by Keith Walsh
Magnus knew Grott and the little man were friends. It was why he brought up the question of where Shaper had disappeared to during the fight because he wondered why he hadn’t helped Grott. Now it was too late to explain. Shaper would find out for himself that his friend hadn’t made it. Captain Markus, Durok and Lucy simply looked on. Dallious moved aside and eased Beth with him. He saw the expression on Shaper’s face and knew instantly that the man was distraught.
With Dallious and Beth out of the way, Shaper could clearly see the face of the body and sadness filled his heart. He felt his eyes tear up but fought for control. Kneeling by Grott he cast his eyes over him and gently reached a hand out to stroke his head. Despite his best efforts a tear rolled down his cheek and he leapt to his feet as if angered by it, but knowing full well what truly angered him: the death of his friend. Ignoring everyone around him he made to the tavern door and disappeared through it. Inside he moved to the bar and poured himself a tankard of ale, downing it in one go. He poured another before moving back to the front of the bar to take a stool. There he sat, drinking, allowing the bitter-sweetness of sorrow to wash over him.
“I’ll go after him,” Dallious said, eager to get away from his argument with Beth and making to step away. “We’re not done,” said Beth, grabbing his arm. “Yes, we are,” replied Dallious, removing her grip with ease and heading for the tavern door. She considered objecting further but her mind was already made up that she would leave with him anyway and so she let it go.
“I’ll need to speak with you further Markus,” said Dallious upon reaching the door, holding just long enough to receive a nod in reply before pushing through it and out of sight. With that, Magnus moved to Lucy and helped her with Durok. The blacksmith bracing against him, Lucy thanked Magnus and walked over to Beth, hugging her warmly. “I know you like the man Beth, but do you really want to go with him?” she asked, their embrace over. Beth looked at her for a moment and Lucy already knew the answer. She understood what it was like to be smitten and although her anger towards Dallious wasn’t fully deserved she couldn’t help feeling the man to be a little on edge. She worried for Beth.
“I more than like him,” said Beth somewhat sheepishly. She knew how it sounded, she barely knew the man but she did know her feelings. Lucy smiled warmly and Beth followed suit. “This morning, while you were sleeping, he came to the room…” Lucy said hesitantly. Beth looked surprised. “He said you were beautiful,” Lucy revealed.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Beth cast a look at Lucy that suggested she knew her to be hiding something. “Well…” Lucy began, an understanding passing between them. “Just say it.” Lucy looked away and said, “he also mentioned that his heart belongs to another.” Beth stared at the ground, momentarily lost in thought. “It doesn’t matter,” she said finally, looking up. “As I already explained to him, there is nothing here for me now.”
“You could stay with Durok and I,” offered Lucy, already confident she knew what the response would be. Beth just smiled. “You are so nice to offer Lucy but—” Lucy cut her off by leaning in and giving Beth another big hug. “But you are going,” she said. Then she kissed her on the cheek and flashed a sparkling smile. Beth smiled back. “I understand,” Lucy said, holding Beth’s shoulders and taking a step back as if she was sending her only daughter away.
“That looks like two people saying goodbye,” said Magnus observing what had transpired between the women. “Indeed it does,” replied Durok, eyeing the big man and noticing the ripped and blood-soaked tunic that he wore. “And that looks like it needs attention,” said Durok nodding to the wound. “Everybody needs attention,” replied Magnus, looking around and laughing sarcastically. Durok laughed too.
“That Dallious is a force of nature, eh?” Magnus asked, his laughter subsiding. “Yes,” replied Durok. “I can only wonder about what he was like when he had both hands,” he added shaking his head. Magnus pursed his lips and nodded along. Then both men burst into renewed laughter.
***
Dallious saw Shaper sitting at the bar and moved to his side. Shaper knew he was there but didn’t look at him and as the man made to take a seat. “Before you sit down…” Shaper said quietly, and Dallious froze. “…go behind the bar and pour some more ale will you?” Shaper concluded, still averting his eyes. “Of course,” replied Dallious before moving around the bar and filling two more tankards of ale. One he placed next to Shaper’s current drink and the other he carried with him to the stool he had been about to sit on. This time he sat without interruption.
