Protector's Curse

by Keith Walsh

  “Don’t any of you find these wolves disturbing?” said Gallant, staring at each of the men. “What wolves?” said Cormac, his expression one of confusion. Gallant swung round in his saddle, his arm lashing out with an open palm in the direction that the six wolves had been. They were gone, and he sat open mouthed for a moment in confusion. “I don’t see anything,” said Cormac. Gallant turned on him. “They were just there,” he insisted, looking to Callis and Matias for confirmation. “They were,” chipped in Callis. Matias nodded his agreement.

  “Okay,” said Cormac, acknowledging his companions support of the giant’s statement. “But they’re not there now. So can we please get moving?” With an air of resignation, Gallant simply said, “Aye.” The seven riders moved off into the trees back the way five of them had come. Cormac took the fore, Jasper and his guard’s just behind. Then there was Matias and finally, at the back, Gallant and Callis. Amber sat quietly bobbing up and down with the horse’s movement but Gallant noted her attention stayed fixed on Matias. Why is she so fascinated with the man? he thought

  Their destination was Homestead, Callis’ village, and the ride there proved uneventful. Little to no conversation took place between any of the riders, although Matias did glance back at Amber every now and then and she in turn never took her eyes from the old man. It was something that frustrated Gallant greatly. A part of him wanted to turn off into the trees and disappear from this group but another part of him said he must stay the course. The silent struggle of his thoughts caused him stress and tension, and he hated it.

  ***

  It was nightfall by the time they reached their destination and at that stage all Gallant wanted to do was eat and sleep, preferably in a warm and comfortable bed. “Well, we’re here,” said Callis, stating the obvious. Gallant offered no response, choosing instead to cast a tired and sarcastic expression at the young man. Callis recognised the look, but he smiled warmly at the giant before saying, “You can stay with me, if you please?” An exhausted Gallant said, “Just tell me you have a comfortable bed,” mustering up the energy to speak. “Cold food and a comfortable bed, yes,” said Callis before smiling again.

  Gallant smiled back before checking on Amber and noting that she was fast asleep against the horse’s neck. Callis saw Matias approach and knowing that Gallant was in no mood to talk to the old man he moved his mount to intercept him. “Don’t worry,” said Matias, intelligent enough to recognise that Callis’ actions were for his own good. “I have no intention of bothering the giant right now. But please ask him not to leave tomorrow before speaking with me,” he added with an expression that suggested he wanted assurance.

  “I will,” said Callis nodding. “Thank you,” replied Matias returning the nod. Then with one more brief glance at Gallant and Amber he turned his horse and moved away. “I’ll inform the elders of the day’s events and explain that our guests should not be disturbed tonight,” he said over his shoulder. Callis didn’t respond. Instead he moved back to Gallant’s side. “My thanks,” said Gallant upon the young man’s arrival. “I couldn’t handle anymore of him tonight.”

  “I know,” replied Callis before smiling warmly. “Come, let’s get you and Amber what I promised.” Gallant nodded and gently patted his horse to life, following Callis. Homestead wasn’t the biggest village he had ever come across and so it wasn’t long before they reached the young man’s home, a log cabin on the eastern side of the village. A small tethering post with watering and feeding trough had been built just outside his cabin and Callis was the first to dismount and tether his horse. Gallant followed suit, choosing to leave the sleeping Amber in peace until he had checked the accommodation on offer.

  Once Callis had opened up his home, Gallant stuck his head halfway in, making sure he could keep Amber within his peripheral vision and still scan the cabin. It was cold and dark. A large fireplace built of stone sat at the back wall with two chairs facing it. A small table, Gallant guessed for dining judging by the plates and bowels sitting upon it, sat by the left wall and a door was on the right, most likely leading to a bedroom or stores. Gallant had noted an upper level upon their approach but from his current position he couldn’t see any stairs. He quickly poked his head all the way through the doorframe and then saw them immediately to his left leading up.

  Callis stood eyeing the giant with some amusement, and feeling eyes upon him Gallant switched his gaze to the young man. “What are you smiling about?” asked Gallant with a frown. “You have trusted me up to this point yet now you are worried about what lurks in my home?” Gallant had the good grace to look sheepish. “Forgive me Callis. It is not you I do not trust.”

