“…this is the guard shack, but then you already knew that. Oh, good morning Sherriff Tavers.” Janessa brought them to a stop by the city gate where anyone entering, or leaving, were questioned. Sometimes politely.
On any other day Sherriff Tavers wouldn’t have paid the Halfling more than a casual glance. He knew she was a thief, the whole city knew it, but despite his best efforts he was never able to catch her in the act. The fact she had two intense looking men with her, one of them a Dwarf, sent up a flag. “Hold, Janessa.” He stepped over eyeing the two for a moment. “And who might you be?”
The hair on Galin’s neck began rising while he watched the Sherriff. Tavers wasn’t much taller than the Dwarf but he had a good seventy to eighty pounds on Galin. “We might be merchants, why is that a concern of yours on this early morning?” He didn’t like the Sherriff; men like Tavers were fat and lazy. They enjoyed bullying people around to make themselves feel strong. That thought alone turned Galin’s stomach foul.
Sherriff Tavers locked his gaze on the Dwarf. He hated Dwarves after being taunted about having mixed blood his entire life due to his short and stocky stature. “In this town everything concerns me.” Tavers stepped closer to Galin trying to intimidate him with his authority. “If you be a merchant, where’s your pass?”
Galin’s face flushed in anger, a pass! A PASS! He never felt so insulted in his life. In Dwarven society the rogues and trash of society were issued passes by the Thanes. Those passes allowed them free passage throughout the Kingdom. The thought behind it being those with a pass could be observed. It would then be easier to reign in the behavior of the undesirables. Everyone knew it was a failure as it led to countless brawls and more deaths than simple banishment would have, but some Thanes still held true to the archaic system, though they were few and far between.
Galin prepared to lash out with a torrent of curses when a strong hand clasped his shoulder. He forced his anger down, fighting to regain his composure. With his friend calm, for the moment at least, Gilliam smiled at the Sherriff.
“Forgive my friend, he doesn’t take ignorance well.” Tavers turned to face him, the Sherriff’s face was as red as Galin’s was a moment earlier, but Gilliam continued without hesitation. “He’s a merchant with Renard’s Company and does not require a pass.”
Sherriff Tavers watched the human with care. Just who did he think he was? Nobody talks to me like that! “I suppose you are his business partner?” Tavers emphasized the word to try to send the Dwarf into a rage. He didn’t think they were involved in anything illegal, he simply decided not to like them and wanted to make them pay for it.
To Tavers’ disappointment, Galin remained calm and Gilliam continued to smile. “No sir, I am a Cleric of Fallor. Of course, if you doubt my word we could always take it up with the local Magistrate… if you wish.”
The kiss of death, so to speak, for anyone in a public position was to challenge the word of a cleric before the Magistrate. Even those like Tavers, who had no use for clerics and their Gods, knew better than to challenge them over something as trivial as their current situation was.
Tavers clenched his jaw, turning to Janessa when she giggled. Cowed but furious he vented, “They’re your responsibility.” He then turned and stalked back into the guard house where he mulled over ways to arrest all three for ruining his morning.
Once the three companions left the safety of the walled city, their demeanor changed. Both Gilliam and Galin were alert, their hands rested on their weapons as they expected to be attacked at any moment. Janessa became silent as she studied every bush and tree listening for any sound that would give away an ambush. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt safer outside the city walls.
*****
It was an offer Renard would be a fool to refuse, as the gems before him were worth more than a hundred Bereks and Nursk Brothers, but there was something more. Renard hadn’t risen to his current status by believing everything shown to him. There were cities where he was welcomed like a king by the people. They flocked to fill his coffers with gold and silver and their women paid handsomely for the company of his fighters. He was never afraid to take a risk before, that concerned him the most about the offers he was being presented with. There was no risk involved. Why did he hesitate? Was it too easy? Was Berek trying to make a fool out of him? Those thoughts and more flowed through Renard’s mind as he gazed down at the handful of gems Berek put on his desk. As his mind went over the possibilities, his eyes sought out Berek’s. Through all of their years together he was certain the young fighter hadn’t lied to him, concealed things yes, but never lied. Any hint of what the fighter was thinking remained hidden behind the unreadable mask that was his face.
