The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull
Russell Claridge
Copyright Russell Claridge 2012
ISBN - 9780992735210
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1
Four Points
‘When first Man arrived in these lands they fought with the Elves of old. As both races were knowledgeable in the ways of magic so were their skills with sword, spear and arrow. The echoes of that war have all but faded to the spirits that float and watch us. We have now lived at peace with the immortal Elves since the days of King Ulinbran. From the east another race came forth. Dwarves, short, rough and sturdy they were and quickly they became friends of Man. But as Man grew in number, divisions became apparent.’ The storyteller scanned the eyes of the people that watched, his eyes finally resting on the eyes of a young girl standing at the front in her usual position.
‘Many battles were fought between Men and Men. The chaos sent many away from this land many heading south and north to find new lands. But out of this came a wise and powerful Man. Arthur with the King's blessing, constructed the Fortress of Camelot to house his Knights of the Round Table. Together, they were the beacon of hope, awe and justice. Together, for three generations with Arthur’s first born, the Knights protected Man from themselves.’ The storyteller lowered his head as if in shame and his voice darkened.
‘But enemies from within, and what seemed trusted friends, were at work within the boundaries of Camelot, to bring the fortress and the Knights to their knees. Camelot was destroyed! But the Knights did not yield. Mielach had become the stronghold of the Betrayers. And with the help of the nobles at Heeden, the King, descendent of Ulinbran himself, was slain. Remembering the truce of old, Arthur called upon the Elves to assist in the Battle of Ulin.’ The storyteller stared up to the sky outstretching his hands.
‘Many thousands stood on each side but the Knights, powerful as they were, were outnumbered. Still Arthur with Excalibur upon his hip walked onto the Plains of Ulin. With Lancelot, Bors, Tristan, Galahad, Gawain, Alagon, Dagonet, Sagramore and the Warrior Queen Guinevere they marched at the head of their forces.’ The storyteller’s head fell and he slumped into his seat.
‘The Knights failed and though the Betrayer, Morlek, was killed another took his place in the form of Lancelot. Now where the Knights are no one knows, neither them nor Merlin, teacher of all Knights. Ulin! Camelot! Arthur! Are but words! Words, that within the Empire are punishable by death by the greatest deceiver of them all, Nala-Kahn son, who with Lancelot betrayed his own father Morlek! He rules, with fear and deceit his greatest weapons. But here in the southern villages who have no want of the Empire, we are, FREE!’
The crowd cheered the storyteller and applauded. The first time Little Annabel heard this story she was mesmerised. At the tender age of five who would not be? Sadly it did not last. It could not last. Dreaming of Elves, Dragons and Dwarves was no life. She lived with her mother of the same name, which she had inherited, the name ‘Little’ Annabel. She liked it. She was obviously the smaller but her mother would be the first one to say that her mind was not. No other child at the age of six would be allowed to walk the streets of an unfamiliar village by themselves. But Little Annabel was different, her mind was sharp as were her wits, her body nimble and fast. But most importantly her skill with magic was apparent. Everyone had seen magic. The fact that she could do it was nothing to be afraid of unless you wanted to cause her ill. She was a celebrity in her own village. Healing others was really the only skill she could do without a moments notice. Little Annabel could do no other feats of magic. When she was born she hardly cried. It was as if her mind was waiting for her body to grow. The only other thing that matched her mind was her beauty. Long jet-black locks graced the small of her back. Her skin a warm, almost elm colour, her eyes a shockingly bright green and her face smooth and natural. Half of her village were of the same jet and many were a mix between them and the white ones. Many years ago her people moved from the south into this land. At first battles were fought, but the Elves tempered the region and for ten generations the southern people have lived in harmony with all. Many stories of war and battles came from the north but no war or battle had ventured south of the R’hop River.
As the crowd started to dissipate Little Annabel went looking for her mother. Though this was not her village she had explored it when she first came here at night when everyone, even her mother slept at the Inn. That was all she needed to know this village like the back of her hand. She skipped, ducked and weaved through the crowd until she stood at the beginning of Bason Street. It was named as such after the village First Marshal Bason Quore. Quore Street was at the end of Bason Street and that was where she needed to go. Bason Street every first day of every month held a large market. The village of Four Points was situated on the crossroads of the four villages that surrounded it. Mountain Rise was Little Annabel's home village. The other three were Stone Bay, Kolpan and Craven Mount.
