"Freedom," she whispered to herself. That was the answer. If she went on this quest, it was for the sole purpose of defending freedom.
And the possibility of gaining vast treasure, a little voice in her mind added.
She sighed, hating that little voice.
You fool, she thought. You're buying into it, just like Lannon wants you to. You'll probably come back with nothing--if you come back at all.
***
The innkeeper--a tall, mostly-bald, heavyset man--emerged from the kitchen. Lannon motioned him over. He had a friendly face but stern eyes. He extended his hand. "Name's Balerus. And you are?"
"Lannon Sunshield, Knight of Dremlock."
Balerus bowed. "Welcome to my humble inn, Lannon. My apologies if things are a bit chaotic in here."
Lannon shrugged. "This is a tavern, after all."
"It's more than that," said Balerus. "This place binds the whole community together. Sure, there is fighting and bloodshed in here now and then, but life is hard in this region. People need a place to have some fun."
"How safe is this inn for a boy?" asked Lannon. "Around twelve years of age, with a bit of a mouth on him."
"Safe enough," said the innkeeper. He lifted a heavy club from behind the bar. "Does this answer your question?"
Lannon nodded.
"Believe me, I know how to use this," said Balerus. "I have a young daughter to look after. Not always an easy task in a tavern full of drunken men. So how long will the boy be staying here?"
"Until the Knights come for him," said Lannon.
"Fair enough," said the innkeeper. "The boy will be well cared for." He hesitated, then added, "There is one problem, though. I can deal with any drunken fool who gets out of hand, but I can't handle trained fighters." He fell silent.
"Tell me more," said Lannon.
"Each night," said the innkeeper, "three men come to my door demanding money. These are huge men who know how to fight. They have threatened to burn down my inn if I don't increase their so-called dues. In return for those dues, they supposedly keep me safe from Bellis' soldiers. It's utterly ridiculous, considering there are no soldiers in this area. It's just an excuse to take my money."
"What about the Rangers?" asked Lannon. "Don't they maintain law and order here?"
"I hired two Rangers to deal with them," said the innkeeper. "They were beaten so badly they almost died. Since that incident, the other Rangers are reluctant to get involved. At least the ones I can afford. Believe it or not, I don't have much coin to spare right now. It's cheaper for me just to pay those rogues than hire some of the more elite Rangers to deal with them. Regardless, they do pose a real danger to this inn and anyone staying here."
"I will confront the rogues," said Lannon. "If I drive them away, will you agree to look after the boy?"
"Absolutely," said the innkeeper. "If you get rid of them, I will let the boy stay here free of charge. But I want to keep this whole thing quiet, and I want to avoid bloodshed if possible."
"If I handle it alone," said Lannon, "there is less chance of bloodshed. My sword will stay in its sheath." Lannon intended to try to reason with the men. Perhaps when they learned who he was, they would stop terrorizing the innkeeper and find another way to earn a living.
"That might be a grave mistake," said the innkeeper. "These men are giants. I don't think it's wise even for a Divine Knight to confront them alone. At least take one of your companions with you."
Lannon considered it, then shook his head. "Just me."
The innkeeper nodded, his face grim. "If you insist. They always come quite late, after the tavern is closed. I may have to wake you."
"Not a problem," said Lannon. "By the way, my companions and I will be needing rooms if you have any to spare."
"I do," said the innkeeper, smiling. "My two best rooms, reserved for special guests like Divine Knights. No extra charge. Fair enough?"
"Fair enough," said Lannon, nodding.
***
Later that night, after the tavern was empty and quiet, Lannon snapped awake to the sound of a gentle knock. As silent as a shadow, he rose from his bed and belted on his sword. He slipped on his soft leather boots and donned his Birlote cloak, adjusting the hood so it partially concealed his face in shadow. He shifted the cloak so the hilt of his intimidating sword was visible.
He glanced at his companions--which included Taith--and found them sound asleep. He crept to the door and opened it. It made an annoying creak, and he glanced back to see Taith shift about. But the lad appeared to still be asleep.