Renard spoke, but it wasn’t what Berek expected. “We have a deal then?“ Berek’s mouth opened in astonishment but he managed to regain his composure before his surprise became too evident. Fech wasn’t as gifted in subtlety, allowing a croak to escape from his throat. Renard silenced his pet with a quick look then smiled at Berek. “I’ve thought about killing you many times over the years, Berek.” He glanced at the gems and smiled. “Now, I’m glad I didn’t.”
“Don’t you mean you failed?” Berek won everything he dreamed of for years, but he expected more. He just wasn’t sure what.
Renard let out a laugh, a joyful one that sent shivers through Berek’s body. “I wasn’t the one that failed. If I wanted you dead, truly dead, it would’ve been done. No, I look on those attempts as tests.”
“Tests?” Berek eyed Renard.
“To strengthen a blade it must be forged. Correct?” Renard sat in his plush chair as he continued talking. “You’ve grown very strong. I dare say much stronger than I ever thought possible. Few men could’ve defeated the Nursk Brothers as you did, an impressive feat even with that cleric’s help.”
Renard doesn’t know about Galin! The realization exploded through Berek’s mind but he was careful not to let it show. So that’s why he agreed so easily. He’s scared of me. Berek’s mind raced with the newest bit of reasoning.
“As it is, I could use a man of your talents.” At first Berek thought he didn’t hear him right, allowing his quizzical thinking to show as a facial expression. Seeing Berek’s face contort made Renard smile. “We hate each other, that is a fact of life, but it doesn’t mean we can’t work together. You not only managed to free yourself from servitude, but you’ve also created an opening for a bodyguard.”
Berek stared at him thinking the man was out of his mind. It was a well known fact that Berek would like nothing more than to stick his sword into Renard’s heart. Why would he even think of me as a bodyguard? Berek never trusted the man, and now he trusted him even less while he tried to figure out what kind of game Renard was playing.
Sensing his former fighter’s apprehension, Renard’s smile faded and he crossed his arms over his chest. “My offer’s on the table. Take it or leave it, I want your answer now.”
Berek wanted to think it through, to ask Galin and Gilliam what they thought. Between the three of them he was sure they would’ve found any hidden agenda. As it was, he stood alone and off balance from having his freedom given to him. After a brief pause he shook his head no.
Renard pursed his lips in disappointment then shrugged. “Very well. Here’s your receipt,” he handed over the bill of sale for Berek with his signature on it, “see Madam Fleir to have your brand removed.”
Without another wasted moment Renard scooped up the gems and dropped them into a lock box. Berek stopped at the tent opening and glanced back. Renard busied himself with planning that day’s fights, making Berek appear forgotten. When he turned back around his eyes met Fech’s, the anger glowing in the gargoyle’s eyes burned into Berek as he strode out of the tent.
Fech watched him go with great reluctance and worried about his master. For the second time in two days, Renard allowed a dangerous individual to leave his camp without much of a fight, and as before, it didn’t sit well with the Ga
rgoyle. Being so wrapped in his thoughts caused Fech to jump at the sound of Renard’s voice.
“Relax Fech, all is not yet over.” The gargoyle glanced at his master and smirked as much as his kind was capable of. Renard hadn’t moved aside from checking a list of names for that evening’s fights. Fech’s master had a plan in mind and his blood began boiling with anticipation.
*****
The air outside the tent smelled different, sweeter perhaps? Berek couldn’t put his finger on what was so different about it as he made his way through the camp. He knew the way to Madam Fleir’s by heart. She always set her tent up in the same location wherever the company traveled. A likable middle aged woman that served as a nurse under Renard long before any clerics began to travel with them, Madam Fleir also served as mother and often lover to those in camp that felt the need and didn’t want to pay for it.
