The Hammer of Champions

by A L Issett

  “How about you Mr. Fancy Pants get your nancy ass in the ring with me and we will see if I’m as good as I say I am” Tanner replied. “In fact why don't you go out and get your best and see if they can beat the future Duke. If you are too scared to do any of that then stop flapping your lips and let the men talk.”

  “I have never been insulted like this in all of my life” the man with the red crest said indignantly.

  “That must be because you keep the company of prostitutes or drunks” Tanner replied.

  “I accept your challenge” the man with the red crest replied. “And after I beat you I don't want you in the Queen’s presence anymore. From here on out all you can do is jeopardize the understanding we are trying to have with your king.”

  Tanner nodded and followed the man outside. The mages he had attacked were now up and shot glares at him but did not make a move, instead they only stared at the Queen as she got up to witness the event. Tanner watched as the man in the red crest barked some orders and men quickly cleared out an area. The man was a decent size, Tanner had no doubt he was stronger but was sure the man could move well if needed. Tanner was amazed as the man chose a wooden spear for his weapon instead of the wooden swords normally found around armies. But then again he had not fought in a civilized army for over 20 years so maybe customs had changed. Tanner looked around and found a wooden sword. His opponent smiled at the choice and soon the fight was on. The man felt Tanner out first, throwing little feinting thrust designed to keep an enemy off balance. His opponent was competent with the spear and had probably chosen it to keep Tanner off him with his longer reach. Tanner played into his game and batted the spear around a little, he would use a lot of his considerable strength when he did it, just to keep the man in red on his toes. Tanner tired of the game and started pressing the attack, he didn't make it seem too obvious but he could see his opponent felt it as Tanner was barely missing him with some blows causing the man to stay in retreat mode. Right before Tanner was going to land a sure hit the man with the red crest moved out of the way faster than what Tanner figured he could move. What was worse was that his attacks suddenly picked up and Tanner could see a smirk spread across his face. It was then Tanner knew he was getting played somehow. His opponent was nowhere near as fast or as strong as Perry had been, but it was obviously he was receiving outside help. Tanner fought off his heel and made himself seem to struggle much more than what he was, if he cut off the magic he was sure he could win in a move or two. If he found the mage feeding him he could just accelerate the drain and make himself much faster than normal. Tanner allowed a couple of hits to get through as he looked for the source mage. Tanner found him and locked on and started draining as fast as possible while his opponent attacked. Tanner needed it to look perfect as he drained the mage completely then backed off his opponent.

  “You have some skill” Tanner replied as he could see confusion on his opponent’s face. “You are the second fastest person I have ever fought, I don't think this fight really needs to continue. I’ve proved my point and you yours, with all your men here I doubt anyone sees me as any kind of weakness amongst the warriors” Tanner said as he held out his hand for the man to shake. His opponent was hesitant at first but as soon as he tried to shake Tanner’s hand, Tanner gripped his forearm instead and gave that a shake. He was not surprised to find something hard underneath the shirt the man wore and would bet his life it was one of the braces. “Call me Tanner, I don’t go by Earl Tox, it's not my family name and the person who bestowed the title and adopted me I hated until his dying day.”

  “I am Captain Galero” the man said and returned the gesture.

  Tanner found out what he needed to know, but now he truly was alone. He could not depend on Perry or any of that bunch. They were most likely in cahoots, Tanner just couldn't see what the end game was. Did the people of Quet offer him something in order for his help? Maybe Perry was behind kidnapping Carolina in the first place, but that implicated the Duke, a man Tanner could not blame outright. Tanner would need to change his attitude in order to figure out how all the pieces fit together and it started with getting to know the main players in this little game.

  “Captain I am going to need some heavy armor complete with a shield the size of fat whore’s ass” Tanner began. “If you got a heavier sword than what I got I would appreciate it also.”

  “I think I have something that may work, but if not we can throw something together” Captain Galero replied. “Lord Reaker, before he fell had a suit of armor made for him. Lord Reaker was a tall fat man and wanted a suit of armor far heavier than what we have arguing that the extra plate would turn away any sword strike or thrust. The problem was that Lord Reaker was not in the best shape and complained about the movement of the armor. That and he couldn't ride a horse for long in all of that gear.”

  “I’m a beggar right now, I can’t be a chooser” Tanner replied. “Where is this armor located and if possible do you have a weapon to match?”

  “We mostly have spears, the thought behind it is because most of our troops are peasants and unskilled in the sword. Our enemy are professional soldiers and in sword on sword battle we would be massacred. With the spear we have struck fear into the lightly armored regular troops whenever we engage.”

