Thrall

by Steven Shrewsbury

  And I have nary a knife…”

  Gorias broke into a grin and drank more. His eyes remained shut. Maddox started down the stairs and stopped as he heard the song.

  “Oh yes I have two very sharp swords.

  They cost me deep in purse.

  And you can have the better of the two

  and I shall take the worse

  And you shall strike the very first blow

  And strike it like a man

  I will strike the very next blow and kill you if I can…”

  Maddox adjusted his clothes and gaped at Tammas. He then looked at his grandfather, who was ready to roll off the reclining couch in hilarity.

  “Well Matty struck the very first blow

  And he hurt Gorias La Gaul sore

  But Gorias struck the very next one.

  Matty lay dead in his gore.

  Well Gorias looked at his wife in her bed

  The rage and the hate saw she.

  Who do you like better now, he asked, Young Matty Graum or me?”

  Gorias chuckled greatly. “She had hair like a flame of hell, that one.”

  Maddox asked, “Who?”

  The old man gestured at Tammas. “Your grandmother.” He then made a fist and crushed the shells of the walnuts in his grasp.

  “Very do I like your brow, said she

  Very well do I like your chin

  But I like Matty Graum in all of his gore

  Better than you and all of your kin.

  Well he took her by the hair of her head

  And dragged her down the hall

  And with his swords, cut off her head,

  And kicked it against the wall…”

  Gorias sat up on the couch as Tammas finished the song. “Heh, great song, kid.” His eyes glistened, and Kayla broke into a smile as well.

  The validity of the song wasn’t a concern for Gorias’ actions told Tammas the story. “How did you get the armlets and the armor? From what I’ve read, dragon flesh and scales cannot be woven. How is it you can wear those armlets and chest pates that nearly fit you perfect.”

  Maddox extended his arms toward the ceiling and yawned. “Hey Grampa, you ever get tired of questions?

  “And folks wonder why I stay incognito so much,” Gorias said, running his rough hands down the armor on his forearms. “Do you know what a wyrmling is?”

  Tammas shrugged. “I guess it’s a youthful dragon?”

  Gorias nodded, fingers tapping the nail on the armor. “Good show, youngster. You think I slew only the older dragons of the desert years ago?”

  The boy’s eyes opened wide and Kayla stifled a laugh. Tammas’ harp went flat to his lap. “You gutted and skinned a baby dragon?”

  Gorias wore a frown. “Was I to spare them because they were cute? That’s the problem with the youth. They look so cute, and yet they grow into ugly assed grown ups. I wish the Lord would shorten our life spans to two hundred years. That way there would be less stupid people in the world.”

  Madam Wilkens threw back her head and laughed. “That’s old Gorias La Gaul! He was ever the one to live for the moment and let all tomorrows hatch themselves in due course.”

  A few of the prostitutes walked from the area of the larder, carrying drinks for themselves. The blonde who had bedded Maddox peered out of the shuttered windows and said, “Madam! There are several of the leeches outside tonight.”

  The older woman stood up, placed both hands to her back, and groaned. “So let them stay there. We see them pass by in the night, as all do since the blood disease has gotten out of hand. They are but the fruit of dumb spirits. Forget them.”

  Gorias yawned. “Gotta hand it to the leeches. At least there are no bandits out on the prairie any more.”

  Maddox disappeared, heading toward the larder. When he departed, Madam Wilkens said to Gorias, “Quite a young man, that one.”

  “He comes from good stock.”

  She smiled. “I’ve heard Maddox is famous more as a thief than a killer.”

  “Oh, he’s a killer, all right, just not for hire. He’s content to travel, drink, and get laid. Can’t fault him for that. Hell, I still kill men so I can do the very same thing. That’s the difference--I must pay for what he gets by stealth.”

  “Some say you have developed a death wish this late in life.”

  “No, that’s untrue. I have no desire to die stupidly. I’m weary of life, but not tired of living.” Gorias gathered together all of the shells and leftovers from what he ate. Tammas watched him keenly as the old man carried these pieces to the hearth and cast them into the fire. Knowing the boy watched him, he said, “Some say it’s an old taboo to leave anything the body has touched behind. I’d hate for a wizard to walk in here and make a fetish to use on me out of these shells. I may be paranoid, but I’m a live paranoiac.”

