Protector's Curse

by Keith Walsh

  Dallious leaned into her. “So you’re going to give me a choice?” he said. Beth giggled and shook her head. “Then, yes – I’m taking you with me,” he said smiling and with that she clasped her hand over his and kissed it. “Come, let’s get your things,” he added, keeping hold of her hand and leading her to the tavern. He noticed Lucy beaming and Durok grinning as they passed by. “They make a cute couple,” said Lucy to Durok no sooner than Dallious and Beth had disappeared from sight. “Don’t get ahead of yourself now,” replied Durok with a wry smile and while testing his leg again to see if it could bear weight.

  “Nope,” he added with a wince and Lucy wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him to a kiss on the cheek. “My poor love,” she said. “So brave and yet so foolish,” she added, looking into his eyes mockingly before planting another kiss. He just grinned and looked at Magnus, rolling his eyes skywards. Magnus smiled back.

  The three of them waited for Dallious and Beth to reappear and when finally they did, they watched him lock the tavern door behind him. When finished, he and Beth walked to the trio and Dallious handed Durok the keys. “I think it best you hold onto these to give to Markus when the time’s right,” he said. Durok accepted them with a nod, and Magnus looked to the sky. “The day is pressing on,” he said, taking note of the sun’s position. “Aye,” replied Durok, looking for himself and agreeing with the assessment. “Let’s get back to my shop,” said Durok.

  “Agreed. Please – allow us,” said Dallious, gesturing to Magnus and easing Lucy aside so he and the big man could help the blacksmith. “Thank you,” said Lucy, moving without protest.

  Chapter 20

  It took what felt like an age before the group finally reached Durok and Lucy’s home. Being no small man, the blacksmith had to stop several times both for rest and to allow the others to re-adjust their positions or take a break from their burden. Beth and Lucy had stayed back a little from the three men, most likely so they could gossip about Dallious decision to take Beth with him.

  “This is it,” said Durok, unwrapping his right arm from around Dallious’ shoulders so he could retrieve his keys and open the door. His other arm was still hanging on to Magnus. Once inside he noted the two missing bars from the window that Sharper had admitted to removing to gain access. The wooden shutters behind where the bars would normally be were open, and surprisingly still intact. “Little son of a bitch,” said Durok with a shake of his head. Dallious and Magnus followed his line of sight and both men smiled at each other. Durok cast an admonishing look at them.

  “Brighten up Durok. The weapons did come in useful,” said Magnus, noting the fact the blacksmith looked less than impressed. Durok grunted then he cast his eyes over the left wall of the shop and saw clearly the empty pegs where the axe, sword and mace had come from. “I’m sure Markus will see them returned,” said Dallious, noting where Durok looked and patting him on the shoulder. Durok nodded and said, “I’m sure he will.” Then Dallious moved to the corner and pulled a chair over for the blacksmith and Magnus helped to ease him into it. Upon sitting Durok let out a sigh of relief and Magnus, relieved of the blacksmith’s weight, stretched, relaxing his sore muscles. Dallious took a cue from the big man and did the same.

  “I’m getting old,” said Dallious, his aching bones cracking as he performed the stretches. Durok eyed the two men and burst into laughter. They both paused and looked at him. “Look at the state of us,” he said. “Me with an injured leg. You with a cut chest and open arm,” he added, pointing to Magnus. “And Dallious with a missing hand and slashed leg.” The men smiled at each other.

  “Hey at least we’re alive,” said Magnus, and the smiles faded. He didn’t mean the words the way they came out, it was just something people said. But now the mood in the room had suddenly turned sombre, and he remembered that Grott had lost his life and he silently berated his stupidity. “I’m sorry. You know I didn’t mean it like—”

  “It’s okay Magnus. We know,” said Dallious, pursing his lips and throwing a sympathetic look.

  “Aye,” chipped in Durok, his expression matching that of Dallious’. Just then Lucy and Beth walked in. “Oh, is everything all right?” asked Lucy, immediately aware of the awkward silence in the room. “Everything is fine love,” replied Durok, locking eyes with her and smiling warmly. “We we’re just remembering Grott, that’s all.” “Oh,” said Lucy again, half-turning to check on Beth. She was looking at the ground clearly making an effort to avoid eye contact with anyone. “I’m okay,” she said, suddenly aware that all eyes were on her.

