“But how?” Perry gaped. “You couldn’t have planned that.”
Elfindi smiled in that unique way Perry found irritating and endearing. Extraordinary feats like these confirmed Perry’s choice of having such a superbly dexterous half-elf as his partner. He knew of none better. “How much did you fleece him?”
Marching feet approached. A patrol of six men-at-arms carrying halberds and swords dressed in chainmail and wearing Alonçane coat-of-arms made their way along, boots crunching on cobbled streets. “Well, if it isn’t Perry back from the hunt?” their leader, Rael, regaled him good-naturedly.
“He must have just arrived,” taunted another with a grin. “His bum ain’t warming our watch-house privy yet.”
“Very funny,” Perry said. “Why don’t you make yourself useful? Arrest some crone for using foul language in a public place.”
“Rael,” a different guard told his leader, “why don’t we arrest Perry for giving cheek to us hard-working men-at-arms of His Majesty?”
“Giving cheek is what he does for a living,” a third guard chipped in.
“No, he’s a bounty hunter,” Rael said, continuing their joke. “Killed any dragons lately?”
Perry smiled good-humouredly. “No, but I have seen a cackle of banshees, and they’re standing before me disguised as men-at-arms.” They shoved each other and shook hands before continuing on their way.
“You have a reputation here,” Elfindi said as he surreptitiously held up his pouch. “Forty gold pieces.”
Perry’s jaw dropped. His eyes opened wide as he whistled softly, startling three stiff bureaucrats going about their business.
Chapter Five
A Visit to the Hall of Assembly
THEY MADE THEIR WAY into Alonçane’s famous Assembly Hall for His Majesty’s Quests moments before a notary instructed the guards to close up. “Back again, Perree?” the notary said sourly. “Pity,” he whispered under his breath.
Perry ignored him. He entered the spacious hall, followed by Elfindi who wondered what mischief Perry had performed to upset the notary. An elevated platform stood at one end, much like a theatre. Large noticeboards filled three walls. Above them long rectangular windows bathed the hall in light. The boards were filled with notices; some in large print, others small, some with pictures and maps, others contained nothing but writing. Almost all were written in commontongue. Occasionally script appeared in another language, clearly reserved for specific audiences. Sponsors used words like Excitement, Quest, Task and Adventure. Every notice promised profit. And risk.
Half a dozen people lazily moved around browsing the notices.
Polished floorboards. Clean windows. Neatly arranged hall. Like everything connected with Lafharrine’s government, Perry mused, it bore his brother’s influence. Fresh polish wafted off the floorboards. Perry’s boots squeaked. Footsteps and gentle conversation echoed. Such venues excited him. How many of his adventures had originated in this very room? Aelred certainly gave him a start when his career began, but his own skill had gotten him to where he was today.
Perry’s attention was drawn to a striking figure on the other side of the hall wearing distinctively spellcaster robes. Her tasteful attire was tailored to accentuate her loveliness. She carried a gleaming staff. Her black hair was tied tightly into a bun, adorned with pink ribbons. Shiny bright pink buttons dotted her back and lined her long frilly sleeves. Perry walked directly towards her, boots squeaking on floorboards.
She turned at Perry’s approach. He started. “By all the gods, how are you not being courted at this very moment by kings and emperors?” He gasped, then let his dimples work their charm. He proffered his hand, bowing. “Perry is my name. I have never witnessed such beauty in all my days.”
She extended her left hand. He took it, noticing a gem-studded ring around her thumb. “Such an exquisite hand,” he remarked, leaning down to kiss it. Her lavender perfume filled his nostrils. “Are you from Alonçane? I think not. Surely I would have noticed someone of such spectacular splendour.”
“You flatter me,” she said. Was she enticing him to kiss her ruby lips?
Perry released her hand. He shook his head in disbelief. “You’re a spellcaster adventurer? Winds of fate have blown you in. By all the gods, you are everything I’ve…er…we’ve ever wanted in a lady. Or perhaps you are a goddess?”
