Hand Made Mage

by James Haddock

  He nodded, "I understand."

  I put a purse of gold, and a purse of gems on the table. Inside the gold purse was an earth coin that I'd made. As long as he carried it, I could find him. "Your name is now Lane Graves. Make up the rest for yourself. Come with me."

  We left the cell and walked to the stables; we saddled horses and rode out. I escorted him to the Pass Fortress and saw him through. "If they don't kill you, send me a message in a year. Good Luck." He nodded and rode away.

  When I got back to the stables Captain Drake was there with Beast. "Sir Gordon?"

  "I executed Sir Gordon for treason. That other man was our first spy going into Hinterland." He nodded. "I plan on going to Port West Gate in the morning, did you want to come?"

  "No, I'll stay here, in case something happens. I see your new warhorse is a mare. Are you planning on having Beast cover her?"

  "I am, the next time she's in season."

  "That should make a fine foal."

  "I'm hoping so."

  ✽✽✽

  After the evening meal, I retired to my chambers. I dressed in my black armor, with helmet and face shield.

  I sank down into the earth and flew toward Port West Gate following the road. No one was travelling the road, all was quiet.

  I arrived and decided that "Port" was stretching the point a little. A large cove, a stone quay, a pier, and a small fort overlooking the cove was not what I had imagined as a port. There were two ships in port. One a cargo, the other an armed merchantman. The merchantman was a Hinterland ship.

  I went down through the stone pier to the ship. I made a vault in the pier, and crossed over from the pier, through the water, and up through the bottom of the ship.

  I looked up through the ship. There were many people on the ship. Probably troops to take the port once the invasion force made its appearance.

  The hold held chests of gold and jewels. Black powder, cannon shot, and other supplies. I moved it all into the stone pier vault.

  I went up through the wood into the wall of the captain's cabin. The Captain had another large chest of valuables. I moved it into the stone pier vault to join the other chests.

  In the outer part of the Captain's cabin were voices, "The fool was captured, and confessed to being a Hinterland conspirator. He is to be executed, if he has not been already."

  "No matter, our army is well on its way. They should be here before anyone can do anything to stop them. As long as your Guild keeps the people in line, we will have no problems."

  "Me and my boys will do our part. Just remember our bargain."

  "He and his boys? This must be Bernard and his two boys. How convenient." I concentrated on the ballast rocks. I raised five large stone dogs. *Kill everyone on this ship no one escapes.*

  The dogs split up and went to work. I swelled the wooden door closed and trapped everyone in the Captain's cabin. The screaming and shrieks of terror started. A match to the growling, barking, and howling of the dogs. While the dogs attacked, I moved all the cannons and their equipment to the pier vault. I concentrated on the masts and set them on fire. This made the panic worse.

  I moved back into the stone pier and waited. The enemy soldiers and sailors jumped from the burning ship onto the pier and ran. I pulled them down into the pier, no one escaped. The ship burned to the waterline. The dogs went back to being ballast stones.

  I went deeper under the pier and made another vault. I opened the backpack and placed all the chests from the ship onto the ground sheet. I opened each one. Gold, jewels, and gems. All for pay-offs I'd bet. I changed out of my black armor and into my plain clothes, and light armor. I folded the ground sheet back into the backpack and put it back into my pouch. I left the cannon and powder vault for later use.

  I search out the Criminal Guild house and looked it over. It was not as big as the one in the capital, but it was wealthy. I emptied their vault of everything. I had no use for these people. I raised and loosed stone dogs on them and left the bodies where they fell.

  I came out of an alley and went into an inn. I ordered wine and took a seat out of the way. When she brought me my wine, "The Lansford house?"

  "Back up main, and north at the crossing. Big house down on the right." I paid her and sipped the wine. It was not great, but not the worst I've had.

  I left the inn and dropped into the earth. I flew to the Lansford house. Sir Gordon had a vault in the house's basement. He had amassed quite a bit of wealth. I left it alone for now. There was nothing I can do tonight. I flew through the earth back up the coast to Black Stag Keep.

  ✽✽✽

  I ate breakfast with Prince Kade, "I have some documents for you to take with you when you leave. They are your official seals and certificates naming you Baron of Port West Gate. People will want to see them before they turn everything over to you. I would suggest you stop by the Provost, and Magistrate and show them first. I also have a list of things I need, if you would be so kind."

  "Of course."

  I dressed in nicer clothes and stopped at the Prince's office and picked up the documents, and his list.

  "I also have a letter for my Father. Do you have a secure way to get it to him?"

  "I do." he nodded and handed me the sealed letter.

  I rode alone, we could not spare the men for an escort. I didn't need one anyway. I'd hire one when I got to Port West Gate.

  I let the mare have her head and set her own pace. She set out at a high lope and kept it up for a good while. I saw no one on the road, or sign of any recent passing.

  I made Port West Gate by mid-afternoon. I went straight to the Provost and Magistrate's office.

  I went into the office. "Good morning Sir," A clerk greeted me.

  "Good morning, my name is Baron, Lord Draugur de Crypta. I'd like to see the Provost and Magistrate."

