Stone Ram (Leopard King Saga)

by T. A. Uner

  After waiting in line with other Rek visitors, Fabian was admitted past the main gate by the sentries. The Holy Edict was to be issued in the center of Rek City, in Gold Square. Fabian found a stable and entrusted Starspeed with the stable boys. One of the boys was done with his shift and was heading to the square to hear the Gold King speak, so he offered to accompany him. Part of the mystique of being blind, Fabian thought. Everyone wants to help. The truth was Fabian had a very good sense of direction despite his null eyesight. His parents had once told him that people lacking one sense were blessed with an abundance of others. Fabian had definitely lived up to this theory; he suspected this was nature’s way of balancing itself.

  The stable boy, a beefy lad named Joffe, elbowed his way through the crowd to get a prime spot to watch the Gold King. Every few ticks he would look over his shoulder and smile at Fabian and Matilda, who were never more than a step behind him.

  “I wonder who has the audacity to steal our glorious Mane?” Fabian said.

  Joffe grimaced. “My Da says a new undead Warlord has risen in the Darklands.”

  Fabian looked confused. “What good is the Mane to an undead tyrant?”

  Joffe shook his head. “I don’t know,” he said before taking out a bar of raisin candy and handing Fabian a piece. Matilda barked expectantly and Joffe tossed her a thick chunk which she gobbled up. “I wonder what our King is planning?”

  Fabian finished his candy and swallowed. “Probably declaring war on the Darklands and sending a sky fleet of Montgolfiers to bomb the devil out of those fiends.”

  “Sounds like a good plan,” Joffe said, “but bombing the Darklands won’t be so easy with Xot Maurauders patrolling their airspace.”

  “Bugger the Xot,” Fabian said lightheartedly.

  “I overheard one of the other stable boys say they took flight like frightened gulls when Lord Peregrine arrived,” Joffe remarked.

  That’s because they’d already stolen the Mane, Fabian wanted to say. But he kept that thought to himself.

  The crowds grew and soon the square was packed with countless Rek citizens, all had come to hear their Monarch speak to them; all eager to hear how their glorious Mane would be recovered from the unholy Darklands. Fabian asked Joffe to describe the surroundings to him. Joffe told him that a path had been cleared from the Gold Palace to the square and a large platform had been erected near where they stood. Draped upon it the royal standards of the Gold King’s office, this was where his Majesty would stand to address the masses. Fabian nodded and offered Joffe some water from his canteen.

  Ticks later the crowd became restless. “What is happening?” Fabian asked. Matilda barked her inquiry as well. Joffe stretched his thick neck upwards like an ostrich to get a better view. “I think the King is arriving, Fabian!” Joffe described the scene to Fabian: how the King’s Royal horses pulled the carriage down Sun Boulevard, toward the square, while Rek’s citizens lined the streets, watching their Ruler make his way to issue the edict. Usually when the King made public appearances people would chant his name and throw flowers at the royal entourage, but the way Joffe described it made it seem like a funeral procession was taking place. And who could blame the people, the symbol of their heritage had been forcefully taken by an aggressive enemy.

  The carriage pulled up to the large platform and the Gold Guard formed a protective cordon around their monarch as he slowly made his way to the royal lectern. Next to him was the Gold Queen, Clarissa Rose, whose proud face smiled at the people, but her mournful eyes gave away the sorrow in her heart.

  When the Gold King finally took his place behind the lectern, no one applauded. An uncomfortable silence sliced through the crowd like an executioner’s blade. “The State Sorcerer is here too,” Joffe told Fabian.

  “Mumford Spark?” Fabian replied. “It sounds like him; he always makes his entrance next to the King during important announcements.”

  “And the Earthman is there too,” Joffe added.

  “Lager McVick?”

  Joffe nodded.

  “I’m surprised he actually made it; he’s usually too drunk to attend Royal functions; tales of his debauchery are legendary.”

  “I think our King is about to speak.”

  Fabian cleared his head and listened to what the old monarch had to say.

