Stone Ram (Leopard King Saga)

by T. A. Uner

  Fabian smiled and lowered his faceplate. “I’d say they were doing a pretty good job.”

  The girl snorted. “Huh! I wrestled with a blue alligator once, and held my own. It took four of those cowards. I doubt they would’ve tried it on me if it was only one or two of them.”

  Fabian smiled behind his helm. For some reason this girl had drawn him to her. He did not know why. Perhaps it was her courage, or maybe it was the sly glint in her eyes that hid her true intentions. He was determined to find out. “Is it true what those miners said? Were you trying to steal one of their diamonds?”

  She looked at him and laughed. “If I wanted to I could steal half the diamonds in that mine right under their noses and make off before they even realized I was there. But I suffered an injury a few days ago, and, well, it’s been holding me back a little, if you know what I mean.”

  “Let me see,” Fabian said. She stretched out her leg from under her cape and Fabian’s crisp vision saw the wound immediately. Her thigh had a deep gash in it. Blood had soaked through the bandage, and Fabian’s nose could smell the putrid odor emanating from it. “This isn’t good,” he added. He knew about wounds—once his father had been bitten by a Black Wolf who’d been threatening the flock—his mother had taught him how to clean and disinfect a wound before dressing it. But this injury looked beyond his level of medical knowledge. But perhaps if he was quick about it, her leg could be saved.

  “We have to get this wound cleaned up so it can heal properly.”

  She shot him a coy glance. “Let me guess, you’re a healer?”

  “No,” he said, “but I know someone who is.”

  III

  “Stand back,” Fabian said. He drew his sword and Matilda backed away to give him room to move.

  “What are you planning to do?” she asked.

  “Just move away from that cell door and you’ll see.”

  “Look,” she said nervously, “don’t get yourself involved, it’s not worth the trouble.” When she noticed that he would not be swayed, she backed away from the cell door.

  Lager had once told him: “‘Being a hero, Ram, is about knowing when to act, and when not to act.’” He brought his sword down on the lock of the cell, it cut through the lock, shattering it like glass. He then jabbed at the door with his Ram staff, causing it to rip off its hinges. This made much noise, but for some reason Fabian didn’t care, all he wanted was to free this trapped person and get her to Lager so her leg could be cured. He used his staff to slice through the chain link of her wrist cuffs, the wrist cuffs’ plates disintegrated along with the rest of the chains that covered her body. Fabian didn’t know why, but he figured it had something to do with the Spirit Stone’s magical properties.

  The girl looked at him in disbelief. “I don’t believe it! You’re a Wizard!”

  “No,” Fabian said, “not quite.”

  ***

  Fabian helped her up the stairs toward the top floor, while Matilda brought up the rear guard. Except for two drunken guests who were passed out in the hallway of the second floor, there was no sign of any human activity. “You’re quite brave to risk yourself for me,” the girl said. “I won’t forget this.” He had his arm around her waist to support her; he didn’t want her to put any pressure on her injured leg, the wound had already festered.

  “How did you get that wound?” he asked.

  “Long story, hero,” she said. Fabian’s nostrils picked up the scent of her breath. It smelled like pine mint. He drew her warm body closer to his to offer more support.

  When they reached his room he laid her out on his bed and removed his helmet. His vision faded but that did not affect him, he had lived with blindness his whole life and could make do with it. “Wait here,” he said to the girl.

  She laughed. “I don’t think I’m going anywhere in this condition,” she replied good-naturedly. He kept a straight face and admired her humorous response, most people in her condition, women especially, would be frightened to be in such an inadequate position. But not her, she had a silent strength coupled with uncompromising humor.

  Before he turned to leave for Lager’s room, her hand squeezed his arm. “What’s your name, hero?”

  “Fabian…Fabian SilverSword.”

  “Good name for a hero,” she replied.

  He entered Lager’s room. The Earthman was still sound asleep. His snores resonating throughout the room; his hand still grasping a bottle of Pickleberry wine. “Lager,” Fabian whispered. “Lager, I need your help.”

