“Aye. Soon as we have them temporarily bandaged. It won’t do to have them bleed to death before we get to Brn,” she replied. She helped several get up onto the wagons, as did Bernard and Zoran. The three stood and watched the four wagons begin moving on down the road into Brn.
At last, Bernard said, “I’m heading into Brn, Zdenka. By the way, thanks stranger.”
“Zoran, sir. Mighty well trained dogs you have there. I’m heading into Brn myself. Just got here late last night. Slept in yonder woods, when I was rudely awakened but the swords. How far is it into Brn?” Of course he knew precisely where the walls were located; he’d seen them when he had arrived last night, but he wanted to play the role of traveler. Far less questions, besides, if he said he’d Shadow Walked here, everyone would know he was a Duska and royalty. That was the last thing he wanted revealed about himself.
“Hail Zoran,” the mellow alto voice said, as she walked up beside the two men. Bernard’s dogs now trotted out in front of the three, slowly walking down the road some distance from the wagons ahead. “Nice swordsmanship. Don’t see many with a flashy style as yours in these parts, let alone two short swords. Some say those are not a ‘man’s’ weapons.” Zoran recognized her teasing probe. Indeed, he had defied all traditions by not choosing a broadsword, bastard sword, or possibly a giant two handed sword.
He grinned, “I’m not from around these parts. By the way, that was some incredible archery you did back there. Impressive, to say the very least.”
It was Zdenka’s turn to smile, “Aye, but I was off my mark twice. The shots were supposed to be right here,” she put her finger right between Zoran’s eyes on his forehead just above his nose. “I missed by an inch both times.”
Bernard chuckled, “Ah, Zdenka, you are slipping!” She grinned. “I’m called Bernard Dragan, Dog Master. She’s Zdenka Lavos, Archer. I’m heading into Brn for the Picking.”
“You too?” Zdenka commented curiously.
“Aye, but I don’t suppose that Archmage Oldrich will choose me,” he said rather bored. “This will be my third try. I’m not sure why I keep coming to the Picking, but I seem to find myself walking this way. She’ll probably not pick me this year either, but I reckon it don’t hurt to try.”
“Well, if you want to learn magic, Bernard, you just have to keep on trying. I’m going to the Picking this year too. I’m fed up with my life. Magic may be what I am seeking. Guess I will see. What’s your business in these parts, Zoran?” she asked politely. Bernard was also eyeing the stranger.
“I’ve come to see Archmage Oldrich myself. I want to see if she will accept me as a student. What’s this Picking thing all about?” he asked, hoping to get some information.
It was Bernard who replied. “Each spring, about now in fact, Archmage comes to the Stodgy Inn to interview all those who wish to become magic apprentices. Been doing it as long as I can recall,” he explained in a monotone voice. “Some she chooses, some she don’t. She didn’t pick me twice before, and I don’t know why she might pick me this year, though, but it gives the dogs a nice outing if nothing else.”
“How does she choose the new apprentices?” Zoran asked, though he saw that Zdenka also was very curious as well.
“Oh, she asks you funny questions,” he replied, bored.
“Like what,” Zdenka asked, curiously.
“Dunno. Cain’t remember them. Funny thing, been asked them twice now, and I can’t remember what her questions were! Isn’t that just the strangest thing?” Bernard replied, himself suddenly becoming curious for a moment, before slipping back into his usual boredom.
“Probably cast a Forget spell on you,” Zoran suggested. “That would account for your not being able to recall her questions. Maybe you’ll get them right this time.”
“Maybe so, maybe not,” he replied. “Least the dogs like the long walk, especially Amos, there. He’s the oldest. Right smart dog.” Zoran noticed that, when talking about his dogs, Bernard was anything but bored.
As they approached the gates, Zdenka said, “Say, you two follow me to the sheriff’s office. Part of the reward money belongs to both of you as well. Please, I insist.”
“Thanks, Zdenka, but you did most of the kill’n. I only rounded up the strays,” Bernard replied.
“Yes, but that means those five won’t be robbing and hurting others for a long time, Bernard. Zoran, you got some yourself. Please, I insist. Then, Bernard, you can lead us to the Stodgy Inn. I don’t know exactly where that’s at — Brn is rather large.”
