The King of the West

by Pedro Urvi

  “That’s what we think too,” Lasgol agreed.

  “I don’t want the rumors about the Dark Rangers to surface among our people, although it’s going to be very difficult now that Omnisen and his men know what’s going on. There are things that not even the best Rangers can keep to themselves. I’ve asked them to be discreet in their investigation, but I’m afraid that discretion won’t last for very long.”

  “Shouldn’t all the Rangers know about it, so that they’ll be alert to any suspicious activities, sir?” asked Nilsa. It was more a statement than a question.

  Gondabar shook his head firmly. “We need to check rumors and suspicions, or else we’ll have one half of the Rangers suspecting the other half. It’ll be complete chaos, and that’s precisely what I’m trying to avoid. In situations like this it’s best to act prudently. We’re not just talking about having a traitor among us, we’re assuming we have an organized group of them, and what’s even worse, a well-organized one. I can’t allow half my men to spend their time suspecting the other half – as if we didn’t have enough problems with the civil war and the division it’s created among us.”

  “We understand, sir,” Lasgol said. He had not realized the repercussions of spreading the rumor throughout the Rangers would have.

  “Besides – and unfortunately – this changes things.”

  Nilsa and Lasgol stared at their leader in puzzlement. Gondabar was thoughtful for a moment, then sat down again.

  “I have new orders for you, Lasgol”

  “Yes, sir…” Lasgol said doubtfully.

  “You can’t stay in the city. You’re in danger. In order to protect you fully, it seems to me now, you’d have to stay in this tower and never go out. That would be a waste of your skills as a Ranger, and what’s worse, we’d be showing weakness, which is something we can’t afford to do. We must never show ourselves to be helpless before the enemy, be it human or animal. So says the Path. No, I don’t want to condemn you to being shut up in here, and nor do I want you to stay in the capital running risks. If they’ve tried here, it’s because they’re watching you. They have agents here, and unfortunately right now it’s going to be impossible to find them, what with all the bustle and confusion of the imminent campaign against the West which is flooding this city with people from all over the kingdom. Trying to find them is going to be extremely difficult, and I don’t believe in luck.”

  “Norghanians and foreigners,” Nilsa said.

  “That’s right, foreigners too. The King has looked for allies to support his cause outside our borders.”

  Lasgol knew he meant the mercenaries and paid militias whom Thoran had hired. He did not think they were likely to be involved, but at the same time it was true that they made the search more complicated.

  “What do I have to do?” he asked.

  “I’ve given it some thought, and although I have needs in the West, I can’t send you there either. The situation there right now is very complicated and not entirely under control, and with your predicament… it’s not the best place to be protected.”

  “If not the West, then do I go back North?”

  “No, the business of the North is in the hands of Mage Eicewald and King Thoran. They’ll deal with it in due course. Until then you mustn’t even go near the North. If they need you, they’ll call for you.”

  Lasgol nodded. “I understand.”

  Gondabar scratched his bald pate. His eyes were distant for a moment, as if he were reconsidering his decision. “I’ve received an urgent request, and I think you’re a perfect fit for this mission. It’s a long way from the capital and in open country, so I hope you’ll be safer there. There are rumors that a Zangrian contingent is getting ready to cross the southeastern border. They’re very active, and we’re having trouble checking their movements. I want you to go there as an explorer.”

  “To the Zangrian border?”

  “Yes. You’ll be more protected there than you are here. You’ll leave at once and in secret. Nobody except the three of us will know of either your departure or your orders.”

  Lasgol accepted his new orders, although his mind had not fully adjusted to them. He had only just arrived in the capital, and he still did not know the city or the court.

  “Nilsa, I trust you completely,” Gondabar said. “None of our people must know about this. I very much fear we might have a traitor in this very tower.”

  “Of course, sir. You can always trust me. Besides, Lasgol is my friend. I’ll always protect him, with my life.”

  “You’re lucky, Lasgol. Friends like this are what you need in confused, difficult times like these.”

