Haven Keep (Book 1)

by R. David Bell

  “A decision must be made soon, the Black Horde will not wait.”

  “The Black Horde will be dealt with,” Von said, with more heat in his voice than he intended. “The Halfen too.”

  “Does this mean you are ready to quit playing at being a blacksmith and assume your birthright and rightful role?” Corren asked flatly.

  Von and Baiden stared at him in silence. Baiden blinked in disbelief.

  Corren gave a simple yet adequate explanation. “Many things are hidden from the eyes of the people. Less is hidden from the Clerics. Less than most people would like to acknowledge.”

  “I want it to remain hidden,” Von replied, still surprised the secret he thought was kept hidden was not much of a secret at all. He was uncomfortable with the way Corren addressed him. He had spent too many years as a bond servant, but he did have a few ideas of how to proceed. “If we are to strike we should not let it be shown too soon.”

  “I agree,” Baiden said, “but we must strike soon.” There was a light in his eyes, the glimmer of hope he lost earlier that night.

  Von was happy to see it return.

  “For now we will keep your identity a secret, however...”

  Baiden knelt before Von and drew his sword. He balanced the blade on his right arm, hilt in hand with the pommel facing Von. The end of the blade lay across his shoulder with the edge of it against his throat. Von had seen the Defender of the South kneel this way before his father, to give his oath and receive his commission. This was not what Von was expecting, nor did he want it. He remembered the forms though. Vaguely. Baiden was pledging his life and his blood. It did not feel right. This was too much, too soon.

  “I failed your father,” said Baiden, “I vow not to fail you.”

  Von shook his head. “I can’t.”

  “It is your right.” Baiden’s words were near pleading. Von could see the pain in his old master’s face. He had become an old friend over the last few days, now he wanted to become a servant. Von wasn’t ready for that, and he said so.

  “I’m not my father. I don’t think I ever can be.”

  “We will help you. Support you. We need you.”

  Von could see the hope in Baiden’s eyes. He must have been planning for this day since Von first arrived on that slave ship. Von thought he understood the guilt Baiden felt. Maybe he owed his old master this chance at redemption.

  Von looked from Baiden to Corren. Corren stood in silence, his expression one of approval and anticipation. Von would be lying to himself if he said he never dreamed about this day, only he never really believed it would arrive.

  Von closed his eyes and took the hilt of Baiden’s sword in his right hand. He held his breath as he accepted Baiden’s pledge.

  The words spilled out of Baiden’s mouth. “Beovon son of Trajan, my land, my household, my life are yours, to use in the defense of the realm.”

  The words were few and simple, but binding. Von took the sword from Baiden and turned it so that the tip was pointed at his own heart. His hands quivered. Tears welled in his eyes and he thought of his father. He tried to think of how his father would act. Baiden had sworn with his life, Von was to swear with his heart. Baiden had given himself to Von. Now Von needed to pledge his strength as guardian of that which had been given to him. The words tumbled out before Von could really think about what he was saying.

  “Baiden son of Baiden, as your life is now mine in honor and in service you shall remain. Your house in service to me and to the realm. The preservation of your house I give in return.” Von turned the sword again in his hand placing the blade on Baiden’s left shoulder. “I name you Keeper in the North. As you have served my Father so shall you serve me.”

  Baiden spoke again, “I shall keep sacred that which has been entrusted to me and keep it safe against the need which is to come, to deliver unto you as and when required.”

  Baiden rose to his feet. Took his sword in both hands by the blade and sheathed it. Von did not know if he possessed the right to name Baiden Keeper in the North since he was not an emperor, nor if he needed to, since Baiden was already named that by Von’s father. It seemed right though and Baiden was satisfied.

  Corren looked satisfied as well. “Wellen would have liked to have seen that. He said it would need to happen soon or all would be lost. He will be happy to hear of it.”