  Tammas asked Gorias, “Is it true you have been all over this Earth?”

  “Most of it.”

  “Is it true life began here in Shynar?”

  “Nearby, depending on which song you listen to. The scribes take down notes for the few who can read. Each culture I have found seems to think life started around here. I’ve walked over the Bosporus land bridge and seen the land of Kemet. The reclining statue of Bastet is quite a feat. Far north of here is frozen Zenghaus where the barbarians come from. Near to them are more savages in Asgard. Farther west is a civilized land called Albion.”

  “Are they wondrous lands?”

  “Most are beautiful, even the deserts, but the people make them ugly. Most are bored, and make it dangerous with all of the devils they let tiptoe into this realm.”

  As Maddox returned, the blonde whore entered the room again. “Madam! Lira Rhan is outside with a dozen of her guards! There’s a tiny one leading them, dressed in a bloody helmet. They’re forming a ring around our house.”

  “A tiny one leading?” Maddox joined them at the window. His eyes registered fear as he stared at Gorias. “Grandfather! I swear it’s the wizard Robyn De Balm!”

  Kayla’s mouth dropped open and she bolted towards the window.

  Gorias threw back his head and sighed. “I knew I missed something before I went to see Maddox. I forgot to burn the damned dwarf mage.”

  CHAPTER V

  Reckoning with De Balm

  *

  Lira Rhan shouted outside the whorehouse. “We are aware you are in there, La Gaul.”

  Gorias cinched up his midriff belt, adjusted his greaves, and pulled on his long cloak. “Congratulations, lady. Do ya want a prize for finding me in a whorehouse? You want a real treat? I’m gonna use the privy next!”

  Laughter rippled through the men outside and Lira Rhan responded with indignation. “Silence, you fools! Train your bows at the windows.”

  After rectifying his armor plates, Gorias looked at the bard. “She sounds pissed.” He then eyed Kayla, who wore an expression of shock, her knuckles shown white from gripping the dagger in her hand. If anything, he took her feelings to be honest.

  The girls of the house ran frantically, but not without intent. They were double-checking shutters and placing extra bars on doors, almost with military efficiency. When they opened a tall, wooden wardrobe cabinet and removed several flails, Gorias had to laugh. Each one brandished the weapons and the swinging spiked balls as if they knew what to do with them.

  Lira Rhan addressed the house again. “You dare to double cross me? I see not the head of Maddox at my feet nor his soul jewels. I have it on good authority that the necromancer we sought is your grandson.”

  Gorias motioned for the Madam to get closer to him, as well as Maddox, Tammas, and Kayla. “You been eating mushrooms, sister? I ain’t had time to double cross you yet. Come back in the morning and we’ll talk again.” He lowered his voice. “All locked up tight Madam?
Good. I want a firm count of how many of those bastards are out there if you can.”

  As Wilkens departed, Tammas said, “Sir, you cannot hope to fight your way out of here. There must be two dozen men out there. Maybe more if the mercs slumming around are with them.”

  “Kid, I never had that in mind at all. I want to know how many of them I have to kill.” He faced Maddox. “Go up top and get your bow ready, you understand? They will force the doors down and come in quick. Kayla, you back him up when…if he misses.”

  The Madam returned. “There are a dozen regular palace guards, a few local lawmen, and three rough looking constables with the wizard. I can see a small group of outlaw mercenaries out there straggling. I don’t know if that group is with them or just watching.”

  Gorias swore against his opposition. “Robyn is dead and Lira Rhan doesn’t realize it. I’ll stomp the brains out of the damned little piglet this time.” He then addressed the woman outside. “What’re you saying, sister? I’m on my way out of this damned paranoid town. Can’t a man indulge in what he wants these days or should I have returned to the Keep for a piece?”

  “Robyn has told me of how you planned to double cross me, and I have seen his wounds,” Lira said. “We saw the body of the Nephilum burning as well. You have slain representatives of Nosmada and will now bring his vengeance unto us all. For that, and lying to me about your grandson, you must die, either here or on my rack in the Keep.”