  Lucy smiled at her, then turning back to her husband she noticed the open shutters and missing bars on the window. “What in God’s name?” she said and Durok placed a hand over his face, eyeing Magnus through a thumb and forefinger. A sheepish grin appearing. “Oh you think it’s funny?” said Lucy, seeing the look on her husband’s face and moving past him to the shutters. Once there she closed them and flopped the locking bar back into place, securing them. “Actually no I don’t,” said Durok. “But what’s done is done and as Magnus pointed out before you arrived, Shaper brought us the weapons and they did help.”

  Realisation suddenly hit Lucy and she eyed the left wall of the shop, now seeing the empty pegs there. “So they were our weapons?” she said, hands on hips, eyes glaring. Durok tried to reply but Lucy cut him off. “And where are they now?” she asked. “The Watch took them,” said Durok, finally able to get a word in. “Captain Markus will see them back to you Lucy,” chipped in Dallious. “Oh yes, he most certainly will,” said Lucy, rounding on him.

  “That’s enough Lucy,” said Durok, his expression darkening. “We all need medical attention and that is more important right now.” Lucy’s anger eased upon hearing her husband’s words. She hadn’t been aware that the shop had been broken into and items taken until this moment, and shock had got the better of her. Now with her senses returning she felt a little ashamed. The first thing she should have done was look after her husband and his injured friends. “Right,” She said looking to each of the men. “I’m sorry. Let’s get you all cleaned, stitched and bandaged,” she added, moving past them and disappearing through a door in the back wall.

  Beth followed her and no sooner had both women left the room, the three men grinned at each other. “You have a fiery one there Durok,” said Magnus. “Aye. Lucy is a passionate woman. She cares for me greatly and I love her dearly for it,” Durok replied. Magnus just smiled and nodded.

  Dallious ignored the interaction between the two men, and instead he moved to the left wall and examined some of the other weapons on show there. “Anything you like the look of Dallious?” asked Durok, still seated and waving Magnus out of his line of sight. Magnus graciously moved to one side. “Some fine craftsmanship,” Dallious commended him, his examination complete. “But no… nothing that I would personally choose.” He finished, turning and smiling at Durok, who he now had clear sight of. Durok smiled back. “No, I didn’t think so,” said the blacksmith, his smile subsiding. “That counter right in front of you,” he added, pointing to where he wanted Dallious to look. “Magnus, if you could help him?”

  Magnus moved to where Durok pointed. “Take an end each and push it towards me,” he instructed. Magnus and Dallious positioned themselves on opposite ends of the counter and pushed. At first it didn’t move but eventually they managed to shift it enough to see the ground underneath. “That should be enough,” said Durok and Dallious and Magnus paused. “Can you see one of the floorboards is slightly different in colour from the others?” Asked Durok. Dallious nodded but Magnus simply stared at the floor. “Oh I see the difference now,” said Magnus at last, his expression changing from one of confusion to realisation. “You need your eyes checked,” said Dallious with a grin.

  “Take a dagger from the wall display and pry that floorboard up. It will come loose,” said Durok, pointing his finger with his instruction. Dallious obeyed while Magnus looked on. After a few moments of prying eventu
ally the floorboard came loose and Dallious lifted it clear. It was much longer then he first assumed, and he carefully placed it against the wall and awaited further instruction. “That’s good,” said Durok. “Now reach your hand under the second floorboard and at each end you should feel a bolt. Undo those bolts and lift that floorboard away too.”

  Dallious knelt and started to feel for the bolts the blacksmith had mentioned. It didn’t take long to distinguish them from the smooth surface of the rest of the floorboard and within moments he had undone them and lifted clear the second floorboard. Magnus strained to see as Dallious stood to place the second floorboard against the wall next to the first. All he saw was a dusty blanket within a hole that could have been knee-deep as far as he knew. “I see a blanket,” said Dallious, looking down.