  He stood, "Yes M'lord. One moment, please." He hurried into the inner offices.

  The Provost came right out. "Good Morning Baron, please come in."

  "Thank you." They took me with his office.

  "Please, sit. How may I serve?"

  I took out the documents that the Prince had given me naming me Baron over Port West Gate.

  "I have been named Barron of Port West gate. Here are my seals and certificates. I thought you should be the first to know."

  "We had heard rumors, but you know how rumors are. If I may ask, what of Sir Gordon?"

  "Executed by the crown for treason, and the attempted murder of Prince Kade."

  He sat stunned, "my God, the rumors are true. And the invasion?"

  "Our reports say a Hinterland Army is heading this way. We are raising an army to meet it. We are gathering at Black Stag Keep stopping them short of Port West Gate."

  "What can we do to assist?"

  "I don't want to start a panic. I want a smooth transition as I take over as Baron. It will take me a while to see what kind of mess Sir Gordan has left us. If you would let people know who I am, and that all is well, that should calm things."

  "Of course, M'lord."

  "I'm told there is a mercenary company that winters here. Where can I find them?"

  "Usually Klader's Inn. Shall I send for their Captain?"

  "I have not eaten; will you join me for a meal Provost? We'll talk to the good Captain while we eat."

  "Thank you sir, yes." Of course he would, officials never turned down a free meal.

  We walked to the Inn a few blocks away. "We had some excitement last night at the Port."

  "How so?"

  "A Hinterland ship burned to the waterline. Killed everyone on board."

  "No survivors?"

  "None."

  "That's odd."

  "My thoughts as well."

  I let his mind fill in the blanks. We found the mercenary Captain at the Inn. The Provost introduced me.

  "Please Baron, join me." Captain Chard said.

  "Thank you." The Provost and I ordered our meal.

  "To be blunt Captain, I'
m sure you've heard the rumors about Hinterland."

  "I have." He nodded.

  "I have my own mercenary Company, 'The Black Stag Company' but we need more troops. I want to hire your company. How many men can you field on this short of a notice?"

  He thought a moment, "Eighty, maybe a hundred."

  "How soon can you be ready to march?"

  "If they can supply us, three days."

  "Provost, can you help with the merchant supplying the Captain what he needs?"

  "I can."

  I put a purse of gold on the table. "This will get you started draw up your contract, I'll meet you here in the morning."

  "Yes M'lord."

  "Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have other business."

  They rose and bowed, "good afternoon."

  I retrieved my horse and went to the Lansford house.

  As I rode up a groomsman met me and took my horse. "You are expected sir." he said bowing.

  Chapter eleven

  The door opened as I approached. "Good morning Sir, Baronette Annette is in the sitting room. If I may announce you, sir?"

  "Yes, please. Baron de Crypta."

  He led me to the sitting room. It was a very nice house. Well built and well-appointed furniture. He opened the door to the sitting room. "Baronette Annette Lansford, may I present Baron de Crypta."

  She rose and curtsied, "Baron de Crypta, please, come in."

  I bowed in return. "Thank you."

  "Some tea perhaps?" She had a soft voice.

  "That would be nice, please."

  "Tea please, David."

  He bowed and left the room.

  They brought in tea and she served.

  "Thank you, David, that will be all."

  He bowed and left closing the doors behind. But he didn't go far. I also saw he was armed with a knife. I took the offered cup of tea. We both drank a swallow of our tea.

  We sat looking each other over. I saw something I had seen in the street girls. She dressed down, making herself unattractive. If you were ugly or dirty, people showed less interest in you. As a girl, fewer men bothered you. She was clean and neatly dressed though.

  "Baron?" She moistened her lips to speak.

  "Yes?"

  "May we speak plainly?"

  I nodded, "If that is your wish."

  She nodded, "It is. How bad is it?"

  "They found Sir Gordon guilty of treason and attempted murder of Prince Kade. The crown executed him."

  She closed her eyes gripping the arm of her chair. "Fool, selfish fool," she whispered. "His holdings?" She asked, tears as her eyes.

  "They seized everything, all assets, lands, money, everything. He also implicated your father and two of your brothers. They confessed."

  Tears ran down her face, but her voice held. "My youngest brother?"

  "He was not involved. He will keep the Family holdings."

  "Thank God for small miracles. You've come to question me as to my involvement? Is there to be a purge?" Her hand still griping the arm of the chair.

  I shook my head, "you were not involved." She relaxed a little. I drank more tea and waited.

  "I take it I'm not Baronette Lansford any longer?"

  I shook my head, "No."

  She nodded, "what's to become of me? Will I be sent away with nothing?"

  "That depends on you."

  She closed her eyes; her face turned red. She sat back and opened her eyes looking at me. I held my hand up.

  "What I mean to say is, Sir Gordon said you were very good at keeping accounts, books and records, and that you were a good manager. Perhaps we can help each other."

  "Go on," she said.

  "I don't think you are as slow and unintelligent as everyone things. I think you allowed them to believe that because it suited your purposes."

  She stared at me, saying nothing.

  "I also think you knew more about the things going on here, in your house, and in Port West Gate than anyone ever suspected."