Lannon stepped into the hall and gently closed the door. The innkeeper's face was grim. He was holding his club.
"Are you sure about this, Lannon?" he asked. "These rogues carry iron hammers and won't hesitate to cave in your ribs--or maybe even your skull."
Lannon nodded, then went downstairs. The fireplace held only coals, and a chill had crept into the tavern. Moonlight shone in through the windows, revealing barren oak tables. The dead Goblins glowered at Lannon with gleaming eyes. He glanced behind him and saw the innkeeper was following.
"Don't worry," whispered the innkeeper. "I'll just watch through a window."
Loud banging on the front door broke the silence.
Lannon opened it and found a huge, bearded man standing before him. The man's face was weathered and ugly, with an oversized nose, and his shoulders were as wide as the doorframe. He wore rusty chain mail and held an iron hammer in one hand. He seemed almost ogre-like.
Lannon pushed the man back a bit and stepped outside, closing the door behind him. Two more men--similar in appearance to the first one--stood before the door. They looked so much alike that Lannon assumed they were brothers. They glared down at him--angry giants eager to smash him.
"Greetings," said Lannon. "I'm here on behalf of the innkeeper."
"So you're paying his debt?" one of them asked. He held out a sack. "Just drop the coins in there, then, and we'll be on our way."
"Not going to happen," said Lannon. "I'm a Knight of Dremlock Kingdom. I'm also a Dark Watchman. Does that mean anything to you?"
"It does," one of them said. "You might be a Knight, but you're no Dark Watchman. I think you're a liar."
"He is a dirty liar," another said. "Look at his face."
"I'm not a liar," said Lannon, "but you're clearly thieves. What gives you the right to steal from the innkeeper?"
"We're not stealing anything," one of them said. "He owes us, and each night after he does business we come to collect."
"We come to collect!" another echoed, raising his hammer.
"Owes you for what?" asked Lannon.
"He hired us to keep the peace in his tavern," one of them said. "We worked for months with no pay except food and ale, while he made excuses and empty promises. Finally we grew tired of it and decided to force him to pay."
Lannon sensed they were being truthful. He was about to take their side when one of the brothers tried to shove a hammer into his gut.
Lannon seized the hammer and tossed it far down the street where it landed with a thud. "No need for that," he said. I believe your story."
But the brothers weren't listening. They drove in on him with fists and hammers, intent on breaking his bones. They were immensely strong and fought with the fury of barbarians, swinging the heavy hammers with shocking ease. But Lannon was too swift for them, dodging the blows.
Lannon hurled one of them against the wall of the inn, cracking a few boards. He punched another one lightly in the stomach, winding him and causing him to double over for a moment. He swatted a hammer aside with his palm.
Stunned at Lannon's power, they backed away, looking grim. Their eyes were wide with shock. It seemed they had given up.
"Had enough?" Lannon asked. "Let's talk, then."
In response, one of them hurled his hammer at Lannon's gut. It was a mighty throw that might have dropped a charging bull in its tracks.
Lannon caught the hammer, then held it
forth in two hands. "Enough of this," he said. "Let me show you what will happen if you continue." With the Eye flooding through his muscles, Lannon bent the stout iron handle into a circle. He tossed the mangled weapon to the ground.
The brothers bowed their heads, looking sullen.
"You are indeed a Dark Watchman," one of them said. "And that means the innkeeper has won. He has truly cheated us out of our money. I guess we'll just go back to the forge with nothing."
"This isn't fair," another said. "Our blacksmith business is failing, and we desperately needed that money to buy better supplies. We'll be forced to close now. But we obviously can't defeat you."
"You don't have to," said Lannon. He was determined to help them. "How much does the innkeeper owe you?"
"Eight silver each," one of them answered.
"He owes that much?" said Lannon, sighing. He wanted to kick the innkeeper in the shin for cheating these three brothers. They were obviously simple men who worked hard for what they had and didn't deserve such poor treatment. He sensed that under different circumstances they would have been likable fellows.
They nodded. "We did a lot of work. We practically lived at the tavern. We also helped with cleaning, cooking, serving drinks--everything."
