"All of them," answered Garth.
"That would mean eleven fights," the baron pointed out.
"It does not matter," replied Garth. "I can no longer leave one of them to die than I can walk on air. If I must fight elven times, then so be it."
"Garth," Kalina warned, "listen to yourself. The king will bring out the best fighters in all of Zarocca. While I have faith in you, no one can win every fight, especially if they wear you down."
"And they will wear you down," agreed the baron.
"I have another fighter," suggested Garth. "Perhaps we can alternate?"
"I am afraid not," sighed the baron. "There is one more catch. Only the highest-ranking member of the province of the accused can issue the challenge. Should you die during one of the battles, your second could then claim to be the highest ranking and continue the fights."
"Alcea has four provinces," interjected Kalina.
"There is no way for us to determine that," frowned the baron. "If the king even accepts Alcea as a legal entity, I doubt that he would allow you to divide it for your own purpose."
"If he accepts Alcea?" echoed Garth. "You mean that I might identify myself as Alcean, and he still might refuse to acknowledge the challenge?"
"That is correct," nodded Baron Ohmson, "but I have a plan for that."
"What is your plan?" asked Kalina.
"Should Garth appear at the gates to the castle and claim to be an ambassador from Alcea," smiled the baron, "he will either be accepted or turned away. If the king agrees to see him, he will be acknowledging that Alcea exists. Then the challenge must be accepted."
"This is getting very risky," Kalina said. "First you must expose yourself as an Alcean and take the chance of being arrested and then you must battle eleven champions. I do not see any upside to this approach."
"When I come before the king as an ambassador," asked Garth, "will the king give me a chance to reason for the lives of my men?"
"Doubtful," replied the baron. "He will assemble the full court before you are brought before him. Seeing as he has already been insulted in front of them today, he will not look kindly upon any suggestion of negotiations."
"Alright," Garth sighed. "I will do it, but I must request a boon of you, Baron Ohmson."
"What is that?" asked the baron.
"I will use another name when I present myself," explained Garth. "I do not want you to say anything."
"Agreed," nodded the baron. "What name will you use?"
"Mikal Obanik," stated Garth.
"Garth!" Kalina shook her head fiercely. "You cannot do that. If there is anyone from the Federation in the court, they will try to kill you on the spot. They would surely reveal themselves just to take you out."
"That is exactly why I must use that name," declared Garth. "If I must fight to free the men, what good does it do if we are still criminals in Zarocca? We will be banned from the country, and where will we go?"
"Back to Tyronia," answered Kalina.
"Exactly," nodded Garth. "And if we leave a Federation spy in King Persimon's court, where will the Federation be waiting for us to appear?"
"Tyronia," sighed Kalina.
"I want you in the court when I am introduced," Garth said to Baron Ohmson. "Watch the reactions to my name. If you see the glimmer of recognition on a face in the court, it will come from a Federation spy. They have been hunting for Mikal Obanik since we arrived in this land many months ago. There were two spies on the ship we used to get here. While we eventually discovered them, it was not until they had reported the name of Mikal Obanik."
"I will be there," promised the baron, "but we must move quickly. If there is not enough time left in the day, the king will tell you to come back tomorrow."
"That would be too late," sighed Garth as he rose to his feet.
Baron Ohmson also rose, but a knock on the door sounded before they could move. The soldiers in the room stiffened, and the baron looked at Garth questioningly.
"That will be two more of my people," Garth stated. "Open the door and let them in."
The soldier nearest the door looked to the baron for permission. The baron nodded his approval, and the soldier opened the door. Tedi stared at the dozen soldiers in the room, and his hand tightened on his staff.
"Come on in," smiled Garth. "Let me introduce you to Baron Ohmson. Baron, this is Tedi and Natia."
The baron nodded politely as he glanced at the couple entering the room.
"I have to leave," Garth said to Tedi. "Kalina will fill you in while I am gone."
