After Havensod I began endless days of practice with sword and spear and bow. Pascalli carried an enormous oak shaft he would brandish when rancor took him, but he also hid a sword beneath his cloak. Iven preferred his hammer over anything else, but he relented long enough to show me the proper use of my father’s spear.

“Hold it thus,” he told me. “And watch your footwork.” He usually said that after I tripped again. “You’re feet give you control. Don’t rely on your eyes or hands. Your legs and hips are the power, not your arms. You’re scrawny as a chicken, lad. You can’t expect to beat me with strength alone.”

“Then how can I win?” I asked. I didn’t want to kill the smith or anyone at all, but my desire to learn grew insatiable.

“Play to your strengths. You’ve speed and nimble feet. Never force a blow you can draw me into, and don’t try to stop a blow you could just as easily avoid altogether,” he said. I listened carefully to the smith and each day tried to improve upon the last.

I soon discovered that Pascalli had truly mastered many skills. In addition to my daily or twice or thrice daily efforts with weapons, he taught and drilled and forced me to recite from memory arithmetic, poetry, and the solutions to complex problems. In many ways, traveling with those two was akin to being locked in a room with two over-cautious tutors from dawn until dusk. Of course usually tutors did not also have you doing the cooking and cleaning and tending the fire. I don’t mean to say that they treated me harshly. They merely kept me busy. I certainly had no time to be homesick or to cause trouble.

The days began early and ended very late. We did not push the horses too quickly, though Pascalli had a definite direction and course in mind. We traveled almost due east, but slightly north out of Havensod directly into the Shadowspine Mountains. After the first day we left the highway where it continued east and slightly south towards a pass that led out of the empire.

“We are in the wild now,” advised Iven. “You best keep your wits about you, Scratch.”

“I’ve been in the wild before,” I replied quietly.

“Of course you have,” said Pascalli, slightly condescending. “I’m sure your father did his best to get around your mother’s preoccupation with your safety.” I gave him a sour look, but he only smiled back. “Have no fear. You will have plenty of opportunity to learn.” When he caught my look of exasperation, he added, “There is no skill so great that it cannot be improved. We need meat and healing plants. One thing you do not do well is cook, and since you once expressed an interest in learning, I shall teach you. For that we shall need some herbs and plants of which you may not be entirely familiar.”

“I already know about herbs and plants and things,” I said.

“I’m sure you do,” he said dismissively. “Now ride on out and see if you can bring down an elk or buffalo.”

“Wouldn’t a deer be enough? There are only three of us,” I suggested.

“We need more than just meat,” he replied. “A bear or tiger would be good, though I doubt you will see one. Fat and furs will see us through the winter.” He gave me a mysterious grin. “Of course if all goes well we will have other resources for the winter. Still, we better plan for the worst.”

“We’ll need to move higher into the mountains if you want to find game that large,” I said. “It’s too hot this low.”

He smiled back at me. “Of course, Scratch, you lead the way. Take us north and east until we reach the head of the Dustwater.” I thought he was joking, but after a moment I realized he actually expected me to pick out our trail.

Under my leadership we progressed slowly. I turned out to be a less proficient tracker than I had expected, though not as bad, I think, as Iven had guessed. My father taught me as much as a young boy could learn, and I stayed alert to the hints Pascalli dropped each day. After three days we finally came upon a small stream that flowed icy cold from the mountains. “I see you’ve finally found it,” chuckled Pascalli, and my ears burned. “Why not rest a while,” he suggested, although it was only mid-day. “This is a branch of the Dustwater. We can follow it upstream until it joins the main river. Perhaps the smith can catch a fish for our supper and you can show me that trick you do with the spear again.”

The trick he referred to was the one where he disarmed me and sent me sprawling head over heels. I felt in no mood to be bruised again. “I need to check for animal sign,” I said.

“Good idea, I’ll come with you,” said the old wizard. I expected Pascalli to do little more than be a nuisance, much less offer any real help. To my great surprise he proved to be both much more expert than myself, and a much kinder teacher than I had hoped.

“Shhh, Scratch,” he breathed. “See, there, the path of a small snake where it has crossed to get water. And there, that broken twig is fresh, only a few minutes. A mountain buffalo most likely, there haven’t been any sign of bear.”

Sure enough it only required a few moments of careful looking to spot a clearer set of tracks among the softer ground near the water. We found a medium sized bull grazing near the stream.

“Do you know where to shoot?” asked Pascalli.

“Yes, I replied,” as I pulled my bow. My aim was true, and the arrow found its mark just behind and a little below the shoulder. I drew and loosed a second arrow when the first one didn’t drop the mountain buffalo. After a moment though, it stumbled and fell over. I had never before killed anything quite so large and felt a mixture of emotions as I watched the blood ooze from its nose. Slaying something so great and beautiful felt both wonderful and horrible.

