Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

"Welcome, my lords," called the Watchman as the three horsemen entered the city gates. "We were not expecting you so soon."

  Errollan dismounted and removed his helmet. "We have been absent from Precedin for some weeks and the city looks no more prepared than when we left."

  "The General has never been known to act quickly," said Azbaar as he stretched his tired muscles. "We will likely find him in the war room debating, whilst the armies of Dargon march ever closer."

  "I assure you my lords, the General has been preparing the city. I see more and more militia pouring through the city gates and filling up our diminishing ranks. The city will hold if attacked," the Watchman assured them.

  Errollan waved the watchman away and led his horse into the city, followed closely by Ludvic and Azbaar.

  The watchman returned to his post just as two more riders entered the city gates. "Well, haven't we been lucky today," said the Watchman, smirking at the sight of a young deer hanging over the back of Estallion's horse, Falgo.

  "When one knows how to hunt there is no luck involved. Simply a good eye and a strong bow," commented Estallion.

  "Assuredly," laughed the Watchman. "That will be five copper."

  "Five!" blurted out Estallion. "Last week it was three. Has the King lost his mind?"

  Thibalt laughed. "You will hardly miss the extra coin."

  "It's the principle, Thibalt. The hunting taxes are constantly rising. I remember when I was a young lad, my father would take me hunting and we would pay two coppers for four deer. Now we are expected to pay five for a single doe."

  "Just pay the money, I have work to do before it gets dark," urged Thibalt.

  "I am your employer, Thibalt. You don't have to work unless I tell you so," said Estallion.

  "It's the principle," replied Thibalt with a grin.

  Estallion reached into his pocket and rather grimly handed the watchman five coins. The watchman smiled and moved out of their way. They then continued on towards the Bastion estate.

  They had just begun to move when they came across the Honour Guard. Estallion turned Falgo and changed his direction to catch up to the three riders. A sense of dread came over Thibalt. He hoped Estallion was not going to get them into trouble.

  "Well look who we have here," called Estallion.

  The Maloreichar turned to see where the call had come from and all rolled their eyes when they saw Estallion approaching.

  "Your forefather must have been a gnat, Estallion," replied Ludvic. "Regardless of how much we wave our arms we can never seem to be rid of you."

  "Only you are old enough to know, Ludvic, so ill trust your words."

  "Insolent Brat!"

  "I live but to serve," said Estallion with half bow.

  "Please...not again," begged Errollan. "My head is full enough of ramblings."

  The three riders did not stop their mounts so Estallion and Thibalt joined them as they moved towards the city centre.

  "So where have you been? I was worried you had left us for good." asked Estallion.

  "Butting heads with men who have let their positions get the better of their judgement," replied Azbaar, his voice showing a hint of frustration.

  Estallion decided to let the matter slip. "Sounds enthralling."

  "You could not imagine," agreed Errollan.

  "And I see you have managed to hold onto your companion," said Ludvic with a quick glance at Thibalt. "I hope you know what you are doing lad."

  Thibalt, not having expected to be addressed, shyly replied, "Estallion has been very kind to me... He has provided me with lodging and work."

  "Ah! I knew it. Only a man who was getting paid would be brave enough to stay around you."

  "You hurt my feelings, Ludvic," said Estallion. "I am starting to think that the many years that we have been friends were all a lie."

  Ludvic replied with a laugh.

  "Regardless, whilst I have you here," continued Estallion. "Can you do something about the hunting tax. It is absolutely outrageous that I am forced to pay five coppers for a single deer."

  "You know very well that that is not our domain," said Errollan.

  "I disagree. As Maloreichar you are entrusted to safeguard the kingdom. How about safeguarding the people of the kingdom from the robbery of the state?"

  "How can you be worried about five copper's," asked Azbaar. "I am surprised that you even know what a copper looks like. I once heard a rumour that if you hear a Bastion sneeze you best open you palms to catch the gold."

  "What is this, a witch hunt?"

  "This is a nice way of saying be happy that the King has not chosen to tax the wealthy more than he already does. I would not be surprised to see a special war levy soon."

  "Outrageous!" replied Estallion.

  Ahead a man stood waiting for the riders. He wore a thin red vest which marked him as one of the General's pages and had a head of straw blonde hair. As they reached him, the man moved to the side and began to walk beside the horses.

  "The General welcomes you back," the Page said.

  "What have we missed?" asked Errollan.

  "I am sure that General de Lamina will inform you of all military movements when you see him. Duke Donain Castaneda of Ardistown passed through the city with his family two weeks past. No other news of urgency."

  "And where is Guthrum?" asked Errollan.

  "The General is in the Southern Ranges. He has taken a few of his men to inspect the Rekan Outpost."

  "He went personally?"

  "Yes, my lord."

  "What need was there for him to go in place of one of his captains?"

  "The commander of the Rekan Outpost is the General's nephew," answered the Page. "With the repeated Dargonian sightings in that part of the Beon Ranges the General wished to pay the outpost a visit. He has asked that you ride out to meet him, Lord Dune."

  Errollan let out a thoughtful breath and nodded. "I will leave tonight. Have an escort ready for me at the south gate by nightfall."

  "It will be done, my lord."

  The messenger bowed low to the ground and then turned from them.

  "A strange time to be making inspections," mumbled Azbaar.

  "Guthrum knows the importance of the Rekan Outpost," replied Errollan. The passes through that region would provide our enemies with access to our southern gates."

  "Then go and make sure that they are well secured," said Ludvic, gruffly. "We don't want any unwanted surprises. Azbaar and I can stay here to talk with the emissaries."

  Errollan merely nodded. His features remained cold as he focused deeply on his thoughts.

  "Well if you are not going to help me then I bid you good day," said Estallion with a disgruntled huff.

  "Stay out of trouble," called Azbaar, whilst Thibalt and Estallion led their mounts away from the Honour Guard.

  "You would have greater luck telling a fish to stop swimming," commented Ludvic.