Tedi and Natia moved to the couch while Garth left the room with Baron Ohmson and his men. The baron and his men escorted Garth out of the Courtyard Shadows and to the gates of the castle. The guards at the gate looked questioningly at the baron, but it was Garth that spoke.
"I am the Alcean ambassador to Zarocca," he announced. "I wish to see King Persimon."
The guards looked at one another as if someone was playing a joke on them, but the baron's glare convinced them that the announcement was serious. One of the guards turned and ran into the castle. Despite the baron's escort, Garth felt suddenly very exposed. He stared at the entrance to the castle and then the passersby as time seemed to slow. The Knight of Alcea fought the urge to turn and run by reminding himself of the eleven men in the dungeon depending on him. Finally the guard returned, and right behind was a squad of soldiers.
Chapter 24
The Contest
The squad of soldiers stopped at the gate and an officer stepped forward. He glanced at Baron Ohmson and his soldiers and then fixed his eyes on Garth.
"You are the Alcean Ambassador?" the officer asked.
"I am," replied Garth.
"May I ask your name?" the officer asked respectfully.
"I would prefer to announce myself to King Persimon," replied Garth. "Will he see me?"
"I have been ordered to escort you inside," replied the officer, "but I must say that it is unusual to deny me your name."
Garth smiled slightly. "I suppose it is not every day that an ambassador from Alcea arrives. I would say that is unusual in itself."
"It is, sir," agreed the officer. "Baron Ohmson, do you know this man as the Alcean Ambassador?"
"I do," replied the baron. "I would also like to be in court when he is presented."
"Certainly, Baron," replied the officer. "If you will follow me, Ambassador, I will make you comfortable while the court assembles."
"Thank you, officer," nodded Garth.
"Captain Baer, Ambassador," smiled the officer.
Garth followed the captain, and the squad of soldiers fell in behind them as an escort. Baron Ohmson and his men trailed behind. Captain Baer led Garth to a lavish sitting room and posted his men inside and out. One of the soldiers asked if Garth would like something to eat or drink, but Garth declined.
"It is not considered acceptable to carry weapons before the king," the captain said as he nodded at Garth's sword. "If you wish to leave them here, I will make sure they are not disturbed while you are before the king."
"I appreciate that," Garth said with a friendly smile as he removed his sheath and placed it on the table. "All my weapons?"
"Yes, Ambassador."
Garth removed a knife from his belt and placed it on the table. Next he unstrapped his waistband which had numerous pouches hanging from it. From under his tunic, he removed a knife that he carried on his back. The captain's eyebrows rose as Garth removed a knife from each boot.
"Do Alcean ambassadors always travel so well protected?" the captain asked with a hint of laughter in his voice.
"I have found Zara to be a very inhospitable place so far," grinned Garth. "Will the wait be long?"
"I think it will be about an hour," answered the officer. "The entire court might not be able to assemble on such short notice, but I am sure it will be sufficient to accept an ambassador. If I might ask, where is Alcea and what is it like?"
"It is a long ways across the sea,
" answered Garth. The Knight of Alcea was taking a liking to the young officer, and the conversation helped pass the time, so Garth indulged him. "It is a land around the size of Zara. It traditionally had been four countries, but that changed the day the world shook. Governments collapsed and chaos reigned. Out of that chaos and darkness, a new king arose, King Arik. He managed to unite all of the people into one country. Things were beginning to look very promising until the Federation decided to wage war against us."
"A country the size of all of Zara is a large country," commented the captain. "It is interesting that the world shook across the sea as well as here."
"We called it the Collapse," offered Garth. "In fact, it was the collapsing of the Universes brought about by an evil mage."
"Universes?" questioned the captain.
"There were different worlds at the time," Garth explained. "It is much too complicated to go into in such a small amount of time, but each of the worlds were similar, but not necessarily alike. Different creatures lived in the different worlds. When the Universes collapsed, everything became one. That is why Sirocca is now a desert. In one of the other worlds, a desert existed there. Now it is here."