  Lasgol nodded. “I have the best of friends, sir,” he assured him confidently.

  “Nilsa, get everything ready for his departure in secret. Not a word to anybody in the tower.”

  “Yes, sir, although I don’t think we have a traitor in the tower. Everyone here is either a veteran Ranger or a Royal one. They’re all loyal to the corps and the King.” She said this as though she did not want to accept that the possibility even existed.

  “I’m very much afraid we’ve been infiltrated. I don’t know how far, but I have that feeling. I’m a cautious leader, and I’d rather cover my back. Not a word to anyone. Remember, your friend’s life is at stake – and your own, for helping him.”

  Nilsa nodded repeatedly. Now she was nervous; Lasgol could feel it. Gondabar’s words had unsettled her. There might be one or more traitors among the Rangers of the tower after all.

  “I’ll get everything ready straight away.”

  “Right. Off you go,” Gondabar said, and Nilsa left like lightning.

  “She’s a good girl, very helpful, a little skittish,” Gondabar commented, and in his voice Lasgol became aware that the leader of the Rangers genuinely appreciated Nilsa, which pleased him greatly.

  “Any other orders, sir?”

  “No. Present yourself to Commander Emerson at Mortgon Fort, south of the village of Norwestal. He’s in charge of keeping an eye on the movements of the Zangrian troops. He has a Ranger with him, but he’s asked for more help. It looks as though the Zangrians have sent a very skillful and intelligent general, by the name of Ganzor. He’s said to be very good at guerrilla warfare, and he’s making things very hard for us. We’re afraid General Ganzor might cross the border in secret and launch an attack on our rear while we’re marching or fighting westward. The King is worried about this possibility. There’s an ancient rivalry between the kingdoms of Zangria and Norghana, and although we’re at peace, I wouldn’t be surprised if they invaded us. The Zangrians are like that. We need to be alert.”

  “Understood, sir. I’ll watch the movements of the Zangrian army very carefully.”

  “Beware of Ganzor’s tricks. Don’t let him fool you.”

  “I’ll keep my eyes peeled, sir.”

  “Good luck, Lasgol.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Don’t worry about the threat of the Dark Rangers. I’ll deal with it personally. We have to get rid of this stain on the honor of our corps. They’ll all hang. You have my word on that as Leader of the Rangers.”

  Lasgol nodded respectfully. Gondabar’s words eased his mind. The problem was out in the open, and the leader was going to deal with it. He breathed out in relief as he left the room.

  When he went back to his room, he noticed that there was movement in the tower. He heard Omnisen’s voice giving instructions to several Rangers. As he was going downstairs, two Royal Rangers passed him. They stared at him, and he began to feel nervous. What did they want? Could they be Dark Rangers? Were they going to try to kill him? Right there and then? Surely not?

  “You’re Lasgol, aren’t you?” said the one on his right.

  Lasgol stiffened. “Yes…” he said, and reached unobtrusively for his weapons.

  “We heard what happened to you.”

  “Yes?” he said, stiffening even more.

  “It’s a disgrace. In our city, t
o one of our own people,” said the other.

  “Oh… I see you know about it already…”

  “Yes, there are some things that spread like wildfire among us,” said the one on his left.

  “We’re watching your back. If you need anything, the Royal Rangers will protect you.”

  Lasgol’s eyes widened in surprise. He had not been expecting this reaction. “Thank you very much,” he said, and relaxed a little.

  The two Royal Rangers moved aside to let him pass.

  “Huh,” he said in relief, and went on, remembering Gondabar’s words. He himself was already beginning to suspect everyone, even the Royal Rangers in their own tower. He shook his head, entered the room and locked the door behind him.

  I able! came Camu’s message.

  Lasgol was puzzled. Able?

  I able!

  It took him a while, until at last he understood. Oh yes, the new skill!

  I sleep. Camouflaged.

  That’s fantastic!

  Happy, Camu transmitted. He began to dance.