“You begin skinning it,” said Pascalli. “I’ll get Iven.”

We had a wonderful feast of fresh meat that evening, the first I had enjoyed since leaving Dunston. We scraped and cured the hide. We carefully jerked thee rest of the meat. Pascalli took the time to show me the proper technique for curing the hide while we rested and gathered our strength.

“We’ll need at least two more hides like this by the end of summer,” warned Pascalli. “Three or four would serve us better.”

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Not that again,” laughed the wizard, and Iven added his own rough chuckle. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, why do we need so many hides if there are clothes and blankets we can buy?” I said.

“That should be obvious even to you,” replied the wizard. “There is a strong possibility that we will spend the winter in the mountains without access to other resources. You have much to learn before you can take up your father’s destiny.”

“What do you know about my father?” I asked.

“More than you,” replied Pascalli with a wink. He saw the hurt and anger in my eyes. “No need for that. I mean no harm. I know a great deal about many people. Your father was a great man and he left you a great responsibility. Can you understand that?”

“I can do what needs doing,” I said.

“Then find us meat and hides before we have to go to ground for the winter. Before you know it your real work will begin and you’ve not long to prepare for it. You will take up Kyven Halfspear’s work, and I mean for you to be fully prepared when you do.”

I brought down another buffalo and three elk before the first snow, and for the first time in several markets Pascalli seemed content. Then one day Pascalli told me to take the rear. I had lead long enough. At first I felt that I had somehow disappointed him with my performance. I must have taken too long or not properly followed the river. I quickly realized he was looking for a specific place, one that I could not possibly know about. He guided us higher and deeper, beyond the farthest homesteads. Eventually I lost the path entirely though I did my best to watch our back trail. Pascalli taught me to pick out landmarks so that if I ever rode the same trail twice, either coming or going I would be able to find my way. Despite his training I admit I could not keep the path clearly in my mind. He guided us for more than two markets. In the dead of winter we entered a cave deep in the mountains far beyond the known passes of men.

We had already consumed much of our meat. Iven complained more than once about the lack of fuel for his pipe. Pascalli waved away our concerns lightly. “We’ll soon have more than we need I’m sure, though you may not like what you get. Tomorrow we’ll enter the realm of the Veldmen. They’ll see us through the winter safe enough.”

Copyright 2008 Kelly David Tolman

On to The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep Fantasy Novel Chapter Fifteen

Back to The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep Fantasy Novel Chapter Thirteen

I thought we would point the wagon towards one of the many city gates, but instead we drove to the old fort near the center of town where the Eastern Watch kept their command. Though the town came alive early with farmers and artisans already preparing for a busy day in the city’s sprawling markets, the fort seemed abandoned. All around the noise of the city erupted almost at once, while the old fort waited in silence, like a skeletal crown on top of a low hill.

The fort gates stood open, and the sentries merely waved and nodded at Pascalli as we approached. Inside only a few soldiers were visible. Across the yard I heard Iven’s hammer ringing against the anvil. I could just make out his broad shoulders working in the cool morning air.

“Lord Armos is waiting for you,” said a man I did not recognize.

Pascalli nodded towards Iven. “Fetch the smith as well. He’ll be needed this morning,” said Pascalli. The man hesitated. Obviously he knew how little Iven liked to be disturbed when working. “Tell him I sent you, and you may have better luck.” Pascalli winked and laughed to himself. The soldier reluctantly turned towards the forge. “Once we’re inside, speak only if spoken to. A great deal may be said today, none of which you should either understand or concern yourself with at the moment. However, I would like you to remember what goes on. Above all, pay attention to the faces you meet today, for they won’t soon forget yours.”

I followed the towering wizard into a low building with thick stone walls. A soldier escorted us down a narrow hallway to a small room at the back of the fortress. A little sunlight filtered in through narrow windows near the ceiling, but the real light came from two dusty lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

Two men waited inside. I recognized Daven. The friendly priest seemed genuinely delighted to see me. “I’m glad to see you again, Colter. We lost a lot of men in the battle. None of us knew what happened to you.”

I caught the wizard’s eye and held my tongue. “I am Lord Armos,” said the other man. His graying hair rested on the armor covering his broad shoulders. His cares weighed heavily, causing him to stoop slightly when he stood or walked. His voice sounded tired, but still carried the firmness of a man used to giving orders. “Pascalli says that you have entered into an apprenticeship with Iven. Is this true?”

I didn’t know anything about it, but I guessed that Pascalli must have arranged it. “Yes, sir,” I replied.

Pascalli presented a document. I recognized my name but not the paper. Iven opened the door and stepped inside. I felt crowded between the two massive men.

“I see you’ve taken an apprentice,” said Armos. “Usually we like to be informed of these changes beforehand. We hoped you would continue with us, but I am sure you want to rejoin your family.”