The latter option never ceased to amaze Berek, he always found her charming but on the plain side. He assumed it was due to his upbringing, the men in his family married only the most beautiful women to add to their status. Shaking his head, he turned left at a fork in the path, status symbols did him a world of good where he found himself.
A few more steps brought him to the open pavilion where madam Fleir dealt with her patients. Ten cots were set up with various buckets beside them filled with water, purifying agents, and anything else the patient may need. The pavilion was empty at the moment, but Berek knew from experience it would be full by nightfall. In many ways he thought it resembled a battlefield hospital. He wondered how well it would function under those conditions should the need arise. Still, it wasn’t something he had to worry about after that morning. The thought added a spring to his step as he made his way towards the front of the tent and the makeshift hospital housed there.
When he was about to knock on the wooden door post to announce his presence a voice called out.” Come in Berek, come in!”
He paused for a moment in bewilderment until realizing she probably saw him approaching. With a quick flick of his wrist, Berek opened the tent flap and stepped inside. The smell of perfume and scented oils filled his nose, but not in a choking manner. He was pleased to note it wasn’t very strong at all. A nice change from some of the private tents he visited with a woman living there. For the most part, they never seemed able to drown out whatever smell that displeased them.
It only took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dimness after walking through the morning sun. “Madam Fleir, I’m sorry to disturb you but Renard sent me to have my brand removed.”
“Ah Berek, so nice to see you again.” The woman stood from her desk and walked over to him. Her smile was warm and inviting as she clasped his hands. “I’m so happy to hear that my boy. You deserve to get out of this rat hole more than any other, I should think.” Madam Fleir stepped back from Berek and looked him up and down. “And not the worse for wear I see. Good, very good. I trust you have the bill of sale? Wouldn’t want to upset Renard.”
Berek handed the receipt to her so she could double check everything, for if she unbranded someone that wasn’t to be set free then she’d take their place. Tidbits of knowledge like that often made Berek wonder why anyone would agree to work under Renard’s watchful eyes. Berek waited while she read over the receipt, amazed she didn’t look like any of her forty-eight years. He wasn’t sure if it was the lighting or some spell in the air, but he found himself being drawn to her. The fact she still wore her night gown allowing one to see through didn’t help. Berek’s jaw muscles tightened as he fought for control, he’d only been with a couple of women before and those urges threatened to overpower him.
Madam Fleir finished checking the receipt and handed it back to Berek. “There you go, everything’s in order. I need you to take off your clothes so that we may begin.” Berek’s face went pale, an action that brought a laugh from the nurse. “Don’t worry my boy; it’s nothing I haven’t seen before.” She stepped closer smiling, “You know another way to take a mineral bath? It’s the only thing that’ll remove your brand. That’s a good boy.” She gave him a nod and turned away as he began to pull off his tunic.
The only thought able to find its way into his mind was she bewitched me. Never before did feelings like those he was suffering from course through his body. The more he fought against the building urge the weaker he began to feel.
Chapter 23
The sudden feeling of weightlessness threatened to make Viola panic as it worked to overwhelm her. “Concentrate. Focus on the vision within your mind.” The voice was gentle and forceful at the same time. Viola knew it belonged to Mern but the last thing she remembered him saying was an incantation. She wasn’t able to understand the words he used, so advanced that the words befuddled her mind but she saw an image in her thoughts. Very small, the image resembled an island in a sea of swirling black colors. Each ring around the island was darker then the previous, each devoid of something specific. Love, fear, warmth, cold were all drained from her while she floated there, powerless to stop herself or to make herself continue on.
The panic threatened to seize hold of her once more, she never felt so helpless in her entire life. “I can’t!” She cried out into the expanse, her voice was swallowed by one of the dark pools.