"I'll pay it for him," said Lannon. He opened his pouch and gave them their silver. It was a lot of money, but he was certain Aldreya would understand. "That ends it then, right? You'll trouble him no more?"
The brothers were delighted. "We're paid in full. We will return to our forge as happy men this night. If you ever need a blacksmith, you can find us along the Greenspring Road that leads west out of town."
As they departed, Lannon entered the inn.
The innkeeper rushed over to him. "That was amazing! I can't believe it! You must have scared them senseless!" Then his eyes narrowed, as his shock wore off some. "I saw you give them something. What was it?"
"The money you owed them," said Lannon, glaring.
The innkeeper gave Lannon a sheepish look. "Is that what they claimed? Those rogues are lying, of course." He cleared his throat. "But you did a noble deed in scaring them off, and I will be more than happy to care for the boy until the Knights arrive for him. No matter how long it takes."
Lannon nodded. He stepped close to the innkeeper. "Make certain he is well cared for. I'm holding you responsible." His tone was grim--a clear warning that Lannon would be very displeased with any mistreatment of Taith. He didn't trust the innkeeper, and he was irritated over being lied to.
The innkeeper nodded, his eyes wide. "Of course. He will receive excellent, excellent care. Fear not, oh mighty Knight." He bowed twice. "You have my word of honor on that. I'll put it in writing if need be."
"No writing is needed," said Lannon.
He started back toward the stairs to find Taith slowly trudging down them. Lannon could tell by the dejected expression on Taith's face what he was thinking. A shadow of fear lurked in that expression as well.
"You're leaving tomorrow," Taith said in a gloomy, sad tone. "And I'll be left here on my own. Am I right?"
"Yes," said Lannon. "But I'll see you again when we return. The innkeeper will look after you until the Knights arrive. This should be an exciting time for you Taith. You will soon be trained as a Squire of Dremlock."
"I'll miss you a lot," said Taith, tears in his eyes.
Lannon ruffled the boy's hair. "I'll miss you too, Taith. But the next time I visit you, I'll be amazed at the warrior I see before me."
"But I want to go with you," said Taith. "Don't leave me here." He bowed his head. "Don't leave me behind like my father did." The boy looked so small and helpless standing in a beam of moonlight. Lannon felt great pity for him, but granting his wish was out of the question.
"I'm sorry, my young friend," said Lannon. "Our mission is far too dangerous. Focus on your future, Taith, and let nothing distract you."
"This is the end," said Taith. "I'll never see you again."
"Nonsense," said Lannon. "I have every intention of returning." But there was a chance Taith was right. Many of Bellis' best fighters had vanished on this same quest to obtain the elusive Green Flamestone.
"If you don't return," said Taith, "what will happen?"
Lannon ignored the question. "It's time to go back to bed now. We plan to leave early, probably before you're awake."
"Don't do that," said Taith. "Wake me before you go."
Lannon said nothing.
Chapter 4:
The Land of Mud and Mayhem
Early the next morning, when Taith was still asleep upstairs, the travelers ate a fine breakfast of fried fish. They had the bulk of their supplies, and they were eager to resume their journey. But they were waiting on Saranna.
Yet they didn't have to wait long. They hadn't yet finished their food when Saranna and two other Rangers entered the still mostly empty inn. She handed the signed contracts to Lannon and introduced her companions.
"This is Brakthas," she said, "and Galandra."
Brakthas was a large man with long black hair and bronze-colored skin. Muscular arms, adorned with tattoos, protruded from his tunic sleeves. He wore feathered earrings and a red-and-black Vulture feather in his hair. He also wore a necklace of Vulture beaks and talons. His eyes were dark, his face somber. He was armed with a long, bone-handled dagger and a bow, but wore no armor. He nodded to the travelers. "Divine Knights, a long way from home."
Galandra was a stocky, red-haired girl with bright green eyes. She wore extravagant leather armor and bore strange weapons for a Ranger--a steel slingshot rather than a bow, a blowgun strapped to her back, and a short steel spear with a guard over the tip that she carried like a walking stick. "Pleased to meet you," she said. She smiled, but her eyes were cold and dangerous.