"I think I see," frowned the captain. "Somewhat at least. That would explain where the ogres came from."
"Exactly," nodded Garth. "Was Zara also covered by perpetual darkness back then?"
"Until three years ago," nodded the captain. "One day it disappeared and the sky returned. It was the first time I ever saw the stars."
"King Arik banished the Darkness," stated Garth. "That was when the evil magician was killed, and the people began to bring their lives back into balance. We thought the peace would last forever," he added with a sigh.
"King Arik sounds like quite a man," smiled the captain. "You must be very proud of him."
"I am indeed," smiled Garth. "What about Zarocca? I know so little about your country."
"Well," the captain hesitated not knowing if his talking of Zarocca was proper, "you already know about Sirocca. That was the third of the horse countries. Their destruction was devastating to us. Most Zaroccan families had some kin in Sirocca. The desert also cut us off from the rest of the world, although that might have been a blessing in disguise. It has kept the Federation away for the last twenty years."
The door opened, and a soldier stuck his head in and nodded to the captain. The captain nodded in return.
"It appears that the king is ready," the captain said with a bit of surprise in his voice. "That was much quicker than I expected. I gather he is anxious to meet you."
"What kind of man is King Persimon?" asked Garth as the captain led him to the door.
The captain opened his mouth to speak and then changed his mind. He pressed his lips together and sighed. "I shall let you determine that for yourself, Ambassador."
"Fair enough," Garth smiled with understanding.
Captain Baer led Garth out of the room and through the corridors to a large set of doors. He paused with his hand on the door to let Garth ready himself. When Garth nodded that he was ready. The captain opened the door and stepped inside. He bowed to the king at the far end of the room and then spoke loudly.
"The ambassador from Alcea."
Garth stepped into the room, and the captain placed himself to Garth's left and slightly behind him.
"Walk halfway to the king," Captain Baser said quietly. "It is then customary to bow. How far you bow I will leave up to you. I will be right here if you need me."
Garth's eyes took in the room while the captain gave his advice. Only a score of people were present, and the Knight of Alcea realized that the captain was correct. The king was anxious to receive him. Garth fixed his eyes on the king and slowly marched forward. When he was about half way to the king, he halted and bowed. His bow was low enough to show great respect, but not so low as to show subservience.
"Does the Alcean ambassador have a name?" asked the king.
"I do, King Persimon," replied Garth as his eyes scanned the faces nearest the king. "I am called Mikal Obanik."
"Welcome to Traginak, Mikal Obanik," the king stated formally. "It was not until this morning that I had ever heard of Alcea, and already it has sent me an ambassador. For what purpose do you address this court?"
"Firstly," Garth began, "I would like a chance to discuss an alliance between our two great nations. It would appear that we have a common enemy."
"So it would seem," replied the king, "but Alcea is far away from here. What good can come from such an alliance?"
"We will not know the answer to that question until we have had a chance to discuss how we might aid each other," Garth declared. "Is Zarocca amenable to discussing the matter?"
The king hesitated as a richly robed man hurriedly entered the room and moved to the king's side.
"If it would please the Alcean ambassador," the king finally said, "I have no objections. Are there any other matters you wish to present?"
"There is one other topic, King Persimon," Garth replied. "I am in search of some of my countrymen. I fear they may have strayed on their way to Tyronia. Would the court happen to know their whereabouts?"
"I suspect you already know the answer to that question," replied the king as the newly arrived advisor whispered in his ear. "Eleven of your countrymen reside in my dungeons. They have committed vile offenses, but I will not hold that against you."
"That is quite considerate," Garth replied. "Might I enquire what their offenses were and how I might obtain their release? If it is a fine that must be levied, I would make every effort to produce the funds."
"They have entered this country illegally," declared the king, "and they have shown the greatest disregard to this court. I fear that there is no sum of gold that could absolve their crimes. They are to be executed in the morning."