“That’s right, sir,” replied Iven. “I’ve a home and forge in Anascrag that are missing me. The boy has already learned a lot. He proved himself a solid worker, and I can use his help.”

“Imperial law frees you from service so long as you have been accepted by a master of Iven’s status. We’ll need another witness.” He opened the door and spoke quickly to the soldier who stood guard outside. “Captain Torbridge has become invaluable since the battle. He’s assisting me here now, though we’re shorthanded and most of the officers spend more time in the field than usual.”

Armos returned to his seat and motioned for the rest of us to sit down as well. Daven filled wooden goblets with wine while we waited for Torbridge.

“It is a pity that so many died in the battle,” said the priest to no one in particular. “Lord Kelsin has been greatly missed.”

“”He wasn’t a bad man.” To my surprise Iven spoke. “I never agreed much with him, but he didn’t deserve such a death.”

“You saw it then?” asked Armos.

“The lad and I watched from a hill,” replied the smith. “War is a gruesome thing, but nobody should suffer the terror those men faced before they perished. It’s no surprise so many deserted. They’ll not want to face the Kaarum again if there’s risk of that happening again.”

“I am sure the effect was equally potent on the Kaarum,” said Pascalli. “They will not venture south so easily again. Not only are their numbers largely dwindled, but even their powerful masters will not be able to force them out until they are on the brink of starvation.”

“How long will that take?” asked Daven.

“A few summers, possibly longer,” replied Pascalli. “I’ve not visited their broken land in many winters, so it could also be sooner.”

“The Eastern Watch cannot recover in time,” said Armos. “I hope you are wrong.”

The wizard’s eyes flickered and the corners of his mouth tightened slightly. “This would not be the first time you hoped I was wrong.” His words cut the old general, and he slouched in his armor. “I doubt you’ve anything to worry about.” Pascalli’s tone brightened. The stern edge left his voice. “They will try the west next, unless I miss my guess. After they exhaust the wilderness north of the wall they will find Anascrag.”

“There’s a ray of hope for us, then,” said Daven. He smiled. “This heavy talk does nothing to cheer any of us. I’ve no head for battle, or for politics. Pass round the wine again. Besides, Colter is to be congratulated. An apprenticeship such as this will be very valuable for him.”

“What will be valuable?” I recognized Torbridge’s voice from the doorway.

“Young Halfspear has entered into an apprenticeship,” said Armos. “We need you to witness the discharge.”

Torbridge glanced around the room. If he guessed any of Pascalli’s mind he didn’t show it. He scarcely glanced at the document before adding his signature to the bottom. “You can collect your wages with the quartermaster.” He left the room as abruptly as he came. Armos added his signature and handed me the paper.

“Listen to your master, boy. He’s a man who knows the world and the men in it. You’re free to go.” Lord Armos returned to his chair and sighed heavily.

Iven took me by the shoulder and guided me from the room. Pascalli followed us to the wagon. “I’ll meet you at the drover’s after you’ve collected his wages and your gear. They brought in some wild horses to break for the army a few markets back. I’ve a feeling they’ll have some surplus, and we’ll need extra mounts.”

As Iven took me to the quartermaster I noticed how few soldiers garrisoned the walls. A line of women waited outside another low building, some of them carried or led small children. They stood in near silence, many of them weeping. “They’ve come to check the lists of the dead, and collect their husband’s wages” said Iven. “They call it the widow’s due, but only half will ever see it. Without a body their claim can’t be proven, and they’ll write him down as a deserter. The sorrow of those men buried in the valley will continue for many winters to come.”

“They’ll starve,” I said.

“Or worse,” said Iven. I wondered at his statement, but held my tongue.

Iven loaded a heavy pack onto my shoulders before taking an even larger load for himself. We struggled beneath the weight down the hill and to the north edge of town where wide corrals held stock for sale to the slaughterhouses or the stables. We found Pascalli haggling with a much smaller man over the price of horses. In the end he traded the wagon and more money than he cared to spend for seven strong horses bred in the mountains.

“Your mother knows something of horses, I believe,” said Pascalli. “Did she ever teach you anything about them?”

“I could ride before I could walk,” I replied. “These are good horses if you plan on a long journey over rough ground. I know the mountain breeds. They have heart and endurance, but they can be hard to break. They’ve short legs, so don’t bet on winning a sprint.”

“You’ve a keen eye, lad,” said the gentleman selling the horses. “I can use an extra hand if you’re interested.”

“The lad’s spoken for,” interrupted Iven gruffly.

The man nodded. “The name’s Tondo, if you change your mind. I drift between here and Dynwater, though I’m usually further north during the summer.” He tipped his hat and smiled. “Pleasure doing business with someone who understands it.”