Mountain Rise consisted of four herd families, each stocking over one hundred cows each, an impressive number of horses and many farmers. Little Annabel’s mother was neither, however she used to help run the Rising Sun Inn with her cousin Meredith. However after Little Annabel’s healing abilities grew her mother turned to her skills as a nurse and midwife. With donations from the people Little Annabel heals, whether that was coin or product or service, Annabel spends her time researching and learning about medicines. Almost every month when she comes to Four Points she picks up a number of different herbs and seeds that do not grow in Mountain Rise and studies them. Along with them she also always buys a book or two. The only other thing that stood out about Mountain Rise was the village blacksmith. With many horses to shoe and the village itself generating a good amount of coin he, Knorrest, was becoming renowned as a master of the craft. Little Annabel was fascinated by his skill and though it would always be frowned upon for a woman to do such a job, she has always wanted to do it.
Little Annabel has not yet had the chance to visit the other villages. Although Stone Bay was the one that intrigued her most. On the mouth of the R’hop River that fell into Paolini Sea, the village was devoted to all manners of fishing. Most of the surplus they caught was caught only to be sold at Four Points. Trade was booming, however the village has had a traumatic time compared to the other villages. Sea pirates have shored there three times in Little Annabel's somewhat short lifetime. All three times the men of Mountain Rise led always by Knorrest, had ridden to their aid. Never was the village destroyed, but severely damaged, and the people hurt and a number killed, every time. More often than not Knorrest and the men of Mountain Rise have been too late, only on the last time were they not. It was hoped that the threat of heavy horse force may just stop these pirates from shoring again. Two years have passed since the last attack and as of yet they have not returned.
Kolpan and Craven Mount are much the same as Mountain Rise but with more farmers and less herd families. All four villages made up Four Points and the villages were grateful for it. The market was the occasion that almost everyone went to. This was the place to be to trade, swap stories, to find a husband or wife or to learn as much as one cared to learn about the surrounding villages. Still Little Annabel wanted to go to them all. She wanted to learn, she wanted more than she had.
Bason Street was almost a full quarter of a mile long. Every spot on each side of the street had a stall or carriage selling all manner of fruits, vegetables, meats and breads. Hay was the purchase of the day. Only one month separated this day and winters start. Although there was another Market Day to come before winter, then it would be difficult and exp
ensive to buy. It was still warm, sometimes hot at high sun and warm in the afternoons. The mornings and evenings were sometimes cold and frosty. The trees had been shedding their leaves for the past couple of months carpeting the ground with warm browns, yellows and reds. In one months' time cold and bitter would be the norm for all times of the day. Mountain Rise never had a short supply of firewood with the trees that grew on the mountainside, however Stone Bay did. Little Annabel noticed Brisclim and his two sons, Samuel and Brigan, on one of the largest carriages with a large stock of logs, kindling and charcoal to sell. Next to them Paulk, one of the farmers of Mountain Rise was selling the last of this years' potato and onion crops. He seemed to be trading for other goods such as sheepskins, kindling, salted fish and meats rather then coin. Meredith, Little Annabel’s auntie always said coins would not keep you warm at night. Little Annabel watched all as she walked through the enthusiastic buyers in the street.
It took a good half an hour to get to the end of Bason Street. This included a few stops to talk to a number of Mountain Rise residents. Just as she got to the corner of Bason and Quore Streets Little Annabel stopped outside Four Points Blacksmith Forge. Little Annabel remembered that the blacksmith's name was Foru. Not on a par with Knorrest of her own village, however his skill as a sword-smith made him just as known. That was not what caught Little Annabel’s attention, mind, but the Man he was talking to did. He was broad, wearing a long light brown cloak that stroked the floor where he stood. He stood as tall as most men however his posture was perfectly straight as if he was a pillar holding a home up. The notion made Little Annabel giggle. Though she was not loud the cloaked Man turned his head in her direction as if looking for the one that made the sound. The street was as busy as ever and yet he heard her over the ruckus. He looked back at Foru and continued their conversation. Out of all the men that were here this day this one for Little Annabel stood out. She could see the shape and size of his legs and she knew that this Man was of great health and fitness. The tip of a scrappier could be seen through the front of his cloak. He covered the handle of the blade that sat within it with another cloth. Little Annabel felt drawn to the Man. Mystery surrounded him but there was more. An unquestionable urge to be close to him was so strong Little Annabel could not explain it nor did she want to. She knew that this Man would protect her.