“Is fate, and are the gods, so preoccupied with what you want?” she asked, her tone laced with a quality that left him feeling strangely uneasy.
Perry bowed slightly.
“Closing time!” a gruff voice echoed through empty space.
Perry turned to see Elfindi watching with hands on hips, shaking his head. He knew Perry all too well.
“Excuse me one moment,” Perry called to the notary.
“Out! Come back tomorrow. If you must.”
“Yes, yes,” Perry agreed. “Simply give me time to…” The notary grabbed Perry gruffly. Perry jerked his arm free. “I simply need to…” When he turned to address the spellcaster she was no longer there. “Where…? Hello? Where did she go?”
A guard slammed the door after he pushed them outside, drawing curious glances from passersby. Locals had learned long ago that strange people gathered at this Assembly Hall for His Majesty’s Quests.
“Pathetic!” Elfindi said.
“What is?” Perry asked indignantly.
“I heard every word. I’m half elven, remember. Pathetic!”
“But did you see how beautiful she was?”
“I did. I should be courting her. She’s more my height.”
“Let’s compete for her attentions,” Perry suggested.
“Sounds good. Where does she live?”
“Don’t know.”
“Where can we find her?”
“Don’t know.”
“What’s her name?”
“Don’t know.”
“Perfect.” Elfindi’s irritation was written all over his handsome, half-elven face.
“She’ll be back for sure. She’s here for adventure, I’ll be bound.”
“We’ve come to Alonçane for our next quest. Not to fall in love,” Elfindi warned him. “I’m not letting that happen again, understand?”
Perry’s guilt flushed his face like red welts on the neck of a lovesick lass. He nodded humbly. No-one wanted a repeat of that. A perfectly lucrative contract forfeited because he “fell in love” with what turned out to be, much to everybody’s surprise, a female werewolf.
As they trundled off they spotted a wooden sign scripted in elegant writing placed before a nearby government building. It advertised a public lecture about Alonçane’s history for visitors, followed afterwards by scones with jam, cream and Alonçane tea for a meagre cost of four copper pieces.
“You know what?” Elfindi began, “I’d like to attend this lecture.”
“But I can tell you anything you want to know about Alonçane.”
“I’m going, whether you come with me or not,” Elfindi said.
“Very well,” Perry sighed irritably, “but only if you pay my entry.”
Elfindi rolled his eyes. They approached a doorman who guided them through a corridor to a small booth where an official greeted them.
“Gentlemen, welcome to our public lecture. We are sure you will enjoy learning about our great city, Alonçane.”
Elfindi handed over eight coppers and threw in a tip. “Thank you, kind sir,” came the response.
They passed through to a small lecture hall where a middle-aged presenter wearing official Alonçane uniform and horn-rimmed glasses addressed a motley crowed of perhaps fifty attendees. Perry and Elfindi scoured the hall before strategically sitting beside two comely young ladies wearing bonnets and frilly dresses. Perry smiled at them as he sat down.
The presenter cleared his throat. “Alonçane is a centre of culture, military power, rich history, immense size, untold wealth, arcane magic and peace. It is Lafarrhine’s capital. We are blessed to enjoy grea
t leadership and have done so for many generations. First Wizard, one of the mighty Guardians of Rohalgamoth, presides on His Majesty King Toscannic’s council. Our great city, like our entire country, Lafarrhine, is run in a lawful, organised fashion. We are an extremely wealthy realm, as you no doubt have heard. There is no whisper of unrest or division. Our borders are well protected. We enjoy good trading relations with our neighbours. Lafarrhine goods, especially from Alonçane, can be found in nearly every realm, kingdom, principality or island. They fill trading ships and caravans all along the Silk Road and the seven seas. Our trading relations include all territories across the Mugar empire, the Central Kingdoms, King Dagan of Reswald to our north and other northern neighbours, and with the elves of Great Lakes Forest. Only those greedy dwarves of Albatross Mountains refuse to trade with us, an inexplicable recent development.”
Perry leaned over to the pretty maiden beside him. “Are you a visitor?” he whispered.
