The Merchant and the Menace

by Daniel F McHugh

  “Well, the other drill sergeants made that bet with me and figured it was easy money. Yer dad proved ‘em wrong. They made it double worse for ‘im while tryin’ to take my months pay, but he would have none of it. He stuck it out all right.”

  “That’s ... ah, when they made him a drill sergeant right?” questioned Kael.

  “Sakes no, Kael! Yer old man was just a green recruit. He handled the toughest trainin’ we threw at ‘im but he still never seen a real battle. It was right to the front lines for Brelg and the rest of his group. He marched off to the Scythtar. I knew I wouldn’t see many of those boys again, I never do. But somethin’ told me I’d see Brelg.

  “Three years later there he was, a sergeant of his own battle squad. He was covered in scars and looked twenty years older, but it was him. Walked right up to me on the trainin’ yard and saluted. Told me I’d saved his life more ‘n once out there. Ya know, things I’d taught him an the like. They’d promoted him in the field for saving the day not once or twice, but three times. Turned the tide with some pretty quick thinkin’ when the Ulrog pushed the Guard up against the wall.

  “He asked me to show him one more thing, how to teach. He’d become a leader of men, a natural commander, who men readily followed. He led by example, and those quick enough to keep up with him learned a great deal, but those who struggled got left behind. He realized he was wastin’ good men by not teachin’ them what he knew. The command assigned him to the Hold for a year to get a break. He was goin’ at it pretty hard over those last three years.

  “Well, I took him under my wing and taught him how to talk to the men. How ya get somethin’ into their heads so it becomes an instinct. How ya get other men in a squad to know what your thinkin’ and suddenly yer all actin’ as one. Brelg learned quickly. He transformed into one of our best drill instructors. Quite a few men thanked Brelg for savin’ their lives with the trainin’ he beat into them. Those were the days. The Hold churned out the best soldiers the world ever seen. Course, the General Staff needed somebody like Brelg on the front lines. After a year he returned to the Scythtar.“

  The old man’s eyes took on a faraway look as his memory traveled back to the Northern Mountains. Kael was desperate to keep Hamly talking.

  “When did my father meet my mother?” asked Kael.

  Hamly came back to the present.

  “Yanwin,” sighed the old man. “A man couldn’t ask for a better woman.”

  “Indeed, a fine woman,” came a voice from the stairway.

  Kael turned to see Teeg standing at the bottom of the stairs.

  “Ya startled me, Master Teeg,” said Hamly. “I didn’t hear ya approach.”

  “Ah,” smiled Teeg. “That is reassuring. If you did, I would be quite cross with myself.”

  “Were you there long?” asked Kael, his face reddened.

  “Long enough to realize our good man Hamly took you places you’ve not been before.”

  Hamly took on a puzzled expression and Kael protested but Teeg cut him off.

  “All things will be revealed shortly, Kael. It’s of no great import that you learn some of them now. Lord Ader and I struggled over this for quite some time. Therefore, since you discover a few things about your father, I’ll reveal your mother’s story,” said Teeg nodding to Hamly. “With Master Hamly’s permission of course.”

  “By all means, Lord Teeg. It’s yer job ta know these things anyhow. That way the boy will get the story straight,” smiled Hamly as he turned to the kitchen. “I’ll make sure the lad has done all right in the kitchen.”

  CHAPTER 14: THE ORPHAN’S WIDOW

  Teeg strolled over to the table and pulled a seat out for Kael. Kael placed his broom against the table and sat down. The Elf lord slid into a chair across from the boy and crossed his hands.

  “He’s right you know. It is my business to know all things. If it’s been written, spoken or even whispered, I’ll eventually know it. I pride myself on the lengths I’ll go to in order to obtain information,” smirked Teeg.

  The old Elf stared into Kael’s eyes as if he were working on a puzzle. Slowly and deliberately he talked, delivering his monologue to an audience of one. He never looked for approval or reaction. He just stated the facts.

  “Your mother Yanwin was the second child of King Macin and Queen Tay of Zodra,” began Teeg.