As strong as the urge to be close to the Man was, the urge to find her mother was stronger. Walking past the blacksmith's forge Little Annabel finally found herself standing in front of the Cross Road Inn where they were both staying. She entered to find the drinking and bar area quiet. Her mother sat with the owner of the Inn, Alan and his wife Mary. Mary was pregnant and Little Annabel had already checked if the baby was healthy. She could not really tell how she knew but when there had been a problem with someone or with an unborn child she could always tell. No sign was a good sign. The joy in Little Annabel’s heart when she noticed the warm smile that spread across her mother's face was only exceeded when they embraced. She started telling her mother of what she had done this Market Day. When Alan returned to the bar and Mary retired, only then did Little Annabel tell her mother about the Man whom she saw talking with Foru. She spoke with immense detail about the Man, how he looked and the feelings she felt. Annabel did not seem anxious about it, in fact she seemed quite joyful. She had concluded her business in Four Points and was waiting for her purchases to be stacked on their carriage by some hired hands that worked fast and careful, but more importantly, were trustworthy. The two of them spent the remaining time walking through Bason Street buying trinkets and luxuries. All their essential purchases were being put on their carriage. The two of them bought scarves and hats and gloves for the cold months ahead. Little Annabel hoped to glance the Man she saw talking with Foru, however she did not.
As the afternoon swept in Annabel with Little Annabel in tow found their carriage fully laden with all their purchases as well as those of their friend Garaff's which included a young stallion that was tied to the back of the carriage. Their friend was a horse breeder and two of Garaff’s other horses pulled the carriage. Garaff was staying on in Four Points for the evening to help with the delivery of four foals. Little Annabel climbed on as her mother paid the boy who stocked their carriage. She climbed on afterwards and the two of them headed for home. They decided not to try and navigate Bason Street as it was still busy. They took the long way round the village at a slow pace. Less than a mile from Bason Street was the crossroads which Four Points was on. It was quiet as normal at this time, as most if not all were still at the market. However this time was different. The Man that Little Annabel saw talking to Foru was standing at the side of the road looking intently at a scroll. Annabel did not slow the horses until they got close to him. He had not noticed their approach and was still looking at the scroll he had when they pulled up beside him. Little Annabel was excited but she covered it well so her mother would not see.
‘Good afternoon Sir. Are you lost?’ Little Annabel said slowly as if afraid that the Man might be offended. He glanced up quickly and seemed shocked that they were there. Looking at both Annabels a smile grew across his face. For the first time Little Annabel could see him properly. His hair was mousey brown with an even lighter shade of beard that almost matched. His eyes were a shocking green like Little Annabel’s, his skin white but very tanned and smooth save for two small scars in the shape of a slice of the moon opposing each other under his left eye. His smile was large, showing bright white teeth it also was very pleasant and infectious. Both Annabels were smiling back at him.
‘Good afternoon young misses. In fact, yes, I am lost. I was speaking with Foru the Blacksmith of Four Points and he said that there was another skilled blacksmith by the name of Knorrest in Mountain Rise whom I may be able to work with, however I do not know in which direction Mountain Rise is.’ Little Annabel’s smile grew even wider.
‘It is to the east, down the road ahead.’ Little Annabel said pointing forward from where they all sat and stood.
‘Would you like a ride?’
The Man recoiled, most likely down to the reaction of Little Annabel’s mother. She was wary of him and rightly so. He was a stranger and no stranger in this world could or should be trusted.
‘Thank you for the offer young one but I intend to walk. I have kept you long enough.’ He bowed his head to Little Annabel and Annabel, rolled up the scroll and placed it in his sack. He threw it over his shoulder and started walking in the direction of Mountain Rise. After a few moments Annabel tapped the horse with a thin stick for the purpose and they followed. As they passed the Man Little Annabel looked back and gave him a long wave. He smiled and waved back. She stopped eventually, however did not stop looking at the Man until they were over a hill so she could not see him. She turned back to face forwards and without looking at her mother she said,
‘I like him. That is the Man I told you about.’