  Lager stirred for a moment and startled mumbling incoherently. Fabian could’ve sworn the Earthman was having a nightmare. His friend was calling out to people, telling them he was sorry. Fabian didn’t understand was Lager was saying. He was using some sort of Earth military terminology. Fabian decided he didn’t have time to wait it out and shook Lager.

  “Lager! Lager! Wake up! Wake up!”

  The Earthman dropped the bottle and looked up at Fabian. For a moment he resembled a wildman from Daros Jungle: eyes wide and red-faced as if a devil bat had bit him. “Ram? What the hell?” Lager rubbed his eyes and shook his head, as if trying to snap out of a trance.

  “It’s alright, Lager,” Fabian said. “You were having some sort of dreamscare. Listen I need your help!”

  Lager looked up at the time dial and sighed. “Ram do you know what time it is?”

  “Yes, but listen, I have a wounded person with me and she needs help.”

  “Wounded person? What are you talking about? We’re in an Inn, not a hospital, you drunk or something, Ram?”

  How ironic, Fabian thought. A drunken man calling a sober person a drunk. “Get up Lager,” Fabian said, pulling the Earthman out of bed until he acquiesced. “I need to show you something.”

  “Alright! Alright!” Lager complained he tried taking a swig of wine but Fabian pulled the bottle from his hand. “Geez, Ram, you’re worse than my second wife.”

  “You’ve had enough Lager, don’t make me have to drag you into the next room.”

  The girl was in bed, awaiting treatment while Matilda kept her company. When she saw Fabian return with Lager she tried to sit up, but Fabian eased her back onto the bed. “The Earthman is your healer?” she asked, scanning Lager suspiciously. “He looks more like a drunken ruffian.”

  “You don’t look so hot yourself, missy,” Lager sneered. “Can I talk to you, Ram?” Lager pulled Fabian away from the bed until they stood in the corner of the room. “I thought I told you not to get involved, this complicates everything!”

  “I couldn’t just leave her in that cell, Lager!”

  “What were you doing going downstairs to her cell in the first place?”

  Fabian’s fists clenched inside his gauntlets, and for a moment he felt like punching Lager in the face to bring the Earthman to his senses. “She needed help.”

  “I think you’re taking this hero business a little too seriously, Ram.”

  “Boys! Boys! Boys!” the girl said. “Either find someone who can heal my wound or take me back to my cell. I think the mice there could do a better job.”

  “Testy little gal isn’t she?” Lager said. “I know I’m going to regret this.” He shook his head ruefully and disappeared into his room. A few Ticks later he returned with a small platinum oblong device. Fabian watched as Lager ran the device over the girl’s wound. A protracted segment appeared on it before a white beam surged from its tip. Lager ran it over her wound and the dark brown pus inside of it began transforming into a healthy pink color. It began sealing the damaged muscles inside the affected area. Fabian was awed by Earth technology; it never ceased to amaze him. He wished he could one day visit Earth and see all it had to offer.

  Soon the wound was gone and the beam began repairing the skin until it looked fully healed. Not even a scar remained. Lager turned off the device. “It’s been a while since I’ve played doctor.”

  The girl sat up and rubbed the spot where the wound had once been. “So what proof
do I have that your healing device has restored my limb to a satisfactory level?”

  “Well, if your leg doesn’t fall off while you’re trying to walk, I’d say that’s proof enough, missy,” Lager replied.

  “How reassuring.” She got out of bed and stretched herself and her legs before bowing politely before Fabian and Lager. “And now allow me to formally introduce myself; I am Marella Larue, from the Republic of Pazland. Land of the Black Spade.”

  “I’m Fabian and this is Lager.” Fabian extended his hand and Marella shook it. “And this is my dog, Matilda.” Matilda looked up at Marella and barked once.

  “A darling creature.” Marella petted Matilda’s head lovingly. “A loyal companion to you no doubt Hero Fabian?”

  “Hero Fabian?” Lager laughed. “Is that what she calls you, Ram?”

  Marella looked at Lager before turning toward Fabian. “If I am addressing you inaccurately, please correct me.”

