Black Thorn

by Brandon Killpack

  Although prejudice ensued among many of the Humans and Elves. If anything their presence drew the Human and Elves together for the first time, both having a familiar foe. Gideon and the rest of the Guardians were tasked with keeping the peace between the races during this hard transition, but after a while, a good majority of Orc people deiced to leave Evenstar and return to their homes over the Blackridge Mountains. Gideon and the other Guardians would be responsible for setting up a permanent outpost in ShadyFair. It may take many years, but eventually, the Orc’s and the rest of Rosenkar would have to mix.

  With that comforting thought, Gideon watched as Levi bid farewell to the Lady Garlamish.

  “Goodbye my Lady, I am sorry that we were unable to reach a point of peaceful cohabitation,” Levi said to her and Gideon was surprised to hear that he was sincere.

  “It was too soon, mine friend.” She replied in a gruff voice, “Your people need time to heal. We were foolish to think that after so much bloodshed that we could mix our people so soon. I am grateful that you tried though…”

  “Perhaps you’re right, well we will keep in contact. If we are to ever keep this from happening again, we must work together.” Levi said, and with a final word of goodbye the Lady, Garlamish departed with her people, leaving but a lone Orc to act as her voice in her absence.

  Over the next six months, the Guardians ran several missions of demon related activity, all the while collecting reports and evidence. He had discussed his plans with the others, and they agreed as to what had to be done. He expressed that he never expected them to follow him if they felt his plans where unjust, but it was a concern he needn’t have voiced. After all, they had been through together and the adventures they had shared they would follow him to the ends of the earth and back again.

  By their return to Evenstar from their various ventures around Rosenkar the time Levi had bought him had run out. The council informed him that they were to hold a special session concerning the Guardians. This was fine as it was high time he take up his plans with the council anyway.

  Asuna, Harth, Katrina, and Siegfried accompanied him to the meeting hall as this concerned their fate as well as his. He was deeply grateful for their support, as what he was about to request was rather radical. They filed into the room. This chamber was beautiful and spacious with a walkway that led right to the back where the council sat in elevated seats around a crescent moon table. A small podium was placed in front so they could clearly see who was addressing the chamber from all angels. The room held a rather stiff ordered feel to which Gideon was sure that was just how Levi wanted it.

  Gideon approached the podium, casting a look over to Asuna and Katrina for encouragement and they returned his gaze with large warm smiles. Harth gave him a thumbs up gesture, and Siegfried simply nodded giving him a look that clearly spoke his undying loyalty.

  “Honorable Lords of Rosenkar, I come before you with a proposal concerning my fate and the fate of the Guardians.”

  Lord Radavas answered him, the same manic glean ever present in his eyes. “The council recognizes Gideon, son of Adam, leader of the Guardians at this time.” Gideon bowed to him then continued his address.

  “It has been six months since our hard-won victory agents the necromancer and ex-Shepard Sairrin. Since the moment I awoke after the battle, I have been troubled by his final actions. I am referring to the blast of energy that consumed his body and being before spirting away into the ether.

  For the last six months, I have gathered reports and ventured across Rosenkar seeing the first-hand reports. From all corners of Rosenkar Demon activity has increased substantially. We are currently the only five warriors in all of Rosenkar that can adequately handle these Demons.”

  Lord Alto cut across him, “That’s only because you refuse to reveal the source of your powers to any of us!” Levi raised his hand and Alto went silent. Gideon continued.

  “Yes… I will not unveil the secret to the Guardians power because it is not for all to know and we have all paid dearly to obtain our powers. You may not be able to see it, but our bolstered strength came at a price.” Then as an afterthought, Gideon added, “Also none of us want another necromancer to rise. Either way, we are the only ones whom can handle these abominations. I find that the services of the Guardians are still needed to protect and defend Rosenkar. Over the past months, we have been peacekeepers, guards, and wise counsel to all who have asked for it. Therefore I move into the first part of my proposal.”

  Gideon took a breath, surveyed the stern faces of the council. Even his own brother was stone-faced, and for the first time, he wasn’t sure if this was a mask or if it was how he really felt about the matter.

  “The Guardians will no longer be considered a part of the Rosenkar Empire. This will give us the freedom to pursue these new threats as well as research further ways to protect the lands and the cause of demon activity.”

  The members of the council looked troubled at this, all but Levi who now wore a sad smile as if he had already been expecting this, but had hoped for something else. Gideon understood his brother’s sadness, they would once again have distance put between them, and this time it may be permanent.

  “Your first request is a hefty one son of Adam.” The Dwarf Lord Jarvis said, “However I can understand its importance. Even if it does not set my mind at ease. Please, what is the rest of your request?”