Annabel still seemed anxious. They talked about him for a short while and then Little Annabel started humming. Her mother could tell how happy she was as the tune she was humming was the one she reserved for joyful occasions. Their journey would take a while, however Annabel was confident that they would be in Mountain Rise before sundown. For over an hour they did not see anyone. A few wild deer passed them within the confines of the small woods that skirted the left side of the road. A rabbit shot across the road in front of them, which startled the horses. It did not take long to calm them.
Little Annabel looked behind them to see a mounted young Man coming up behind them. He was young that much was obvious and he was travelling light. He came up on the right side of the carriage keeping a fair distance away.
‘Begging your pardon Miss, I am heading for Mountain Rise and was wondering how the Inn is?’
For a long moment Annabel did not answer. It was as if she was pondering whether to tell this Man to go to the Rising Sun or the Hansel House. Meredith would welcome the business but she would be t
he first to kick out anyone who caused any problems.
‘There are two. I would recommend the Rising Sun, the food there is exceptional.’
The young Man grinned broadly. He bowed his head in thanks and passed them coming very close to the side of their carriage. Eventually he passed one of the numbers of small rises that the road had and was completely out of sight.
The sun was just starting to grace the horizon as there was only one more hill to climb before Mountain Rise came into sight. As the two of them passed over the rise Annabel drew in a long breath of terror. Before them stood six mounted men at the bottom of the final hill before Mountain Rise. Highwaymen were known between the roads of Four Points and Kolpan that being the village most north of the four, nearest to the few larger towns and cities within the northern regions, but this was the first time that Annabel had heard of them here or anywhere this far south. Not knowing what to do Annabel slowed. If she turned and ran they would easily and quickly run them down. If she tried to get through them they would draw whatever weapons they carried and if they did not cut her and Little Annabel down they would definitely take or kill the horses. Eventually Annabel came to a stop roughly fifteen horse paces in front of them. For a number of minutes they did not move. Annabel did not recognise any of them, which scared her even more. They must have known that the two of them were on the road which meant they had to be watching them either within Four Points or as they left, and they also must be confident that no one would be coming up the road behind them any time soon.
They started forward. Annabel did not know what to do. Panic sealed her soul. She might be able to save Little Annabel by getting her on to the young stallion tethered to the back of the carriage, but the young horse had only just been broken in and the chances Little Annabel had of riding such an animal were slim. She could try and bargain with them but with what. They could take anything they wanted anyway. She had nothing to bargain with and she knew it. They closed slowly. Annabel pulled Little Annabel close who was terrified, shaking almost as much as Annabel. Blind terror and panic stopped Annabel from even moving. They got within four horse lengths and stopped again. Now one was recognisable. The young Man who rode past them barely an hour ago. She could not see the Man who they passed at the crossroads but she was now confident that he was part of this group. Again there was a long pause when no one spoke or moved. One moved closer. He stared at Annabel for the longest moment. There was no emotion in his face. He was calm, not surprisingly as the two of them would pose no threat to even one of them, let alone six. His eyes fell onto Little Annabel. Still there was no emotion.
‘I am afraid that you can call this extremely bad timing.’ Before she could respond someone from behind them shouted.
‘I would have to disagree with you there.’ Annabel looked to the left where the voice sound came from. It was the Man from the crossroads. As he passed Annabel and Little Annabel he gave them the slightest of bows and moved between them and the men.
‘I would say that my timing would be considered impeccable, to these young ladies anyway.’ The first sign of emotion graced the face of the one closest to them as a great smile spread across it.
‘This does not concern you stranger. Now why don’t you…’
‘It does concern me. I am indebted to these ladies. And even if I wasn’t I would protect anyone from pathetic creatures such as yourselves. In this case however they helped me and now I will help them in return by getting all of you to walk away. So walk away, now.’ His tone was firm but not aggressive. The others behind grinned but did not start laughing until the one in front did.
‘Ha ha you have been smoking too much of that willow grass and it has made you stupid.’ The other laughed even louder.
‘What makes you think you can defeat us?’ The stranger grinned.