“Thank you,” said Shaper. Then he downed what was left of his drink and lifted the freshly poured one to his mouth. Dallious drank too. “You’re welcome,” he said, once his thirst was sated. The two men sat in comfortable silence for a few more mouthfuls before Dallious finally broke it. “You were friends a long time?” he asked. Shaper took another drink. “Yes,” he answered after swallowing. He kept the tankard raised, hovering just in front of his lips.
“I was the one who found Grott,” started Shaper, resting his ale back on the bar. “After the first time he tried to intervene in the Manson brother’s affairs.” Dallious eyed the little man but Shaper took no notice, choosing instead to continue with his story. “They left him badly beaten, his leg was permanently damaged and I carried him home. I cared for him for days before he could finally walk again, albeit with a limp. And our friendship grew from there.”
“I’m sorry,” said Dallious. Shaper looked at him then and Dallious held his eyes. “You did not kill him,” said Shaper, his expression blank. Dallious lifted his right stump and looked at it. “No,” he said, beginning to rub it. “But if I’d been at my best, maybe it wouldn’t have happened.”
“Do not dwell on what has passed us by,” said Shaper, looking at Dallious’ stump and then at his face. Dallious could feel the little man’s eyes upon him and he met them once again. “Time does not go backwards,” began Shaper, happy he had his attention. “And thinking of bad memories only robs you of the present and denies any hope of the future.”
“That is easier said than done,” replied Dallious before letting out a long sigh. “Who did it?” asked Shaper, aware he was changing the subject but knowing he could offer no more answers on the current one. “Who did what?” said Dallious, surprised by the change in direction. “Who killed Grott?” Shaper asked again. “It was Matt,” replied Dallious before taking another mouthful of ale and swallowing. “Fucking son of a whore!” said Shaper, slamming his fist onto the bar. Dallious didn’t flinch, already predicting the outburst. “He’s been placed under arrest and will be tried in Town. He’ll hang,” he shrugged.
“No. He won’t.” A confused expression appeared on Dallious’ face and Shaper noted it. “He won’t get the chance,” said Shaper, fiddling with his dagger now. Dallious hadn’t even noticed the little man draw it. He looked at the weapon and then fixed his eyes on Shaper. “You need to take Mark too,” said Dallious, fully aware now of Shaper’s intentions.
“I’m a very experienced man, and I know men like the Mason brothers,” started Dallious ignoring the fact Shaper hadn’t asked for any reasoning. “Matt is the leader, and Mark is all too ready to step up. Paul and Jack are weak and won’t step out of line without their brothers. Jake and Samuel are contained in the Watch and with Markus in charge now, they won’t have any power.”
“So you trust him?”
“I think Markus is an honest man.”
Shaper nodded, and Dallious continued. “Once Matt and Mark are dealt with, the dreaded Manson brothers will be no more.” Shaper thought for a moment. Dallious’ assessment was spot on and he found himself impressed by the cripple. A keen mind to go with all that fighting prowess, thought Shaper. Impressive.
“I agree,” said Shaper at last and Dallious nodded. Then he added, “Just one question?” “Please,” replied Dallious with a wave of his hand.
“If you already knew who should die—�
�� Dallious interrupted before he could finish, saying, “Why are they still alive?” Shaper nodded and watched as Dallious held up his right stump again. “Like I said, I’m not at my best and as a result the opportunity never arose,” he said, tapping the side of his head against his stump and resting it there. The little man grinned at him then bobbed his head a few times before turning away and downing what was left of his ale. “Not to worry,” he said, placing the empty tankard back on the bar and rising. “I’ll take it from here.”
And with that he walked to the tavern door.
Dallious watched him and just as he was about to leave, wished him good luck. “I am but a shadow Dallious…” said Shaper, half-turning his head. “And Shadows have no need of luck,” he added before disappearing through the door. Dramatic fucker, thought Dallious, allowing a smile to creep across his face. He finished his ale and then headed upstairs to collect his belongings, which consisted of two saddlebags. He also took a blanket from the bed and proceeded back downstairs and out of the tavern. Once outside he moved to Grott’s body and draped the blanket over it. The others just watched.