  Baiden and Von once again stared at Corren with puzzlement. Baiden shrugged as if to say he had no explanation. Von supposed he could live with that.

  “You may tell him,” Von said, “but no one else, and he is to tell no one.” Von wasn’t so sure he was comfortable with it himself. He knew he couldn’t hide much longer though.

  “It shall be as you say.”

  Von looked around for a comfortable place to sit down. “I would like to stay here this night with Jen if you do not mind.” Von knew he could have required Corren to comply, but he did not feel that would be right.

  “This house is yours,” Corren smiled at him. Von could see he was pleased with the turn of events.

  Von turned to Baiden. “Maybe I should go help you take care of that mess we left in your room.”

  “No, you stay here.”

  Baiden was still used to being in charge, and Von was content to follow his lead for a while longer.

  “Get some rest and take care of Jen.”

  Von relaxed a little, relieved to know he could still rely on Baiden’s strength. The man would always be an immovable rock to Von. Steadier than the Iron Mountains. Von was no stranger to expecting to be obeyed, it had just been over eight years since he was in charge of anything. Eight years of hiding, eight years of playing the servant boy. He didn’t know if he could slip back into his old role easily. Baiden had given his oath and Von meant to use it, but he needed time to sort out just how. Von suspected Baiden hoped he would.

  Baiden gave a slight bow of his head and left.

  Von called to him. “Down play the part I played in your room tonight.” Von could not see the broad smile that split Baiden’s face as he ducked out.

  Von had hidden who he was for years now. Hidden for survival. During that time he dreamed of uniting the north and turning the Black Horde back. That dream faded over the years, seemingly too far out of grasp, or at least years away, if possible at all. It was fresh in his mind now, and he would not let it fade again. There was a need to hide for a short while longer. A short while.

  Corren brought Von a blanket of spun wool. Von wrapped it around himself and curled up in the chair beside Jen’s bed. Isk lay down at her other side. Von would need rest for what lay ahead. Sleep overcame him quickly.

  Chapter Ten

  Von stirred in the padded chair, stretched again, tossed about, tried to find a comfortable position. He awoke frequently, each time finding Isk standing vigilant guard over Jen. The wounded dog was sleeping peacefully, or at least appeared to be. If only he could do the same.

  “This is useless,” he told himself and gave up on additional sleep. He flung his blanket aside and stood, checking the dogs one more time. Jen was breathing steadily now and if Corren was to be believed, would make a full recovery. Isk could be trusted to watch over her for now. He crouched down and caressed Jen’s head, lightly stroking her fur.

  “You’re going to be all right,” he whispered. He scratched behind Isk’s ears. “Keep an eye on her.”

  He arose, doing his best not to make any noise, and left to search for Baiden. There was a great deal they needed to discuss.

  Darkness still covered the city and Von couldn’t see any light in the east promising the sun would rise soon. No lights burned in the kitchen, or anywhere else in the Hall. The hour must be earlier than he thought.

  Von entered through the kitchen door, more out of habit than anything else. Too many years of thinking of himself as a bond servant. He knew he was no longer a servant, maybe he never truly was. It would take time to get used to the idea. It would take time to get used to a lot of things.

&
nbsp; Von still didn’t know what to make of the events of last night. Baiden was Lord of all Azmark, and now Von was Baiden’s lord. Of course no one yet knew. Corren did, but he was sworn to secrecy. Von wasn’t sure how or when to reveal it to anyone else. That would have to wait until he was sure of what to do next. He knew the Black Horde eventually needed dealt with, but now there were more enemies to fight than he knew existed just a day before. Who could he trust? He wasn’t sure. Best not to let any one know who and what he was until it was time to strike.

  Baiden would help with the timing. He must have some sort of plan of action. At least Von hoped he did.

  Most of the oil lamps in the Hall were turned out for the night. The remaining wicks were pinched down and gave off a low, soft glow. There was no one in sight, not even the servants. Von wasn’t sure he’d ever been in here this early.