  Kael started in his seat. Teeg ignored the boy’s reaction and the story unfolded:

  A more beautiful woman in the kingdom you couldn’t find. Talented in every way. Music, archery, poetry, Yanwin mastered all. King Macin was well aware of his daughter’s gifts and smiled to himself realizing her worth. Many nobles and lords throughout the land desired to marry his daughter or arrange a marriage between Yanwin and their sons. Macin explored these proposals in search of the most advantageous. At first, the king suggested some of the more interesting proposals to his daughter. Princess Yanwin wasn’t interested in marriage. She searched for more than becoming the symbol of connection and power these nobles wanted of her. Willful and stubborn, she refused the marriages her parents arranged.

  To avoid the daily pleas and threats of her father, Yanwin broke from decorum. She spent long hours out of the castle, touring the city. She visited the market and often ventured out to the fields surrounding the city. She quickly became a favorite of the people with her easy manner and charm.

  One day she strolled into the Guardian’s Hold with her ladies in waiting and offered assistance. The offer was accepted and it became a daily routine for the princess and her entourage.

  Often, the ladies broke from their chores to watch the recruits train. This was quite scandalous in the court of King Macin. Yanwin, however, didn’t care about the conjecture of others. She arrived at the Hold one day to find Sergeant Brelg putting the trainees through their paces.

  Brelg owned the reputation as a fine tactician who survived three tours of duty along the Scythtar. Battle plans and tactics fascinated the princess. The stories of the heroes of the Guard intrigued her. She boldly queried the sergeant on these subjects when he possessed a free moment. He readily answered any and all questions. She left the Hold invigorated by their interaction.

  That evening Yanwin lay awake thinking about her day. This Sergeant Brelg was brilliant, a man of true intellect behind a rough exterior. He was so unlike the flippant barons and dukes her father paraded before her. Brelg didn’t look on her as a princess of Zodra, but a woman of intelligence. He treated her as an equal. She asked questions and he answered in carefully prepared statements, not glossy, dismissive quips.

  Yanwin returned day after day to the Hold. Sometimes, Brelg straightforwardly told her he was unable to answer her questions. The demands of the day were too great. Yanwin admired his honesty and sense of duty. She was a beautiful young woman and a princess of the realm. Many men tried to win her favor. Sergeant Brelg never once flirted with her. He remained respectful at all times.

  However, through their conversations she noted he was keenly interested in her intellect. Her questions became more complex. Her knowledge of historic battles, both big and small, grew. After one particularly frustrating day with the recruits, Brelg told Yanwin she was his best student, one of the only compliments he ever paid her.

  A petty handmaiden in Yanwin’s entourage resented the princess. She went to the king with the story of the budding romance. Little did Macin know, the two were already deeply in love. He ordered Brelg and his troop out to the borderlands. The recruits weren’t ready and Brelg knew it. He informed his superiors. They never responded.

  The night before their departure, Yanwin went to the Hold. She was barred from entry in the evening, but noticed a familiar young man. Brelg had often told her to pay attention to this recruit during training exercises. Sergeant Brelg believed that one day this boy, Cefiz, would be a great warrior.

  Once again Kael’s expression showed shock. Cefiz? A great warrior? The boy fought hard not to question that description. He knew it might take the o
ld Elf down a different path. He was interested in his mother and father and Teeg was giving him exactly what he wanted. The Elf lord paused for a moment to allow Kael to digest the news then pressed on.

  Cefiz’s prowess with weaponry was unequaled in his class. His strength and stamina surpassed by no one. His individual decision making during exercises was usually first rate. Brelg planned to make the young man the leader of his recruit class, but the boy lacked the humility to be a leader. His refusal to accept his losses and regroup to fight again was his downfall. Once a mistake was made in the field, there was no second chance. You were dead.

  Cefiz’s inflated ego extended beyond the training grounds. He saw the princess arrive day after day at the Hold. He noted how her attention never wavered from his every move. He convinced himself that she became infatuated with him.