  Gideon bowed and prayed to the Maker for strength,

  “We ask for three more items, number one that we are allowed to grow our number by selecting those who show the traits we seek regardless of their political ties or responsibilities.”

  Radavas cut in,

  “You ask the right to conscript any you wish?”

  “As a last resort yes. I hope that there will be those willing to put themselves in harm's way for the greater good, but if need be yes, I would conscript them.”

  This caused a lot of uneasy glances all along the council, and no one looked best pleased by this request. Before he could lose, his nerve Gideon continued.

  “Number two, that this council allows one of our number to join it as a representative of our order and we as a whole are welcomed in all cities and territories of the Empire and treated well as our position would demand.”

  Not many looked surprised at this request, and that encouraged Gideon as he barreled on to the last request.

  “Finally, we request land in which to create a headquarters for training and housing and general Guardian business. If I am able, I will request the remains of Thornpine, and its surrounding forests, lakes, and mountains be our estate. Extending into a deep part of Elden wood. So that in time the Guardians may be able to fund themselves in the years to come.”

  The shock was plain on many of the council member’s faces as they took in the gravity of the situation.

  “I realize that I have requested much, but it is all for the greater good of all the races. We will pledge to forever protect the people of Rosenkar from threats, both external and... internal as we already have.”

  The council looked wide-eyed at each other, then Levi stood and dismissed Gideon and the Guardians. Requesting that they remain in the palace until the council had deliberated.

  They ventured to one of the libraries of the palace, but they did not read nor did anyone really speak as they waited.

  Gideon paced in a circle, his stomach in a tight knot. Finally, as the pacing was doing him no good, he sat down in an armchair and watched his friends.

  Asuna was sitting cross-legged on the stone floor, staring at something outside.

  Katrina was sitting on a sofa with a book in her lap, but she wasn’t reading it. She was looking about every couple of minutes and fidgeting about.

  Harth and Siegfried were the only ones who looked at ease as they were rooted in a game of chess. Gideon watched their silent battle for some time before returning his eyes to the empty corridor.

  Finally as if to break the mounting tension Gideon said alou
d, “Oh how I wish someone would bring us some tea and biscuits.”

  This brought a smile to everyone’s face and a chuckle here and there but didn’t do with easing the tension. This issue was too significant, their future and the future of their order rested on the decision of a small group of men.

  It was at this that Gideon thought, how often is it that issues that directly concern you are so often not in your control.

  After an hour had passed a page was sent to fetch them and bring them back into the council chamber.

  When they arrived, they found only Levi, Jarvis, and Radavas waiting for them. As they approached, Levi spoke.

  “Gideon you and your companions have sacrificed too much for our prosperity, and with that in mind, we have agreed to meet your terms with some exceptions and terms of our own. You shall be allowed to conscript anyone you chose so long as he or she is not in direct rule, and you may not conscript more than ten persons a year. This is simply to protect us from you, for if you were to turn agents us, it would take all our armies to protect us. The Guardians are mighty, and we will never forget what you have done for us, yet we will never allow you to rule over us.”

  Levi sat down, and Radavas stood.

  “As for your land request it is granted, you shall have the land around Thornpine to the spring of mana because I have no doubt that spring is what you were truly after. We give it to you so long as you keep its location secret and safe and you allow myself and my people to come and use the spring when needed for it is part of our people and heritage.”

  Radavas sat back down, and Gideon gave him a bow to thank him for his sacrifice. Finally, after a time the Dwarf King Jarvis stood, his ample frame giggling with the strain.

  “Gideon it is with great reluctance that we have granted your request to be separate from our rule. As such we do expect you to always help us in times of crises and come when summoned to this council. As a gift of goodwill, we will also add to your holdings a sizable amount of gold, and we will help you build up your guild along with giving you servants to help sustain and repair your estate. Treat these subjects well for they are citizens of the Empire and take these gifts and the promise that every Guardian will always receive a kingly welcome and accommodations when visiting here or any city of the Empire. We only ask in return that you are forever our allies in all things so long as these deeds are just and moral.”

  With that, he too sat, and Gideon was so stunned he almost forgot to bow in thanks. They were dismissed after each of them profusely thanked each lord. Such joy that had not been present for many months overtook the group, and they deiced that it was high time they celebrated their achievements.

  That night there was much celebration as the Guardians sat down in a small hole in the wall tavern, eating and drinking their fill. It was a fitting end to this long adventure of theirs and an even better beginning to their next great task. They reminisced on the journey that had brought them all together and mourned those they had lost along the way.