“Okay, if you insist. Maybe it will pay for my room and board,” Bernard replied.
“Thank you, Zdenka. I’ve my own funds, but if you insist. Thanks,” Zoran replied. “I have no idea where this inn is located. Never been to Brn. I can see it’s quite large, isn’t it?”
“Aye, that she is,” Bernard replied. “Stranger, best watch your money pouch. There’s pickpockets hangin’ round these streets. Unsavory types too, but I reckon that you can deal with them with your fancy swords. Me, I depend upon my dogs. They can smell a foul beast a mile away. Now this one time. . .” Bernard began relating a story of how his dogs helped capture two thieves here in Brn. Not long, Zdenka halted before a brick building. A large sign spelled Sheriff in large letters. She asked them to wait, while she went inside. Zoran resigned himself to listen to the rest of Bernard’s tale.
Not long after that and just before Bernard was about to launch into yet another dog story, she reappeared. “Not bad for a morning’s work, fellows. I’ll split it with you.” She handed each of them twenty gold coins. “They fetched a nice price indeed. Okay, Bernard, lead on — to the Stodgy Inn and a bath for me. Say, is this an expensive inn?”
“Well that all depends on the accommodations you want. Me, I always take the cheapest lodgings. Why waste money on fancy rooms? Especially when you don’t have it,” he replied. “Course, it all depends on how soon the Picking will be, too,” he answered in a non-committal tone. Zdenka pressed him, and he added, “Well, where I usually stay costs a gold piece a week, but the fancy rooms, now they run more like five.”
“Say, since I am new to town, how about I treat both of you to some good rooms? I’ve plenty of funds — been traveling a lot,” Zoran lied. “I would like some friendly company while we all wait on this Archmage. What do you say? Friends?” He held out his hand and Zdenka shook it, though she was still a bit reserved. Bernard gave a hearty shake, thankful for a nice room for a change.
“Thanks, Zoran. After I get a bath, we can meet in the main bar room. I’ll spring for lunch,” Zdenka.
“Oh no, that means I spring for dinner and that costs more,” Bernard lamented jokingly. “Say, now you can see the Archmage’s tower pretty good from here. Look. Impressive, isn’t it? I wonder what all goes on in there? Maybe this time I will find out,” he added.
The three involuntarily stopped to gaze at the orange granite circular tower which rose five stories above the street. Zoran estimated it was at least a hundred feet in diameter, and it occupied the northernmost part of the city. The outer walls butted up against the sides of the tower. He realized now that this city belonged to Archmage Oldrich, who had probably founded it half a century ago and was likely it’s protector out here in the Wild Lands. With any luck, he would be living inside that tower soon. If not, well, there were other Archmages he could try.
The Stodgy Inn was the last inn before the tower, but also a fairly good one. Just inside the main doors was the commons, where meals were served, games played, and, of course, ales had. The barkeeper jovially called out, “Oh no. It’s Bernard and his dogs again! Must be close to the Picking time again. Gonna try it again this year, Bernard? Who’s your pretty friend there?” He nodded to Zdenka, and then politely nodded to Zoran.
“Yes, trying it again. This is Zdenka Lavos, an Archer from the Dark Forest, here for the Picking too. She just managed to capture the bandits this morning on our way here, with our help mind you. Oh yes, this is Zoran, a fig
hter, who helped. Say when is the Picking going to take place?”
“This Saturday. Good luck. You be wanting your usual room?”
Zoran spoke up, “No, I want three of your finest rooms for these new friends of mine — three in a row, if you have them. We’ll be staying through Saturday. Come for the Picking.”
His eyebrows rose. “Fifteen gold, on account of him have’n those dogs ‘o his in his room. Makes a mess; maids have a hard time getting dog smell out of the rooms.” Zoran smiled, figuring something like this might happen. Most inns wouldn’t let dogs inside. He counted out the coins and the man bit one; satisfied, he chatted away.
“Rooms ten through twelve, top story, them stairs over there. Yea gets a hot bath with it and free meals — for people, though,” he stared at Bernard, who forked over a gold coin for scraps for his six dogs.
“Didn’t get your surname, Zoran. Where yea be from?” the barkeeper chatted away, though Zoran knew that the man was intensely curious of strangers. All barkeepers were, at least all those that he had seen.