  Tanner nodded at Captain Galero and walked over to where the Queen was. At her side was not only the advisor and the mages, but also Perry. So that was his plan was it? Tanner laughed to himself as he was amazed it didn't become apparent when he first came through the door. Perry hoped to marry this girl, he wants to become king. Maybe that was the price for his treachery, attacking him could end badly. Accusing him could end just as bad, after all it was just the enemy and their allies around him. Tanner could use another tactic to make things a little bumpy.

  “So do you always try to cut open the throats of your allies or am I just a special case?” Tanner said as the Queen looked down and her face became scarlet. “This thing stings like the rotten crotch it does. I’m passed playing tough guy, could you get your gentlest healer over here?”

  “You will address the Queen by her title” the mage Tanner had clocked said as Tanner could see he had a swollen jaw and slurred some of his words. Tanner could tell the man was ready for him this time if he decided to punch him again.

  “Alright Your Majesty” Tanner began. “We could all be worm food tomorrow, do you really want us to go around calling each other by formal titles? In my lands I am just known as Tanner, you can guess that I am the black sheep of the noble class. If I wasn't so damn effective or rich I am sure they would have tried to arrange for me to have an accident long ago.”

  “You can call me Darlene” the Queen replied. “I am sorry about the wound, I didn't expect you to turn so quickly.”

  “Don't fuss over it love” Tanner replied and kissed the back of her offered hand. “I’ve got nastier bumps than that.”

  “You seem so confident for one so young” Queen Darlene replied.

  “I have to be, otherwise who would take me serious?” Tanner replied as a thought formed in his head. “I am a young looking man, it is because of that I work out and fight constantly. Many people attempt to either advise me or threaten me for their own ends. It is hard being a young ruler, you must know that more than anyone right now. But you don't see anyone running to come get a piece of this, that is because what I lack in ability I make up for it in confidence. Who would want to marry a weak man?”

  “The women, um?” Queen Darlene stammered.

  “The Princess really is my niece” Tanner answered the unasked question. “I don't know the other one, the whole point of the party she went missing at was to find her a suitable match. The fact I jumped up and fought the future Duke of Wayne, one of her father’s allies probably did nothing to make her enamored with me. Add to the fact I backhanded a Baron across the room for accusing me of being part of this plot means that I shouldn't expect any more invitations in the mail for such events.”


  “I thought you brought a date Milord” Perry said cutting in. “A commoner girl, or was she there for other purposes?”

  Tanner smiled inside at Perry’s smoothness and could see he was on the right track with the romance. “I was there with a pretty little thing named Tara” Tanner smiled. “How else would you get out of marrying someone you really don't want to be around? I am the fourth richest noble in Ket and if I really wanted to I could climb that ranking. My lands have the best farmers and my shops have the best merchants. 80% of all jewels comes from Tox and my metal mining is coming along nicely. It wouldn't be long before someone has the king’s ear and speaks out against me. A difficult spot that could all go away if only I marry someone’s daughter or granddaughter or niece or something. I don't expect you to know about such things Perry, right now your father is the man but he must hold considerable sway or is waiting for a really big situation for your marriage. I would think a handsome guy like yourself would be swamped with offers, tell me who is this girl you or your father has eyes set on for your marriage.”

  “M-my personal life is my personal life!” Perry stammered.

  “Didn't mean to pry” Tanner replied as he could see a curious look cross the Queen's face. Her advisor the older man looked a little nervous. So that was it, the Queen was promised to Perry but unbeknownst to her. Tanner could turn this whole thing around easily, the Queen couldn't have been a true noble for long. The five kingdoms themselves were not even ten summers old. She was a young monarch who no doubt would be shaped by the people around her.

  “Tanner” Tanner heard a voice say and looked back to see four men walking with armor along with Captain Galero. “Here is that armor I was talking about, Reaker had it made so the plates overlapped each other and they buckled together from the inside. He did this in case he gained weight and hand to add more plates anywhere.”

  Tanner picked up the pieces and could see they were twice as thick as normal armor and seemed three times as heavy. With some help Tanner got the armor on and although he had extra pieces he didn't need, he had to admit whoever this Reaker was knew what he was doing. Tanner moved around a bit in the armor and decided it would work. He would lose a lot of the mobility he had but now he didn't have to hold back. He just needed a decent shield and a weapon with a longer reach. Galero must have read his mind and soon a heavy shield was brought out along with what looked like a two handed war axe. It was one sided and had a giant spike on the tip of it. Tanner grabbed the weapon and could see that it was heavy and indeed a two handed weapon but he was sure he could make it work with just his right hand. The shield he was given along with a full face helm completed the ensemble.