Garth sighed as he tried to control his rage. "Might I note that executing my fellow countrymen might not be the best way of beginning an alliance? Surely there is some other penance that would satisfy the court?"
"Perhaps your countrymen should have thought of the alliance before they were so foolish," snapped the king. "If you fear that the executions will forbid an alliance, that is your decision to make, but the men will be executed. Now, if there is nothing else…"
"There is one more item," Garth said as he involuntarily bared his teeth. "I understand that under your laws, I may elect combat to release my men. Is this correct?"
The king's eyes narrowed as he stared at Garth. "You wish to present yourself as the champion?" asked the king.
"I do," declared Garth. “I want all of my men freed.”
The king raised an eyebrow when he heard Garth’s words. "Are you also aware that the battle is unto the death of one of the combatants?"
"I am."
"So be it," declared the king. "You Alceans certainly are an impertinent lot. Present yourself in the courtyard in one hour. There you shall meet my champions."
The king waved dismissively at Garth.
"You should withdraw now," the captain said softly.
Garth turned and marched out of the throne room. Captain Baer followed him.
"You were supposed to bow to show your respect before leaving," the captain said once they were outside the room.
"I have no respect for a man who will kill innocent victims," scowled Garth. "I gave him every opportunity to find a way out of this mess and still retain his dignity. It would have cost him nothing to free my men. Now it will cost him the blood of his countrymen."
"Countrymen? It will only be one opponent," frowned the captain. "Surely you are not thinking of starting a war with Zarocca because of this?"
"A war?" replied Garth. "No, I am trying to stop a war, but you are wrong about the contest. I have eleven men to free."
"Eleven?" gasped the captain. "You are not suggesting that you plan to fight for all of them?"
"I am," answered Garth. "Let's go get my weapons."
Captain Baer led Garth back to
the sitting room, and the Knight of Alcea started strapping on his weapons. Before he had finished, Baron Ohmson entered the room.
"You hold your temper well," he said to Garth. "I feared that he would be obstinate. Curse him. I thought your willingness to pay a fine was excellent. I really thought he would jump at that, but the king has become too bitter to be a good leader."
Captain Baer blinked at the baron's words, but he offered no rebuke.
"You will need a suit of armor," the baron continued. "I would be pleased to supply that for you."
"Armor?" questioned Garth. "I am not used to fighting with armor. It slows me down."
"You cannot joust without armor," stated the baron.
"Joust?" echoed Garth. "With lances?"
"What did you think?" asked the baron.
Garth's face paled. "I had assumed that we would fight with swords."
"Once you are dismounted the fighting will be with swords or mace," stated the captain. "Have you ever jousted before?"
"Not really," Garth answered. "I have done many things on a mount, but jousting is not common in Alcea."
"You could call it off," suggested the baron.
"No," Garth shook his head. "I could no more abandon my men than I could stop breathing. If it is to be a joust, than I shall joust."
"You are allowed a second and an attendant," stated Captain Baer.
"I have a second," nodded Garth.
"If you will permit it," said the captain, "I would like to be your attendant."
Garth slid the knives into his boots and then turned to look at the officer. "Why?"
"You have more courage than any man I have ever met," answered the captain, "and I believe your cause is just. I would be proud to serve under such a man as you."
"Then I am pleased to have you," smiled Garth. "Perhaps you can teach me a few things in the next hour."
"You can use one of my Occans," stated the baron. "You will not stand a chance without one."
"Thank you, Baron Ohmson," smiled Garth, "but I have a mount that will be sufficient. Did you notice anything in the court earlier?"
"Nothing," replied the baron. "The name meant nothing to anyone."
"I am surprised," admitted Garth. "The king's stubbornness made me think he was being influenced in some way. I need to get back to Kalina and let her know what is going on. I will see you in the courtyard as soon as I can."
Council of War Page 30