We mounted and Pascalli led us toward the city gates. As we left the drover I noticed a familiar wagon pull up. Farmer Trakkin dismounted, and I saw Anaria idly toying with a flower in her fingers. I caught Pascalli’s sleeve and pointed in their direction.

“You’ll only bring them trouble if they see you now,” said the wizard. “Torbridge made a point of ignoring you, but you should know he hasn’t forgotten your name or face. As soon as he’s able he’ll send word to those who care that you’ve left the army and Havensod. Your father left a name in the world that draws the attention of men with power. Before winter comes they’ll be looking for you, and no apprenticeship will keep you safe then.”

Copyright 2008 Kelly David Tolman

On to The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep Fantasy Novel Chapter Fourteen

Back to The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep Fantasy Novel Chapter Twelve

What seemed like only moments later a hard boot brought me painfully to my senses. I expected to see the tall form of Pascalli looming over me in the dark before dawn, but instead a greasy man of medium build with dirty blond locks hanging about his chin leered at me.

Master Horrofmen, the owner of the Blue Dragon, did not care for my intrusion upon his establishment and reminded me at every turn.

“Whip him soundly if he’s lazy, Jakand,” he warned the greasy cook. “I’ll not have any loafers in my place.”

True to his orders, Jakand kicked me whenever a foul mood took him or if he thought me too slow. He took to calling me Lazy Nob and relegated me to a corner with even less straw than before.

“Up and earn your keep.” Jakand’s voice sounded slightly raspy and clearly not content. I pulled myself from the ground, blinking stupidly. “The wood needs split as Jon’s left it undone again. Now get.”

“Where?” I stammered. By now I was getting used to being ordered around by people I didn’t know.

“In the back, stupid.” I noticed his knee bending slightly as he readied another kick and I scampered away to work. I split the wood and sharpened the axe on a stone in the barn. I neither saw nor heard Pascalli, though I knew he must be close by as no one had called for the horses or wagon.

At the Waystop guests were infrequent except after harvest when the merchants came, and the times I helped Harrim I could do any task at my leisure. The Blue Dragon was crowded with travelers from many places, and their demands filled not only my time, but kept the four regular servants busy as well. Jon never spoke to me except to give me another task though I guessed from Jakand’s manner that to take pity on me would cause him trouble.

“Vergha has taken ill,” said Jakand the following morning. “You’ll help Laural with the cleaning until she is better.” Vergha, the older woman who cleaned the rooms looked as fit and healthy as ever. Her hand moved as quickly as any young girl’s when I stole a crust of bread for my breakfast, and her string of curses betrayed the strength in her lungs as I darted from the kitchens. Jakand liked her, however, and I knew there would be no peace if I displeased either of them.

I found Laural on the second floor sweeping dust from the corners. “Jakand sent me to help,” I said.

She smiled back and looked at me through greasy bangs that got into her eyes. Although certainly older than me she seemed at once both younger and more mature. A hint of lighter color showed beneath the dirt and grime covering her hair and face. I saw a freckle or two where she wiped the dirt from her nose. I knew I must look little better, and pushed the hair back over my ears.

“Start over there,” she said. She pointed at a pile of rubbish in the corner. “I brought a bin up with me. You can find an extra broom in the kitchen if you’re brave enough to go back down there.”

I laughed a little. “Not just now. Vergha’s not in a pleasant mood this morning.”

“Or any morning,” agreed Laural.

I didn’t mind the work even though many of my old friends would have considered fit only for a woman. Laural made the place feel almost pleasant. We worked through the day, exchanging lighter conversation than I had enjoyed since arriving at the inn. By evening I was tired, but content with the day’s work.

When a rough hand shook me awake in the middle of the night I thought Jakand had found another torture. I didn’t expect to see Pascalli smiling back at me. He held a finger to his lips and motioned for me to follow him out of the kitchens. In the opposite corner Jon stirred a little in his sleep, but resumed his rhythmic snoring as I joined Pascalli in the alley behind the Blue Dragon.

“Where have you been?” I demanded in the loudest whisper I could manage.

“I believe my affairs are my own,” he said through stern brows. “Some may argue that I need a keeper, but I reserve the opinion that you are not the person for the job.” His lecture tone melted quickly. “I’m sure you’ve had a time of it. Jakand was always a bit of a brute, and far too dull for my taste. I hope he hasn’t handled you too badly.”

“I’m alive,” I said. “The work isn’t bad, and he’s slow with his kicks in the afternoon. Will we be leaving soon?” I tried to make the question sound as pitiful as possible.

“Not soon enough for your liking, I’m afraid.” I frowned and stared at the feet. I hadn’t noticed the chill air in the alley until then. “Don’t sulk. Another day, maybe two and we’ll be on our way. I just wanted to see that you were alive and let you know I hadn’t forgotten. Have you seen any imperial troops?”