“You must. Concentrate or you shall remain here for eternity.” Though the voice was gentle she knew it would abandon her to float among the voids until time itself ran out. “Open your eyes and concentrate. Reach for it.”
Open her eyes? The thought never occurred to her because she thought they were open! Everything appeared so vivid before her that Viola tried to close her eyes, to shut out the terrible sight of nothingness before her. “I can’t!”
“You must.”
The finality of those words struck her deep down; in a place she didn’t know existed. There a fire burned bright and fierce attempting to drive the fear and darkness away by its intensity alone. From that spark she found the strength to take control, if not of her surroundings then of herself. With torturous effort she fought back her fears, fought back the doubt and the helplessness that gave strength to the darkness until she forced her eyes open. While opening her eyes a sliver at first, she forced them open the rest of the way upon seeing the brightness waiting for her.
The ever darkening bands surrounding her and the island were replaced with glorious, multicolored light. Viola felt the warmth and love return to her as well as fear and cold. Together, they gave her the strength to win against the fear and raise her hands towards the sliver of an island that was so far away but was now within reach. With her mind now clear and focused, Viola concentrated on the island as she’d been instructed.
The far off vision became solid rock beneath Viola’s feet and the vibrant colors that surrounded her were replaced by a clear night sky, though the stars above were strange to her. The ground that appeared green, lush, and inviting was now gray dirt and blackened rock. As Viola took her first breath, she expected it to be cold and still but instead it filled her with an intense, vigorous energy. Curious, Viola bent to pick up a stone to examine it closer. The sudden shock it sent through her was pleasant, like a warm tingle that made her feel alive.
“I didn’t think you’d succeed. For a moment I thought I’d been mistaken.” Viola turned to the familiar voice. She failed to notice her Master standing a few feet away with his back to her, and his hands clasped behind his back. Without giving her a chance to respond he continued, turning to face her with a proud smile on his face. “I’m glad to see I was mistaken.”
Viola felt herself flush at the pride flowing from the old mage and regained her composure. “What is this place?”
Mern smiled, “Child, you are only the second mortal to set foot here. Welcome to the birth and death of the universe. Welcome, to the Dragon’s Graveyard.”
Viola stood silent for a moment, she had so much happen to her in the last few minutes that it was difficult for her to understand it all. “The Dragon’s Graveyard?” She
repeated with a chill while looking around. For the first time she noticed the skeletons, some as small as a house cat and others standing as tall as mountains. “But… I don’t feel anything evil or sinister.”
Mern burst into laughter, “And you never will, child. This is the place the Gods created for dragons to go when they die. Their power and blood are absorbed to be reused to continue the growth of every living being on our world.”
“Then the… barrier…”
Mern nodded at her sudden understanding, “Is the defense of this plain against mortals. None may pass through it unless they master their own short comings and fears. Countless mages and sorcerers have tried, only to become lost in the blackness of their own doubts and fears.”
Viola shivered as a chill shot up the length of her back. She nearly became lost due to her own weakness. If she hadn’t had help… She bowed to Mern. Viola owed him more than she could ever say. “Thank you master, without your aide I would be lost.”
Mern waved his hand, dismissing her gratitude. “Nonsense child. More powerful wizards than myself have tried to come here. Like you, I had help, and like me you will bring another here when the time is right. Your gratitude is neither wanted nor needed, we are but the chosen.”
Viola listened, careful not to take offense at having her gratitude pushed aside without a second thought. She listened intently to what he told her. “The chosen for what?”
Mern smiled at her, her curiosity and hunger for knowledge proved to him that he made the correct choice. “Your questions will be answered in due time. Until then you have much to learn.”
She looked around at their surroundings, “This is where you’re to train me then?”
Mern nodded, “This is the birthplace for everything, even magic. Here your spells will be enhanced a hundredfold. As you master the secrets of the Dragon’s Graveyard you will be able to master magic you could only dream of. Then you’ll become more powerful than any other.”