The Key of Ban
It was dawn when the drowsy monks and the group of travelers gathered in the Cathedral for the morning prayer. The Cathedral resounded as the deep, melodious voices of the monks chanted the sacred stanzas. Abbot Hugh stood up, intoned an invocation and led the congregation in reading verses from the Book of Praise. Abbot Hugh invited the five rescuers to approach the Altar. With the flair of a grand master, he recited a prayer asking for a safe and successful journey.
Later in the day, final preparations for the expedition were completed. Brad and Ingrid held a party in the main dining hall for the men going on the mission. Ingrid prepared her famous pies, cookies and cakes. The mood of the rescue group was festive with many humorous comments directed at Earthkin and Topple.
Brad enjoyed watching the enthusiasm of the warriors. He thought about how many great accomplishments started with humble beginnings. Brad tried several times to get the attention of the robust and jesting crowd but to no avail. He laughed at himself for thinking he could interrupt this tide of good times with mere words. He then rang the dinner bell. At its sound the noise stopped with an abrupt closure.
He began, “The pages of history will measure our devotion and dedication. This noble quest will set an example to future generations to observe and follow. I extend to you my thanks, prayers and blessings. Go forth and let your courage be a light in the darkness of our times. May the One Presence be your guide and power.”
Ingrid was next to speak, “The rescue of our granddaughter will send ripples of hope throughout the Empire. Thank you for risking your lives for a cause greater than any one of us. May you be blessed!”
At the close of these speeches, an enthusiastic round of cheers and clapping affirmed the crowd’s agreement.
The meeting was interrupted by a monk delivering a message to Brad. As he read the note, the zeal of the moment drained from his face. A somber mood engulfed the room as the group realized something was wrong. Brad raised his head to look at the assembly. The sad gaze of his eyes revealed he had just been blasted by the hot breath of reality. He paused before he spoke, “I just received word that a monk, while on patrol, was killed this morning by trogs. A large company of trogs has invaded the prairie lands. There is no information on where the trogs are headed. We do know the beasts are still on this side of the river. I wonder if they are anticipating a move by us.”
Pacer questioned, “Should we change our plans?”
In contemplative reflection, Brad responded, “No, I think its best to proceed as we have scheduled. You can adjust your plans to fit each new situation. We do not want to delay the team’s exit any longer.”
Pacer followed, “So be it. Let’s get started. There is no use putting aside that which is destined to be.”
With a solemn expression, Brad concluded, “It is necessary for us to face the truth. Crossmore will do anything to achieve his evil goals. I am afraid that danger and death will hound us on each step of our journey.”
The weather was cool, dry and windy on the day of their departure. The diversion convoy left the Monastery early in the afternoon. Ten warrior monks dressed in green robes led the way. Each monk carried a sword, light shield, knife and short spear. Their restrained confidence and physical strength radiated superiority. With quiet steps and controlled grace they announced their refined fighting skills. The monks were followed by two wagons, each pulled by two large horses. These animals walked with pride and uplifted heads. These were not worn and defeated horses, but animals rippling with energy and strength.
At dusk the five travelers said a hasty good-bye and departed the Monastery. Pacer stated, “We are going to make a quick exit. We have no time to waste. The future of the Empire and the life of Noel hangs in the balance.”
After a long personal debate, Coaldon decided to allow Sid to go on the expedition. Taking the dog offered many risks, especially if the dog should make a noise at the wrong time. Yet, Sid might also be an asset. He could provide a warning if unseen dangers were encountered.
Since speed was important, Brother Patrick set a rapid pace through the canyons. He wanted to be out of the Wastelands by daybreak.
When the sun rose in the east, the five travelers made a dry camp in a hidden alcove near the end of the canyons. The day was spent sleeping, talking and preparing their vagrant costumes. It was decided to break into two groups after they crossed Rolling River. Their first stop would be the Village of Grandy.
Darkness slowly swallowed the orange and purple sunset. The moonless night greeted the rescuers like an unfriendly acquaintance. The moon would not rise until after midnight. Pacer used the stars to guide their way to Rolling River. They were thankful the ground was flat with little to block their progress. By sunrise the roar of Rolling River could be heard in the distance.