“No. I’ve only seen merchants and a few travelers. I haven’t talked to any of them as Jakand doesn’t like us to speak to the guests,” I replied.

“Technically you have deserted your post, so I don’t think you should strike up a conversation with anyone who might recognize you at the moment,” he said.

“You’re nothing but trouble,” I said.

“Most people I know would agree with you.” He smiled, and his eyes softened. “You will have to trust me, Scratch. Tomorrow I’ll speak with Torbridge or whoever they’ve left in command. I’ll have it sorted out soon enough. In the meantime, be careful who you talk to. There are plenty of scoundrels around who intend you harm.” He handed me small packet wrapped in a bit of cloth. “I saved bit of food which I’m sure will taste better than the swill Jakand usually passes around.”

I took the food. “Thanks,” I said. Despite the circumstances, I felt I could trust him. “Have you seen Iven?”

“He’s doing well. He returned to his post at my suggestion. At the moment he is rather worried about you. It will do him good to know that you are safe, though perhaps not as comfortable as you would like,” said Pascalli.

“Will he be coming with us?” I asked.

“Probably,” replied Pascalli. “Now off you go, and be quiet. I’ll fetch you as soon as I can.”

In the morning I resumed my chores, though my heart felt a little lighter after Pascalli’s reassurances. Laural found me splitting wood. I was glad for her company. She had washed her face and hair, and her freckles showed clearly in the morning light.

“It must me a festival day,” I commented. “You look fit to celebrate.”

“Any change is nice,” she replied. “This place wears you down until there’s hardly anything left. I’d like to leave the Blue Dragon forever.”

“What’s holding you here?” I asked. “Surely you’ve kin somewhere who would take you in.”

“My father owed Master Horrofmen for the rents on his shop. When the time came to pay he offered me instead. Five winters of service. If I had the money I could buy my way out, but where could I get any money? I’ve nowhere to run even if I dared try.” The helplessness in her eyes echoed the emptiness of her voice as she spoke. “You’ll be moving on soon enough, though, won’t you?”

I hesitated, unsure if she had overheard my conversation with Pascalli or if she was just guessing. “I hope so,” I said. “Jakand’s boot is getting uncomfortable.”

“He’s a pig,” agreed Laural. We shared a laugh at the man’s expense. “Do you think your friend could take me with you?”

“You should have been sleeping,” I said.

“You shouldn’t make so much noise when you walk.” She countered.

“I only met him a few days before we came here. I don’t know where we’re going or when. If he has plans, he hasn’t told me about them. You can ask him what you like.”

Pascalli appeared before dawn the following day, before most of the guests had risen, and even before our work had really begun for the day. I heard his voice booming from the common room. “Horrofmen, I require my baggage. All of it now, including the bit that walks. Have my team sent around immediately. I must be off at once.”

Horrofmen poked his head into the kitchens long enough to point a finger at me and jerk a thumb towards the stables. “Best get your horses ready, boy.”

Laural caught my sleeve as I walked out. “Come on,” I said. “No harm asking.”

Pascalli met us at the stable. “Get the horses, lad. Don’t bother with the girl. We’ve enough baggage already.”

“Please, sir, I can cook and mend,” said Laural.

Pascalli looked at her more kindly than I expected. His voice was gentle, but firm. “Where we go you cannot come, child. I know Horrofmen for his black heart and unyielding ways, but do not give up hope too quickly. Help is often just a moment away. I cannot help you today, but another may come along just when least expected. Hop to, Scratch! Don’t forget your pack!”

What an idiot I must have been. I loaded my pack onto the wagon, and as I did I remembered the money Master Wilder had given me. I waved at Laural, and she came to help. “It isn’t much, but it should be enough for a start,” I said. “I’ve no use for it.” I handed her the coins, and tears formed at the corners of her eyes. She tried to speak, but turned away and darted inside.

“Now then, lad, let’s be off. We’ve much work today,” said Pascalli.

Copyright 2008 Kelly David Tolman

On to The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep Fantasy Novel Chapter Thirteen

Back to The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep Fantasy Novel Chapter Eleven

Torbridge rode up a few minutes after the rumbling stopped. His horse’s eyes rolled wildly with fear and exhaustion. A few soldiers straggled behind him. “You’d best come with us if you want to stay safe,” he ordered. But Iven just laughed.

“And what will you do that I can’t?” The smith planted his feet and mocked the captain. “Go on Torbridge, go rally the peasants back in Havensod.”

“You, boy, come with me!” It was more of a plea than an order. I think that was the first time I started to realize that my name had real meaning to people in the wide world. He moved to grab me, but I recoiled and he turned and rode away screaming, “Fools!”

In the valley below a few more eruptions shook the plain before the earth everywhere let out a great sigh. Straggling bands of Kaarum wandered north while straggling bands of soldiers wandered south. The great Kaarum warlord lies buried deep in the earth now along with Lord Kelsin. Bent and broken corpses littered the valley floor along with the scattered remains of weapons and wagons. I clutched my spear and retched again.