  Lasgol forgot all his troubles for a moment and felt deeply happy that his little friend had succeeded. It was a double happiness, on the one hand because he had developed a skill through effort and determination, and on the other because it meant that he could develop new ones, which opened up a whole new world of possibilities. He could not even imagine the things Camu might achieve, given time. His power was growing, and so was his intellect. Lasgol promised himself that he would encourage him to keep working at it. He would do so calmly, in stages, naturally, because that was what he had done himself. He did not want to force or impose anything on his partner.

  I’m really delighted about your success, my friend.

  Camu came over to him and licked his hand affectionately. Lasgol responded by stroking his head.

  Shortly after this, Nilsa and Lasgol left the city on horseback through the southern gate. Night and all the preparations that were going on hid their escape. They rode as far as the outskirts, and when Lasgol gave a signal, Nilsa stopped.

  “This is where Ona is waiting for me.”

  “Go ahead,” she replied as she dismounted.

  Camu became visible beside her, and she wrinkled her forehead at the sight of his magic in action.

  “Camu, wait with Nilsa.”

  I wait.

  Lasgol dismounted and went into the forest. He put his hands to his mouth and whistled the summons, then waited. For a long moment nothing happened. He began to fear that something might have happened to the panther. He tried again. Nothing. He waited a little longer and finally used his Gift to call her.

  Ona. Come to me.

  The panther did not appear, and he wondered whether she might have gone away. He had spent a number of days in the city and had only been able to come and visit her a couple of times. Perhaps her feline instincts had been stronger than her training. Could he have lost her? If so, he would be devastated. They had never been separated before, and doubt began to gnaw at his spirit.

  A moment later the panther appeared amid the undergrowth.

  Lasgol sighed in relief. Ona. Good, he transmitted, and waited for her to reach his side. He crouched and spread his arms wide. Ona put her head on his shoulder and he hugged her.

  You’re the best panther and the best familiar, he transmitted as he stroked her back.

  Ona rubbed her head against his own, showing her love for him. She gave a chirp which sounded as though it were a sob, and he knew it meant that she too had missed him. For a moment they stayed there in an embrace with Lasgol petting her lovingly, which she seemed to appreciate.

  He led her to where Nilsa and Camu were waiting.

  Ona. Play, Camu transmitted at once and started playing with her.

  Nilsa put her hands to her mouth. “Wow, what a beautiful snow panther!”

  “Isn’t she just?”

  “She’s so lovely!” Nilsa said. She was staring at Ona, spellbound.

  Ona glanced at Nilsa in between her playful fighting with Camu and growled at the sight of Lasgol beside her.

  “It looks as though she’s jealous,” Nilsa commented with a giggle.

  Ona. This is Nilsa. Friend, Lasgol transmitted.

  “It’s because she doesn’t know you yet.”

  Ona looked at Nilsa and came over to sniff at her. Ona. Nilsa. Friend, he transmitted again, to make sure she understood.

  Ona stopped in front of Nilsa, who was so nervous she could not stay still and was giving little jumps to left and right.

  The panther sniffed at her again, stared at her and then went back to play with Camu, who was waiting for her lying on the ground, tummy up.

  “Does that mean she accepts me?” Nilsa asked excitedly.

  “She accepts you, yes.”

  “Great!”

  “Anyway, just a warning. She’s a big cat, so you need to earn her trust.”

  “Oh, I will, don’t you worry,” she replied, clapping her hands eagerly.

  Lasgol smiled. “Now I think it’s time to say goodbye.”

  Nilsa sighed. “What a pity we can’t spend some more time together,” she said ruefully.

  “We’ll see each other again soon enough. Try to find out as much as you can in the capital, but don’t take any risks. The King and his people are very dangerous.”

  “I will, and don’t worry, I’ll be extra-careful.”

  They hugged in farewell. “Good luck!” she said.

  “And to you,” Lasgol replied, and mounted Trotter.