  “You know, when I first met Joseph, he wacked me over the head with that stick of his,” Gideon said with a forlorn simile at the memory.

  “Oh, I have no doubt, that Joseph was a feisty one he was.” Harth hiccupped.

  Siegfried poked him in the ribs, “Do you remember when I beat you at our drinking game back in Haven?” He slurred.

  “You most certainly did not you pointy-eared little lire!” Harth puffed.

  “Who you think you're calling pointy eared?”

  “Hey! Hey!” Gideon said getting their attention, “None of that now.”

  Then he cleared his throat and stood. “Before we are all too drunk to remember I would like to toast you all, I have never had better friends at my side than I do now.” He smiled around at all of them. Harth, Siegfried, and Katrina. Finally, his gaze fell on Asuna and lingered there for a time.

  After a few moments of silence were Gideon and Asuna stared at each other, Katrina broke the silence standing up and pushing her brother down back in his seat. Gideon looked embarrassed but continue to grin at Asuna from time to time.

  “I too would like a toast. To our fallen friends and family.” She said as she raised her glass, “To Adam the Wolf! To Joseph, to King Udda, for Trevor and Jason, and finally to Kallen!” She shouted, and they all joined her in toasting they're fallen.

  They all were fairly deep in their cups when a commotion came from the entrance. The barmaid had shrieked and dropped a jug of mead sending the fine liquor soaking the stone floor. Her shock came from the two armed guards that had just entered followed by Levi.

  The tavern’s occupants all rose from their seats and bowed, leaving Levi looking rather embarrassed and awkward.

  “Forgive me, everyone, I just wondered if I might have a word with my brother and sister.” He motioned over to the table where they were all sitting.

  Laughing at the oddity of the situation Gideon and Katrina left their seats and followed Levi and his guards outside. The cool of the night clearing their heads and returning them at least mildly to their senses.

  Levi turned and embraced Katrina, holding her very close. The look of shock on Katrina’s face was hilarious to Gideon who did his best to hold his tongue and not belittle the moment.

  “My dearest sister, I must ask your forgiveness. I have not always been fair or kind to you or treated you as I should have, and for that, I am truly sorry. I would ask, should Gideon approve that you remain here as the representative of the Guardians so that I may try and make up for the time I lost with you.”

  Katrina blushed, “Why, yes, of course, I forgive you.” Then she hugged him. Levi had a look of pleasure mixed with grief and Gideon saw that his brother was fighting back the tears as they embraced.

  “Well,” Levi said after a moment, “That is all Katrina. Should you become the representative, we shall spend much time together. Please return to your friends and enjoy the rest of the night, I imagine you’ll be very busy soon. I’ll only keep Gideon but a moment.”

  They hugged again, and Katrina left, her eyes sparkling with tears and a massive smile on her face.

  Levi took a deep breath, composing himself back to the calm and collected brother Gideon knew so well. Then with the barest hint of a smile, he turned to Gideon.

  “Walk with me.” Levi said then to his two guards he said, “Wait here, I am very safe with my brother. Go and have a pint. I’ll be back by the time you’re finished.”

  The guards looked uneasy at this, but they wouldn’t defy an order.

  Levi chuckled. “To think I can no longer enter a tavern without causing a scene. Things certainly have changed although I do wonder if it’s all for the better?”

  Levi gingerly drooped an arm around Gideon’s shoulder as they walked. A gestor he hadn’t done since they were children. Gideon looked a little shocked, but Levi steered them onwards.

  They walked the cobbled streets in companionable silence for a time until Levi broke the silence and said.

  “I’m very proud of you Gideon. I am.” He added seeing the look of surprise on Gideon’s face. “I think father and mother would be very proud of the man you have become in such little time. All you have accomplished and endured in under two years.”

  Embarrassed Gideon said, “I’m not the only one they’d be proud of. Look at you. You’ve created an empire and united Rosenkar. That is a feat that will stand the test of time.”

  “But I could not have done any of it, were not for you,” Levi interjected. Looking deadly serious he said, “Brother all I have done has been made possible because of you and the sacrifices you made. By your blood and the sweat of your brow, my dreams became a reality. I only hope that one day I am able to repay you in some way.”

  “You already have Levi, you made the Guardians possible and brother… you never needed to repay me for anything, ever. We are family after all, and I would do anything for my family. Understand Levi. It was never duty that drove me to do the things I did, it was love.”r />
  The End.

  About the Author

  Brandon Killpack is an American author currently living in Utah, with his wife and three children. He enjoys reading, writing, and the arts and is known to go wandering the backcountry with his family in search of Elves.

  You can learn more about Brandon Killpack and his works at www.BrandonKillpack.com.