“I sent someone for the undertaker,” said Markus, moving to stand next to the rising Dallious. “Thank you,” said Dallious, standing now. “You said you wanted to speak with me?” Markus prompted. “Yes. I’m not quite sure what my thoughts were when I came to town but the reason I had so much coin was due to selling my mount.” Markus looked surprised. “And now you intend to leave you would like it back?” he asked. “Well…” said Dallious, casting out his hand. “That or the coin Matt stole from me.”
“Stole?”
Dallious tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. “There’s no need to look at me like that Dallious. I believe you handed the coin over? Did you not?” questioned Markus with a raised eyebrow. Dallious leaned back, a mixture of confusion and anger on his face and Markus laughed. “I tease,” said Markus his laughter gone and with a slap to Dallious’ arm. Dallious shook his head and smiled. “I cannot guarantee your coin,” said Markus. “But I have your mount and I’ll be happy to return it.”
“You have it?” asked Dallious. “Of course,” said Markus. “I spent time in the King’s stables. I know a fine beast when I see one and I purchased it. I wondered how such a magnificent animal had found its way to this town but now it makes sense.” Dallious smiled at him. “You are full of surprises Captain. Not least of which the fact that you would simply hand the animal back to me?”
“Well, I will question Matt and his brothers in regards to your missing coin and when and if they confess to where it is, I will take that as my payment—”
“I have spent quite a bit of it,” interrupted Dallious. Markus sighed then locked his eyes on him. “I cannot explain myself,” Markus began, “but there is something about you Dallious. Something that makes me feel your path is more important than whether I receive a poor deal on a horse or not. Perhaps if we ever meet again you may be in a position to fully repay the debt but for now I am happy with the terms. If you are?”
“Of course,” replied Dallious, “…and please accept my sincere thanks.” Markus nodded and smiled warmly. “Think nothing of it,” he said. “Before nightfall, your mount will be waiting for you at the town gates, fully watered, saddled and ready for travel.” Dallious nodded and said, “Again my sincere thanks.”
“Safe journey,” said Markus offering his left hand. “And to you,” replied Dallious, shaking it. And with that Captain Markus moved to the loaded cart and instructed the driver to set off. Dallious watched as the cart lurched to life followed by some of the Manson brothers, Markus and the rest of the Watch that were still standing. Once they were out of sight he turned to see that several of the crowd had gathered around the covered body of Grott and were saying a prayer, but instead of joining them he chose to move to Magnus and Durok.
“Interesting day,” said Durok to Dallious as he approached. Dallious nodded and replied, “That’s one way of putting it.” Magnus eyed the two men and said, “You know if Matt is cleared at that trial…” Dallious dismissed his concern with a wave of his hand. “I wouldn’t worry about it,” he sniffed. “How’s the leg?” he continued, ignoring the confused expressions his comment caused. “I’ll live,” replied Durok with a wry smile.
“And your chest?” asked Dallious, nodding to Magnus now. “It needs stitching but unless everyone in town refuses to do it… I’ll live too,” said Magnus, followed by a chuckle. The three men smiled. “What will happen to the tavern? Did Grott own it?” asked Dallious, choosing not to direct the question to either man specifically.
“To be honest I’m not sure of the answer to either question,” said Durok. Magnus just pursed his lips and shrugged. “For now I think it best we lock it up and hand the keys to Markus,” said Durok. “He can investigate it further but I would hazard a guess that if Grott did own it, there may be documents leaving it to Beth. Only time will tell.”
“Right now she seems decided on following you,” chipped in Magnus. Dallious placed his hand and stump on his hips and sighed. “That’s not going to happen,” he said after a moment’s silence. “Forgive me Dallious but you cannot force her to stay if she chooses not to,” said Durok. “You may not have known Beth long but you do know she is headstrong and will do what she wants.”
“What would you have me do? I don’t want to see her hurt,” Dallious said, throwing up his arms in frustration. “I’d suggest taking her with you but avoid nicety. She will get the message eventually and hopefully then she will choose to return home,” said Magnus with a raised eyebrow. Durok frowned at the suggestion. “Cruel to be kind?” said Dallious. “That’s not really my style.”