  Durok nodded. “That’s good. Pull the blanket out and you will see an elongated oak box underneath. Take the box out carefully and put it on the counter, please,” said Durok. Dallious obeyed and Durok hopped from his chair to the counter to inspect the oak box that now rested on it. Then he took a key from a chain around his neck and unlocked the box.

  Dallious and Magnus moved around the counter to stand next to the blacksmith, eager to see what would be revealed. Durok waited for the men to get into position, his hands resting on the edges of the box lid. Once satisfied they could see clearly he lifted the lid slowly to reveal a magnificent rapier caressed by a purple velvet lining. Durok eyed the men with him, eager to see their reactions. “Wow that must be worth a fortune,” said Magnus, his eyes wide.

  Dallious said nothing. His eyes flicked over the weapon, taking in every detail. He had never seen its equal. Unbeknown to him, Durok beamed at his reaction. That was the response the blacksmith had been looking for. Where Magnus immediately recognised value, Dallious admired the craftsmanship. He gazed upon the weapon like a man smitten by a beautiful woman. “May I?” he asked, looking to Durok, his mouth dry. “Please,” replied Durok with a wave of his hand.

  Dallious’ hand shook as he prepared to clasp the handle of the sword. He stopped suddenly, and retracting his hand he wiped it frantically against his shirt. He examined his fingers and satisfied they were clean he reached out for the second time and ever so slowly gripped the handle of the rapier. He lingered there for a few moments, savouring the feeling of the cool metal in his hand. He took a deep breath and exhaled before finally and carefully lifting the blade clear. Holding it out he lifted it to his eye level and tilted his head to look upon its length. “Flawless,” he said breathlessly.

  Durok felt a shiver run down his spine at the word and knew instantly he had made the right choice in who the new owner should be. “It’s so light,” continued Dallious, twisting and bobbing the blade gently. “Perfectly balanced.”

  “It’s just a sword Dallious,” chipped in Magnus. Dallious fixed the man with a fierce stare. “You clearly don’t know a masterpiece when you see it,” he said with a shake of his head. Magnus’ face reddened. “I meant no offense,” he managed to say, looking to Durok now, eager to avoid Dallious’ scathing eyes. “I know you didn’t,” said Durok before flashing him a smile. Dallious had already gone back to admiring the weapon. Even in the dullish light of the shop it shone brightly. “I’ve never seen steel shine like this,” he said, eyeing Durok.

  “It’s not made from steel.”

  “Well whatever you used, you have outdone yourself Durok.” The blacksmith laughed. “You are mistaken Dallious. My skill is not yet even close to this level of mastery.” Dallious raised an eyebrow. “My father forged it,” Durok explained. “He was truly an artisan. The metal is called silver. It is very rare in these parts. In fact, so much so I have yet to have the pleasure of working with it myself,” said Durok.

  “I’ve never heard of it,” said Dallious. “Nor I,” added Magnus. Durok nodded. “It’s the reason it shines so brightly. The metal is slightly weaker than steel but much lighter and perfectly capable of withstanding battle. In the hands of someone like you Dallious it would be a force to be reckoned with.” Dallious laughed aloud. “Only Kings could dream of owning such a thing,” he said his laughter subsiding. “That’s funny Dallious. I never knew you were a King,” said Durok with a raised eyebrow. Confusion spread across Dallious’ face as he eyed the blacksmith.

  “I’m not a King,” he managed to blurt out, noting Magnus also looked confused. “And yet you own what you now hold in your hand,” said Durok, a sly grin appearing. Dallious glanced at the weapon he held then back to the blacksmith, his eyes wide and mouth open. “No,” he said, Durok’s cryptic intent suddenly made clear. Durok just smiled at him. “I cannot accept this,” said Dallious, gently returning the rapier to its velvet resting place and stepping back. “It’s the reason I asked you to come here,” started Durok, eyeing the shocked Dallious with an open expression. “It has been hidden beneath that counter for over a decade. Wasting away with no one able to admire its beauty. For I feared to ever display it in this shop and I certainly do not have the ability to wield it. Nor do I wish to sell it.”