“Just Zoran, sir. Only Zoran. I come from a town far to the east, been traveling a long time. Heard this Archmage Oldrich is tops. Figured why not learn from the best? Don’t you think?” He cleverly avoided the question and sent the conversation in another direction, which the barkeeper was only too pleased to explain just how great Brn’s benefactor was.
A bit later, the three headed up the steps to find their rooms. Inside, he deposited his pack and studied the room. First rule of survival drilled into his head was to know your surroundings well. The only entrance was the door. The long hall could be a death trap as there was no other way to the stairs. Looking out his window, he spied what he was looking for — an alternative exit. He could use the drain pipe to shimmy down to the alley behind the inn, if necessary. Satisfied, he rang for a maid and a hot bath in the barrel. His room, while far from the comforts of Castle Dorumova, were acceptable, though not what any Duska would choose.
Lunchtime. The three refreshed new friends headed down to sample the food. Several dozen others had stopped by to dine as well. Some, Zoran noted, looked to be wealthier types. He minded his courtly manners and helped Zdenka to sit, which surprised her. She eyed him more closely after that gesture. Sitting opposite of each other, they could now study each other.
Zdenka must be about nineteen perhaps, he surmised. She was well built, with strong arms and legs, probably by virtue of having become an archer. About his height, she had undone her long hair, and Zoran found himself even more attracted to this woman. She now wore a thin cotton blouse instead of her travel leather top.
Bernard, he judged to be twenty-one, with bowl-cut, short black hair and eyes to match. His face appeared bored more often than not, though he was observant. His eyes animated the instant one mentioned dogs.
Zdenka observed this stranger. He was young, perhaps eighteen, certainly not in his twenties. He still had that teenage youthful look about him. About her height, he had long brown hair that just touched his shoulders. Remarkable blue eyes seemed to penetrate her, she noted. She’d never seen such eyes before. His face was handsome, that she knew. Tall and well-muscled as any fighter ought to be, she concluded. Yet, there was something different about this youth, something that intrigued her. She continued to stare at him, when he wasn’t looking at her. Presence, that was it, she realized in a flash of intuition. He had more presence than anyone she’d ever met! Who was this Zoran? Where did he come from? Why was he really here? She had more questions than answers at the moment.
“So tell me, Zdenka, how did a pretty woman like you become an archer? I’ve rarely seen such a terrific shot as you are,” Zoran broke in on her reverie. Either she answered or Bernard would — she knew that for a fact. What the heck, she thought to herself, someone’s got to go first.
“Dad and I live in a cottage deep in the Dark Forest, some fifty miles from here. He wanted a son and got me instead,” she jested, but Zoran detected there was a deep truth in those words. Mom died when I was young; dad blamed himself. A bear got her while he was out hunting. He insisted that I learn to take care of myself. I can handle a short sword a little, but I didn’t like it. Archery, now that turned out to be great fun. I’ve won the Brn Archery Championship five years running. I decided not to enter anymore, no competition. Besides, I take away all of the fun from all the other archers.”
“I’ll say she did,” Bernard jumped in. He’d seen her last match. “Boris thought he had won the match last fall. Shot one in the bull’s-eye at three hundred paces back. Zdenka stepped up and put all three shots dead center in the bull’s-eye. You should have seen the look on Boris’ face.”
“Yes, that’s why I am not entering anymore. He was devastated. I don’t see any reason to do that to anyone, you know. No point in it,” she replied.
“I like your attitude, Zdenka. Why show off? I avoid match challenges like the plague,” Zoran replied. Her surname, Lavos. Somehow it sounded familiar, though he just could not place it. Perhaps someone or one of his friends had mentioned it. Yet, this Wild Lands was a thousand miles from the court and civilization. “Say, what is your dad’s name, Zdenka?” he asked, wondering if that might help.
“Janos, Janos Lavos. Have you ever heard of him? I doubt it; we’ve always lived deep in the Dark Forest. Hardly anyone knows of us,” she replied. His mind raced. That name sounded familiar, like he ought to know it. Janos must be fighter trained if he was able to teach her to fight and become an expert archer. Yet, why hide out in some forest here in the Wild Lands? Highly skilled fighters ought to be in demand nearly anywhere. Zoran finally left this as a mystery to be solved one day.
