by Kurtis Smith
“I’ve been practicing,” he said at last, shrugging his shoulders. His attempt to sound nonchalant was weak at best, but Roland didn’t question him again.
Together, they walked over to the fallen creature. Davin bent down and hoisted it over his shoulders. It was a smaller cockatrice than he’d seen in the past, but it would suffice.
They began to trudge back out of the forest, using the same path they had followed before. Davin, having been reminded in the forest that Roland knew much of the world and the people in it, requested tales of his past. Roland was happy to oblige. He told Davin about his journeys all over the kingdom as a young man learning the blacksmithing trade. Davin never knew that Roland had been quite the traveler.
Once they had reached the forest edge, Roland stopped suddenly and looked back in the direction they had come. He frowned.
“What’s wrong?” Davin asked.
“Nothing,” Roland shrugged, “that’s the point. I don’t know why this place has acquired such a bad reputation.”
“You know people,” Davin reminded him, “it doesn’t take much to spread a rumor and make it believable.”
“You’re smarter than you let on,” Roland said. Sobering a bit, he continued, “There is something special about this forest, but it’s not haunted.”
Davin stared at him. Neither of them spoke for what a short minute. An obnoxious bird’s screech filled the silence.
“You ready to go, or shall I give you and the forest a moment?” Davin asked cautiously.
Roland nodded vaguely and said nothing, not even registering the jab. Davin flicked him on the arm with a backhand.
“Roland!”
Roland stirred. “Sorry, guess I really must be getting old.” And then he started away from the forest at a clip.
Davin had no explanation to the strange behavior, which forced him to accept that Roland’s words as truth.
They finally arrived at the bowl shaped clearing that held Davin’s home. Both men squinted at the sight. Its ability to trap the cool needed to preserve his meats sometimes came at a price. It also trapped all the brightness of the sun on very clear days. There was no shade to be found anywhere near the cabin. And the morning dew didn’t burn off for several hours after sunrise in these temperatures. This left reflective surfaces at every angle.
Despite this, Davin loved his landscape. He hadn’t chosen it for its convenience or comfort. He’d chosen it for the seclusion.
It was time to take apart the animal anyway. Roland said his goodbye and left Davin to his work.
Everything about butchering an animal he’d self-taught through trial and error and now fancied himself a great butcher. The worst to get over had been the initial process to remove the innards and the head. Blood usually found itself all over, including into Davin’s mouth. He had only recently learned to control his gag reflex.
By the time he’d finished getting the animal properly cut and cleaned, golden beams were entering the shed. The day was waning. He wanted to get down to traders before they closed up for the night.
Then he remembered the promise he made to Roland the other day. He would join him and Niahm for his birthday.
He gathered up the pieces of the animal and put them in a large sack. Throwing the sack over his back, he headed down the hill at a quick pace.
Dusk had come by the time he entered the central part of town. He headed straight to Roland’s home, which wasn’t far. It was only natural that the town blacksmith would want to live close to his shop.
His godparents’ home was quaint, just right for a couple who kept life simple. Its single story and rustic appearance looked exactly like the other home in town. But no one who lived in Lemirre complained.
After knocking on the door, he heard footsteps on the other side. A voice called out that sounded like Roland’s, and then the door opened.
Roland stood over him, beaming. “Welcome, kid. A meal of kings awaits us, prepared magnificently by my wife, of course.”
Davin looked up at Niahm as she rounded the corner of their kitchen area. She was a petite woman with sharp features. Roland had not done poorly for himself.
Her voice was warm and inviting. “Now Roland, you can’t give me all the credit. You did help some.” She turned to Davin, nodding at him. “It’s good to see you Davin,” she said, “and happy birthday.”
“Thank you, Niahm. Am I really only seventeen, feels like it’s been much longer than that,” he said.
“You just need the love of a good woman. That should make your life feel like it’s coming to a grinding halt.”
“Thank you, dear,” Niahm said. “That’s so sweet.”
In completely contradiction to his words, Roland leaned over and gave Niahm a loving kiss. Davin watched in amusement.
“Yes, I’m sure that’s it,” he said, and Roland chuckled.
Roland’s voice perked up. “Speaking of the fairer sex, Davin, there has been a young lady in town asking about you,” said Roland. He leaned in towards Davin. “She’s got a pretty face.”
Niahm snorted. “You are not helping,” said Niahm, hitting Roland on the arm. “Leave Davin alone about women. He’s not interested in Ana. She’s a bit of spoiled brat if you must know, no one he needs to get involved with. Besides, he’ll know when he finds the right one.”
Davin nodded sharply at Niahm, appreciating her defense of his solitude. “That’s right.” He addressed Roland again. “You should always listen to your wife.”
Niahm cackled so loudly at his unexpected return from Davin that Roland jumped nearly out of his seat. “I think you should be taking advice from him, dear.”
“So it seems,” replied Roland, accepting defeat.