  “No, ‘Hero Fabian’ is fine.” Fabian laughed. “But my friend from Earth here calls me ‘Stone Ram’.”

  “How charming,” Marella replied.

  Fabian didn’t know if she was being sincere or mocking Lager, but he was more interested in learning more about how she had come to Rek. “I still would like to know how you got that injury, Marella.”

  “Ahh, yes, I believe I did mention to you what an inconvenience it has been.” She straightened herself. “Well, Hero Fabian, since you are a man of your word —and a man’s word is very important where I come from—I shall tell you the tale. You did after all bring me to the Earthman who healed my wound.”

  Lager had started drinking again. Marella eyed the bottle with distaste but continued. “I was sent on an important mission two weeks ago by the Chancellor himself: to gather intelligence on the Blood Reeper. Unfortunately we, like Rek, also share a border with that hideous cesspool called Darklands. My Chancellor is wary of its new Warlord, that power-mad Blood Reeper, and sent me to gather information on him and his Death Knights.”

  “Death Knights?” Lager remarked. “Well, this is certainly getting interesting.”

  “Well anyhow,” Marella continued, “I was able to infiltrate Bone Keep and gather enough intelligence necessary to complete my mission. Unfortunately, shortly after leaving I was discovered by the Blood Reeper’s Waspmen, they alerted the Xot who hunted me down like an animal. I was able to evade them for days but I ran out of provisions. There were hordes of Xot Maurauders in the sky and Wasp Riders patrolling the Black Road, looking for me. I was eventually discovered while out foraging for food and wounded badly, as you already know, by one of those nasty Sting Spears the Wasp Cavalry uses against their enemies. Well, despite being wounded, I managed to survive by faking my death in a quicksand bog. Unfortunately to my dismay I realized the prongs of the Sting Spear were poison-tipped. I became ill and tried returning to my homeland, but being under the influence of the poison caused me to wander off course. When I finally recovered from my illness I found myself in Diamond Town with no remaining funds and needed to pawn a few diamonds for currency to get home. The rest of the story you already know.”

  “Impressive how you survived under those conditions, missy.”

  Marella shot him a confident look. “Well Stealers from Paz undergo vigorous training before we’re allowed to undertake any mission. It takes years of training to even be considered for an appointment to the Chancellor’s office.”

  “What exactly is a ‘Stealer?’” Fabian asked.

  “She’s a spy,” Lager interjected, “she steals information for her country and reports back to them.”

  “I’m more than a spy Earthman; the information I obtain helps preserve the integrity of my nation; it also prevents wars.”

  Lager smirked at Marella’s response. “Or perhaps start one.”

  “What would you know about my work, Earther? You’re too busy polluting your body with alcohol.”

  “For your information missy, spies were quite common on my homeworld centuries ago. Before Earth found peace between its nations, and began exploring space for the benefit of mankind.”

  “Peace?” Marella laughed. “Is that why Earth is currently at war with Durkish Empire?”

  “How do you know about that?” Lager asked.

  Marella shot him a sheepish look. “Pazland is famous for its intelligence network.”

  Lager turned to Fabian. “I told you, you should’ve left her alone, I can already tell she’s going to be trouble.”

  “Maybe she can help us Lager,” Fabian said. He wanted to end the brewing argument between them, but despite their obvious differences, Marella could prove useful to them.

  “I don’t see how, Ram. Unless being a pain in the backside is your idea of ‘help.’”

  “No, I’m serious.” Fabian turned toward Marella. “Would you be willing to help us?”

  “Perhaps, Hero Fabian,” Marella said. “I still have a mission to complete.”

  “For the love of Saturn’s rings, don’t do it kid.”

  Fabian ignored Lager’s banter. “We’re also on an important mission, to retrieve something of great value. We could use your knowledge of the terrain to help us.”

  “Why of course, what is it you require of me?”

  “We’re actually on our way to the Darklands; could you tell us more about the East Road? Neither of us has ever travelled this far east.”

  “Nowadays, it’s not safe to be travelling on that road, Hero Fabian.” Marella tapped her forefinger against her cheek, as if contemplating a plan. “But, with the proper guide, we could avoid any unpleasantries.”