  Magnus felt a pang of jealously with the revelation of Durok’s gift. The sale of such a weapon could see a person live in luxury for the rest of their days, and Durok intended to simply give it away. To a relative stranger no less! Just as quickly as the thoughts came to him Magnus admonished himself, remembering that Durok had invited him to stay with him and Lucy. He didn’t consider himself a weak man or a thief but nor did he believe in people not having a price. Perhaps knowledge of such an item being on the premises could be his? At the very least stealing it was a temptation and in the end, the absence of temptation was much better than any attempted resistance of it.

  “Are you okay Magnus?” asked Durok almost sensing what the big man was thinking, helped by his vacant expression. Magnus blinked. “Oh yes, fine,” he said, followed by a smile in a vain attempt to conceal any hint of his impure thoughts. Durok smiled back but his eyes narrowed and Magnus looked away. He sensed the blacksmith was on to him and he felt more than a little ashamed.

  Seeing Magnus’s reaction Durok decided to let it go and switched his attention back to Dallious who stood staring into the box and gently shaking his head. He was obviously having some sort of inner conflict with acceptance of Durok’s offer. Durok reached out and closed the lid of the box then locked it and held the key out to Dallious. The action snapped Dallious back to the present but he refused to take the key, instead staring blankly at it. “I can’t,” he said finally with a shake of his head.

  Durok took hold of Dallious left hand and planted the key squarely into his palm. “You can and you will,” he said before closing Dallious fingers around it. Dallious looked at his closed fist, then to the oak box and finally to Durok. He stood abruptly and placed his fist against his chest and bowed. “Thank you,” he said, holding the bow long enough for recognition. Durok beamed. “You are very welcome,” he said. “I truly hope it helps to avenge your loss.” Dallious looked away momentarily. A weapon, no matter the quality, could only be as good as its wielder and he no longer believed himself capable. But the generosity behind such a magnificent gift could not be ignored and so he decided to feign strength. He stared into Durok’s eyes with an air of confidence and nodded, and the blacksmith smiled and nodded back.

  Just then Lucy arrived back in the room to beckon the men to the kitchen but the scene that greeted her caused her to pause. “What are you doing?” she asked of Durok, noting the disturbed counter and recognising the oak box atop it. Durok swivelled in his chair and bracing one arm on its back and the other on the counter he rose. Standing, he continued to hold the back of the chair with his right hand for balance before answering in a clear and measured tone. “Giving Dallious something special,” he said finally, staring into his wife’s eyes.

  Lucy folded her arms, matching her husband’s gaze with a cool one of her own. “It is mine to give,” added Durok, seeing his wife’s unspoken anger. Lucy switched her eyes to Dallious and he held t
hem, bowing slightly. “Fine,” said Lucy, looking back at her husband and unfolding her arms, placing her hands on her hips instead. “Tidy up and come to the kitchen please.” She added before turning on her heels and disappearing from sight. “That was easy,” said Magnus, a grin appearing.

  “Lucy and I have had our arguments about my father’s wedding present,” started Durok, still staring at the door his wife had just walked through. “And although she’d never admit it, she’ll be glad to see the back of it,” he continued, turning to eye both men. Magnus shrugged. Dallious had already begun replacing the floorboards but stopped long enough to nod his understanding than went back to the task at hand. Once everything was back in place, the three men headed for the kitchen with Durok hobbling at the fore.

  When they entered they saw Lucy had prepared a bucket of water, needle and thread and several bandages of varying lengths. A jar containing some brightly coloured paste was also present. Beth sat with her head resting against a wall, her eyes closed and a wet cloth upon her forehead. Lucy spotted Dallious eyeing the girl. “She’ll be fine. The morning took a lot out of her.” Dallious nodded but Lucy could see doubt in the man’s eyes and knew it stemmed from the fact he intended to leave today and Beth was to go with him. But the girl needed rest and both Dallious and Lucy knew it. I’ll buy you what little time I can Beth by taking longer than needed to treat their wounds, thought Lucy.