  “When can I go and test this all out?” Tanner said to no one in particular. “You can give me a bunch of farmers to take one of those catapults, when is the next battle?”

  “The separatist need time to roll their machines down this way” Galero began. “I think by tonight they should be in position but I don't think any attack will come until the morning.”

  “A dog’s nutts it will” Tanner said swinging the axe. “I’m going as soon as they get in position to try all this out. I can’t fanny around while dressed in enough armor to clothe four men. I need food and rest for right now, you all can determine who has the cobblers with fight with me. If it's no one then I’ll go by myself.”

  “We will find someone” the Queen said as Tanner looked down upon her. “You look absolutely frightening with your size wearing that. Lord Reaker, may Solare take him into her embrace was the tallest man I had ever met. You are very close to his height but you have far more muscle than he did. If I had to fight you I would probably die of fright.”

  “You seemed to do alright when you sliced me” Tanner said in a joking manner.

  “Sometimes it is not all about size” Perry interjected. “I have beaten in the Earl in single combat without getting one scratch.”

  “That he has Darlene” Tanner replied. “So then Perry are we going to make a race of it then? See who can destroy a catapult and live to tell the tale, show these folks what Ketians can do.”

  “I never said anything about any competition” Perry replied.

  “No you didn't” Tanner admitted. “But as the best fighter in Ket I doubt you want to get shown up by the number two fighter especially when you will have your honor guard and I will have just some random guys thrown together. But if you want, you can stay back here with the Queen and keep her safe along with all the other women I have seen since I came to this camp. I know they want to fight, but battle is no place for a woman, at least no place when there is a man willing to go and fight in her place. You should stay back then and offer your protection. It will be safer here, perhaps your honor guard can come with me?” Tanner smiled as he knew Perry would take the slight the exact way he thought he would, with barely controlled anger. Tanner was happy only his eyes showed because he doubted he could hide the smile crossing his face. Once Perry announced he would be going also but from a different spot it was all Tanner could do not to laugh, especially when the man stomped away.

  “That was shameless” the Queen said and laughed a little. “Are you rivals of each other? He is older, I would think he wouldn’t let someone like you anger him so much.”

  “What do you mean someone like me?” Tanner asked. “You started this whole thing, you are a beautiful single and powerful woman who gave me a compliment when it is obvious Perry fancies you a bit. You started this, I only hope to be charming enough that you or yours decide hurting my niece isn't worth it.”

  “She will not be injured and I gave my word that you will have proof of that tomorrow at sundown” Queen Darlene replied.

  Tanner could tell she thought she meant her words but the girl could not tell that she was being manipulated. Her advisor for his part seemed nonchalant but Tanner was sure he and Perry would talk to each other soon about what just transpired. Tanner left the group then and found where food was being served and ate a hefty amount. The sight of him made men stare in awe at his size and many were whispering that he was the one who fought Captain Valero to a draw, something apparently unheard of. After Tanner ate he found a nice warm spot and laid down with his armor still on and went to sleep.

  CHAPTER 5

  “Milord” said a voice as Tanner was gently shaken awake. It took him a bit of time to remember where he was at before he jumped awake and stared at a soldier also wearing armor. The enemy is just arriving into the area, I was told you were looking for volunteers.”

  Tanner looked around and could see it was almost sunset or it would be shortly. The sun was at his back and facing towards the enemy, in the morning their roles would be reversed. “Yeah we are leaving while the sun is at our backs, let me go talk to the knobbers in charge” Tanner replied. “Who the hell are you?”

  “I am Sandy, Milord” the armored man replied. “I am a farmer but they killed my twin brother not even three days ago.”

  “Then Sandy I hope you are ready to kick some ass” Tanner replied. “You stay close to me when the fat man shits, I’ll make sure you make it out.” Tanner walked on until he found who he was looking for, Captain Valero who was pouring over a map with a bunch of other men all wearing various colored crest in their helmets.

  “I’m going now while I have the sun for cover” Tanner began. “Can you give me a feint, right now they are all tired from getting here. I only need you to pretend to take the field, charge and make a lot of noise but don't fully commit, I just need them focused on the people in front of them. When I drive deep in the crowd though is when I am going to need you to do something to keep them off my back.”

  “This is the one Sir?” a man wearing a blue crest said as he looked over Tanner. “He is a big one, I still find it hard though now that I have seen him to believe there is a young man and not a hardened soldier under that helm.”