  With a frown, Gorias flexed his stiff fingers and looked at the bag he’d placed on the foyer table. “Well, I’m waiting, sister.”

  Lira Rhan paused. “Come out and give yourself unto us, Gorias.”

  The old warrior laughed. “Want to pass me a bit of what you are drinking? If I have to die, so be it. Come and see me.”

  “You want it to be known you died in a brothel?” Rhan taunted him.

  “I’d like to see your kitchen, Lira,” he retorted.

  “Is my daughter your hostage?”

  He sized up the people outside through cracks in the shutters. Gorias focused on the insolent eyes of the undead wizard in the bloody metal helmet. “She must think I’m insane.” He drew out both swords and shouted, “You want me, sister, come on and get me.” After he turned to Kayla, he said, “What are you still doing in here? If you haven’t joined Maddox upstairs yet, then your soul isn’t in this, sweetheart. You better go back out with your mother.”

  Kayla shook her head. “My place isn’t with her anymore.”

  Maddox stood on the stairwell and snorted. “To Hell with her, Grampa. She’s nothing but a damned groupie.” Kayla’s gaze flared and she looked like she would slay Maddox as he spoke. “She humped my leg because I was your grandson. I get that a lot.”

  She drew her short rapier and held it to Maddox’s belly. “Not by many who can fight like me.”

  “Save it for later, kids,” Gorias snapped as he pulled the bag off the object on the table. This revealed a great helmet, replete with a visor composed from dragon scales. “Follow Maddox up there, Kayla, and watch Tammas’ back.”

  Maddox looked down the stairs, blinked at the helm. “Gods. Grandfather, I think we can jump from the top story to the roof of the tavern next to the stables.”

  “I said getting away wasn’t on my mind. Listen closer, son. Those sons of bitches gotta die. I’m too old to run very far.”

  “I know, but we’ll need an escape route once the killing starts. You cannot slay them all at once. We can kill many from up here.”

  Tammas took up his harp. “I have never killed a man before.”

  “It’s time ya started, kid.” Gorias slapped the harp out of his hand. “Madam? Get your girls out of sight. I’ll try not to burn the place down.” He grabbed Tammas by the forearm. “They’ll bull rush the front door and circle around the back. Go on up to the top of the stairs. When they come in, I’ll nail the first ones at the knees. The ones after will stumble over them.”

  Tammas trembled and his mouth quivered, eyes wet. He gripped his bow and arrows tight.

  “Now, listen to me! You have to shoot the next ones for me. Can you do that?”

  He nodded and held the small bow in his fists. “Are you certain we can take them?”

  The old man grinned wolfishly. “Certain as the grave, boy. Once you strike the next few of them bastards, some idiot will try to be a hero. Never you mind that, because I’ll get the dumb-ass who jumps in. Just be ready to cover me when I start up the stairs, got it?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Maddox will ace a few trying to sneak in the back, right?” Gorias called up the stairs.

  “Just waiting on the rush.”

  “Good kid,” Gorias said with growing apprehension in his voice. “Wish his father were half the man he was. Kayla, help him to make sure he does it right.”

  A great weight rammed the whorehouse door. The wooden bar across it held, and Gorias scrambled back to a position beside the door, both swords at the ready. He gave his helmet a hungry look, but simply had no time to retrieve it.

  Tammas loaded up an arrow and waited. He stared at Gorias, who read his feelings. He must think I am crazy down here waiting for them to run through.

  The old warrior balanced his swords against the wall on either side of himself, and then peeked out the shutters at the men getting ready to rush the door. Abruptly, Gorias grabbed the bar and lifted it. Two burly guards broke through, stunned at the lack of obstruction. They fell with a tremendous crash. A third man was on their backs pushing them. A fourth stood behind them in the doorway, stunned. This was the man Gorias smashed the door bar in to. The man’s jawbone broke at the chin, and he stumbled backwards off the porch of the whorehouse, clutching his ruined face.