The sound of the river triggered a vision in Coaldon’s mind. He saw a watery hand from the river pushing him away from its banks. The hand directed him to stop. It then pointed toward the east. As suddenly as it began it ended. Coaldon tried to hold onto it, but it escaped into the morning light. His attention on the vision was interrupted by their arrival at the river. They found the river flowing at flood crest.
Pacer reacted, “We should have expected this. I was hoping the river would not be this high. I believe it will be too dangerous to cross. I think we should rest before we decide what to do.”
An uneventful day passed, allowing the party to sleep and consider their next step. After a cold dinner Pacer called everyone together. He stated, “I do not want to risk crossing the river. We could follow the river until we reach Grandy?”
Earthkin had a passive look on his face as he spoke, “No one, except farmers, ever travel on this side of the river. There will be many questions asked if we approach Grandy from the Great Plains. We could visit Dod and ask for his assistance.”
At this point, Earthkin told Pacer the story about their visit to Dod’s farm while traveling to the Monastery.
Coaldon was uncertain if he should tell the others about his dream. He did not want to look stupid. Maybe it was just his imagination. Then something pushed him to state, “I have been debating if I should tell you something. This morning, before we reached the river, I had a vision. This may sound odd, but I saw the river pushing me away with a watery hand. Before the dream ended, the hand pointed to the east.”
Pacer responded, “I am glad you did tell us. You have many talents you must learn to trust and honor. This is one of them. With this new insight, I suggest we travel to visit Dod and Doria.”
Earthkin gave Coaldon a mischievous grin saying, “What do you think about visiting the farm?”
A shy smile crossed Coaldon’s face as he thought about the possibility of visiting Rosa. She was the only child of Dod and Doria. Rosa was an attractive young lady who had the ambition of leaving the farm to find her place in the world. With dreamy eyes, Coaldon said, “I think it would be a good idea to check on the family. They might need our help. With trogs in the area we should check on them.”
Both Topple and Earthkin looked at Coaldon with vivid memories of their own youthful excitement at meeting a special young lady.
Topple said to himself, “I have seen the passage of many seasons during my long life. Yet, it is always refreshing to see the power of infatuation blossom in the life of youth.”
The night trek to Dod’s farm was made under the soft light of the moon. Several hours before sunrise, Sid began to act strangely. Sid’s uneasiness increased the closer they came to the farm. The dog started to walk as if he were ready to attack. His head swiveled back and forth looking for an unseen adversary. A deep growl rumbled in Sid’s large chest.
Finally Coaldon said, “Sid is upset. I believe there is trouble ahead of us. We should proceed with caution.”
Pacer directed, “We will break into groups and approach the farm from two directions. This will give us the chance to observe the farm from different positions. If there is any trouble, we can communicate by animal sounds.”
 
; It was decided Pacer, Earthkin and Topple would approach the farm from the north while Brother Patrick and Coaldon came in from the south. The teams carefully crept to the assigned areas and waited for daybreak.
An unnatural silence pervaded as the two groups approached the farm. Coaldon had a hard time keeping Sid from rushing toward the house. It was strange that Dod’s vicious dogs did not bark. As daylight crept over the landscape, Coaldon caught his breath. He saw a group of trogs behind the barn and wood shed. The trog’s muscular bodies and ugly round faces were highlighted by large yellow eyes. Just the sight of these beasts created a sense of fear and disgust.
In the distance Coaldon heard the sound of a barn owl. He responded with the sharp bark of the red fox. His animal calls had greatly improved over the past months.
After several more exchanges Coaldon spoke to Brother Patrick, “We will follow the cover of the rock fence until we are next to the wood shed. We will attack the trogs when Pacer gives the command.”
Patrick nodded in agreement as they crawled down the slope behind the fence. Coaldon commanded Sid to stay in the bush until the attack began. Most of the trogs were sound asleep as the two warriors prepared to attack.
Coaldon whispered to Brother Patrick, “It is best to strike at their legs. Otherwise they are tough to bring down.”
In the distance, they heard the howl of a wolf. Coaldon and Patrick drew their swords, jumped over the fence and swiftly attacked the unsuspecting group of trogs. Four trogs went down with four quick stokes of the warriors’ swords. The remaining trogs jumped to their feet and were ready to fight. From the corner of his eye Coaldon watched in awe the speed and skill of Patrick’s swordsmanship.