  “I understand but you asked the question and I answered,” said Callis with a smile. Gallant smiled back but the sharpness of the response didn’t go unnoticed. He had upset his host and he genuinely felt regret for it. “I’ll light the fire and some lamps and prepare the food,” Callis said, moving to the back wall. “There are two single beds in the room to the right there,” he continued, pointing to the door that Gallant had spotted earlier. “Or a double bed upstairs if you prefer,” he added, laying the fire.

  Gallant didn’t respond right away. Callis’ words had started him thinking. The single beds downstairs meant it would be easier to escape if they were set upon during the night but the upstairs room meant that if several attackers were to come for them, they could only come up the stairs in single file, making it a good defensive position. On the other hand if they chose to burn them out, then they would need to jump in order to escape and being no small man Gallant didn’t fancy that option, not to mention it would require Amber to have the courage to jump too and that added a further complication. Ultimately he decided that the ground floor single beds were the better option. “We’ll take the single beds if that’s okay?” said Gallant at last before throwing another protective glance at Amber.

  The length of time it took the giant to respond hadn’t bothered Callis as he was concentrating on getting the fire to light. Now that it was burning he stood to face the giant. “Yes, that’s fine with me,” he said, before turning and bending back down to strategically place some bigger kindling in the flames. “My thanks,” said Gallant, noting the newly born shadows caused by the growing flames, dancing about the grate and seeming to already warm the place. He knew it was psychological, no real heat could have found its way to him yet but he allowed the placebo to have its effect for a few moments before gathering himself and making his way to Amber.

  He lifted her from the saddle with all the grace he could muster but she woke briefly nonetheless. Her tired eyes opened just long enough for her to see that Gallant held her and, satisfied, she half-smiled before snuggling her head into his neck and shoulder to drift off again. By the time Gallant had her down for the night and the horses cleared of their saddles and bags Callis had the fire burning brightly and several lamps lit.

  “Won’t Amber be joining us?” asked Callis, placing some bread and cheese on the table, a corked bottle already at its centre with three wooden goblets surrounding it. “She’s exhausted. Best to let her sleep,” replied Gallant, making his way to the main door of the cabin and sliding the three bolts – one at the top, the middle and finally the bottom – into the locked position. Callis watched the giant and when he was finished the giant met the young man’s eyes. “I’m sorry, did you need something from outside?” Gallant asked, suddenly aware that he had acted as though this was his home and not in the way expected of a guest. “I might have gone for some water,” replied Callis. “I only have wine here,” he added, waving his hand in the direction of the bottle on the table. “And I doubt you want Amber drinking that,” he said with a raised eyebrow.

  Gallant shook his head. “There’s still some water in the skin on my saddlebag. Save you having to go outside again,” said Gallant. “But to be honest… I would welcome a little wine myself,” he added with the expression of someone who would appreciate a drinking partner. “Wine it is then,�
� said Callis before smiling and uncorking the bottle, pouring two generous goblets. Gallant moved to the table and both men sat down.

  “Cheese is a poor choice at night,” said Gallant, only now noting what Callis had prepared. “Matias is forever telling me the same,” came the reply, “but I like it. I’m sure I have some cured meat around here somewhere if you would prefer?” Gallant thought for a moment. He would prefer meat but the fact Callis had used the word ‘somewhere’ meant if Gallant were to ask for it, he would be putting the young man to the trouble of finding it and besides, all he really wanted to do was stuff some food into his mouth, knock back the wine and go to bed.

  “No, thank you – cheese is fine,” he said finally, his decision made. “Okay,” replied Callis with a look that suggested he was less then convinced by the giant’s choice but he was also in no mood to press the issue. The two men ate hungrily without conversation. Gallant was the first to finish and as the last of his wine ran from the right-hand side of his lips he brushed the back of his hand against it, stemming any further flow before swallowing what remained. “Ah, that hit the spot,” he said, feeling satisfied not only by the food and wine but also the surroundings.