  At first he tried to dismiss the concept. Princess Yanwin was a noble and he just a soldier. All in the Capital knew of Macin’s desire to marry off his daughter in alliance with one of the powerful houses of the court. However, as each day passed, the young man let the seed of possibility grow in his heart. He watched her as intently as she watched him. It was true that she was beautiful, but she was so much more.

  The princess treated all as her equal. A kind word was always on her lips. She visited the wounded, freshly returned from the front, and offered them words of encouragement and praise. She read the lists of the dead as they were posted each month and she visited all of the relatives’ homes. She was overwhelmingly compassionate to her father’s subjects. Cefiz’s own belief in her feelings for him and Yanwin’s attributes tricked the man in love with her.

  That night, on the eve of his departure to almost certain death, Cefiz was elated to see the princess approach him outside the gates of the Hold. Sorrow and fear hovered in her eyes and the young man mistakenly believed they were there for him. He would leave with the knowledge of her love in his heart.

  How bitter a pill it must have been when the beautiful young woman begged the recruit to bring a message to Brelg? How he must have wondered what a fair maiden such as Yanwin could possibly see in the dour, scar covered veteran? However, the encounter saved many lives, for it was then and there that the young lieutenant decided never to let his ego get the better of him again.

  Cefiz swallowed that pride and bade Yanwin wait outside. He marched to Brelg’s chambers and knocked on the door. Brelg called for him to enter. The sergeant’s eyes scanned communiqués spread across his desk.

  ‘What is it, lieutenant?’ questioned Brelg.

  The lieutenant cleared his throat.

  ‘Princess Yanwin awaits you at the gate, sergeant.’

  Brelg looked up and eyed the young man.

  ‘It’s after hours,’ stated Brelg in surprise. ‘Training has concluded for the day. The princess is well aware that no ladies are allowed within the confines of the Hold after sundown.’

  ‘That is why she stopped me at the gate and asked me to be her messenger,’ stated Cefiz.

  Brelg blinked and stared at Cefiz.

  ‘What is she thinking?’ said Brelg. ‘It’s the eve of our departure to battle. I ... I don’t have time for this. Men’s lives are at stake. I have work that cannot be interrupted. I need the men to commit to one another or all is lost. Please tell the princess I’m occupied.’

  Cefiz nodded and turned to leave, then abruptly halted.

  ‘May I speak freely, sergeant?’ asked Cefiz.

  Brelg felt relieved. Finally, this young man was about to step up and offer his leadership of the unit.

  ‘Of course Cefiz, I desire your input on these matters,’ said Brelg.

  ‘To send the princess away would crush her. She defies her father, nay her king, to speak with you this evening. She risks all for you and you talk of battle plans. Have you no soul, no heart?’ Cefiz’s words spilled from his mouth.

  Brelg stood at his desk stunned for several minutes. This arrogant young man dared to talk to him of heart and soul. What did this fool know of it? Princess Yanwin was the daughter of the king. Brelg was a loyal subject. He simply served her and complied to his office as a sergeant at arms when he hosted her at the Hold.

  Yet Cefiz was right. Brelg’s heart knew otherwise. He longed for her arrival everyday. Even on the days he knew they wouldn’t find a chance to speak. If she was late, he fretted. When she was moody and dejected, he wondered what troubled her, but dare never ask for fear that she think he overstepped his bounds. He stood at his desk amazed at how foolish he was. As he assessed his feelings he was unable to deny them any longer. He loved this woman more deeply than he could ever imagine. His emotions in those few moments ranged from outrage to joy to intense sorrow, for he knew what must be done.

  ‘Cefiz, I will let your comment stand as is. You’re highly agitated. We leave for the borderlands in the morning. It’s to be expected. However, my private affairs are just that, mine. No more will be said of this. Whatever the princess’s interest in me, it’s the diversion of a foolish young woman who bridles at the attempts of her parents to find her a suitable match. Return to the gate and inform the princess I’m unable to see her.’

  ‘Sir, if you weren’t my commander I’d call you out for that insult to a lady. The only foolish act she commits is to trust her heart to an ass!’ spluttered Cefiz.

  ‘Cefiz! Hold your tongue.... I can’t ........ It can never be. I.... I’m beneath her,’ muttered Brelg shaking his head.