“Me, I live in a cottage about five miles out of town, small village of a hundred of us. Got a nice place there. Raise dogs, if you haven’t guessed. Guard dogs and hunting dogs are my specialty. Folks come for miles to get one of my pups, though I am pretty picky about who I sell one of mine to — gotta treat them right and give them a good home and lots of attention.” He would have gone on at length, but Zdenka cleverly cut him off.
“So what about you, Zoran? What’s your story?” she smiled at him, her alto voice enchanting.
Zoran was on the spot. He hated to lie; it was not in his nature. Yet, he couldn’t just tell them the total truth. “Like I said, I’ve come a very long way. I was getting fighter training and had some magic training as well. I know a few spells, but I didn’t like the wizard or his attitude, so I came searching for greener pastures, as they say. Well, that’s not the whole truth, exactly. Can you two keep a secret?” he asked, knowing that in all likelihood they couldn’t, but it would serve his purposes. Both nodded and leaned closer.
“I’ve run away from home! Yes, I just up and left everything behind me. I just can’t stomach the lies, the deceit, the constant warring, and the evil ways of so many rulers. I can’t even stand the way that the Baron runs Dorum, let alone all these warlords out here in the Wild Lands. So I up and ran away from it all. I heard this section of our Wild Lands was better off and that Archmage Oldrich was a good monarch, so I came here. It can’t be any worse that what I left behind. Just don’t tell anyone that I’ve run away, please.”
“Oh, I promise I won’t tell anyone, Zoran. I swear that your secret is safe with me, right Bernard?” She sounded so sincere. Zdenka thought to herself, “I knew it! He has to be some nobleman’s son! His manners are too refined for around here. Now I wonder which nobleman? I’m going to keep my ears open.”
“Dad and I also don’t like all the heavy handed tactics used around here by the various warlords either,” she confided, part of her wanting to let him know that she felt much as he did. She wondered why she had such a strong impulse to do so. “Honestly, it seems that all of the men in power on this whole planet are cruel, sadistic beasts! We are very fortunate to be in the lands controlled by Archmage Oldrich. She is a benevolent monarch for sure.”
“Aye, that she is,” Bernard confirmed her declaration.
“The Brn Land is about the safest place to live out here in the Wild Lands, though we often get raiders coming in from the surrounding areas.”
“What do they do when they raid? Steal everything of value?” Zoran asked.
“Some, but often they steal young men, kidnap them, probably to become slaves in their ever growing armies. I know recruiters often come around telling us to send our young men off to get trained because soon the evil Baron’s forces will come invading into the Wild Lands. He will, you know, come a conquering sooner or later. Just study your history. He’s already captured the lands once owned by ten warlords, albeit those that were around Dorum mind you,” Bernard explained. Zoran cringed slightly. He knew well what his father was doing with Adapazan.
Just then a husband and wife passed by their table on their way out. The man was distracted by something she said and he bumped into the trio’s table. As he suddenly turned around to see what was happening, his arm accidentally knocked over Zdenka’s ale mug. Zoran’s eyes followed the tipping mug. It ought to have fallen over and emptied its contents in her lap. Instead, the mug froze mid-fall and then righted itself, as if an unseen hand had caught it just in time. “Pardon me,” the man said and left with his wife.
Zdenka saw Zoran staring at her mug, and she blushed. “Well, I can do a little magic myself,” she admitted, though she had been keeping it a secret.
“I say well done,” Zoran complimented her. “Fast action. I like that. Besides, you just had a bath.” She grinned. She liked this nobleman, if that was really what he was. Bernard excused himself; he needed to tend to his dogs.
“Well, we have lots of time to kill,” Zoran began, a little unsure how to proceed with her. He just wanted to somehow get to know this woman better.
“Well, I promised myself that no matter what else happens on my first trip into Brn that I would go to their dance hall. I’ve heard stories about how fabulous the place is. and I’ve just got to check it out. However, it is a pretty fancy place from what I gather, so I am going to have to go in search of a dress this afternoon. I presume the barkeeper can tell me where the dance hall is located and how to get there. Care to tag along?” she asked, hoping that he might. If so, it would only add to her theory about him being a nobleman somewhere.
Zoran Chronicles Volume 1 A Dragon in Our Town Page 3
