by Rick Brown
Around twenty minutes later Lenux returned. “They are right behind me, how are we doing this?”
“How are they distributed?”
“Just as you guessed. A driver and guard in each wagon. Total of four wagons.”
I glanced around. It was dark. That was in our favor. "Ok, you sneaks will lead us in behind the last wagon. If we can, we'll quietly kill the driver and guard, and I'll take the reins of the wagon. Hopefully, no one ahead of us notices. If that works, then the two of you will attempt to take the next wagon and assume the place of the guard and driver." They nodded in agreement.
A few moments later the first wagon rolled past. It was just as Lenux described with a driver and his guard sitting on the wagon bench. Watching as the wagons rode past, there were about twenty feet between each. As the last wagon bounced by, Lenux and Brianna slipped out of the bushes and started stalking along either side of the wagon. I waited for a few heartbeats then followed them out. I knew this task was where being a sneak paid off. If I were trying to attack these men by stealth, they would likely sound an alarm before I could complete the job. Instead, I crept up to the back of the wagon and look for an opportunity to help. The sign I was waiting for came in the form of the wagon bouncing and two muffled groans from the front. I leaped into the back of the wagon and helped pull the two men from the driver's bench and into the back of the wagon. Lenux and Brianna remained on the bench, so if anyone looked back, they would see two people still sitting there. The draft horses ignored what was going on and continued to follow the other wagons.
We all held our breaths waiting for the alarm, but everything was quiet. After waiting a minute, I tapped Lenux on the back. He handed the reins to Brianna and slipped down into the bed of the wagon. I crept up into his place and took the reins. "So far, so good," I whispered to Brianna.
She nodded back, “They were both asleep, just letting the horses follow those in front.”
“Tsk tsk, a guard sleeping on duty. Professionally, I find that offensive.”
She shrugged, “You can take it up with his boss in a few minutes.”
We rode this way until we were comfortable with moving forward. I nodded to Brianna. She grabbed Lenux, and the two of them slipped off the wagon and started stalking forward. I held my breath as they smoothly crept up on the unsuspected men. This time I could watch as they signaled to each other then leapt upon the men in the wagon. One hand covering the man's mouth while the other pushed a dagger into his side. Quickly they slid the bodies into the wagon and took their positions. Again I waited for an alarm that never came.
Now we wait. Barad would have created the roadblock far enough ahead that we would have time to perform our part of the operation. I followed Lenux and Brianna as the caravan moved forward. Looking up, I could tell by the stars that it was getting late. Eventually, I heard voices up ahead. The road was wide enough that I was able to move my wagon along-side the two sneaks.
“I said come out here you bastards!” yelled the wagon driver in the lead. He appeared to be a short dark-haired man. The road ahead of him was blocked by brush. There was no sign of Barad yet. He was probably waiting to verify we were in position before stepping out. When he did, I had to smile at his arrogance. He strutted like a peacock as he walked out on the other side of his barricade. He had built it with a number of shrubs from the surrounding area with a few tree limbs thrown in. It wasn’t much, but it would deter any horse from walking through it.
Barad boldly put one boot up on a tree branch. "This is a robbery, gentlemen. Kindly step down from your wagons and surrender yourselves and you might just survive the night.”
The wagoner looked at the trees. “I don’t count but one of you, and there are eight of us. Seems you’re the one dying tonight.” He reached for his dagger as his guard started to climb down.
“Count again,” I said from behind him. He swung around to look at me.
“Who the hells are you!”
“A ghost from Alsselya,” I said from sudden inspiration. I pulled my sword.