  ‘Sir, go to her. Don’t fear for this unit. I swear to you here and now it will hold. I’ll do everything in my power to make this the best group of fighting men in the corps. At the very least say goodbye to her,’ said Cefiz softening his tone.

  Brelg flashed a weak smile and clasped Cefiz on the shoulder.

  ‘I’m sure you will. I’m sure you will,’ said Brelg and he stepped from the room.

  Brelg’s unit was sent to the heart of the fighting. Their tour of duty was to last a year but inexplicably stretched to two years. Ulrog raids from the Northern Mountains became more frequent. Ulrog raiders found a path through the mountains around Tar Hdjmir as well. Brelg’s unit ranged the entire northern border. Often they went days without sleep. The fighting was endless. Their fame grew.

  After two years Brelg was recalled to Zodra. As his troop journeyed home news of their return spread through the countryside. Town after town lined their streets to cheer the heroes. Flowers were strewn before the haggard soldiers as they plodded south toward Zodra. Zodra’s people offered praise and thanks.

  However, Zodra’s king held no such favor in his heart. Macin‘s jealously and hatred of Brelg grew. The king ordered Brelg’s troop to halt far from the city and return to the Hold only after nightfall as the capital slept. Brelg became furious. Many fine young men died defending the lands of Macin and his people and others in his unit bore the scars of battle.

  Brelg refused to allow Macin to steal the glory his men. Half a day’s journey from Zodra, Brelg set up camp for himself and sent his troop at double-time toward the city. His men arrived at the height of the afternoon market to their hero’s welcome. The people cheered. Confetti flooded the streets. Children dashed amongst the warriors as they marched to the Hold. The men received the adulation of their people. Adulation they richly deserved.

  Cefiz remained outside the city with Brelg until nightfall. The two soldiers silently packed their gear, entered the city and journeyed through the silent streets of Zodra to the Hold. In the shadows of the fortress, a unit of the king’s guard milled about laughing and jesting. As the pair of warriors approached, the king’s guard abruptly silenced and fell into formation. A short distance away Yanwin stepped from behind a pillar into the moonlight.

  Brelg halted three yards from the unit, turned and bowed low to the lady. Yanwin smiled and nodded in reply. The troop edged forward. A leader separated from the others.

  ‘In the name of King Macin I am to take you into custody Sergeant Brelg. You are to ...’

&nbs
p; Cefiz stepped in front of Brelg. Two years of pitched battle against the worst nightmares Amird conjured had turned the eager recruit into a hardened and haggard warrior. Death hovered in his eyes. He drew two short swords and moved on the unit of ten men. They nervously backed away.

  ‘Cefiz, save your steel for the Ulrog,’ Brelg said calmly and fell in amidst the king’s guard. ‘Now is not the time to start spilling our brother’s blood.’

  The sergeant turned back to the lady.

  ‘It is late and the streets of Zodra are no place for one so fair. My homecoming is complete,’ smiled Brelg to Yanwin. He looked to the leader of the troop. ‘Put your men to good use, soldier. Escort the Lady Yanwin back to the palace. You will find me in the Hold in the morning. Your duty can wait until then.’

  In the morning Brelg woke in a cell in the bowels of the Hold. At noon he was led before King Macin and his court. A hum passed through the marbled room as Brelg and his guard approached the throne and bowed. The lords and ladies, dukes and duchesses averted their eyes as Brelg surveyed each side of the room.

  ‘Sergeant Brelg, you deliberately disobeyed an order from your king. Explain yourself,’ demanded Macin.

  ‘Your highness, my men were in the throws of battle for two long years. To deny them the gratitude of their people is wrong,’ stated Brelg.

  ‘Do you dare call your king mistaken to his face?’ growled Macin sweeping his arm across the room. ‘In front of his entire court?’

  ‘To his face, in front of this entire room or completely alone, I’ll tell the man who issued that order he’s an ass!’ retorted Brelg. ‘I’m a leader of men. However I cause disfavor, my men shouldn’t suffer for it.’