Moving with awkward strides, a giant trog rushed at Coaldon with a loud yell. Instinctively, Coaldon raised his sword in defense while taking a quick step to the right. The trog used its brute force rather than speed and agility in the attack. The power behind the trog’s sword almost knocked Coaldon off his feet. As Coaldon struggled to remain standing, the trog made a wide swinging motion with its sword. The slowness of its actions gave Coaldon an opportunity to drop to his knee and thrust his weapon deep into the creature’s massive leg. He then rolled forward to force the blade to tear the trog’s leg muscles. The trog screamed as it fell to the ground.
Coaldon relaxed his guard as he watched the trog collapse. He realized too late that combat required total concentration and alertness. His grandfather had told him over and over, “Never let your guard down. One mistake will end your life.”
Out of the corner of his eye he saw the blade of his attacker flashing in the sunlight. He dived forward as the trog’s blade nipped the flesh on his shoulder. In an awkward movement, he rolled to his left and stumbled as he tried to get to his feet. The trog laughed as it stood over him with its sword ready to strike.
The trog’s premature victory celebration gave Coaldon the split second opportunity to escape by crawling between its legs. The trog bent forward in an attempt to grab Coaldon as he scurried under its body. When the young warrior had passed the trog, he jumped to his feet. The dull-minded beast slowly turned to face his opponent. Coaldon challenged the trog by raising his sword in defiance. Coaldon gave a blood curdling battle cry as he attacked with three quick strokes of his sword. Coaldon’s sword left three deep cuts in its arms and legs. The slow, cumbersome beast erupted into an uncontrollable fit of rage. With wild swings of its sword, the trog rushed at Coaldon.
Coaldon hoped this would happen. With agile swordsmanship he parried each savage stroke until the trog left itself open for a counter attack. The young half-elf drove his sword deep into the chest of the beast with pinpoint accuracy. The life of the beast ended as it had begun. Death greeting death. Evil meeting evil. At this point, the dead trog evaporated into a cloud of dark smoke.
Coaldon quickly turned in a circle to evaluate his surroundings. He saw that all the trogs were dead. Brother Patrick was leaning against the shed with his sword in hand. A smile crossed Brother Patrick’s face as he stared at Coaldon with a look of satisfaction. The monk walked over to Coaldon, bowed and offered his hand.
Patrick said, “Let’s check on our friends.” As they arrived at the barn, a trog ran in terror with Topple following him. Topple raised his right hand and released a burst of flames at the trog. The trog jumped in pain as it raced over the hill on the west end of the farm yard. Topple laughed with satisfaction at his success.
Sid leaped after the escaping trog with loud barks. In the distance Sid’s barking could be heard for several minutes. Later, Sid proudly returned at a slow trot. A piece of cloth hung from his mouth like a symbol of victory.
The wizard grumbled, “Look at the hole in my robe! That stupid beast cut a hole in my robe! I should have fried it! It got away, but it will not forget about me for a long time.”
With swords in hand, Pacer and Earthkin walked around the barn.
Pacer proclaimed, “That was a challenge. We were victorious, but I do not like the odds of three to one.”
The five warriors greeted each other with broad smiles and vigorous hand shakes. A noise from the house drew their attention. In a state of shock, Dod, Doria and Rosa staggered out of the house. The dazed family looked at the field of destruction surrounding the home. Doria’s body was rigid with determination and her eyes burned with anger. Dod’s face sagged with relief and fatigue after many hours of fear and doubt. Rosa, though tired, exhibited resilience in the face of death and violence. The family fell on their knees to give thanks for their lives.
Dod said in an emotional packed voice, “We gave up all hope of being saved. We were once dead, but now we live. You have given us back our lives.”
Suddenly the family rushed to greet their rescuers with open arms and words of thanks. The rescue team did not feel any sense of heroism, just a flood of elation that the family was safe. Rosa threw her arms around Coaldon in a show of relief and caring. As she removed her arm from his shoulder, she noticed he was bleeding.
She proclaimed, “Coaldon, you are wounded! We need to stop the bleeding!” Coaldon smiled, “It is just a scratch. I will be all right. We have more important things to do.”
