened. He just wanted to sit and relax a bit. Plus, he had to ask his friend a couple of questions. He was about to when out of the corner of his eye he saw a Night Predator crouched, partially hidden by a fallen tree trunk. He wanted to panic, but stayed still. The creature stared at him, never flinching even once . . . almost like it was studying him.
Cerrapies noticed Levus' expression and looked around him. Once the Night Predator saw Cerrapies’ face, it scattered into the woods. He laughed and focused once again on the road.
Levus gave a quick glance to Cerrapies before turning to Divi. She looked so peaceful. Her hair reflected the moon’s rays brightly.
“You like her, don’t you?”
His eyes met Cerrapies', who was flashing a big smile.
“It’s not . . . not like that.”
Cerrapies' smile grew as he confirmed his suspicion. “Course it isn’t. Frankly, I can’t blame you. Never saw a mage as beautiful as herself. Truly an angel!”
Levus interrupted, “Can’t we talk about something else?”
Cerrapies laughed and looked forward again. “Very well. I see that your mother has finally let you have the Moonsaber.”
Levus looked at Cerrapies in confusion as the blacksmith continued, “The sword.”
He unsheathed the weapon and stared at it.
“It has a name?”
Cerrapies suddenly asked, “You stole it under your mom’s watch, didn’t you?”
He just couldn’t fool the man. It was strange that even he knew his mom was hiding it. Why was there such a need to conceal it? What else could the sword do other than some of the abilities one could do with it? His friend wasn’t angry with him. It was almost as if he was expecting it.
“You truly are your father’s son. Jared, before you were born, brought some metal to me. The strangest thing. He found it on a round on the mainland and made a special trip to see me. Never saw a metal like it. He asked me to forge a sword from it. I told him it couldn’t be done with the amount he brought me, but he would not listen to reason. I started to forge it, and finished it in only three days.”
“That's quick, especially for the craftsmanship involved.”
Cerrapies continued, “Every time I hit that metal, I felt . . . something. It was the best piece of work I’ve ever done, and this I can say with no ego. There was even extra metal, so I made that emblem as well.”
Levus faced forward just like Cerrapies. He didn’t know if his old friend would have the answer, but he was probably the only one who would.
“Cerrapies, what happened to my father?”
Cerrapies hesitated a long time, as if in deep thought, before answering.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know. You’d better get some sleep. When we reach Arnis, you’re going to have some stories to tell.”
Before heading back, Levus asked, “You said that you made my father’s sword and emblem. Kile has the same set-up, a sword and medallion. Do you know who made Kile’s?"
Cerrapies gave a deep sigh. “Kile Craslin, how could I ever forget him? He came to me shortly after your father did. This was back when I was an apprentice in Cordca. I suspected he was an untrustworthy type, but he paid enough coin for me to restart my life. With my master dead and his shop destroyed, I couldn’t refuse. Being as he came in shortly after Jared, I thought perhaps he too found metal like your father did during that mission. He wore the same uniform of the Aranian Knight Brothers like Jared, anyway. And like your father, didn’t want anyone to know what he had discovered.”
Levus was puzzled. He knew his dad was a knight under the previous leader's rule, but he had a hard time believing Kile would be a member of it as well.
“Unlike your father, he had specifications for what needed to be done. They were quite precise, too. He even mentioned how he wanted the extra metal to be made into a medallion, just how I used Jared’s leftover scraps. When I moved to Tartus a few years later and discovered what Kile was, I regretted making his weapon. No matter. What’s done is done. You better get some sleep.”
Levus didn’t like the idea, but followed his friend’s advice. He quickly climbed in the back and lay down next to Divi.
Cerrapies adjusted the wheat stalk in his mouth with his to
ngue. The blacksmith truly would have refused Kile if he knew the pain that weapon would cause the defenders of Dynis and Tartus back then. Knowing now what he could have stopped kept him up some nights. He tried to push the horses a little harder. They had to get to Arnis soon. That solitary Night Predator was going to tell its superiors, if they had any, of spotting their wagon. Once they reached Arnis, they would be safe. Then he could figure out what to do next. Cerrapies urged the animals harder into the darkness.
***
The afternoon sun beat down on the cart as they made their way down the mucky road. The storm that came through last night had been an especially powerful one. The rain was the hardest he had ever seen it fall in the years he could remember. Then again, this was one of the few storms Levus wasn’t safely at home for. He and Divi used the hay as cover while Cerrapies used nothing but his blankets and his oversized hat. Since then, travel was slow. They had to stop twice to clean the mud off the wheels and the horse’s hooves. Thankfully the further south they moved, the drier the roads seemed to get.
Levus moved from the back of the cart to the front, brushing hay from the once-perfect pile off his boots. The wooden seat in front still had sitting water from the heavy rains, so he slopped it off before sitting down next to his friend.
“Don’t you ever sleep?” asked Levus.
Cerrapies replied, “Enough time for that when you’re dead. Besides, figured when we got to Arnis I’d have a few days to consume your town’s famous ale. If I don’t get enough rest after that, then I didn’t do enough.”