  Fabian’s heart leaped into his throat. “We? Does that mean you’ll help us?”

  Marella bowed her head respectfully at Fabian. “You saved my leg, it is the least I can do.”

  “I saved your leg, honey,” Lager interjected. “You Pazlanders sure have short memories.”

  Marella’s eye burned as they glared at Lager; she turned toward Fabian. “Must we take this ill-mannered Earther with us, Hero Fabian.”

  Fabian laughed. “He’s alright, Marella, just get to know him a little better.”

  Marella looked at Lager and sighed. “I was afraid you were going to propose that Hero, Fabian.”

  There was a loud banging on the door. Fabian put on his helm to restore his vision. Lager shook his head. “Now what? As if we don’t have enough issues.”

  “I’ll get it, Lager,” Fabian said.

  “No, Ram, wait. I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

  “Why?”

  “Experience is a harsh teacher, Ram. Besides, I don’t think it’s a good idea with you wearing your armor, somebody could’ve seen you bring little missy upstairs.” Lager threw on his uniform shirt and buttoned the front up. The door stared rattling again and Lager grunted angrily. “Who is it?”

  “Lager it’s me…Jax!”

  Lager turned around. “You kids get in my room.”

  “Why?” Fabian asked, looking perplexed.

  “Just do it, Ram.”

  “Let’s go Marella.” Fabian took Marella by the hand and led her into Lager’s room, still carrying a confused look on his face.

  When they were gone Lager opened the door, slowly, and eyed Jax through the open crack. “A bit late to be disturbing your guests, ehh Jax?”

  “My pardon, Lager, but we have a problem. You remember the girl downstairs from earlier today, the ones those miners brought in?”

  Lager looked like he knew where this conversation was head. “Ohh, yeah, how the hell could I forget her.”

  “Cursed little wench is gone, she somehow was able to break out of her cell. I think she had help.”

  “What makes you say that Jax?” Lager said. His bloodshot eyes indicating lack of rest.

  “Look at this.” The innkeeper held up a piece of twisted metal that looked like a glob of petrified candle wax. Lager eyed it and tried to keep himself from bursting out in a fit of laughter. Fabian must’
ve really like that girl.

  “So what?” Lager said. “Maybe she’s a sorceress?”

  Jax shook his head. “I don’t think so; they don’t have magic-users in Pazland. You ever hear of a magic-user from Pazland, Lager?”

  “No but I’m hung over and if I keep stranding here I may end up vomiting my dinner on your face. Jax, really…I need to get some sleep.”

  “You will give me a holler if you see or hear anything suspicious, wont you?”

  Lager scratched the front of his blue uniform. “If I see her in my dreams I’ll let you know Jax. Goodnight.” He closed the door on the innkeeper and cursed out loud before leaning his back against the door. “Dammit Ram, I knew that girl was gonna be trouble.”

  ***

  They spent the next hour of darkness planning their next move. Fabian wasn’t surprised it would come to this, after all she was a prisoner awaiting extradition. But the thought of actually getting caught excited him. Lager however looked fumed. “It’s too late to fix this mess,” he rued. “In the Star Service we have a saying: ‘raising your defense shields after the enemy’s blasted you out of the stars.’”

  “I don’t think it’s such a problem, Earthman,” Marella added. “Now that I’m fully healed I can easily slip out of this room without being detected.”

  “You see, Lager?” Fabian added. “You’re getting flustered over nothing.”

  “Nothing?” He threw his arms in the air dramatically before pointing at Marella. “You call that nothing? If we’re caught with her they’ll lynch us Ram. Didn’t you see the look on those miners’ face? Those boys are playing for keeps!”

  “For someone claiming to come from an advanced society, and possessing advanced weaponry it shouldn’t pose a problem,” Marella retorted.

  Lager opened his mouth to reply, then shut it. Instead he took a pull from his canteen and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Well, I guess it’s showtime then.” He went over to his pack, deactivated its lock and strapped on his pistol.

  “Marella, can you meet us out by the stable, across from the inn?” Fabian asked.