Rosa would not accept Coaldon’s self-denial. She said, “We do not want you to get an infection. So sit down on the bench while we take a look at your little scratch.” Pacer and Rosa attended to Coaldon’s wound, while the family started to put their home back in order. The warriors learned that Bob, the farmhand, died during the initial attack by the trogs. Dod, Doria and Rosa wanted to hold a funeral service for Bob at sunset. The long, grim day ended with the digging of a grave in a field south of the house next to a bubbling spring. The four warriors solemnly lowered Bob’s body into the grave. The family’s grim stoicism finally collapsed into an eruption of emotions. Their sorrow flowed like a burst dam. They sat before the grave holding hands in disbelief that such violence could invade their beautiful world.
The warriors waited patiently as the family expressed their grief at the loss of a good friend. After the anguish melted from Dod’s body, he stood up and faced the group.
He said in a weak voice, “We commit Bob’s soul to the One Presence. He was a good friend, a hard worker and a noble person. We know Bob will find peace in his final reward. On this day, I commit my life to find justice for his death. May peace and goodness return to the Empire. Amen.”
The family returned to the house while the warriors covered the grave and placed a wooden headpiece on the mound of dirt. The words carved on the headstone stated, “Bob - A good man and a fine friend.”
When the warriors reached the house, they found a meal of cold cut beef, bread and sweet drinks. The tension of the day dissolved as the family and warriors were bonded into lasting friendship.
During the meal Pacer kept looking at Dod with growing curiosity.
He said to himself, “I have met him sometime in the distant past. Who could he be? I must find out.”
The simple meal seem
ed like a feast to everybody. The shared meal, casual conversation and mutual support provided healing. The soothing ointment of caring touched the family.
After the meal the group gathered around the fireplace to share an evening of reflection and discussion. Dod started by saying, “Several days ago two wagons from the Monastery picked up supplies from us. It was strange that ten warrior monks escorted the wagons. At that time I figured something unusual was taking place. Then yesterday evening we were attacked by the trogs.”
Doria explained, “Bob held off the horde of beasts, allowing us to find the protection of the house. His heroic death gave us a chance to defend ourselves.” Rosa added, “Mom and I used the bow and arrows to slow the first advance of the beasts. All the weapons practice paid off.”
Dod continued, “All winter I practiced with the sword. I spent at least one hour a day working on swordsmanship. During the first battle, I grabbed the Sword of Truth and rushed out the door without thinking. I have no idea where my courage came from. I knew I needed to make a stand for the sake of the family. I was amazed at the power of the sword. I only needed to hold it in my hand and it did the rest. The tip of the sword almost dragged me around the yard. The trogs fell to the ground like grass in front of a scythe. They retreated when they realized they were facing a superior power.”
After a pause he continued, “Last evening, they once again attacked the house. The beasts started running toward the house screaming to build courage. I stepped out the door with the sword in hand ready to confront the assault. As the trogs drew near, I attacked them with either blind bravery or crazed stupidity. Again, the sword did its job. Another ten trogs collapsed on the ground before the remaining trogs backed off to where you found them. I was surprised the beasts did not attack us during the night. I thought they would take advantage of darkness to destroy us. We were waiting for the final attack when you arrived to save the day.”
Pacer could not wait any longer to find out more about Dod. He questioned, “Dod, I have met you somewhere in the past. I cannot remember where or when. Can you help me?”
Dod responded, “I lived in Neverly before I moved to the farm. Maybe you saw me there.”
Pacer looked at the sword on the mantle of the fireplace, “How did you acquire such a powerful sword? That is truly the Sword of Truth. I have searched for years to find it. The last person to possess this weapon was Emperor Brad. Now here it is in the hands of a farmer. Or maybe you are more than a farmer.”
Dod had a sheepish look on his face as he commented; “This sword was given to me by a friend. I had no idea of its power.
Pacer debated with himself about what he should do next. He needed to find out how Dod came to possess the sword. Dod was keeping a secret. Pacer decided the best way to open the door to Dod’s mystery was to reveal his own identity.
Pacer finally said, “Before the fall of Emperor Brad my name was Duke of Paulic. Does that name ring a bell?”
Dod’s eyes grew wide as his face paled in disbelief. He was unable to speak for several minutes. His mind exploded in bewilderment. For seventeen years Doria and he had hidden their true identity from everybody including their daughter. The fear of being found and killed by Emperor Wastelow forced them to start a new life. Dod questioned if it was safe to reveal his true name. He looked at Doria for an answer. Her slow nod of approval allowed him to share their long hidden secret.
