If darkness brings forth the best in men of valor, it also brings forth the worst in those who savor it.
Men who have no will but to rule and control others are the first to explore the release of their bonds; destruction of the will of other men is the prevalent emotional prerogative for these.
Their sense of being is permeated with loathing for all others, and possibly themselves.
There are some among these who simply will rule, there is no
concept of loathing, but rather one of indifference for others whom they consider only beings to enslave.
Power is an aphrodisiac, the virtue and reward for having accomplished yet another step in the conquest. It is to these the gods, who would defile, will turn for their lieutenants when the time is right.
Our tale continues with revelations of men of evil and those of strength . . .
Rab'k sat near the fire at his camp just north of Varspree. He had ridden hard to rejoin his troop and was sitting quietly enjoying drink and food. All the other men near the circle of warmth had departed except for Jond'r who sat, without speaking, while his commander finished his meal.
"Was the journey difficult?" Rab'k spoke, motioning with a wave at the camp.
"No, the wagons were heavily laden, but the road wasn't our enemy today," Jond'r answered, not looking at Rab'k.
"Are the men and horses fit for a hard ride tomorrow?" Rab'k asked. He took a last swallow from his cup and tossed the rest into the fire.
The steam rose, masking Jond'r's view of Rab'k as he turned to look at the man.
Though Rab'k had the solid, strong look of a man of power; he seemed to be weary from the ride from Varspree but not so much that it affected his demeanor.
The horse Rab'k had ridden was still gasping near the watering trough rigged for the other animals; there was some danger of the animal foundering.
Jond'r instructed his herd master to allow the animal only small amounts until it cooled. Rab'k hadn't stopped to allow the animal rest, or water, until he entered the encampment.
Jond'r had no fondness for the mistreatment of the animals; this troubled him.
"We will probably do battle tomorrow," Rab'k said calmly, as though the statement had no importance to any one; it was just a statement of fact.
Jond'r was startled and glanced quickly at Rab'k.
"Battle? With whom?" Jond'r responded, not understanding why they should have to do battle with anyone.
Rab'k hadn't informed him there was to be any fighting on this journey and he couldn't think who Rab'k might consider an enemy.
"That isn't important now," Rab'k answered bluntly, but glared at Jond'r from under his eyebrows, as his eyes rose to look at the man, "will that be a problem?"
"Why? I don't see a reason," Jond'r answered, too quickly, knowing he was pushing the limits of his authority and right of command with Rab'k, "what fight could we have?"
"I have my reasons. Are you questioning me?" Rab'k answered quickly. He was watching Jond'r intently and his eyes seemed to pierce the darkness. Then, suddenly, he looked away toward the stars.
"No! But who are we to attack?" Jond'r knew he was proceeding beyond his right to ask such forward questions, but Rab'k had no reaction Jond'r could see. Rab'k continued to look at the darkness above.
"That isn't important either. I have chosen to pursue and fight a foe. It's simple really. They have something I want," Rab'k spoke firmly, still not looking at Jond'r but with an obviously intense tone in his voice.
Suddenly he whirled about standing and looking down at Jond'r who was caught by surprise, "Do you have a problem with this plan!" Rab'k almost shouted. His intensity forced his words through clenched teeth, muffling the sound.
Jond'r sat back quickly, but straightened himself, composed his thoughts and said, "I see no problems, sire. When will we be leaving?" He did not move from his seat, nor did he look up at the huge man staring down at him.
"At dawn!" Rab'k choked out the words.
His fury was evident; he wasn't accustomed to having his commands questioned, and he certainly wasn't accustomed to someone openly defying him, "Be ready!"
"Yes, sire. My men and I will be awaiting your orders," Jond'r spoke quietly, stood slowly and faced the man, returning his glare. "And we will be ready to fight."
With that Jond'r threw his own drink into the fire, a cloud of steam billowed and sizzled, turned and walked away.
"Make certain you are!" Rab'k shouted after him, "there will be adequate punishment for those who disobey me!" He turned and strode away toward his tent, mumbling to himself as he went.
Jond'r's mind was boiling with anger and dismay, thinking of the thousands of things he might do to stop this insanity but shaking his head as he dismissed each one.
What can be happening? He must be talking about Garv’n. I am indebted to Garv’n; he has been good to my family and me. How can I attack this man or his men? I must think of a way to stop this.
He looked across the camp, listening to the sounds of the night; he shook his head, uncertain what the morning might bring. Saddened, he walked slowly to his tent. He had to prepare his men for a battle; these were good men who hadn't been in one for years. The losses would be terrible. Garv’n's men, though they were a rowdy bunch with their bravado and gruffness, were good soldiers. Jond'r knew several of their leaders; they trained together as young men. He knew these men weren't prepared for actual battle either. The peace had lasted so many years the fury of battle was an unknown for many of them.
What sort of man is this Rab'k? How evil can he be?
DESTINY