  The fire had grown enough to be producing real heat and Gallant revelled in it. He sat back in his chair, ignoring its creaking protest at his size and placed his hands over his belly. Callis nodded a response of approval, still in the process of finishing his own meal. “Hit the spot indeed,” he said finally, the last of his share of food finally swallowed. “Well, I don’t mean to be rude,” said Gallant standing and stretching. “But I really need to get some sleep.”

  “Not at all,” replied Callis, rising. “I completely understand. I’m pretty tired myself.” Gallant extended his hand to the young man. “Thank you for everything Callis. I wish you a good night’s sleep,” he said sincerely. “You are most welcome Gallant,” came the reply as both men shook hands. “I’ll be sure to leave some food and water out for Amber, should she wake during the night.”

  Gallant nodded his approval then moved to his saddlebag in the corner of the room and tossed the water skin he had spoken about earlier to Callis. “Thank you,” said the young man, catching it with ease. Gallant moved to the door of his room but halted for a moment upon hearing words from Callis. “Oh, just one more thing before you lay down for the night.” Gallant turned to Callis, his eyes expectant. “Matias asked if you would speak with him tomorrow before you leave, if you intend to leave that is – you are welcome to stay.”

  “I’ll think on it,” Gallant said. “Good enough for me,” said Callis, making his way between the lamps and extinguishing them. “I can watch over Amber if you don’t want her to go with you,” he added, placing an iron guard in front of the fire. Gallant looked at him. “I appreciate the offer but I swear that child will never be out of my protection again as long as I draw breath,” he replied, frowning as the memory of the incident with the bear came back to him.

  “Never say nev—” Callis started to say, but the giant cut him off. “Don’t!” he said, locking eyes with the young man. Callis met them but this time he didn’t feel intimidated. He was getting used to the giant’s lack of range in expression and he only intended his words in jest so he beamed widely. “You little whoreson,” said Gallant, relaxing, understanding now that he was being teased. “Goodnight Gallant,” Callis said with a small bow. “Away with ye,” Gallant snorted before allowing a half-smile and shaking his head. With that he turned into his room and closed the door behind him.

  Amber slept soundly in one of the beds and Gallant moved to the other. Sitting down he removed his boots and sighed with relief as he flexed and curled his toes a few times before laying his huge frame fully onto the bed, which creaked a little under his weight.

  He settled quickly, eager not to cause too much noise and risk waking Amber. He didn’t bother with a blanket, realising he hadn’t pulled it back before laying down and now too comfortable to bother rectifying the mistake. With his hands behind his head he savoured the silence for a few moments before his mind drifted to Matias. He still wasn’t sure about meeting the man tomorrow and he felt even more unsure about Amber being with him but regardless of his uncertainty there was something else within him that told him he should… must, even. He sighed. Rest now my troubled mind. For this man needs sleep.

  And with that, he closed his eyes.

  Chapter 13

  “You are a man of your word?”

  Atheles awoke with a start and sat bolt upright. Sweat poured from his brow and his heart beat wildly. He had been dreaming of his encounter with Haggard and the conversation that took place between them moments before he ended the champion’s life in the arena. “Bad dream?” asked Kalen, not even looking at him as he poked the campfire with a stick.

  Atheles took a moment to gather his senses before responding. Much to Kalen’s objection they had setup camp to allow the horses to rest. At least that’s what Atheles had told him. In truth he needed rest, the bite from the strange creature they had encountered the previous night still pained him and the memory of the parasites still haunted his thoughts. Every so often he would feel his skin crawl and start to scratch at his chest, convinced there was something still within him. It’s all in your head, he would think. And he knew it to be true but still the thought of those things burrowing through his skin caused him trouble.

  “Just a promise I would rather forget,” answered Atheles at last, awaiting any sarcastic response from Kalen. None came. Kalen just continued to poke the fire, his inquiry had been nonchalant and automatic and no answer had really been warranted. Atheles tossed the blanket that covered him aside and rose, stretching and yawning. They had passed the slightly rotting and somewhat mauled carcass of a grizzly during the day, its demise caused by something sharp and heavy enough to cleave the skull in two. A little further a clear path of destruction could be seen, most likely caused by the deceased animal itself. Some nearby red patches upon the earth that Atheles guessed to be dried blood suggested whoever had killed it did not escape injury themself.