  "How do you propose we help each other?"

  "I need someone to keep accounts, book and records and to help me manage affairs here in Port West Gate. I won't treat you like a fool, please don't treat me like one. When we are alone, like now, we will speak plainly to one another. When others are present, we will be actors in the theater of life. let them think all is well with the world."

  "I will remain in this house?"

  "Yes. You will lose nothing, you will carry on as before, managing the businesses."

  "And where will you be staying?"

  "The inn for now, I'll split my time between here and Black Stag Keep."

  Her eyes grew slightly, "You're the Black Stag?" I nodded. "We shall be open and honest with each other?"

  "Yes."

  She nodded, "then this is your house you will stay here. I will move my things into a guest room you will have the master's rooms. I will be your guest. It will keep the wolves from me. My husband made many enemies. The local Criminal Guild, which my father and brothers ran, will come to inform you that you owe them a tax."

  "The Guild won't be a problem any longer. All were found guilty of treason and executed. Your enemies are now my enemies."

  She stared at me absorbing the new information. "Everyone?"

  "All we could find, at least the top managers."

  She nodded, "good riddance, they hurt my mother, and me."

  "No longer. There is no need for you to move your things, I'll take a guest room. I'll only be here part time anyway. Do you have a vault?" I knew she did.

  "Yes, but no key. Gordon gave me operating money, and I had to account for every penny." She said harshly. Realizing what she had said, her face reddened.

  I pulled the vault key from my pouch and handed it to her. "Shall we go see what we have in our vault?" She took it and led me down to the basement. David followed at a discrete distance, but close enough if she needed him, he could act.

  She unlocked the door, and we stepped inside.

  I saw her eyes make a quick inventory and account. "Was it as much as your figures showed?"

  She smiled, "I was a little short, but not by much." I nodded.

  We left the vault; she locked the door and handed me the key.

  "You keep it you're the accountant and manager, we'll go over the books later."

  She put the key in her pocket. "Will you stay for dinner?"

  "If it's no trouble, thank you. And you can tell David he doesn't have to kill me now." I said smiling.

  He eyes grew, "David?"

  He stepped from around the corner bowing. "My lady did not order this Baron."

  "I thought not. Trusted, protective, retainers are more precious than gold David. I approve of your watchfulness. Continue to watch over the lady."

  He bowed, "Yes Baron. Dinner at the usual time ma'am?"

  "Yes, the Baron will join us."

  "Yes, ma' am."

  David departed. "When we are alone, It's Draugur."

  "Annette, my lord Draugur."

  "Pleased to meet you Annette."

  "the pleasure is mine Draugur."

  ✽✽✽

  Over dinner we talked of businesses. Who was doing well, and who was not. Who could use capital to expand, and who was about to default on their loans. Ideas she had for expansion, and new business ideas. She told me who was extorting whom and who was bent, the Provost was not one of them.

  She knew who was smuggling, and who had the best goods. Sir Gordon did not realize what a treasure he had. If he had paid attention to her, he would have been ten times richer.

  Her youngest brother managed three hog farms but could easily handle a few more if we financed them. Her mother was still living and stayed on the original family farm with the youngest son.

  My hand started tingling. I looked through the wall and saw a group of men forcing their way into the kitchen.

  "David, take the lady up to her room. Stay there with her. We are about to have company." D
avid did not hesitate he ushered Annette out of the dining room quickly and quietly.

  Six men came into the dining room. "You must be the new Baron," the leader said.

  I nodded, "I am."

  "We're with the local Guild, we've come to collect the tax." The others laughed. I laughed with them. That put them off. I was not scared, and that was not what usually happens when they visit someone.

  "You've moved into Sir Gordon's house quick enough, his wife too I'm guessing."

  "That's because he is no more, I'm taking over. Is that what you plan on doing?"

  "No, we're Guild tax collectors, and you're our golden goose."

  "That's not entirely true is it. There is no one left alive at the Guild house. I took it over too. They were trying to steal from me, so I killed them."

  "Well, however many men you sent in to do the job, they ain't here now are they."

  "I didn't say I had them killed, I said I killed them." I concentrated on the lamps, *Out.* The flames went out. I dropped through the floor.

  "Find him." The leader said.

  I watched them stumble around the room trying to find me in total darkness. As they spread out, I came up behind one and stabbed him up through the back of his skull. He dropped dead where he stood. I dropped back down and moved to the next one. I cut this one's throat and let him fall. The next one I stabbed in the groin, he started screaming. Two others started fighting each other, I waited and killed the victor.

  Their leader was the only one left. He had back into a corner and was waiting. I rose up through the floor across the room.

  "Thank you for coming tonight, it saved me the trouble of tracking you down." I walked over to him, grabbed his knife hand, and stabbed him through the eye. I let his dead body fall to the floor.

  I left the blood on me. *Light.* The lamps lit. I walked over to my place at the table and took a few swallows of wine. “Killing can be thirsty work.”

  I looked up through the floor and saw Annette sitting in a chair. David stood behind pulling her head back with her hair. A knife to her throat.

  "It's always something." finishing my wine, I went up through the wall into her room's wall. I waited to see what he would do.