“Best use of a spear I’ve seen in a long time,” commented Iven.

“I agree,” said a voice I didn’t recognize until I turned around. There stood the stranger from the night before, quietly surveying the valley. His face was as cold as stone, but his wrinkles made it look like he was smiling even in the face of such destruction.

“Everywhere you go death follows, Pascalli,” said Iven. “Not even Kaarum deserve to die like that.”

“At another time I might debate that point with you,” replied Pascalli calmly. “For now let my work speak for itself. There is no question how I feel about the Kaarum or their masters or their servants.”

“And what of the men?” The smith screamed back. It is a testament to me of the gravity of the violence I witnessed that Iven would lose his temper. Passionate as he was, I never knew him to blink an eye at seeing a man crushed or burned or have a limb cut off. “They have done nothing.”

“I came to warn them, my friend,” replied Pascalli calmly. “Would there be more alive if I had let the Kaarum slaughter them? Would there be less suffering if I had waited? I tried to keep them back but I could not.”

“That is no way for a man to die.” Iven sulked.

“And I am sorry you witnessed it. You should have waited by the wagon. One of you at least has the sense to do as they are told. Scratch, my boy, come here.” Of course I obeyed. I had done nothing more than obey since leaving home. “Let me see.” He looked into my eyes in a way that only Pascalli could look. I felt as if he were searching my soul, looking for some spark of fate that he could ignite. I tried to hide it, and the harder I tried the wider his grin grew until he chuckled and said, “So it is true after all.”

“What’s true, sir,” I asked.

Again Pascalli chuckled. “A fool’s dream, that’s what. Now no more nonsensical questions until you are old enough to not understand them properly. Where are your things? Where is your horse?”

One thing about Pascalli that I always found interesting was his way of constantly asking questions but always refusing to answer them. For example, when I asked “Where are we going?”

He replied, “Ha, and what sort of silliness is that. I might just as well ask what you mean by that. Where are we going now? Nowhere. We are eating lunch right here. Later today? South, generally. Perhaps to Havensod and perhaps not. To Darnuth Keep. Ultimately? Who knows? Where are we going in life, you might just as well give up on that one. In fact, I would suggest you give up asking altogether until you are a bit older, say two hundred or so. Just keep your eyes and ears open and the answers will come when you need them.”

“Who are you?” I persisted.

“I see you won’t be satisfied without a few answers at least,” he said. He smiled broad and laughed as if the battle never happened. “I’ve nearly forgotten what it is to be curious and ignorant.” If he saw my frown he ignored it. “My name is Pascalli, at least that is what I am generally called. I am a wizard. To some I am The Wizard. To others I am other things, both better and worse. You may call me Pascalli or master, for I will continue the training that Iven has started.”

“What do you want with me?” My head reeled with unanswered questions.

He laughed again. “That is a question with many answers, most of which you could not possibly misunderstand correctly. Let us say simply that you and I share the same goals, and a part of the same destiny. I fight the Kaarum. More specifically I seek to destroy them utterly. You will help me. In time we may even succeed. At the moment it does not matter. The fact that Harrim Wilder finally saw fit to thrust you upon the world is at least a sign that things may begin to right themselves.” He saw the question in my eyes. “How I know the innkeeper and why are not questions I shall answer at the moment. Nor shall I bother with the dozen other you would conjure if I didn’t stop you. At the moment I want lunch.”

Between Pascalli and Iven existed a kind of quiet alliance that teetered on hatred but was held together by contempt of both the Kaarum and the injustice of men. I could plainly see that Iven trusted the wizard as he trusted no other man, but that he liked him no better than Torbridge. I found myself drawn to his smile, but a silent warning in my mind told me to tread carefully.

Though the Eastern Watch largely destroyed the Kaarum that day, they suffered tremendous losses. Many soldiers deserted following the destruction and the surviving officers spent the next markets searching for them or hunting the starving pockets of Kaarum. Pascalli had several loose ends to tie up in Havensod, most of which had little to do with me. He had contracted the help of a group of people very much unknown to me, and as I gathered unknown to anyone in the empire. First, however, Iven, Pascalli and I returned to Havensod. While I still remained a soldier in the imperial army and I remained Iven’s charge, Pascalli directed our affairs now and I am certain he didn’t take more than one eye off of me for longer than an instant.

