by CW Tickner
‘I’m so sorry,’ he said as he struggled to regain his balance.
She laughed at his clumsy hop.
‘It is no matter,’ she said, grinning. ‘They will recover, as will you. But, in the meantime, if you’re able to bring some water from the well it will help. ’
Throughout the morning they worked together carrying buckets of water to the house and gardens. He helped her bring her herbs back and they walked together under the trees and talked of their friends and lands.
Harl learned much about the world he was now trapped in. It didn’t sound that much different from his own. They received a gifting, just like his own people, and shared it in much the same way. Although they did not give offering for it, they did hold a feast each time it happened. From their talks he found that many people worked fields and small holdings and held growing things in great stead. It was a fertile land and the people made the most of it.
The following cycle, Harl woke early. He was nervous. They had decided over supper that they would go to town and make Harl’s recovery known to the leaders there. It would be a fair walk through the forest down into the valley. Sonora had told him that the road led over a cobbled bridge as it wound out of the hills into town, but everything else was the dense, soft darkness of the forest.
The scent of herbs floated in the air as they walked and Harl marvelled at how different everything was. The trees were tall and vibrant, as though this land was somehow more alive than his own homeland. He could clearly see the Sight and it was odd yet refreshing to see something so familiar yet slightly askew from what he knew.
When they finally emerged from the forest Harl found himself standing on the rim of a large valley. Fields lined its slopes and off in the distance a wall of stones surrounded a cluster of grey buildings. It was a town.
They had been walking for some time with Sonora chatting amiably to Gorman about her exploits in the garden and of the new mixtures she had created, when a group of people came over a large stone bridge ahead. It arched over a wide river that meandered along the base of the valley to the gates of the town.
‘There is a group of men approaching,’ Harl said.
‘Tell me of them,’ Gorman asked, handing his stick to Sonora.
Harl described the cluster of men ahead and, by the time he had finished, they were close enough to see the light shining on their armour.
Fair blond hair was visible under their gleaming helmets and each man carried a spear. They surrounded a captain or general and Harl couldn’t decide which of the dozen medals he wore marked the man as one or the other. The soldiers stopped a few paces in front of them and the leader stepped forward.
‘Is this the one who was placed up in the forest, Sonora?’ he asked.
The man’s face was like a half-rotten fruit, spotted with several boils and wrinkled before its time. Harl guessed he was close to his own age. The man’s eyes, though, were full of arrogant youthfulness and, as his gaze roamed over Sonora and Harl, a frown crossed his face.
A stir of dislike for the man nagged at Harl. It was not that he gave any inclination towards trouble, but it was obvious from the way Sonora refused to meet the man’s gaze that she was uncomfortable. She shuffled back beside Gorman.
‘Yes, Felmar, he is,’ she replied.
‘He has a lot to answer,’ Felmar said, staring at Harl, ‘and the leaders sent me up to find him. It is good that you have brought him down. I assume that is what you were doing?’
‘It is,’ she said.
‘Good,’ he said, his voice firm. ‘I am glad you know your duties. We’ll take him from here.’
Harl didn’t like the snide look on Felmar’s face.
‘We intend to take him ourselves, Felmar,’ Sonora said.
‘There is no need. We’ll deal with him from now on,’ Felmar said.
He strode forward as if to make for Harl, but Harl stepped back a pace.
‘No, you can’t!’ Sonora said before Harl could do more.
‘Do not assume to tell me what I can and cannot do,’ Felmar said, moving closer to Harl. ‘It is not your place. He is coming with me as my orders dictate.’
Harl was saved by Gorman. As Felmar moved forward, Gorman side-stepped to stand directly in front of him.
‘What is the meaning of this?’ Felmar asked, staring down at the old man.
‘He will not be a prisoner,’ Gorman said. ‘He is a guest in our house and I have promised him safety, such as I can give. ’
‘And what protection can you give him, old man?’ Felmar asked, amused. ‘The woman has your stick, much good it would do you.’