“If you weren’t a ghost before, you will be!” The wagoner threw his dagger at me, but I fell back out of the wagon to avoid the throw, grunting as I hit the ground. Then the fight was on. Barad hurdled the barricade and rushed the first guard who had stepped down from the wagon. Lenux and Brianna jumped from their wagon and ran to the other Dommerian wagon. With their agility, they were able to leap onto the wagon from the ground. Brianna threw her dagger at the guard as she pulled out another from her belt. Her blade struck his shoulder, and he fell off the wagon. Lenux faced the driver, who had pulled his own weapon, but he wasn't trained as Lenux, and he fell quickly. Brianna followed the guard from the wagon and finished him with her other dagger. I slowly pick myself off the ground only to find wagoner who spoke to Barad had climbed from his wagon and sprinted into the woods. I ran after him but could not see him in the dark. Damn.
I turned back to the fight to find Barad had killed his guard. Four wagons taken and no one on our side injured. Not a bad night. I thought to myself. Too bad a witness escaped, but Coneer was a big city, and the guards would put little effort into solving a crime outside of its gates. Besides, there was no way he would beat us back on foot, so there was little risk in his escape.
Brianna approached me. “That lead wagoner escape? Shame. He was on the docks, taking orders from a red-haired man. I don’t see him here. It sounded like he was that man’s second in command. Would have been nice to remove him.”
Barad approached. “Did you see that guy? He ran like a rabbit.”
“Let's get rid of the bodies and strip these wagons of anything that might identify them. By the time we reach the gates, the morning guard shift will be in place. There's little danger in being recognized, but it's better to exercise a little caution.” They agreed and went to check the wagons. The Bodies were taken and hidden in the woods. Unfortunately, there was no time to bury them.
It seemed that the Dommerian’s worried about being identified as much as we did. There was nothing on the wagon that would indicate ownership. Searching the wagons, we found the hardtack we were expecting. Also, there were a number of weapons being smuggled beneath them. What Barad discovered surprised us all.
“GOLD!” He exclaimed as he pulled out a bag from under the lead wagoner’s seat. “ There must be one hundred coins!”
“Easy there big guy,” I said walking up to him. “We were hired to capture these wagons and turn the contents over to our employers. That includes any gold.” His smile faded a little, but he would have come to the same conclusion. Eventually.
“Well,” he said. “At least now we know they can afford to pay us.”
“Can I see?” Lenux asked Barad. “Gods!” He exclaimed as he picked it up. “No wonder people usually carry this much around in a chest. It’s so heavy! I’ll need to build some muscle before I get rich.”
Brianna snorted. “No rush then.”
“Ok folks,” I said bringing them back to the job. “Let’s each grab a wagon and ride back. We’ll need to pick up the rest of the horses on our way. Can’t have Father Yagen losing his deposit, after all."
We traveled back to where we left the horses and tied each to the back of a wagon. I decided we would stagger our return trips so they wouldn’t see four wagons coming in together. The two sneaks left first followed by Barad and I. The precautions seemed unnecessary, as the trip back was uneventful.
Chapter 6
(Lee)
The gates had already been opened when we returned in the morning. Staggering the wagons had worked. We arrived at the gates with a few farmers’ wagons between us. I could see Barad a couple of wagons in front of me still holding the bag of gold like it was a baby. Luckily the guards hardly glanced at him as we passed through the gates.
“Yes, Oh yes. This will help the cause nicely,” Yagen stated as he stared at the gold, a big smile on his face. The other monks were out front unloading the wagons. We reported the mission
results directly to Yagen, also delivering the gold to him. “Good work, all of you. I’m sure Alynon will be pleased. The food will be distributed to the poor, and we can sell the wagons too." He broke out eight gold coins from the pile. "Here's your pay a little early. You four go enjoy." We each grabbed our coins.
Barad spoke first. “This will make for some fun tonight, but first some sleep. I’m not sure I can even make it up to my room err... cell.”
“I may just sleep in the hall,” Lenux joked.
The four of us made our way to our cells. It was still early morning, but I was looking forward to finally relaxing in my new bed. Hopefully, I can keep this one for a while. It seemed we’ve been on the move since we left the guild three years ago. The adrenaline of the night wore off as I fell asleep.