Quickly rebounding, he continued at Davin. “Maybe once he listens to my advice about joining an Acadeem and doing something a little more stable than hunting all the time, I’ll listen to his,” said Roland. “At least get out there and see a little more of the world.”
“Someday, perhaps. I’m content with my world the way it is right now though. And the Acadeems aren’t for me.”
He had considered going at one point. A student with only one Focus could be done in as little as two years. And then the graduate could spend the rest of their life growing successful in their trade, hopefully joining the guild relating to their field of study. And if they decided to go back for more accolades, they bettered their chances of even more of a successful life, especially if they completed all courses on all subject matters and became a Scholar Omni.
If one graduated with a high status, they might be admitted into the guild of their profession right away. Davin knew that all Roland wanted was for him to choose one of the twelve Focus’s at the Acadeem and try to become a Guildsman when he was done.
“I still say it’s no way to live,” Roland grumbled.
Davin decided it was time to defend his stance. “I am productive, you know. I still earn a wage. And my kills provide dinners for many families in town and trading helps to stimulate our local economy,” Davin said.
“I don’t deny it.”
Roland’s smile faded.
“Look, Davin. I do appreciate that you still come and visit us when you’re in town, and I know I told you I wouldn’t bring this up again-,”
“I hope this wasn’t the real reason you invited me over tonight,” Davin interrupted, somewhere between anger and amusement.
“All I’m saying is that we try not worry about you. You know it’s not healthy for anyone to live up there by yourself, isolated from everything all the time. How can you stand it?”
Davin fingered a piece of splintered wood on the edge of the table. “What’s out there that I don’t already have?
Roland threw up his hands and slapped them back down on his legs. “I don’t know, life, I suppose. People to have experiences with, and tell stories about in the future. ”
“There’s nothing out there in the world that concerns me. The government and the King seem to h
ave their own agenda that doesn’t resemble anything I want to be a part of, even if I wanted to be a part of it. Everyone else seems content to live in the mess we have here.”
“You have to know that’s not true. There are still good people and good things happening out there, Davin. And there are many that aren’t happy.”
Davin felt himself growing rigid. “So I should go live a life helping change things.”
“I’m not saying that, but change has to start somewhere.”
“I don’t see you rising to the challenge,” Davin retorted, making Roland grow silent.
Niahm rose in one swift movement and started to clear away the dishes. “He’s got a point there, dear,” she said, her tone rising. “On that note, let’s have cake.”
It was the same argument they’d had several times in the past, but it had never became this heated. Roland had offered the first few times to let Davin live with them, but he’d refused on every occasion. Roland now knew better than to ask.
“Roland, what’s with you?” Davin tried to keep his voice even. “You never used to get so upset about this.”
Davin had pushed many away that had been close to him. He wasn’t going to push Roland away too. His constant bitterness had consequences, but he would never let those consequences include losing the friendship of Roland.
Niahm and Roland shared a look. “Never mind,” said Roland. He forced a terrible smile. “We have some gifts for you.”
Before the end of the night Roland gave Davin his presents. They were a new quiver, made by Niahm herself, and an “in progress” note on a long sword Roland was making for him.
“Unfortunately the army has me booked right now, but I will finish it soon,” Roland defended. Davin told him it was fine. He had no need for it right away.
To cap off the night, Roland broke into song after his third tall cup of beer, much to Niahm’s embarrassment.
Finally, the end arrived and Davin left full of food, cake, and ale. As he passed Brax’s shop out of town he saw the lights were still on. He was not too eager to see Brax again after their exchange the other day, but Davin was sure he was still open.
The lamps of Brax’s shop came up in front of him. He could see inside that Brax was still there, standing at the counter. This raised his spirits.
Davin was just about to open the door when something caught his interest. It was just out of the corner of his eye and was accompanied by a strange sensation. He turned to face in the direction of new feeling. It took him a moment to realize it resembled fingers tickling at the back of his neck.
Across the street, leaning on the side of a building, was a man in the shadows. He was cloaked in dark colored clothing and hooded. None of the foot traffic passing by seemed to notice him. When Davin’s eyes finally focused on him, he moved suddenly as if spooked. Davin watched as the man looked around him, searching for something.
Davin moved away from Brax’s door a couple of steps, trying to get a better look at him. Then, as quickly as Davin had noticed him, he slipped silently down the darkening street and was gone from sight.
Davin pushed it to the back of his mind and entered the shop. Brax was writing on a bit of parchment in the lamp light. He looked up as Davin approached.
He gave Davin a wary eye. “If you think I’m going to trade with you after that little display you put on last time, you are sorely mistaken, young sir.”
“I’m not here to argue with you,” Davin started, choosing his tone carefully, “but I have something I think you’ll take.” He held up the dead carcass.
“What is it?”
Davin put the bag of chopped meat on the counter. It landed with a thud. Brax raised his eyebrows and began to inspect it.
“You tryin’ to pull something over on me boy,” he said, digging through the bag.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Davin knew that Brax was looking for any excuse to deny him. He wasn’t going to back down so easily. The requirement was anything but Ercinee and the trade would happen.