‘I have no need to defeat you if you walk away. The choice is yours.’ Chuckling, the one in front moved even closer. With a slight turn of the head each Man behind him drew their swords. In an instant the stranger pulled back his cloak uncovering the handle of his sword, he pulled it from its scrappier. Little Annabel felt a shiver shoot down her spine as the blade released a high pitch ring that only lasted a few seconds and yet it felt like a lifetime to Little Annabel. She could sense something from the sword itself, the same feeling she got when she first laid eyes upon the stranger. Some of the horses the men were on shifted and stepped back. The one in front pulled his sword to bear. For the longest of moments no one moved or said anything. They were sizing him up.
‘A stunning sword, it must be a powerful blade if you think with it you can defeat us all.’
‘It is.’ The stranger responded promptly. He slowly moved it in front of his face, twisting it so they all could see the face of the blade. Annabel could not believe her eyes. It was as if the sword itself pulled all the terror, fear and panic from her and Little Annabel and thrust it into the men. Each face screwed up in horror. In between the panic-driven breaths of the one in front a whispered word escaped his lips.
‘Excalibur.’
This drove the horror in the faces of the men to new unimaginable heights. Little Annabel was almost laughing. Even Annabel was feeling safer though the men were right in front with their blades drawn.
‘Walk away.’ They started to when the stranger shouted.
‘You will leave your blades! They belong to me now.’ The five behind dropped theirs immediately. The one in front did not at first but as a ray of waning sunlight reflected from the face of the sword and graced his face he dropped his blade as well.
‘In Four Points there is a blacksmith with a large array of swords that you can purchase. You will pay him generously! For he is a friend and also under my protection as is any other person you pass in this region.’
His tone was forceful and precise. In a lighter tone he said.
‘Now as you pass these young ladies you will apologise.’
The terror they felt froze them to the spot.
‘Go!’ the stranger shouted.
One by one they passed the carriage on Annabel’s side each one apologising for their transgressions.
‘You stop.’ The stranger said pointing to the last to pass Annabel. He was the one who passed them before on his way here. The stranger pointed with his sword to a small bag that was hanging on the back of his horse's saddle.
‘Leave the bag.’
The Man threw it to the ground as quick as he could. He then passed the two Annabels muttered his sorry, and rode on to catch up with his comrades.
Annabel let out a long breath of relief that was only exceeded by the stranger’s breath of relief. Annabel plucked up the courage that was flowing back like the tide and mumbled,
‘You… you carry Excalibur.’ It took a long time for her to finish saying it. The stranger turned around and sheathed the sword. He looked up at them both and a flow of joy swept through him.
‘That I do. My name is Alundi. I have been known by other names in the past.’
He said nothing more until he gathered the blades of the highwaymen. He bound them together with a piece of leather then moved over to the small bag on the floor and picked it up.
‘I believe this is yours.’ He passed it to Annabel who looked at it closely.
‘It is, how did you know?’
‘I doubt any Man would carry a small bag of rosemary and jasmine with no other belongings.’ She smiled broadly and bowed her head in thanks.
‘Thank you, I am Annabel and this is my daughter Little Annabel, I hope you will forgive me for not giving you a ride earlier. I… I…’
‘Did not trust me, and you were right to do so. Trust is something that has to be earned in this world.’
‘Well you have earned mine this day. Would you like a ride?’
‘That would be good and I am very pleased to meet you both.’
He stowed his sack and the blades in the back along with all the other pu
rchases and pulled himself up to sit alongside Little Annabel. They carried on towards Mountain Rise and as the brow of the hill was conquered Mountain Rise came into sight. The village stood at the bottom of the beginning of the Harana Mountain Range. The homes were scattered around the main road that passed through the village heading up the mountain. The Inn was instantly recognisable as was the blacksmith forge. Only a few other buildings skirted the road. The rest were spread round the grazing fields and farms around the village. They entered just as all light from the sun had evaporated. Clouds were rolling in from the mountains. Annabel pulled up in front of the Rising Sun Inn.
‘This is my cousin's Inn. A free room and meal will await you.’
‘No young Annabel. I will pay my way.’
He pulled his sack off the carriage and turned to Annabel as she climbed down from her seat.
'May I leave these with you?’ Alundi asked pointing towards the bundle of swords in the carriage. Annabel agreed as she helped Little Annabel down. Alundi shouldered his sack, covered Excalibur and entered the Rising Sun Inn.