  “Deliverance will come,” Gorias said, almost laughing as he raised the bar and dropped it on the skull of the last man who fell on the others. The light helmet the guard wore bent in under the crushing blow, and Gorias heard the skull make a popping sound. Dying and convulsing, the guard floundered on the other two men as they struggled with each other. They screamed when they realized that the dead man on them vented his bowels.

  Amused by their terror, Gorias dropped the bar and returned to his swords. As he timed it, a burly warrior ran in swinging a short sword and a small shield. A mercenary through and through, this hulking man hailed from the far northlands and was just the battering ram he had wagered on. His blows never caught Gorias, but he did spot the old warrior when he entered. Gorias simply put out a foot and tripped the feral man, staying out of his path of destruction. His boot hooked through the madman’s ankle and this fighter went tumbling, as Gorias took a step and dropped his swords down, slashing twice, gouging open the necks of the two men floundering on the floor. While they gurgled in their own blood, two more men step up to the door brandishing small bows.

  On cue, Tammas fired and his arrow struck the first guard behind Gorias. He hit him above the armor where the bare neck was exposed. This man jerked to one side, stunned in his lack of breath and coming death. The other drew back and fired where the arrow came from. He missed Tammas, striking the wooden stairway next to the bard.

  He swiped down, removing the right hand of the man in the doorway. The palace guard bellowed in agony and clutched his wrist as blood gouted. The old warrior turned from this man and faced the berserker, who arose near the helm in the foyer.

  He glanced at Tammas, not needing to tell him what to do. The small bard drew back and let another arrow fly. This struck the wounded sentry in the face and stapled a flaring tongue to his other cheek. In a fit of agony, the man’s legs surrendered and he went down.

  The berserker charged La Gaul. He swiped swords in front of himself, but it wasn’t enough to ward off the powerful rush of the thuggish warrior. Never did the move make the crazed attacker stop an instance or flinch. Though he removed a portion of the berserkers’ beard, the
man still tackled him. Wrapping his arms around the La Gaul, the berserker grappled him in a bear hug. Gorias maneuvered their combined weight over into the path of the stairway and kept his arms up, hoping the bard wouldn’t falter in his aim. The youth didn’t disappoint and stuck a shaft in the spine of the berserker.

  Though a direct hit, the wild fighter never seemed to make great note of it. Gorias slammed the handles of his swords down into the man’s back, but the berserker refused to slacken his grip. Bracing his substantial legs, trying to steady his center of gravity, the barbarian entreated his god, Wodan, for aid. When the berserker performed this shuffling progress, Gorias let all of his body mass fall toward the floor, forcing the berserker to hold him up more, upsetting the balance. On top of this, he drove his calf up and into the wild barbarian’s groin. This move caused the embrace to slacken. He couldn’t strike with his swords to fine accuracy, but he moved his forearm across the face of his nemesis. With the dew nail of the dragon affixed to the forearm guard, he ripped out the Adam’s apple of the berserker. His enemy stumbled backwards, gripping his neck. The savage looked amazed as his breath refused to come.

  Additional men arrived, but they hesitated once the beheld the bloodshed. Gorias used their vacillation and ran for the stairs.

  “Get your ass up there, kid.”

  Tammas already exited his position. Arrows flew from the guards and many struck Gorias, but glanced off the dragon’s skin armor under his clothes. Gorias and the boy disappeared down the hall as the guards pursued up the stairs.

  They found Maddox and Kayla on the second floor. Maddox fired several arrows before shouldering his bow, pointing down the hallway. “That way to the tavern roof!”

  Kayla kicked one of the invading guards in the face, pushing him backwards onto the others who braved the stairs. She shouldered the bow and swiftly drew her rapier. With a stab that made Gorias turn and raise an eyebrow, she found a spot between one of the palace guard’s ribs. After a grunt, the guard threw his last breath out before falling backwards into the hallway.

  They ran. Gorias appreciated the fact his grandson and Kayla drew the fire of the men away from their escape route. However, they were young and stayed too long in their positions. They didn’t come after him until he yelled at them to do so. He could hear the footfalls on the stairs and soon they would be overwhelmed.