Brax rummaged through the bag for several minutes. It was almost like he was trying to find a reason to deny Davin the trade. Davin waited patiently for his answer. The minutes felt like hours but he held his tongue.
“This meat’s gone bad,” he said plainly. His straight face did not waver.
“That’s a load of dung. I just killed the beast today. I’ve completed the terms of your trade,” Davin yelled out. He knew immediately after he said those words that Brax would not take any more.
“Sorry, that’s my final word.” Brax turned away abruptly.
Davin watched as he gathered up his parchment and lamp and disappeared into the back room. Davin stood there with his mouth wide open. He couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. The meat was perfectly fine and they both knew it.
Controlling his anger at this moment was almost beyond him. He wanted to yell and to throw the man against a wall. Deciding against it, he turned to leave and jumped. There was someone standing in the doorway. It was the man from shadows. Davin had been so lost in his thoughts he hadn’t even heard him enter.
Davin’s eyes followed the stranger as he circled the room, apparently checking out the selection.
“Everything alright here?” the stranger spoke slowly. His voice was gruff, but not unkind.
“Everything’s fine,” Davin answered, a little nervously.
“Good. How is he?” He pointed in the direction of the back room. Davin looked that way and shrugged.
“I’m sure he’s fine unless you count the fact that he’s a giant arse,” Davin replied smugly.
The stranger chuckled softly. After that neither one said anything for a few long moments. Davin was about to leave when he heard movement in the back.
Brax stepped back into the room. Presumably, the multiple voices had roused his attention. He turned on the charm and spoke to the stranger.
“Can I help you with anything, sir?”
“No, thanks,” the man shook his head,” I just heard a commotion and wanted to make sure everything was fine.”
Brax scowled and tilted his head. Obviously, he didn’t think the issue was any of the man’s business. The stranger and the trader stared at one another for several beats.
“Just something between myself and the boy. Nothing big.” He spoke too nonchalantly.
“Is this true?” Davin was surprised to see the man speaking to him.
“Not entirely.”
When Brax didn’t object, Davin proceeded to tell the stranger the whole story. He included the last visit to Brax’s and what had occurred then as well. At the end of Davin’s dictation the stranger stood still, seeming to devour what was said. He tapped a finger on the side of his face and furrowed his eyebrows.
During this silence Davin snuck a glance at Brax, who was staring intently at the stranger. Most likely he was struck silent by the oddity of this situation. This stranger was boldly dealing judgment in his own shop after all.
Finally, the stranger moved to the counter where the meat lay. It didn’t take long for him to come to a conclusion.
“It looks fine. What’s the problem?” he asked Brax harshly.
“I told you. It’s not your business what I will and won’t do in my shop.”
The stranger turned to Davin, dug into his pocket and pulled out some silver pieces. He held them out for Davin to take.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?” Brax called out, his voice rising.
“Nothing of concern to you, sir. Just some business you lost.”
“You can’t possibly think I’m going stand here and take this in my shop!”
Brax was losing control. The stranger turned back to Davin.
“Take it,” he gestured to the money, “I’ll have your meat then. Fair trade.”
Davin shot a glance at Brax and grabbed the money, not hesitating for a second. The stranger grabbed the bag of meat off of the counter and walked towards the door. As he passed, Davin felt that s
ame sensation that had come upon him earlier outside. It was like he knew him from somewhere, but he had never met him before.
Brax’ mouth hung open, but he was unable to find any words.
Before the stranger stepped out the door Davin called out.
“Wait. Who are you?”
The stranger stood still for a moment. Davin waited hopefully. The silence only made his curiosity grow.
“Just a wanderer. I am sure we will meet again soon. Keep your eyes open, mac piosa de se’an.”
Without another word to Brax, Davin tried to race after the man out of the door. He wanted to speak with him more.
But as Davin exited outside, he cursed under his breath. The man had already disappeared into the night.
This was most frustrating. There were more questions to be answered. What was that the wanderer had called him? And what was the connection he felt? Somehow he knew they would meet again.
Chapter 5 The Army Arrives
As Davin walked home that night he couldn’t stop thinking about the stranger in Brax’s shop.
Could he have just given me his real name? The thought of seeing him again made him feel uneasy. It wasn’t as though he thought the man was dangerous. Davin was simply nervous about finally getting answers to what was happening to him. Whoever this man was, Davin knew he had them.
Realizing that he had forgotten all about his daydream in the forest, he sighed heavily. It was too much to think about and he just wanted to sleep.
His cabin rose in front of him as he reached the top of the hill. The moon was full and bright tonight. It cast a spotlight on the clearing as if it were the stage of one of the grand theaters. That would have made Davin the actor about to come on stage to perform. All eyes would be on him, expecting him to do something great. The thought of this made him sick. His stomach churned uncomfortably as he paced toward the doorway. The thought of sleep made him feel better. All he wanted was to fall onto his bed and quiet his thoughts.