  “You think one man could have done this?” Kalen had asked, examining the dead animal. Atheles looked closely at the scene. “There is evidence that more than one person and horse were here but the injuries on the corpse suggest that… yes, one person owns this kill,” he replied, ignoring Kalen’s ignorance to the fact a woman could have been responsible for the kill. “Impressive,” Kalen said. “Perhaps only a giant could have achieved such a thing…” he added, casting an expectant look at Atheles. “Perhaps,” Atheles responded, shrugging. “We may be close Atheles,” Kalen said. “We should keep moving.”

  Atheles did not reply and simply did as he was instructed, although his thoughts had been of the creature they fought nights before. He shook his head and brought himself back to the present and looked at Kalen. The man seemed less threatening sitting there poking the fire, his famously cold eyes staring into the flames. He looked almost peaceful. “What the devil are you looking at?” asked Kalen, feeling Atheles eyes upon him and turning his gaze to meet them. Atheles instantly felt his blood run cold as he met his master’s eyes but he held his nerve.

  “Nothing really, I was just thinking you looked peaceful sitting there tending to the fire. It is not a side of you I see very often,” replied Atheles. “Makes me wonder what happened to you to make you enjoy killing so much?” Kalen’s eyes blazed and Atheles was suddenly aware of how dangerous his nonchalant question could be interpreted, and he looked away instantly. “I’m sorry, I had no right to say that, I didn’t think,” he said, still averting his eyes. Kalen fought for calm – Atheles question had taken him by surprise but his apology for asking it angered him even more.

  “How many times have I told you not to apologise Atheles?” Kalen asked. “Do not even attempt to answer that,” he continued, breathing heavily though flaring nostrils. Atheles heard his masters breathing and knew he was struggling to stay calm, he had learned from pre
vious experience of situations like this that showing just the right amount of strength could help. Mustering his nerve he looked sternly at Kalen and their eyes locked. Kalen glared, his breathing still heavy but Atheles held. Slowly Kalen’s breathing returned to normal and he dropped his head to stare back into the flames. Then he looked up again and smiled, and Atheles was taken aback. “Such a personal question,” said Kalen, his anger gone but replaced with something much more sinister. “It must mean you wish to rut with me like some cheap whore.” He rose from the fire pit and starting to unbuckle his weapons.

  Atheles felt shocked. He had never seen Kalen behave in this way and for a moment the thought occurred to him that perhaps his master’s mind had finally cracked. “What the hell are you doing?” he asked, watching Kalen – now relieved of his weapons – start to remove his shirt. “Come now Atheles,” replied Kalen, tossing his shirt to the ground. “Let’s not be coy. There is no need to hide your feelings for me any longer, I offer myself to you,” he said, while starting to remove his leggings. Atheles, still unbelieving of what he saw and heard, looked away in disgust. “You are mistaken Kalen. I have no interest in you in that way,” said Atheles, his tone coloured with a hint of anger.

  Kalen noted it and let out a sarcastic laugh. “Look at me,” he said. Atheles kept his eyes fixed on the ground. “I will not.”

  “You asked a question and I seek to answer it,” responded Kalen. “Now look at me!” Reluctantly Atheles turned to see Kalen standing with his back to him, the firelight flickering across his naked body providing just enough light for Atheles to make out the horribly scarred skin across his master’s spine and shoulders. Atheles recognised the welts and divots and knew it to be caused by lashing of some form, either whip, cane or both.

  Kalen looked over his shoulder and noting Atheles had seen what he wanted him to see he reached for his clothes and started to dress. Atheles averted his eyes as he waited for Kalen to adorn his leggings. Dressed from the waist down Kalen now turned to face him and spoke. “It is as well you did not make an advance on me Atheles,” he said. “I would have cut your throat on the spot,” he continued while sheathing a dagger he had obviously been holding out of sight. “This was a test then?” asked Atheles, relieved that Kalen had not been serious but still disturbed by the turn of events. “To you a test perhaps,” replied Kalen. “To me… an amusement,” he finished, while struggling with his boots.