The bar and food area was dimly lit with most light coming from the not quite roaring fire. Annabel’s cousin stood behind the bar. Alundi walked up to her, placed his sack on the floor and took a stool in front of her.
‘Would you have a room that I could rent?’ Meredith looked up at him.
‘I would, how long are you intending to stay?’ Alundi pondered that question for a moment.
‘I am not sure. A few days for certain, however if I get work with Knorrest I will have to stay for winter.’
‘Hum. I will give you one of the larger rooms that has a washroom within. If you leave soon only pay me for that time, if you do stay you can pay me the rest.’ Alundi pulled out his coin pouch, which was full and heavy. Meredith seemed to perk up.
‘I would like morning and evening meals within the price.’
‘Certainly that will be eight coins for now.’
Alundi paid her and received his key. As he entered the room he was surprised at its condition. Everything was spotless. The bed was kept in perfect straightness. The feather pillows were well stuffed and floors and walls were clean. He stowed his bag under the bed and left the room craving the biggest roast hog he could find. He descended the steps to find both Annabel and Little Annabel talking with their cousin. They all looked up. For the moment Alundi kept Excalibur on his hip though still covered. Little Annabel jumped off her seat and for a moment seemed to consider hugging Alundi but thought twice.
‘As a thank you for saving us I invite you to dinner at my home.’ Annabel said with great conviction.
‘I would be honoured young Annabel and young Little Annabel.’
Alundi spent the few hours sitting at the bar watching the people coming back from Four Points. He liked watching. You could tell a lot about a Man or indeed a woman by how they walk, how they talk and greet people. Also how they carry themselves. The bar was getting busier. Alundi thought of retiring to his room to avoid any questions, however all everyone did was give him a nod. It was obvious that his exploits on the road were becoming common knowledge. He was slightly worried that the fact he carried Excalibur would become well known. However there was none of the usual gasps or stunned silences that always happened when the fact was revealed. He studied every Man as they walked in, thankfully not showing any sign that they knew. A great number seemed to be strong and able. Their work on the farms and herding had developed and honed their muscles. One stood out. His body was not over large but both his arms were much defined. He matched Foru’s description of Knorrest. Seizing the opportunity Alundi stood and walked over to the table where Knorrest sat along with two other men, one very young the other as old as Knorrest.
‘Would I be addressing Knorrest, Mountain Rise’s renowned blacksmith?’ Alundi asked as he got within one step of their table. The seated Man seemed a bit taken aback. The other two looked up at Alundi a strange mixture of emotion on their faces.
‘You would.’ Knorrest muttered at last. Alundi took a seat.
‘We are expecting someone.’ The older of the two said forcefully putting his hand up slightly.
‘Do not worry I will not be staying long. Knorrest, I have spoken with Foru the blacksmith of Four Points. I am looking for work. I am a skilled blacksmith but my real talent lies in sword-smithing. Foru took a good amount of pleasure in telling me that blade-smithing was not your greatest skill.’ Knorrest was angered, it was obvious to Alundi anyway.
‘It is not my intention to insult. But sword-smithing is a difficult art and I would not be as bold as to say I am a master of that art but I am close. Foru said that he gets a good amount of trade for blades small and large. If you can give me some work, that excess business of Foru’s can be your business.’ Alundi was very pleased with himself. He had turned what one could call a professional insult into a business opportunity.
‘We can discuss terms later if you wish but I would be willing to accept an equal share profit on anything I would make.’ Appealing to a Man's coin pocket was always a sure way to get what one would want. Knorrest seemed to be making some quick calculations. The older Man seemed confused and the younger seemed angry. Alundi guessed he was either Knorrest's son or apprentice and he seemed to feel threatened.
‘Please forgive my intrusion. I will come and see you tomorrow. We can discuss this further then.’ Alundi stood and turned to leave when Knorrest said,
‘I heard what happened with the highwaymen. What you did was an honourable thing.’
Alundi turned back to Knorrest. All Alundi did was bow his head in thanks. He glanced at the large timepiece that hung on the wall above the fireplace. Returning to the bar he finished his ale and walked outside where he was greeted by Little Annabel who seemed to just be entering the Inn. She smiled broadly.
‘I was sent to find you and escort you to our home.’
‘Please lead the way young Little Annabel.’ Alundi said pleasantly.