I found myself in a very surreal dream. I was back at the Fields of Alynon, but this time it was different. A fog drifted over the land that kept me from seeing more than a few feet in front of me. As I walked, I came across dead bodies. Wounds of war marred their flesh. It was evident that a battle had just been waged. It looked so fresh I was afraid I might be discovered. The bodies wore uniforms I didn’t recognize. Blue and silver jackets with black pants. It reminded me of the robes the priest of Alsselya wore. As I walked along it struck me that many had the size and dark hair that Yagen attributed to the Alsselyians.
Scattered amongst were bodies with gray uniforms I knew all too well. Dommerians. Is this the last stand of the Alsselyians? I continued to walk, as the battlefield seemed to go on forever. Using my experience and training, I started to recognize the tactics that had been deployed. Where stands had been made and retreats ordered. Where the enemy was flanked and the fallen overrun. Their strategies unfolded like a book before of me. The Alsselyians fought well, but the Dommerians simply had too many soldiers. They didn't use strategy, and they didn't need to. They would merely keep sending men until the defense was overrun. Cheaper to let men die on a sword and replace them than to train those men to fight.
As I moved across the field, I heard my first sound since entering the dream, a muffled sound of crying. Though I knew this was but a dream, it was too real not to apply some caution. I crept forward through the mist as I approached the sound. The image of a man bent over an Alsselyian soldier became clear. The grieving man stood and moved to another body, still weeping to himself. As he stood, I saw he was a tall man. Actually, he was a huge man. I would only come to this man's chest. He had golden hair braided in leather down his back. Even in my dream, power radiated from this man. In my soul, I could tell this was no man at all, but that I was looking upon a god.
He wore a robe that looked of gold but moved like fabric. His bare feet covered in mud and blood as he cried over his dead. As I watched he moved to another fallen soldier, resting his hand on the soldier's chest as the tears continued to fall down his cheek. I started to feel self-conscious about watching a god morn his people. It felt like I was violating something holy. I began to back away when he spotted me. He swung around his sharp eyes penetrating me as I froze. He stood for a moment and stared at me. “Not now,” was all he said and waved his hand in dismissal.
I woke in a shock. It seemed so real. I could feel his pain as he grieved every loss. Unsettled, I climbed out of bed and dressed. I have never had such a disturbing dream. Even battle had never ripped at my soul so much. It was now early afternoon as I left my cell and went down the stairs. I needed to clear my mind. For me, that meant sword training. I had only been at the temple for a day, but I had yet to see the training yard empty. In this case, I saw one of the priests we fought on the first day stretching in a corner. Finding the same sword I had used previously, I moved to the center and started going through my drills.
“I beg your pardon, but your focus is off.” I looked up to see the priest watching me.
“What?”
“I saw you fight yesterday. Your movements were smooth and elegant. Today you are stiff. Your mind is elsewhere."
“Bad dream,” was all I said. It seemed too personal to talk about.
The priest nodded. "This is a temple. A place of religion. It is strong spiritually." He seemed to think that explained everything. "My name is Father Pild. If you would allow me, I can offer some advice."
I shrugged in agreement. My Master has told me of many techniques that are not taught in the guild. His advice was to learn from anyone willing to teach.
Father Pild went to the weapons rack and chose a sword. “Since the church moved from a peaceful religion to once seeking our rightful vengeance, we have collected the knowing of warriors as we would have once sought those of peacemakers. From every land and every style, we have gathered that knowledge. There is more to that path than holding a sword. You must have strength in your soul and knowledge of your body. Know what are your limits and how to pass them. You have a natural talent for the sword, but you could be much more. Follow my movements exactly as I do them.”