  “My dear friends, and loyal subjects,” the Gold King began in a powerful voice that resembled crackling thunder. “It is with much disappointment that I must officially announce that our most prized artifact, our beloved Golden Mane has been ruthlessly stolen from Cloud Cathedral.”

  A wave of gasps and moans rippled through the crowd. Fabian felt his arms prickle, Matilda nestled her head against his leg and he stroked it reassuringly.

  The Gold King continued: “Earlier this morning, a letter was deposited in the postal box of my palace. It was addressed to me in acid ink and signed by the First Warlord of Darklands, a despot calling himself the Blood Reeper.”

  “Blood Reeper?” Fabian said. “Never heard of him.”

  “That’s to be expected,” Joffe answered. “From what I hear warlords change regularly in the Darklands.”

  The King allowed the masses to soak up this piece of vital information before resuming his speech: “This ‘Blood Reeper’ as he calls himself, has demanded that a ransom be paid. If I refuse, he has threatened war.” The crowds began booing the Reeper’s blackmail message. The King then raised his hands and the people settled. “I of course, refused such a heinous offer. I will not allow someone who has unlawfully stolen a sacred state artifact to dictate terms to me or my Kingdom, so long as I, Farrell Goodwill, take breath as your king.”

  The people cheered and Fabian smiled. It was unexpected, but a welcome surprise. After hearing such disturbing news it felt good to see that Rek’s spirit had not been completely broken.

  Once the noise from the masses died down the Gold King resumed his speech: “That is why I come here today. To ask the greatest favor of you all, my dearest friends and loyal subjects, the blood of this great Kingdom. So, my edict is to declare a Gold Quest.”

  Everyone around Fabian and Joffe looked at one another confusedly. A Gold Quest? There hasn’t been an edict declaring a Gold Quest since the early years of Rek’s existence: and that was centuries ago, Fabian mused. This could be the perfect opportunity for me.

  “I ask anyone, of able mind and body; whoever can assemble an adventurer band capable of making the long trek to Darklands, to submit their intent within three days here in the square. After which the finest shall be deemed suitable to undertake the Gold Quest and retrieve our holy Golden Mane.”

  Again the people exploded into a cacophony of noise. “A Gold Quest usually yields untold riches to the victor,” Joffe told Fabian. “What I could do for myself with that type of wealth; I’d never have to sweep up another pile of horse manure again.”

  “One Golden Wish shall be granted to the one who returns the Golden Mane to Rek City,” the King added. “No wish is too small or too great. Our State Sorcerer himself will guarantee it. I now give you Sorcerer Spark.” King Goodwill stepped aside for Mumford Spark who stepped up to the lectern and bowed respectfully to his King before addressing the masses.

  “As our generous Gold King has already explained, ‘no wish is too small or too great.’ And I have the power to grant it.” He raised his hands and wiggled his fingers. “Bring his Majesty our Golden Mane, and that glorious wish shall be yours.”

  III

  “So his Majesty has issued a Gold Quest?”

  Fabian took a mouthful of chicken stew and swallowed. “Yes father, and a Golden wish to the Victor, or Victors; whoever can safely return the Golden Mane to Rek.”

  “You seem to have enjoyed the edict, Fabian,” his mother said, placing a basket of warm butterbread on the supper table. Fabian reached for one and took in the sweet smell of the freshly baked bread. When he took a bite his mouth was flooded with the sweet taste of warm butter and he mopped up his ste
w with it.

  “Well it’s not every day the King issues an edict, dear,” Fabian’s father said. “Our boy has been a witness to history.”

  “I wonder who will volunteer for such a dangerous quest?” Mother added.

  Father ate his stew and chewed heartily before placing a warm piece of butterbread onto Matilda’s bowl below the table. She barked happily before chewing on her delectable meal. “There are all kinds of adventurers, dear.” His father turned back toward his wife and son. “They’ll all be lining up in droves to sign up for this new Quest.”