“Nor should it be,” offered Durok. “It was just a thought,” said Magnus, looking a little embarrassed. “Does she even know how to ride?” Dallious asked Durok. “What makes you think you will get that far with her?” said Magnus, a wicked grin appearing. Dallious eyed the big man. “Really? What are we, schoolboys?” Magnus and Durok laughed and Dallious shook his head. “She can ride,” said Durok, once the laughter had subsided, “but she doesn’t own a mount.”
Dallious cast his eyes to the sky and let out a long sigh. “She can have mine,” said Magnus, and Durok and Dallious looked at him with eyes wide. “Don’t look so surprised. I think it’s time I stopped travelling and who knows, as cold as it may sound there may well be an opening for a tavern keeper here soon.”
“The truth is often cold,” said Durok. Dallious nodded. “Thank you for your offer Magnus,” he said. “It is most generous.”
“Think nothing of it.”
“Nonsense,” Durok said, patting Magnus on the chest and causing him to flinch. “Sorry about that,” he added quickly, realising he had accidentally hurt the man. Magnus dismissed it with an exhale of air. “Really, your gesture is immense,” continued Durok, understanding Magnus’ exhale as a dismissal of the pain he had just caused. “And as such it should be repaid in kind.” Magnus looked intrigued.
“You shall stay with Lucy and I until this business with the tavern is sorted,” finished Durok, holding his head high. Now it was Magnus’ turn to look wide-eyed. “I don’t know what to say…”
“Say you accept,” said Durok. “I do,” came the reply and both men shook hands. Dallious smiled at the two men but his mind drifted back to why he had changed it regarding Beth.
He had abandoned Kalen all those years ago and that mistake was the primary reason he had agreed to take care of Amber. And he did for some time but then he sent her away with Gallant. He tried to convince himself and everyone around him that it was for the best because he could no longer protect her, but in truth he had fallen in love with Sister and although she could not reciprocate it, between his love for her and his escape from combat and killing he had come to know peace. However naïve, he believed one day he would get her to break her vows and they could live happily together.
Now Amber ventured forth with a great man but one not capabl
e of defeating Kalen. Sister was dead and what Dallious had tried to convince everyone of before was actually now true – he could not protect Amber in his current state. At least not against Kalen. Sister had asked for his help. Told him to be strong and yet he had wasted days wallowing in self-pity and drinking himself into a stupor. For some reason he had felt strong and assured after his melancholic episode at breakfast, but then he recalled that his mind had cracked again when he attacked Markus and the Watch.
However unstable his mind had been, right now he was thinking clearly and Beth would come with him. She would follow him anyway, so what choice did he have? “Dallious,” said Durok, pulling the man from his thoughts. “Yes,” he replied, blinking and looking confused. “Let us join the prayer for Grott while we wait on the undertaker,” said Durok, and Dallious agreed. He moved to the opposite side of the blacksmith from Magnus and together they helped him hobble to the circle of prayer. Upon their arrival Beth and Lucy made space to allow the three men in and there they prayed together. Some time passed before the undertaker finally arrived and although some of the crowd had dispersed most remained.
Dallious and Magnus passed Durok carefully to Lucy and then both men helped lift Grott’s body into the horse-drawn hearse. Before its doors closed Dallious took the keys for the tavern from Grott’s belt and nodded to the undertaker. Understanding the silent instruction the man proceeded to close and lock the hearse door then he turned to the crowd and said, “The body will be ready for burial tomorrow. Those who wish to attend may do so at the Church of the Almighty here in town. And with that he tipped his hat, moved to the driver’s seat and snapped the reins, causing the horses to start walking.
Those of the crowd that were left hugged and said their goodbyes to Beth and Lucy before following the slow-moving hearse. When everyone had departed Dallious went to Beth and noting his approach she stood defiantly, wiping tears from her eyes. “Do you have things to collect?” asked Dallious, gesturing toward the tavern, his voice soft and his eyes filled with sympathy. Beth didn’t answer. Instead she bit her lip and Dallious could see the pain in her eyes as she fought to stem a fresh flow of tears. She failed, and reaching out he gently rubbed them away. Beth closed her eyes, savouring his touch. When next she opened them she spoke, “So you’re going to take me with you?”