The men with Felmar laughed.
‘I may be blind,’ Gorman said, ‘but I would fancy my chances against a bully such as yourself, Felmar son of Orvel.’
Sonora stood stock still as this played out, as did Harl. He wanted no trouble with the laws of this land, but it seemed that Gorman was not in the least worried.
Felmar took a pace forward. His men stood ready although it was plain that not all agreed with how Felmar was dealing with the situation. Felmar began to draw the short sword that hung on his hip, but before the first ringing of the sword as it left the scabbard was heard, Gorman stepped forward and whipped a knife out from inside his jerkin.
Holding it steady, he pointed the knife directly at Felmar’s chest, as if seeing perfectly clearly. Such was the accuracy of his hand that the knife was just pricking the pale man’s row of medals. Felmar stood deathly still.
The old man spoke clear and proud. ‘I’m not one to be tested, Felmar, and I do not intend to do you harm. I am merely using this-’ He twitched the hand with the knife, making Felmar suck in his stomach.‘-to emphasise my point, which is that this man is a guest in my house and a guest in our land. The first for as long as memory holds true. I do not think your masters would want you to treat him poorly and give a bad first impression.’
Gorman lowered the knife and Felmar spoke up, his voice uncertain as his eyes flicked to the knife.
‘Maybe it would be best if you two, as people of the land, take him there. I’ll be waiting for you in the high building. But old man,’ he said scowling at Gorman, ‘do not assume I’ll forget your actions on this bridge.’
With that he turned and, with his men following, strode away towards the town.
‘That went well,’ Gorman chuckled.
Harl glanced at the knife in Gorman’s hand. It had a strange blue hue to the blade and its angular design was unlike anything he’d seen, either in this world or his own. Gorman stowed the blade away unseen again before Harl could ask about it and took back his stick.
’Shall we proceed?’ Gorman asked, sticking his elbow out. ‘Your arm, my dear?’
Sonora let out a laugh as she took his seemingly frail arm and led him on.
‘Grandpa, you’re full of surprises,’ she said, although to Harl it seemed as if she had expected a similar reaction.
He hesitated before following, unnerved.
Just who was Gorman?
Chapter 13
It is time to take action and implement my plan.
They reached the open gates to the town and as they passed under the great stone arch, Harl’s breath was taken away.
The town was vast and imposing. Great spires jutted up in to the air and it seemed that instead of spreading outwards, they had built upwards. Moss covered the once pale stonework that had been cut and set long ago by skilled craftsmen. All around them carts, driven by large oxen, wheeled towards the bustling market place in the town’s centre. Canvas-covered merchant stalls were packed into the central road through town, hemmed in on all sides by tall buildings. Harl was surprised to see so many food stalls, each selling a variety of produce that he had never seen before. He ran his eyes over the stalls packed with brightly-coloured fruits and his mouth watered at the prospect of tasting so many new flavours.
They stopped en route and Sonora spoke with one of the traders, handing over one of her poti
ons as they talked. The man offered them some of the fruits and meats he had on his stall, smiling as he stowed the bottle in his coat. Gorman took two of the fruits and offered one to Harl. It was bright red and small enough to hold in his palm. When he bit into it, he cried out in surprise. It was juicy and soft, but the sweetness of it made him grin and slap Gorman on the back.
‘Strawberries,’ Gorman laughed, and then popped a whole one into his mouth.
As they moved on, Harl noticed people staring at him. At first it was just eyes flicking in his direction, but then people began to point at him and a murmur of conversation spread. A small boy even ran into a shop and dragged his mother outside, shouting, ‘Look! Look! His hair’s a funny colour.’
Excitement burned through the crowd like a wildfire. Soon a small band of children was trailing them through the market. One of them bumped into Gorman’s stick and the blind man swatted at the child, causing the rest of them to scamper away.
Gorman placed his hand on Harl’s arm. ‘Come, it’s time we made for the council tower.’