  “I wish I could go,” Fabian said. His parents grew quiet. “And if I won I could ask for riches so we could expand our flock, maybe even purchase a farm. Would that be so bad father?” Father exhaled softly, to Fabian it sounded like air rushing through a cavern. “Or, I could ask for my—”

  “Don’t say it son, please, for both your sake and ours,” Father interjected. “Don’t even ponder getting your hopes up, we love you as you are.”

  Fabian understood how his parents felt about his blindness. It felt as if they blamed themselves for it, when it fact nature was the culprit. “I know, really,” Fabian said, extending his hands and squeezing his parents’ palms. But don’t you see? I could be a lot more useful if I had sight, surely you both understand that.” His father slowly retracted his hand; mother kept her grip, and Fabian was grateful for it.

  “But you already are useful my child,” Mother said. “Your other senses are more advanced because of it; nature has compensated you tenfold in that regard.”

  “So what are you trying to say, son?” his father asked. “That you wish to undertake this Quest?” Fabian felt the fear and anger in his father’s voice. It took a lot to make him descend to such banal emotions, but the mention of the Quest had soured the moment. “Even if you were to undertake this Quest, Fabian, you must understand few could survive the trip to Darklands. I don’t wish to be cruel, but how would you defend yourself against the horrors that await you? It would be suicide. And you’re all Mother and I have.”

  Fabian nodded. “Of course, you’re right Father.” In the background he could hear his Mother sniffle. Fabian picked up his crook which lay next to his chair and stood up, not wishing to further upset his parents. “I think I have some chores to tend to, if you will please excuse me.” Fabian stood up from his chair and headed outside his home, towards the stable to feed the flock.

  Behind him he could hear his mother sobbing.

  ***

  Inside the stable Fabian distributed the feed to the flock. They bleated and jockeyed for position to see who could eat first. “Now…now everyone,” Fabian said lightheartedly, “everyone be patient, I’ve got enough food for all of you.” He heard a panting sound, Matilda, she had arrived to keep him company inside the stable. “Hello there,” he said to his dog. “Always faithfully by my side…aren’t you Matilda?” Matilda barked twice and Fabian laughed. Despite his parents disdain for his talk of the Gold Quest, the idea of embarking on the mission held a certain appeal for him.

  He had spent the majority of his life here, on his stead. With the exception of a brief visit to the Northern Empire to attend a flock purchase two seasons ago he had never had the opportunity to see the world. True, Darklands wasn’t exactly a vacation destination, but for some strange reason Fabian felt its dangerous landscape calling out to him. “I’m so sick and tired of this place,” he told Matilda. “It’s not that I don’t love my family and occupation, but just once I would like to experience what’s out there, even if I cannot really see with my eyes.” He finished his chore of feeding the sheep and swept the stable floor. Matilda held the dustpan in her mouth and followed him around, lending her help and keeping him company while he contemplated his future.

  “I can’t just sit here and waste my life away, Matilda.” She looked at him expectantly, and dropped the dustpan before barking. Maybe she was offering her support to him. Fabian wouldn’t be surprised, the two of them had been comrades for years, each doing their part to maintain the safety of the flock. But wasn’t that what Fabian was tired of? Safety? Here he was, with his parents, in a secure home that was always warm and filled with love. He never went hungry, and would always have a job; after his father retired he would be the chief shepherd. For most rural folk that would be enough.

  That night as he stretched out on his bed in his room, his sightless eyes gazed upon the embers in the fireplace. He couldn’t see, but that didn’t mean he was an invalid. Why couldn’t his parents see that? They worried because he was their only child. But Fabian knew what was at stake and he trusted himself and his working senses. He did not want to live a life of mediocrity. Even if death takes me, he thought. I must try to prove to myself that I’m just as able as any person.

  He made his plan; after that he closed his eyes and began dreaming of adventure.

  Three

  Next morning, after breakfast, Fabian asked his father for permission to go to Rek City to play in a street ball tournament. Despite his lack of vision, Fabian was quite an impressive street ball player. His request was first met with hesitation, but in the end his father had acquiesced. He decided not to take Matilda along this time, and the herder dog could not hide her disappointment.