I carefully watched and mimicked Father Pild as he slowly started stretching out with the sword and holding it in place. Never a rushed motion. Never a wasted movement. Assuming positions that stretched my endurance. Moving from squats that left my legs burning to holding the sword at extensions so long my arm started shaking. Sweat was dripping from my brow as we moved from one form to the other. It wasn't a test of speed, but one of endurance. The father would correct me when my arm drooped, or I allowed my knee to hit the ground. As we flowed, I could feel the return of the peace I had lost from the dream. All my focus was on moving from one position to the next. I had drilled with a sword many times, but this was much more advanced than the hacking with swords taught by the guild. The day turned into evening as the lesson progressed. When we completed the exercise, my mind felt as revitalized as my body felt exhausted. I gave a tired smile to Father Pild and thanked him for the lesson.
I searched the temple and found my friends in the dining hall. The monks were serving a dinner of chicken and potatoes. I grabbed a plate and joined them.
“Where have you been?” Brianna asked.
“I was with Father Pild in the training yard.”
“We’re going to a tavern to piss away our newly earned money. You’re coming with us.” Barad ordered.
“Oh yeah, I’m in. I could use a drink.”
After eating, we walked to a tavern down the street and found a table in the corner.
“So which one is Father Pild again?” Asked Barad.
“He was the one who whacked you in the head on our first day,” I laughed.
“They’re definitely not your average monks,” Brianna added. "They play to win every time. It's part of their philosophy. If they ever regain their kingdom, they plan on keeping it."
I thought of my dream but shook it away. Now is a time for fun, not disturbing thoughts.
“Bri and I have worked for the temple for months now,” Lenux joined in. “They are serious about regaining their land. We are on the verge of war with Dommeran. The monks hope to convince the king to retake Alsselya. Allow them to rebuild the kingdom.”
Barad shook his head. “Why would a king conquer a land just to give it to some monks? More likely it would become part of Vaelin.”
“The monks can be very persuasive,” Brianna argued. “They explained to me that the gods like balance. Right now everything is in anarchy because Gorath has too much power. Nature is turmoil. The weather has become chaotic. Longer winters, hotter summers. Whole species of animals have become extinct, and there have been crop shortages. It takes centuries for the effects to be felt, and right now we are just at the beginning. Our lives are so short compared to the gods that we don’t feel the changes that have taken place.”
“Well, on that depressing note,” Lenux said as he waived over a waitress. “I need a drink.” A pretty dark-haired waitress came over to the table. “Hello, my friends and I will require some wine.”
“Sure, anything to eat?” She said giving me a smile.
“Just the wine, please,” I replied with a grin.
Lenux rolled his eyes as she walked away. “I forgot we are invisible when we are at a table with Lee.”
“Why are you complaining,” Barad said with mock seriousness. “You’re a sneak. You should be happy that my handsome friend here is such a good distraction.”
Brianna laughed. “That’s it! Lee, we will take you into the Dommerian hideout. That way we will be able to walk right in as they all stare at you in awe.”
I was seriously blushing now. I really wanted that drink, but the waitress returning would just make it worse. “I don’t think it’s like that,” I equivocated. “She’s just nice.”
Lenux snorted, “Yeah, to you.”
Our drinks arrived with another smile from the waitress. I found the table very interesting while she was there.
“So Bri,” Lenux asked. “What was the big mission you and Barad were on before he left to the Fields of Alynon?”
“It was a protection mission for Lord Afton. He had a corrupt mining faction on his lands, and he was trying to shut them down. They were threatening his family. My bulldog looking friend," She said pointing at Barad "was to stand around a look ferocious while I was to snoop around in the background and root out their agents. It took a couple of months, but we were able to identify them and round them up using Afton's soldiers."
“So how did you train the bulldog to stop trying to hump your leg?” I asked with a grin. It was Barad’s turn to be uncomfortable.
Brianna arched her eyebrow and looked at Barad. “Like any dog. I put a knife between his legs and threatened to neuter him.”
Lenux slapped the table as he laughed. “Oh to have seen that. No wonder he came back with his tail between his legs.”
“Well,” Brianna started in his defense. "He seems well enough trained right now." She reached over and patted his head. Barad snapped at her with his teeth, and everyone started laughing.