  He walked quickly to the wide staircase and began to climb. He paused two steps up, collecting his thoughts, collecting his courage. He’d climbed these steps on numerous occasions. Only now they felt foreign. Everything felt new, even the familiar. Was he even the same man the last time he made this climb? He touched the wall, studied the polished grains. Once he was only allowed in this area when he was summoned. Now his own room was located here. One more thing that needed getting used to. He took a deep breath and headed up the stairs.

  Von made his way toward Baiden’s chamber. His thoughts were racing, he reflected on the task now before him. How would his father deal with this? The memories of his father were now vague with the passing years. Some were still vivid, but not many. Von could remember how strong his father was. Physically, but in other ways as well. When he spoke, people listened, and not just because of his station. There was an air about him. A sense of wisdom and a knowing look in his eye. He exhibited a hardness too, especially when it came to dispensing justice, but underneath it all, a gentle heart. That quality Von remembered with fondness. He always felt safe around his father. Nothing in the world could harm him while his dad was near. Only now Von knew better.

  He wished his father was here now. A great responsibility was now Von’s, one he wished he could have waited at least a few more years to assume, if at all. If Von’s brother was alive, he would have the responsibility to lead, but he wasn’t. Von knew he was the only one left, and he would do what he could. He would not abandon the north to the Halfen, nor the Black Horde.

  Von tried to formulate a plan in his mind. The Black Horde would not remain in the south for much longer, which meant the Halfen would need to be dealt with quickly. Exactly how to do that was a puzzle. Once again he was glad he could rely on Baiden, yet ultimately, he knew, the responsibility was his own. His pace slowed. He told himself it was because of the darkness, that he really wasn’t trying to postpone shouldering his new responsibility. He knew he couldn’t postpone it forever.

  Light shone from under the door of Baiden’s room and Von could hear voices from within. Grateful Baiden was awake, he took a deep breath, let it out with a sigh and rapped with his knuckles on the thick door. The sound echoed louder than Von intended. The voices inside fell quiet.

  He stood in silence for a few moments. Nervousness began to overtake him until finally the door cracked open. Von could see Corren peeking through the narrow opening. The door swung wide when Corren recognized Von. His sword was in hand. He tried to resheath it without looking too on edge.

  “My lord,” he said with a slight bow of the head. Von winced at the title. He hoped that kind of behavior didn’t catch on.

  Baiden and Alensa were the only others in the room. Alensa greeted Von with an embrace.

  “I have longed for this day,” she beamed. She trembled slightly. “I knew your mother.” She held him at arms length, a hand on each shoulder. Von towered over her and still she was the picture of a mother and her child. “We were friends. I hope that you can forgive us for...”

  “There is nothing to forgive,” Von protested. He couldn’t stand to see her pained, especially if he had anything to do with the cause. “In fact I must thank you for your kindness and your wisdom in helping me hide.”

  “I want to remain hidden a little longer,” Von continued. He understood now why Baiden had done what he had. It wasn’t too difficult to see the wisdom in it. When Von first came here he was just a child. He wasn’t at all ready for the responsibility that now rested on him. He hoped he was now. “Who else knows?”

  “No one,” Baiden answered. “There...”

  “Good,” Von cut him off. “Tell no one else without my consent. Anyone who knows may be in danger or may become a danger to our plans.” Von felt awkward ordering Baiden to do anything, but when he saw Baiden’s face split into a reassuring grin he felt more at ease. Von hoped he was interpreting Baiden’s smile correctly.

  “What of Anora?” Alensa pleaded.

  “Not her especially.” Von wanted her safe, and he wasn’t ready to assume his new role quite yet. Alensa would have to understand. He was sure Baiden did. “Not even Kaiden. At least not yet.” Alensa looked to protest, but before she could Baiden spoke.

  “Von,” Baiden began, “Jubben is gone.”