Her pretty friend leaned over to Perry. “Quiet, please, and leave her alone.”
Elfindi chuckled as he settled into his comfortable chair, enjoying being surrounded by such comfort and the promise of scones with Alonçane tea. He particularly enjoyed seeing his friend reprimanded, by a maiden, no less. His forty gold piece windfall certainly enhanced his mood.
“Great magic and wisdom reside in our cities, towns, departments and regions. Our regions are divided into counties. Regions are run by governors and counties by local lords, usually clerics, magicians, druids, rangers or champions who have proved themselves able, competent and trustworthy.”
Perry had grown up in an illustrious noble family in Clearview in the northern Alonçane hinterland. This information was nothing new to him. He quickly became bored, making comments which Elfindi ignored. He leaned imperceptibly closer to the young maiden beside him till their shoulders finally made contact. To Perry’s delight, she did not resist, but demurely lowered her head and smiled sheepishly, afraid her overprotective friend might notice her indecent conduct. Perry was content to slowly rub against her delicate shoulder, leaning forward as if engrossed in this riveting lecture, remaining immobile when the sister cast suspicious eyes in his direction.
“Alonçane is the military, cultural and political capital of Lafarrhine. A wood elven kingdom of Louvain, within Lafarrhine’s borders, is located in a vast tract of forest and woodland east of Alonçane, a totally independent state, self-ruled by a Wood Elven King, Yves-Nes, a friend and ally. In this forest lives nests of giant spiders, hostile to all intelligent life. Random monsters also dwell within with wood elf approval. They keep their forest safe from invaders, robbers and spies, as elves don’t like intruders. Druids are always welcome except Druids of the Order of Purple Ivy, suspected of being involved in Dark Arts.” A tremour of horror ran through the respectable assembly. Perry felt the maiden’s shoulder shudder. He placed his hand on her wrist. This action drew an immediate warning glare from her friend. Perry retracted his hand.
Satisfied at the impact his oratory elicited, Alonçane’s official presenter continued. “Way past our western border lies an enormous inland sea, practically inaccessible behind an inhospitable mountain range devoid of any arable farmland or natural resource. Extreme temperatures - snow blizzards during winter and suffocating heat during summer - cliffs and avalanches provide no incentive to settle. This has protected our western border for many generations. No known paths exist through this land, nor have ever existed. Only hardy wildlife such as ibex, snow leopards and cougars survive, although where they go during summer no-one knows. Perhaps unspeakable monsters live there, too.”
At this, more “oohs” and “aahs” erupted from his audience. Once more Perry placed his protective hand on his pretty neighbour’s arm. Once more a warning glance came from her friend. Once more Perry retracted his arm.
“Even getting to the base of these ragged mountains requires a trek through inhospitable marshlands filled with bogs, sinking sand and creatures rumoured to prey on humans.” By now his audience could tell their presenter was fishing for reactions. He continued. “The lake and its surrounding mountains, and all lands beyond lie shrouded in mystery from earliest ages. Many foolhardy adventurers have investigated. None have returned.
“To our northeast lies King Dagan’s Reswald and territories. Due north lie Scandorlands which border the snow regions populated by Norse traders and shippers, known for travelling oceans and seas all over the known world. Scandorlands has recently concluded, with assistance from Lafarrhine’s warriors, a longstanding but victorious campaign against western orcs.”
“What lies north of Norselands?” a young boy from the audience asked.
“Pray raise your hand next time you have a question, lad. Their coast looks out onto Iceland Sea which, when crossed, open up to Icelands, inhospitable to humans but favoured by all sorts of snow monsters including, according to legend, Gragongants – a half dragon, half mammoth with magical powers.”
“Oohs” and “aahs”. Hand on wrist. Glares. Retraction.
Alonçane’s proud presenter continued. “Much further east lie the Central Kingdoms bordered by the Albatross Mountain Range wherein lie four dwarven kingdoms who have made themselves civilisation’s pariahs ever since they adopted their isolationist policies. They refuse to deal with our great paladin hero, Aelred, Lord Protector of Lafarrhine. Much further east lies the Eastern Wilderness which remains uncharted territory to all those who speak commontongue.”