  “Milord we were thinking something similar to help you sneak in, we can't stay forever though” Galero repl
ied. “That catapult scatters our lines, it would be easy for them to break our lines and drive deep after that.”

  “They are going to be worried about their asses” Tanner replied. “Scatter and give me a little bit of time to work, I am going straight through to the middle. I don't know the range of those catapults but I am guessing they have to be brought close to the front lines to be effective and to not hit their own troops.”

  “Our men can be ready on a moment's notice” Galero explained. “Farmers or not they have learned in battle and are as good as can be expected. If you can break their lines we will press a little harder, if not then we will drink to your memory tonight.”

  Tanner nodded and swung his axe around a couple of times while waiting for everyone to get ready. It was a little top heavy but the more he played around with it the more he seemed to like it. It wasn’t the Sword of Ages but he could do some damage with it. Before long the men were lined up as the sun dipped further in the sky. They had flag men, most likely to give commands along with various banners depicting what leader was on the field. Tanner took up the middle of the field, he would run into the teeth of the enemy. The thick armor he had on would eventually drain him but if he could get close enough to a mage he could keep his energy up considerably. Tanner heard the murmuring behind him about him being on the field.

  “How many do you think that big bloke is going to off” Tanner heard a voice say.

  “Is that Lord Reaker? I heard he died” another voice chimed in as the march began.

  Tanner could see his opponents were not formed up yet but instead started loading one of the three catapults he saw on the field. Tanner broke ranks at this point and took off running, intent on getting to the gap. His legs burned as he churned up earth underneath him, the heavy armor was taking more out of him than he previously thought. Soon Tanner had reached the first soldier of the enemy army, Tanner did not bother with his axe and instead just bashed the man aside with his shield and kept going. These men only had leather armor Tanner thought as a group of them blocked his path. His first strike took a man in the throat and almost decapitated him. Tanner then batted away a sword strike with his shield then cleaved off the hand that held the weapon. Tanner felt a strike aimed at his back, this was a piercing type of attack but the blade did not go through. Tanner whirled around with his axe and this time did decapitate his victim as he kicked another man full in the chest. The enemy started giving him space after that, Tanner pressed on though as he knew his back up wouldn't be that far behind. Tanner watched the first volley from the catapults leave and took off once again towards them. He sent out his power and could feel there were three mages at the weapon he was going for. Tanner locked on them and started draining them as fast as he could, he could feel the power infuse his body as he became faster, stronger. Bodies started piling up in front of him then as his axe was almost too fast to follow but then suddenly everyone moved away. In front of him was one of the mages who from his staff flames erupted. Tanner held his shield out in front of his face and charged right through the flame, the magical fire could not hurt him anyway but even if it could he was sure just the shield he had could protect him from such an attack until he reached the mage. Tanner swung his axe from overhead and could see the shock in the mage's face as Tanner practically cut him in two. Tanner then heard a loud crack and spun his shield around just in time for two lightning bolts to connect to it. The magic of course died out once it reached his skin but his shield split in two. Tanner took the time to throw his axe, as imperfect a weapon it was for tossing and caught one of the mages full in the chest. Tanner then decided to stop his draining and instead projected his anti magic over the remaining mage. The mage stood there dumbfounded as Tanner closed the distance, took his axe out of the other man’s chest then buried it in the mage’s neck. The men around the catapult were unsure what to do but the decision was made for them as Tanner could see his backup had arrived and engaged the men. Tanner caught sight of the man Sandy engaged in battle and joined him. The other catapults were still firing but now the separatist had a hole in their lines and from what Tanner could tell Galero must have seen it as many of his soldiers started pouring through. Tanner spread out his power and could tell there were mages hiding in the chaos. Tanner spread his field towards where he thought they were and continued hacking men apart. His opponents attempted to flee but were pushed back by their comrades trying to join the fight who did not see the destruction Tanner was doing. Tanner watched as Sandy and the rest formed up around him as one man pointed to the left at the other catapult. That is where a mage was and Tanner decided to see if he could take out two of the weapons and started going sideways instead of deeper into the enemy ranks. Tanner saw the way his men disabled the first catapult, they just hacked apart the ropes holding the tension on it. It could be fixed easily enough in about a couple of hours but not with armored men breathing down your neck. Tanner could feel the mage now and could sense the magic user had given up on the catapult and started retreating. Tanner looked around and could see the enemy was retreating, a horn was sounded and as one the enemy started backing up.