He followed Little Annabel to the third house on the same side of the street as the Inn. She pushed the door open and stamped her feet on the mat that was laid on the floor. Alundi wiped his in the same fashion and entered further. He had to crank his head to the left to avoid the low beams that held up the second floor. Little Annabel led him into the kitchen where to his relief there was a step down so he could stand properly. Annabel was putting the last of the platters on the table. She had cooked some form of stew that was within a large pot in the middle of the table. It smelt good. A roaring fire cast a great deal of light and made the kitchen fantastically warm.
‘May I take your coat Alundi?’ Annabel said as she approached. He pulled off his cloak and untied the bind that held Excalibur on his belt. She took them both taking great care not to finger or in anyway damage Excalibur. He took his seat at the end of the table. Annabel took hers at the other end with Little Annabel sitting on the left of the table. Annabel placed a generous amount of the stew on the plate before her and then handed it to Alundi. He took it graciously and handed her his empty plate. She repeated the same with Little Annabel and finally served herself. Little Annabel stood and walked over to the press behind Annabel. She returned with a large loaf of bread and placed it in the middle of the table. They all started eating. Alundi took a good spoonful and tasted it. The stew was better than good. The meat, which he assumed was beef, was tender and not chewy. The sauce, which he assumed must have been boiled down from some part of the beef carcass, was delicious and the vegetables complimented the meat perfectly. They finished the meal in relative silence. Alundi was certain that Annabel wanted some answers but she was stalling until Little Annabel was asleep. As the last of the stew was polished off Little Annabel went to clear the table but Annabel stopped her.
‘It is late Little Annabel. You have had a busy day. Go and sleep.’ It looked like she was going to question what her mother said but she did not. Placing the plates back on
the table she kissed her mother goodnight and as she walked towards the stairs she turned and gave Alundi a last affectionate wave. Annabel followed her and for a good ten minutes Alundi was alone within the kitchen. He stood and stretched his arms and shoulders. The meal was delicious and he was definitely over full. He studied the walls of the kitchen. One was of particular interest. Every shelf was laden with small potted plants and jars with different herbs and substances in. All were meticulously ordered and labelled. On the surface under the shelves there were a great number of books and one large book in the middle. Alundi opened it at the centre. He found lots of pages with various notes and conclusions written on them. Annabel was studying plants and their medicinal properties. Her work was promising but primitive.
‘Would you like a nightcap? Meredith will have closed the bar by now.’
Alundi slowly closed the large book and nodded.
‘More comfortable chairs are through there.’ She said pointing to the door behind him.
He walked through and sat in the corner of a chair made to sit two people. A few moments later Annabel entered with two mugs. She handed Alundi one and then took her seat in the large chair opposite Alundi. For a number of minutes neither said anything. They simply glanced at each other from time to time and sipped their drinks. Eventually however Annabel placed her drink on the table to the left of her chair and placed her hands together.
‘It is no accident that you are here, is it?’
‘You are very perceptive young Annabel.’ Alundi looked down running his hand through his hair thinking of what to say.
‘No it is not. I am a traveller and I have heard stories, whispers of a young girl in the south-east region healing people. I had to come and investigate.’
Annabel's tone hardened.
‘So you meant to meet us at the crossroads. Was the highwaymen part of your plan to get close to Little Annabel?’
‘No!’ Alundi said too forcefully. He took a long breath and continued.
‘I felt the magic within young Little Annabel at the market today. That was when I knew that I was not in the right place. When we met on the cross-roads was a complete fluke. I was genuinely lost. The map I carry is very old. When it was drawn the crossroads did not exist and the highwaymen had nothing to do with me. Luck maybe, but I would have protected anyone from that sort of scum.’ Alundi looked through the small window of the room and waited for Annabel to continue.
‘You carry Excalibur, I… well everyone has heard the legend but I thought that Arthur was killed.’
‘He was, at the battle of Ulin some sixty-five years ago. I remember that day as if it was yesterday. Arthur was mortally wounded and as the last breaths escaped his mouth he willed me Excalibur. Threw me the sword and along with Nasel, that was my sword at the time, I killed Morlek and with the surviving members of Arthur’s knights we won the battle.’ There was a long pause where Alundi took a number of sips from his mug.