Dod said to Pacer in a confident voice, “I place my trust in your honor as Duke of Paulic. I remember the dignity and honesty of your father and mother. They were good and noble people who gave their lives fighting Wastelow at the Battle of Two Thrones. Your grandparents stand as living legends of devotion to the Empire. This is the first time in many years I feel safe in sharing my identity. I am the Duke of Slownic, first advisor to Emperor Brad. I escaped Neverly with the Emperor after the defeat. I have not seen or heard from Brad since that date. When we departed, the Emperor gave me the Sword of Truth as a gift. I had no idea it was anything but an ordinary weapon. By the way, do you know if Brad and Ingrid are still alive?”
Everybody in the room remained in stunned silence as they reflected on the new revelation. Duke Slownic was known for his wise counsel, deep insight and honesty, but not for his hand as a warrior. His short, round body was not the image of a soldier. Dod’s plump, bearded face had penetrating eyes that seemed to reach into the very soul of the person being observed. Even though his body was soft, his mind radiated courage, intelligence and confidence.
Doria was a person of contrasting attributes. On one hand, she was a woman with gentle, motherly impulses and desires. On the other side, she was a lady with a quick mind and strong will. Without hesitation she would stand like a rock against any violation of her values. She was willing to fight for a good cause even if it meant endangering her life.
When Rosa learned of the identity of her parents, her emotions vacillated between anger and admiration. She was angry because her parents had not been honest with her, and yet, held high respect of them.
Looking at her parents, she finally said, “Why didn’t you tell me about yourselves?”
With a sad face, Doria said, “Wastelow is a very wicked person. We could not take the chance that you might accidentally tell somebody of our identity. We are sorry to have hurt you. This was too much of a burden to place on you. We were planning to share this information with you once the rebellion started. We expected the revolt to begin once the male child of Rodney and Starglide turned eighteen. We always prayed that Brad and Ingrid’s grandson survived the fall of the Empire.”
Pacer stood up to reposition himself before the hot fire. He responded, “Coaldon you might have something to share with our hosts.”
Coaldon was uneasy as he started to speak, “Recently, I learned I was more than a farmer from the Outlast. On my eighteenth birthday party I was informed by my grandparents that as a small child I had been rescued from the War of the Two Thrones. My grandparents had taken me to live in the Wilderness of the Outlast. For the last seventeen years Ingrid, my grandmother, taught me to read and write. My grandfather, Brad, taught me to be strong, independent and honest.”
Duke Slownic (Dod) jumped from his chair with an uncharacteristic burst of enthusiasm.
He said with excitement, “Then you are the crown prince! Thanks be to the One Presence! The time has come to begin the rebellion!”
Dod and his wife kissed and hugged with a joy they had not felt in seventeen years.
Coaldon was startled by their happiness. He said to the family, “I have a twin sister who is being held captive by Wastelow in Neverly. We have been commissioned by my grandfather to rescue Noel from her prison. We stopped here to ask for your assistance on our journey to Neverly.”
Dod exclaimed, “Brad and Ingrid are still alive! Noel is alive! How wonderful!
Coaldon continued, “My grandparents are presently living at the Monastery of Toms. Crossmore’s army of trogs forced us to seek the safety of the Monastery. My grandparents are healthy, of good mind and are ready to conquer Wastelow. Would you like to join us?”
With excitement, Duke Slownic proclaimed, “I would be honored to be a part of your noble army. Please tell us about your life, your grandparents and how you got here.”
Coaldon, Pacer and Earthkin spent several hours reviewing the events of the empire. As Dod and Doria listened to the story, they felt reborn with renewed hope.
Rosa watched the reactions of her parents as they listened to the story of Coaldon’s life. She said to herself, “Who are these people I call my parents? Where did all this energy and excitement come from? As I watched them, they seemed like strangers to me. I guess I have a lot to learn.” She also began to watch Coaldon thoughtfully.
When the light from the new moon flowed through a south window, Topple drifted into a deep sleep.
Pacer said, “I think it is best we retire for the night. I am very tired. We have all been awake for many hours. Before going to bed there is
a topic you need to consider. I do not think it is safe for you to remain on the farm. The trogs will return to avenge the death of their companions. Next time they attack you might not be so lucky. Maybe you should move to Grandy. We can finish this conversation in the morning. Guards will be stationed throughout the night in case the trogs return. Good night.”
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Return to Grandy