Havensod is a favorite home for merchants, travelers and rogues. Most towns of any size are wonderful to visit, but Havensod has a peculiar kind of warmth about it that welcomes travelers. Inns, taverns, warehouses, shops, bazaars; all of the wonderful places a city should have mixed with the earthy roots of the farmers that built it. The few remaining old families who made Havensod their permanent residence were very old indeed and still mingled their blood with gentleman farmers in the surrounding region. The new permanent families were likewise very few in number and included wealthy merchants tired of their travels but still hungry for news of the world outside. Everyone else visited but never stayed. Shops changed owners almost as quickly as turnips, and the merchant selling beads one market would be gone the next only to return in a five market or a summer peddling pots or rugs. Of all the major cities in the empire, only Havensod openly welcomed foreigners, though few rarely crossed the eastern mountains or made the long trek from the south.

In those days alliances had yet to be forged with the kingdoms across the Shadowspines, and the Darkunders remained under suspicion. Havensod provided a sort of door to the empire for such folk. Pascalli bundled me into the back of the wagon and we entered the town just as dusk fell on the highway. “Here your name is Buck,” he told me. “Don’t you forget it. No mention of battles or Kaarum here, do you understand?”

“Yes,” I mumbled, not really understanding.

“You are a servant in my employ for about the last thirty markets. I treat you harshly. If anyone asks questions, show them your scars and mumble something about me beating you.”

A question started in my throat but he cut it off.

“I’ve neither time nor inclination to explain. Suffice to say that you are in real danger while in Havensod and that Iven and I are your only friends. Now in you go and keep your head down.”

Pascalli chose for our lodging one Blue Dragon inn. The place tickled my nose slightly with the odor of refuse behind the smoke and ale. Pascalli pulled the wagon around behind the inn and hopped out. “Stable the horses. Then bring our gear up to my room,” he growled.

I jumped to obey. Iven returned to the local guard headquarters and left me alone to unload everything. Apparently Pascalli gave orders that I was to do the job myself since none of the inn’s servants lent a hand. I did not finish until late into the night, and when I did Pascalli sent me off to find a corner to sleep with the servants. I collapsed in an exhausted heap on a pile of dirty straw and fell instantly into a deep slumber.

Copyright 2008 Kelly David Tolman

On to The Cleansing of Darnuth Keep Fantasy Novel Chapter Twelve

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I sat working on my armor by the light of a lantern at the end of the wagon when a man rode into camp on a great, fat, speckled gray horse. He was a large man, well over two meters tall (even without the hat) with flowing black hair streaked with gray and a beard that reached to his waist and below. He kept the beard tucked into a great black belt that stretched around his middle, holding up sky blue trousers over a startling yellow shirt. He covered himself with a thick green cloak and topped his head with a wide-brimmed green hat whose point bent slightly to the right. Larger even than Master Wilder, larger than Iven, yet he sprang from the horse as lightly as a young squirrel and tipped his hat to me.

“Good evening, young master,” he said as pleasantly as if we were enjoying the mid-summer’s festival together.

“And a good evening to you, sir,” I replied.

“I see the young still catch themselves up in these travesties.” His eyes danced as he spoke. “Take the advice of an old man and go home.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t,” I replied. To this day I do not know what drove me to say that. Perhaps it was his tone or manner, but I felt angry and sad and above all lonely. I had no home.

“What then? Can’t? Won’t? Ha! Who are you?” His tone was mischievous but I felt pacified.

“Colter Halfspear, sir, but here they call me Scratch.”

“Scratch, ho, ho!” he bellowed so loudly I thought the entire camp would wake. “That’s just grand. Halfspear’s son relegated to Scratch.” He laughed so hard tears came to his eyes. Just as suddenly as it started, the laughter stopped. His face turned serious, and I caught a look such as when my father told me something he didn’t want my mother to know about. “Now listen to me Scratch. Tomorrow is going to be a bloody day that won’t soon be forgotten in these valleys.” There was earnestness in his voice that transfixed me to him, a depth in his eyes that captivated me. His strength of will bound my attention. “Stick close to Iven, do you understand?”

“No sir,” I replied. I hadn’t really thought of doing anything else, but I really didn’t understand this fellow at all.

“Don’t leave the blacksmith’s side, not for a moment, not if demons themselves try to tear you away. I’ll be back afterwards, and perhaps then you’ll understand.” Then he smiled at me. It was a kind smile, the first kind smile I had seen since leaving home, and I trusted it. “Yes, I think perhaps we will meet again.” Then, just as quickly as he had appeared he parted the flap to Lord Kelsin’s tent and entered.

I listened at a safe distance from the tent, watching the lanterns extinguish around the camp. Only a few words escaped from the secret council, mostly the brash tones of the enormous stranger. The camp had changed in the last few days. A nervous air buzzed around us, and my curiosity itched until I wanted to be a part of the great plans for the coming battle.