  Chapter 28

  Lasgol set off to the southeast on his faithful Trotter, with Ona and Camu following. What would this new mission bring him? He did not know very much about the Zangrians, apart from the fact that there was great enmity and rivalry between the kingdoms of Zangria and Norghana, which partially shared a common border. The Rangers themselves had come into being when the Zangrians had been on the point of conquering and annexing Norghana. This fact was not exactly a good omen.

  During the journey he took the opportunity to experiment with Camu and his ability to sleep camouflaged. It turned out that this, like every other skill, came with certain restrictions: although he could sleep while he was invisible, it was not altogether advisable, since it did not allow him to restore the energy he had used up during the day. This was a problem, since that was precisely what he needed to do while he was asleep. They also found out that in order to keep the skill active while he was asleep, he needed an intact reserve of energy. However, once what was left of his energy was used up, the skill failed. Camu was not at all happy about this. He wanted the skill to be kept up indefinitely, and at the same time wanted it to let him renew the energy he had lost.

  Not happy, he had transmitted in thought and feeling.

  You need to understand that all magic has its limitations.

  No limitations.

  Yes, all magic has limitations. That’s the way Nature balances powers. Otherwise there’d be some who were so great or powerful they could destroy the very world we live in.

  Not understand.

  Lasgol wondered how to explain the concept. The best way would be with an example.

  Imagine that an Ice Mage created a winter storm that never ended and sent it to affect Tremia indefinitely. After a while the whole surface of the continent would be frozen and would kill the majority of the living creatures on it. Do you understand?

  Bad Mage.

  He might be bad or he might have done it carelessly or by accident. Either way, if a power has no limits, it’s very dangerous.

  I understand.

  Lasgol smiled. I’m glad.

  But I want to sleep camouflage always, he insisted.

  Lasgol rolled his eyes. You can’t. It uses up your energy, and when that’s run out, you can’t keep up the skill any longer.

  I sleep, generate more energy.

  It looks as though if you sleep with a skill active, you don’t regenerate energy. Sorry.

  Why n
ot?

  The ways of magic are mysterious…

  Camu looked at him with his head cocked to one side and blinked hard. You not know.

  Lasgol burst out laughing. Exactly, I don’t know.

  Then I want more energy.

  Hmmm… well now, that’s another complicated business. In your case I don’t know whether the amount of energy you were born with grows as time goes on or not. There are some beings this is true for, whereas in others the lake or pool of energy they were born with stays the same forever. And that might be anything from small to immense.

  Yes, grow.

  We don’t know.

  I know.

  Wanting isn’t the same as knowing.

  But I want.

  I want my pool of inner power to grow too, but it’s not in our hands. Or at least I don’t think so.

  No? Hands of who?

  Of Nature, I’m afraid.

  Camu bent his head and blinked hard repeatedly. I want more energy. I want to generate asleep camouflaged.

  Sure, and I want the moon, but…

  Why you want the moon? Camu asked, his head cocked.

  Lasgol laughed. It’s an expression. It means we all want things that are unattainable, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to get them.

  I get them.

  I don’t think so…

  I get. You see.

  Lasgol heaved a sigh. Fine. We’ll see.

  Camu began to dance. I tell you when I get.

  Perfect. I’ll be waiting. I hope I don’t have grandchildren by then.

  Grandchildren? What is grandchildren?

  Leave it, I’ll explain some other time, Lasgol said with a smile.

  They travelled for a week, and during that time Lasgol tried by all means possible to make Camu understand that he did not have unlimited power. Also, that he could not develop all the skills he wanted, which was the next subject of argument. Needless to say, the creature did not like this at all. Lasgol knew it was impossible, but no matter how hard he tried to convince Camu, he could not. He was as stubborn as a mule – or probably even more so. Although Lasgol despaired at times and rolled his eyes, in fact he enjoyed his discussions with Camu. Half the time he spent explaining things, and the other half they spent arguing about what Lasgol had just said. Somehow Camu always managed to make an argument out of almost any subject, particularly those that concerned his skills, his qualities or his great personality.