  The winter sun’s white rays gave the star a hazy appearance as it shone down upon the kingdom of Rek. As Fabian passed various farms the workers yelled greetings at him and invited him in for a drink of cider. As much as Fabian wanted to accept their hospitality he politely declined and continued his brisk trek to the capitol. His senses were indeed sharp and with only his memory and crook in hand he made his way along the southeastern corridor; during the day it was quite safe for solitary travel.

  The exercise made his legs sore, but Fabian didn’t mind, he was anxious to get to Rek city, and when he reached the city gates he was waved through without any hassle, no Rek guard in his right mind would be caught squabbling with a blind citizen, even if he wasn’t on official business.

  Once inside the city Fabian cleared his mind and focused on remembering the location of the stable Joffe worked at. Around him the sounds of city activity greeted his ears and he was glad to be in the center of urban life. His rural roots were fine but Fabian always felt different whenever he was inside Rek City.

  “Fabian?” Fabian stopped when he heard his name called out and he knew he had arrived at the stable. Joffe ambled over and placed his meaty hand on his shoulder, shaking Fabian playfully. “What are you doing back here shepherd man?” Joffe asked jokingly.

  “Would you believe I came to speak to you?” Fabian said as Joffe took his arm and guided him to the stables.

  “Your timing is perfect, I was just about to go on my rest period; we can talk on this bench.”

  Fabian slowly lowered himself onto the bench yet continued grasping his shepherd crook. He liked holding it, it gave him comfort and he felt his other senses intensify. “Now what is it you wanted to chat about?” Joffe asked.

  “The Gold Quest,” Fabian began, “are you planning on undertaking it?”

  “Yes,” Joffe said. Fabian felt the excitement in the older boy’s voice. “But is that why you came all this way, Fabian? Just to ask me that?”

  Now is the time to ask, Fabian thought. This Quest is what you’ve been dreaming about all your life. “No, I wanted to know if you’ve found an adventurer band to join?”

  “Yes. My oldest brother Mick, he’s a tracker and former city guard. We’ve also signed up Sal the conjurer and Greenwort the Battle Troll from the Urklands for muscle. And I’ll be the packer and cook.”

  “Do you have room for one more?” Fabian blurted out. His hopes rose like a morning sun; he held his breath and waited for Joffe’s answer.

  “I suppose we could add another person; do you have someone in mind that you can recommend Fabian?”

  Alright, be confident. If you act confident there’s no way he can say no. “I was hoping I could join up with your band.”

&n
bsp; Joffe was silent. To Fabian it felt like an eternity before his friend uttered his next sentence. “You? Well…I…err…don’t know Fabian. Our band is pretty much full.”

  “I thought you said you ‘could add another person?’” Fabian retorted.

  “Look, Fabian, I like you and all but I really don’t think it’s such a good idea.”

  “Why? Because I’m blind?”

  Joffe shook his head “No! No! of course not…its…it’s just that well you…know.”

  Fabian stood up. “Yeah I know! Good day Joffe.” He turned around and stomped off. Joffe called out behind him, inviting him for a mid-day meal but Fabian accelerated his pace. He knew young men weren’t supposed to cry but he fought back tears. “I swear by Rek’s name, I’m not finished yet.”

  II

  Fabian headed toward the Gold fountain. Even though he couldn’t see it he knew where it was, his father had brought him here many times, especially when he was a child. Fabian found a mortar bench near it and sat down. He then took off his shoes and bathed his feet inside the fountain. The water felt good and helped wash away the disappointment at the stable.

  As Fabian waded in the water, he couldn’t help recalling the story of the fountain, his father had told it to him once: The Gold Fountain was a gift by the First King of Rek to the people. Upon it was inscribed the state crest, a Golden Sun. That was how Rek became known as the Land of the Golden Sun. He wished that he could see. Even though his parents had always told him he was special, he now realized the debilitating reality of his condition. But he couldn’t quit now, this Quest was the only way he could gain the thing he coveted most.