“What about Mugars?” another inquisitive audience member asked.
“Did I not say to raise your hand if you have a question, my lady? South of Central Kingdoms are Mugar lands comprised of realms, emirates and kingdoms ruled by a wicked emperor, Tāhūbād, whose designs for expansion are known everywhere. All neighbouring lands live in fear, especially Raysal-El-Hin, ruled by a legendary fighter cleric, Moses Al-Shaddai, who has so far successfully repulsed Tāhūbād’s invasions.
“Then there’s Nippon Sea and the Shogun Islands filled with ferocious samurai. But let’s not forget between us and Central Kingdom live the High Elves of Great Lakes Forest ruled by legendary Elf Lord Ferfendess who is said to ride a blue dragon. But I digress. Let me return to Alonçane.”
Another boy in the audience timidly raised his hand.
“Yes, lad?”
“Does he really ride a blue dragon?”
“This is what is believed, lad. I myself have never seen it, but of course I’d like to. Would you?”
“Will it eat me, sir?”
“No, blue dragons are not meant to be dangerous if you don’t try to hurt them. Would you try to hurt it, lad, if you saw it?”
“No, sir.”
“Then you’ll be all right. Any more questions?”
“No, sir.”
“Alonçane’s goods,” he continued as if by rote, “fill caravans along trade routes that cross all land masses, carried along by the legendary Silk Road, as I said earlier. Alonçane’s goods fill all major and minor sea and lake ports as far as the Eastern Wilderness in days when men traded with its inhabitants. Did I say that before?”
“Yes, sir,” the lad reminded him.
“In many foreign lands castles, fortresses, citadels, fortified monasteries and temples dot countrysides and landscapes, especially in unclaimed or unpatrolled regions. A notable exception is Lafarrhine which is so well-administered that law and order rule supreme in every corner of the realm. Castles and keeps have been replaced by manors and mansions, though of course magnificent castles can be found within our lands from earlier times. Some are magnificent, like Castle Cragleigh set on Candlestick Hill high along our south-eastern coastline, attacked more than one hundred times in its history but never once breached.”
An official tapped Perry on his right shoulder. Perry turned. The over-protective friend stood beside two guards who glared at Perry.
“Sire,” one guard stated, “I’m afraid I have to ask you to leave. We don’t tolerate harassment of maid
ens in this fine city.”
Perry quickly stole a look at his pretty neighbour, whose confused expression showed her as ignorant of her friend’s tattle-tailing as he was. “Excuse me,” Perry returned indignantly. “I am doing no such thing.”
“That’s not what this young lady says.”
“I’m bored anyway,” Elfindi said. “Let’s go.”
“But, the scones…” Perry began.
“Thank you, sire. I shall accompany you out.”
Perry glared daggers at the maiden’s friend as he passed. She glared back, proud to defend her pretty, naïve companion from what she considered his unsavoury attentions.
Outside, the official waited by the booth. “Begging your pardon, sire. It was your word against hers. We will be happy to refund your coppers.”
“Forget it,” said Elfindi, walking out in a too-hasty manner, jiggling coins in his pocket. “I’ve been refunded already.”
Perry followed closely on Elfindi’s heels.
Chapter Six
Adventurer’s Arms
ONCE THEY’D COVERED SOME distance from the government precinct, Perry and Elfindi ambled toward the notorious and celebrated Adventurer’s Arms. The sprawling estate extended out between a large warehouse on one side and a specialty armourer on another, bordering the artisan and hospitality quarters.
A heavy gate opened onto a small yard which ran out back where ostlers and stable hands fed and watered steeds, familiars and other creatures, mainly horses and dogs but also more unusual creatures. The building itself combined characteristics of a fine hotel, prosperous guesthouse and popular tavern, representing its eclectic, many would say unsavoury customers. Its clients ranged from visiting noblemen, wandering bards, knights, lords and magicians to desperate bounty-hunters, questionable mercenaries and everyone in between.
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