‘I went by the name of Galahad then. Now I am one of the five surviving Knights of the Round Table. The other survivors were Gawain, Alagon and Tristan.’ Silence enveloped them again.
‘The last survivor was Lancelot.’ Alundi’s voice darkened as flashes of those last moments of that battle boiled in his mind.
‘During that battle he betrayed us all and turned on Arthur. Their skills with a blade were equal but Excalibur was the stronger weapon. Arthur defeated Lancelot and just as he was to strike the final blow Morlek thrust his blade through Arthur’s back and into his heart. He roared with triumph as he thought that Excalibur would pass to him. It was then that Arthur threw me the sword and willed its allegiance to me. Lancelot fled before I could complete Arthur’s work.’ Alundi finished his drink and pulled out a small wooden pipe.
‘Do you mind?’ he said holding the pipe up.
Annabel shook her head. Slowly and delicately Alundi pushed some willow grass into the pipe and lit it. He took one long draw and seemed to relax a little.
‘I disbanded the Knights and gave them the order to have a long life in peace and love. I have not seen them since that battle. Possessing Excalibur does not make anyone a King. Neither a great warrior, I was one of those to begin with.’
‘How old are you?’ She asked slowly.
‘I was twenty-eight years of age when I was a made a Knight. I fought with Arthur for forty three years.’
Annabel’s jaw dropped. Was she shocked that anyone could be that old or was it the fact that Little Annabel could. There was another long pause of silence. Alundi took many puffs of his pipe but did not say anything. Annabel shifted in her seat.
‘So, why are you here?’ she asked pleasantly.
‘Young Little Annabel is in danger. Or at least she will be. Do you know how men and women are able to use magic?’ Annabel shook her head.
‘It is a long story and Little Annabel should be here to hear it. But it is safe to say that if the wrong people get their hands on young Little Annabel, they could use her to do unimaginable evil. Or they will drain the magic out of her to become more powerful themselves. The oath I took when I first became a Knight binds me to protect anyone who has magic within them. For the time being she is safe. Few know about her, the ones that do I would hope would not tell any stranger about her. From this moment I will protect her with my life.’
Some of Annabel’s anxiety lifted but a good measure still remained.
‘Strong and powerful as I am however, eventually we will have to leave, know please that I will never separate you from her.’ Alundi said quickly as he saw Annabel’s reaction to his words.
‘Leaving would protect the other residents of Mountain Rise as well as young Little Annabel. But when that time comes, you will have to be ready. It may take years and I pray to the spirits that it does for I will have the opportunity to teach her a few things. If truth be told however we would be lucky to get a single year.’ The moon reached its highest point in the sky before either spoke. Alundi refilled his pipe and smoked it dry. This was a shock to Annabel. Alundi knew the effect of what he was telling her. The life she had created for herself and Little Annabel would have to be discarded. She knew why they would have to leave but she did not have to like it. In truth Alundi did not like it. Their life here was isolated and good. Eventually Little Annabel’s talents would not go unnoticed and the results were far worse and difficult for even Alundi to imagine.
‘I have kept you up late.’ Alundi said as he stood.
‘I am sorry to be the bearer of this news but I would not put anyone else in my place. My plan was to work with Knorrest, make my presence hopefully known and not be out of place. But if I failed to secure work I was going to camp at the base of the mountains. With winter upon us that is the only track that anyone can take to get here from the north. I will send for a friend. He will be able to get here before winter's start and help.’
Annabel stood and walked into the kitchen. Alundi followed. He grasped his cloak and threw it over his shoulders. As he tied Excalibur to his belt he noticed Annabel staring at it. He unsheathed it slowly and held it for Annabel to take. Cautiously and with both hands she grasped the handle. She expected it to weigh a great deal but the lightness astounded her. Alundi grinned broadly.
‘The reaction is the same for everyone who holds Excalibur for the first time. It is said to have been forged from a falling star by an Elf, a master sword-smith over three hundred years ago.’ He said as she stared with wonder at the blade. She passed it back to him and he sheathed and covered it quickly.
‘I will not say do not worry young Annabel for we do have a good amount of time to do so. Find peace this night please and for the months to follow. Then our plans will have to be made. But until then, live.’
Alundi grasped her shoulder and she did not retreat from the gesture. He gave her an affectionate kiss on the brow and left.