  “What?” The shock of the announcement nearly set Von off.

  “When I returned last night he was gone. He obviously wasn’t as hurt as we thought, or hoped.”

  “Why wasn’t I told? Why didn’t you come get me?” Von was angry. He couldn’t allow Jubben to escape justice.

  “There was nothing you could have done. He was gone already. Involving you would have set a lot of people asking questions.”

  Von nodded, doing his best to calm down. Baiden was right, once again. Von would do well to remember that before he began shooting his mouth off next time. It would be good to follow Baiden’s council in decisions like these. He possessed much more experience after all.

  Baiden continued, “Corren helped me clean up in here and move the bodies to the shrine.”

  Corren broke in. “We saw you sleeping and did out best not to wake you. You looked exhausted.”

  “I did need the rest,” Von admitted, wondering why he never heard them, considering how shallow he’d slept. “You have done well.” He hoped that was enough of an apology for his outburst, though he did feel silly giving Baiden his approval.

  Corren’s face widened into a boyish grin. Von was surprised to see Corren enjoying his praise.

  “I still need to tell Roren’s and Jordy’s wives,” Baiden sighed. “I am not looking forward to that.”

  “I will inform them,” Corren offered.

  “No,” Baiden answered waiving his huge hand. “It is something I must do.”

  Alensa moved to a chair in the corner and stared at the floor. Her slow deep breathing seemed a doorway into her thoughts. She’d seen tragedy in her life, well more than her fair share. Her younger son died at an early age. Von had never known him. Von supposed the boy would have been just slightly older than himself, about the same age he guessed. Alensa’s parents were dead as well. Now her homeland, along with all she held dear, was threatened with war. She would be strong, though, just as she’d always been. She would have to be. They would all have to be.

  Von had had enough of the silence. He wanted to prevent anymore pain to Alensa. She deserved his help. Maybe all of the north did. He would be the strongest of all. He could start now.

  Von tried to speak with confidence. “The council is in a couple of days. The other clan chiefs will begin arriving soon at Stone Abbey. What are we to tell them of the Halfen?” Von hoped Baiden had some plan already.

  “The truth,” Baiden answered. “I had hoped to add their strength to ours. We could have used their numbers. Now they are a threat that must be dealt with before we can turn our attentions south. If they come out in open rebellion I fear we will not have time to put it down.”

  “We will have time,” Von insisted, “but we must unite the remaining clans behind us as well as the people of the eastern plains.” He was surprised
at how easy it was for him to put forth his ideas. “What is left of them.”

  “The Horde is marshaling it’s forces against the east at this time,” Corren warned. “If we do not unite the clans and come to their aid we will not be able to expect any help from them. They will have nothing left to give.”

  “I will take care of that,” Baiden said. “The other clans are not as foolish as the Halfen. They listen to their clerics. Wellen has sent news by pigeon that they will come.” Baiden pursed his lips. “I haven’t heard from him since he left the Orlenc clan to speak with Cray and the Halfen. I fear for his safety.”

  “He will return soon enough.” Corren didn’t sound too sure. “If he does not we will still need to move forward. Is there any reason one or more of the remaining clans may not join with us?”

  “None that I know,” answered Baiden. “We must hope.”

  Von did not like waiting for the answer to that question. He wanted to do something now. If only they could have kept Jubben captive. He may have provided a few answers to them. Waiting would help no one’s cause. “We must begin gathering our army now. As each chief arrives we must convince them to do the same. If we wait for the full council to convene we will have lost days, maybe even weeks.” Von wished that army were ready now. “A show of force from the beginning may actually help us.”

  “Yes,” acknowledged Baiden, “but it may also back fire. The chiefs do not like to be bullied. I only wish there was more time, but the Halfen have forced our hand. Left unchecked they could prove our downfall.”

  Von couldn’t conceive of that, especially with Baiden to lead the might of the combined clans. The beginnings of a plan were forming.