They walked a short way until they reached the bottom of the largest tower in the city. The clean marble structure stood white and imposing over the three of them, its sides decorated with god-shaped carvings. Two guards stood outside and, after a look at Harl, ushered them inside.
The foyer was dark and oppressive. The only light came from dull torches guttering on the wall opposite the door they had come in through. An arched door stood twenty paces in front of them, hemmed in on either side by two more ceremonial guards, their armour bedecked in jewels and gold plating. The room had carved wooden benches lining the sides, seating patient petitioners who stared at the three of them.
A thick warm breeze encased Harl as the door opposite opened. A greying man entered and hobbled over to them. His gold embroidered robe marked him out amongst the others in the room. He bowed to Sonora and then clasped Gorman’s hand.
‘Welcome, friends,’ he said, smiling, and then turned to Harl. His eye studied Harl’s face and then the gaze lifted to Harl’s hair.
The old man nodded and signalled that Harl should walk with him. ‘My name is Naldor. Forgive the haste of this greeting, but word of your arrival has scared many. The council will see you right away. Speak the truth and things will go well.’
Naldor led them into a round chamber lined with rows of benches that faced a large semi-circular table. Seated around the table staring at them were six wise-looking figures wearing robes, five men and one woman. There was an empty seventh seat and Naldor walked up to it and took his place.
Harl’s eye was drawn to the central figure. The man’s deep red robe was even more embroidered than Naldor’s had been, although his long white beard covered most of the artistry. His eyes flicked form Harl’s hair to Gorman, before looking hard again at Harl. When he spoke, his voice was croaky and full of wisdom.
‘Harl Eriksson, I am Kelvar, High Councilman, and I’ve requested you here to answer questions relating to how you came to be placed upon this land and what reasons you have for being here.’
Harl had been over this many times with Gorman and Sonora and they had a solid story, even if it was comprised mostly of amnesia in Harl’s case.
He explained how he had woken to find himself in the bed at Sonora and Gorman’s house and had been unable to recall any of his previous life other than his name.
Gorman stepped forward at this point. ‘I have noted his affinity with wood and metal. It seems obvious that he was once a smith or carpenter from the skill he has shown since waking.’
His words obviously impressed the leaders, because several nodded and made notes on the parchments in front of them.
Harl took a tentative step forward. ‘I have no memory from before, council members, but I wish to live a useful life. If Master Gorman is correct, then I would gladly use whatever skill I possess to aid this community. I will respect your judgement in this matter and thank you for the honour of this meeting.’
He bowed and took a step back next to Sonora. She reached out and squeezed his hand.
‘And you, Sonora?’ Kelvar asked. ‘You found him just lying in the forest after the great hand was seen coming down?’
Sonora let go of Harl’s hand and took a small step forward. ‘That is correct, your honour. He was unconscious and unarmed. I thought it best to bring him to my home where my skills could revive him. He had no memory when he woke and, as you can imagine, was scared to wake in an unknown place.’
The lone female at the table stood to be heard. Her eyes were keen but friendly as she addressed Sonora. ‘What is your professional opinion of his recovery and eventual integration to our ways?’
Sonora seemed surprised at being asked such a question, but she soon regained her confidence, obviously pleased to answer.
‘Other than the memory loss, he has made a full recovery already. I do not know if he will eventually come to remember his past, but I have seen no ill will from him and, as Gorman has said, his skills will come in most useful.’
Kelvar stood as the woman retook her seat.
‘We will retire to discuss these matters. You will wait here until our return.’
Everyone at the table stood and headed out through a single door into another room, leaving the three of them alone.
‘How do you think it went?’ Harl asked Gorman.
The old man shrugged and whispered. ‘I see no way for them to sense the lie in your words, but who can tell? Our story rings true. Let us hope for the best.’
Sonora brushed a hair from her face. Her eyes were clouded with concern. ‘What would they do if they ruled against him, grandfather?’