I stayed awake nearly all of that night, both to finish my armor and to see if the stranger would re-appear. His horse had not been stabled, and I was half tempted to do the job for him. My armor fit nicely after a few hours of steady work, and I was sure it would pass Iven’s closest inspection. Just as I finally began sinking into sleep, the stranger grabbed me and pulled me wide-awake. “Remember, Halfspear, stay with the smith and trust not to fools,” he whispered. I hardly understood his words in the darkness, but he persisted. “You’ve friends and enemies all about you, and no time to sort them out. If you value your life and the legacy of your father you’ll keep away from the valley tomorrow and stay close by Iven.” He vanished into the darkness with a flurry, and I slipped into a deep slumber.

I woke late the following morning. I had grown used to the movement of the wagon through endless nights and days, but only the other soldiers marched away while we waited. After so much labor I found Iven’s stillness disturbing. Though his hands continued repairing a small tear in his coat, his face was calm and blank.

“Rest easy,” he said. “The wounded will be back soon enough. Then our work will begin again, and the work of others.”

I put on my mail and grabbed my spear. After all I was still a soldier in the imperial army, though I didn’t feel like much of a soldier and Iven laughed as he saw me. “You’ve done fair work with the shirt Scratch, though you’ll not need it today.”

“Where is the battle?” I asked.

“Why would you be asking about that trifle?” responded Iven. “You’ve no need for battles.”

“Just curious.”

“You’ll not be going near it Scratch, not if I can help it.” The smith’s voice had taken on his usual tone of brute finality.

“I don’t want to see it,” I said truthfully. “I don’t even like fighting.” I think I wanted to know more where it was so that I could run away from it than to be able to get to it.

“Really?” asked Iven. “You’ve got a lot of hardware for a lad that’s not looking for a fight.”

“It was my father’s,” I answered. “Except for the mail, that was given to me when the village sent me away.”

“On second thought, perhaps you should see the battle,” said Iven with a queer glint in his eye. “Not close up, but close enough. Seeing men cut down may help you understand the foolishness of all this. There’s a spare pig-poker in the wagon, and a helmet. Hop to it then Scratch, the day’s not getting any longer!”

With spears in hand we climbed a hill just north of the camp. At the top we looked down into a small valley where the two armies had met. The great black hosts of the Kaarum crushed against a stalwart wall of defending spearmen at the center, and around the edges horsemen galloped, pressing the dark army in against the middle ranks. I found Lord Kelsin quickly. His great white horse and shining armor sparkled in the mid morning light. Wherever he rode the men rallied and more than once a shout of courage erupted in his trail. Before him enemies fell back. For the moment the imperial army held he upper hand. The battle raged back and forth, like a swirling mass of insects seeking furiously to destroy one another.

The seemingly endless hosts of Kaarum slowly began to take their toll on the soldiers. Though their claws and horns could not reach past the long spears and shields of the army, their sheer size and great numbers steadily created an advantage. Then, suddenly, like a thunderclap, a wave of fear surged across the valley, spreading panic on both sides. An enormous dark figure on a great black reptile descended onto the battlefield from a hill across the valley. The huge deformed lizard sported gnarled horns and white sharp fangs. Wherever it went men fled in terror. The rider, clothed in a sable cloak, and bearing a long lance with a sword slung across his back urged his troops to battle.

Now the battle turned quickly against the imperial forces. The Kaarum rallied around their leader who spread terror like a plague across the field. On the opposite side, Lord Kelsin also struggled to bring hope and order back to the battle. With his bodyguard he made a drive deep into the Kaarum lines, pushing them back. But to his folly Kelsin overextended, and enemies cut down his rearguard. Stranded in the midst of his enemies, he struggled to return to safety. Before he could find a way out, the enemy warlord sped forth his troops, and I hid my face as they carried Kelsin from his horse and he became lost beneath the dark mass of fighting.

The battle turned into a route. Soldiers and officers alike fell back beneath a wave of panic. Without regard or sense of direction men turned and ran for any perceived safety. The flight of the soldiers was speedy but disorganized. The Kaarum crowded them together on their flanks, spreading confusion and disorder among the inner ranks.

Then it happened. A rumble like a thousand rushing waterfalls rose suddenly. The ground beneath the feet of the Kaarum began to erupt in violent explosions, creating massive sinkholes and throwing howling beast-men into the air. The entire length of the valley began to boil with the noise of a thousand thunderstorms as the earth hurled boulders into the air and they slammed back down again. Everywhere open pits sucked the Kaarum into the ground or explosions tossed them into the sky or crushed them beneath falling stones. The ground trembled. I fell to my knees. Soldiers lost their footing and many were sucked down with the violence and crushed with the Kaarum. Panic swept over the valley carrying with it all remnants of sanity. Men cut one another down just to be the first to escape the noise. Peasants pulled nobles from their horses. Even Iven tripped and fell eventually.

Of the many horrible memories I have, this is one of the most potent. I vomited endlessly. My loathing for violence redoubled. That experience transfixed in my mind forever the desire to keep armies apart.
Copyright 2008 Kelly David Tolman

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