"Hiring you two cost us a lot of silver," said Aldreya, "but we trust Saranna's judgment. What are your skills?"
"I'm a good tracker," said Brakthas. He fell silent.
"He's much more than that," said Saranna. "Brakthas is the best tracker alive, and his knowledge of wilderness survival is unsurpassed."
"Then we should be great friends," said Lothrin, rising to shake Brakthas' hand. "Tracking and wilderness survival are skills I possess as well."
Aldreya gazed at Galandra. "What about you?"
"I can hold my own in a fight," said Galandra. "I'm all about stealth. I'm also skilled in the use of various poisons."
"An assassin?" said Prince Vannas, frowning.
"I assassinate Goblins," she said. "Why fight face to face when a single poison dart from the bushes can do the work for me? But I can fight close range quite well when I need to. This spear isn't for show."
"I've heard of you two," said Jace, looking amused. "We need not bother questioning your skills. Your reputations extend far beyond this region." He turned to Aldreya. "These are legendary Rangers--skilled at everything and extremely dangerous fighters. We were quite lucky to cross paths with them. The price listed on the contracts is actually a steal for us."
"A steal?" said Brakthas, raising his eyebrows. "Perhaps we should have asked for more." He laughed. "I like the whole dangerous fighters thing though. It makes us sound scary. Are we scary, Galandra?"
"Scary as can be," she said, making a claw-like gesture with her hand. "People quake in terror at the sight of us. "Okay, maybe not."
"You're from the Varros Clan, correct?" Jace asked Brakthas. "You have the look and manner of a Varros warrior."
Brakthas nodded. "I'm Varros." He nodded to Galandra. "She's Tolopaz--the red-haired, pale-skinned clan from the Black Hills." He smiled. "I added that in case you didn't notice her red hair and pale skin. "We've known each other for a long time. We played together as children."
"I used to give you beatings," said Galandra, winking at him.
He nodded. "You were a mean little girl. You stole my fur cloak and threw it in the river. I had to go in icy water to get it."
She shrugged. "I'm still mean. I enjoy it
."
"So when do we leave?" asked Brakthas. "I'm really hungry. That fish smells great. Do I have time for some?"
"Eat your fill," said Aldreya. "But make it quick. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Galandra sat down across from Aldreya. "Tell us about the journey. We already know it's going to be perilous, but give us some details."
"I'd like some details too," said Saranna, sitting down.
"Me too," said Brakthas. "And some fish."
They talked and ate for a while. They learned that the two Rangers were employed by a rich merchant living nearby, with their main duty being to guard his estate from bandits. The merchant had reluctantly agreed to release them from their contracts--for the duration of their journey with the Knights--out of respect for Dremlock Kingdom. Galandra and Brakthas seemed simple and likable, with each having a good sense of humor, but there was something grim or almost sinister about them lying just below the surface. Their minds were cunning, their wits razor-sharp. Their keen eyes glimpsed everything, and they knew far more than they revealed. These were warriors one definitely didn't want as enemies.
Lannon scanned them with the Eye and saw a code of honor there, but he also glimpsed just how dangerous they were. They had killed many times, and not just Goblins but lawbreaking humans as well. They weren't just Rangers--they were also bounty hunters and assassins on the level of Shennen Silverarrow. They knew many silent ways to kill, and any fool who dared try to take what they had wasn't likely to keep on living. Lannon saw that they could be trusted to a point, as long as they felt they were being respected and treated fairly, but they were joining this quest purely for the pay and a chance at gaining treasure. Profit was their motive, and they would let nothing stand in the way of it.
Lannon wanted to glimpse more--to understand just how ruthless the two could be if provoked--but the Eye failed to go deeper. But he had seen enough to know that they weren't thieves or murderers, just deadly warriors one didn't want to cross. And if Saranna trusted them, that was good enough for Lannon. She was as noble as a Divine Knight and Lannon fully trusted her judgment.
Knights: Legends of Ollanhar Page 6