‘Hush, let us not think on such things for the moment,’ Gorman said as the side door opened.
The council returned to the chamber and took their seats. Kelvar stayed standing.
‘Harl Eriksson,’ Kelvar said. ‘Although this council finds your explanation unsatisfactory, it is by no means your own doing. If the gods have placed you here then it is just. We declare you may stay and not be put to trial for the unusual manner of your arrival. Thus you will be a citizen of this realm and are granted an acre of forest land adjoining that of master Gorman and mistress Sonora. You will be in their care until you are able to support yourself financially.’
Harl sighed in relief and turned to smile at Sonora. He hadn’t known what to expect but, deep down, he had hoped more than anything that he would be able to stay close to her.
It seemed to him that the proceedings were at an end, when, unexpectedly, one of the council men on the outermost side of the table leant over and whispered to Kelvar. Harl had noticed the slim younger man looking more suspiciously at him than the others throughout the proceedings, but he’d thought little of it.
Kelvar frowned and shook his head. The younger man pointed his finger at the leader’s chest, obviously making a strong point as his face became an angry red. Kelvar’s shoulders slumped and he finally nodded.
‘You are also commanded never to produce children,’ Kelvar announced. He had gone pale as he said it. ‘The gods have deemed your life worth sparing, but your appearance shows a taint that does not flow through the blood of our people. We’ll not risk the wrath of the gods by letting you bear children with our people. Any breach of this order will have dire repercussions for all involved. That is all I have to say on the matter.’ He smiled in pity, as if the worst was over. ‘Go forth, Harl Eriksson, and live a life of peace and contribution among us.’
The leaders stood up and headed for the door, but as they did, the female councilwoman made a bee line for Sonora.
‘Sonora,’ she said, a look of concern on her aged face. ‘We’ve been hearing reports of an illness which has sprung up in the commons part of town. The reports we’ve had from the guards say that Mrs Gillman has passed away soon after catching it. Her son, Mendle, allegedly caught it before her. He’s in a bad state and being cared for by the rest of the family. She was elderly and it mi
ght be because of that that she succumbed to the illness first.’ She paused letting her words sink in. ‘Things are not looking good for her son. Another report this morning told how a third family member is ill as well.’
‘What are the symptoms?’ Sonora asked, worry evident on her face.
‘A blackening of the hands is the first reported evidence that both Mrs Gillman and Mendle spoke of. The darkness spread up their arms to the chest and Mrs Gillman began to struggle for breath soon afterwards. She passed away shortly after that.’
‘I’ll look in on them when I can,’ Sonora said, ‘but you must tell those caring for Mendle to keep their mouths covered in close proximity to anyone who shows this blackness. I’ll have something sent down from the cottage as soon as possible.’
‘Thank you,’ the council woman said, looking a little more relieved than at the beginning of the conversation. ‘I just pray it doesn’t spread to any more of the people. Our priests have been praying each turn since the news.’
Gorman coughed at this, holding back a remark. The woman shot him a frown for his lack of piety as she turned and headed for the door that led from the chamber.
‘What was that all about?’ Harl asked. ‘It sounded serious.’
‘I don’t know,’ Sonora said. ‘These things come and go, but when we get home I’ll be busy for the rest of the turn mixing something to help. I must admit I’m not keen to go and visit the Gillman’s house.’
Harl had to agree. It sounded like a nasty disease, even if it only killed the old and feeble.
He turned to Gorman.
‘Well,’ he said, hoping to change the subject away from the disease. ‘The trial went better than I thought. No prison this time, and I get some land.’
‘Land is the most important part,’ Sonora said. ‘Only a true citizen owns land.’
‘They would consider it a dereliction of duty to leave him homeless,’ Gorman said with a sarcastic grin. ‘If they had done so it could be construed as an affront to the gods on their part. My own annoyance is the decree made by that whelp Jarlen. Pah! No offspring? An unfair sentence, to be sure, and all because of their own prejudices against change. It’ll all end badly.’
