The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series (3 page)

“I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression, Lammy,” the man said. “As Pudge remarked, I just wanted information. I seem to remember nothing at all, and she mentioned the Alliance which is new to me. I’m sorry if I’ve offended you.”

Lammy took his hand off his weapon. “I meant no offense either.” He stopped a moment to look at his friend. “We hear rumors coming out of the borderlands of sudden uprisings, and it just has me on edge.” He switched his focus to Pudge, wiping beads of sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. “I don’t think Tamiel needs to know about any of this, it would only upset her.”

With a smile on her face she replied, “Upset her, or upset the time you’re allowed to spend in my tavern?” She laughed for a moment. “But I think some information is best left to ourselves. After all, you’re one of my regular customers and I would hate to disturb that.” They laughed as four guards entered the inn.

Lammy and his friend retreated to their table and the man turned to face the oncoming guards. They wore the same armor as the guards that he met at the gates, but these men also wore a crimson cloak hanging off their right shoulders. He presumed this marked them as guards of the palace. They headed toward the bar to speak with Pudge.

“Captain Markel, it has been a long time since you have been in here. What brings you to my little establishment?” She asked, even though she already knew his business.

The captain replied while sizing up the man at the bar, “Good afternoon to you, Pudge. Business seems to be good.” He looked around the dining room before he continued. “Alajandro tells me you’re boarding a gentleman here who wishes an audience with Lord Brukahn. I’ve come to bring him to the palace,” he stated with disdain and reproach visible in his eyes. “I assume this is the man right here,” he said, while nodding.

“Thank you, Captain. This is the young man. I wanted to ensure he had a decent meal before he accompanied you to the palace.” She chuckled. “I leave him in your capable hands gentlemen. Come back again soon.”

“I would be glad to oblige,” he said, as he turned to face the man.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to gather up my effects from my room. Then I would be glad to accompany you to the palace.” The captain motioned with his hands while the man stood up. He could tell the captain hated the delay. He started toward the stairs and noticed the captain had leaned forward on the bar to have a conversation with Pudge. The man retreated to the third floor and grabbed the pieces of armor he had left behind before, most notably his sword. Once he felt he looked presentable, he headed back to the dining room. He joined the four guards and turned to Pudge, “I thank you for your hospitality. You have been nothing but kind, and I will find a way to repay you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, and Alajandro will see I’m compensated. If you ever need a bed to sleep in, please come back for a visit,” she said, as he bowed. She didn’t know why, but there appeared to be something regal about the mysterious man and he intrigued her.

He turned to the guards who eyed his sword with interest. “I’m ready when you are, sir.” They turned and filed in—the captain and another guard in front, and the remaining two guards in the rear. The heat of the blistering sun hit him in the face and he noticed the five geldings harnessed and ready to go. The captain directed him to one of the horses, while the four guards mounted the others. Once again, he rode in the middle surrounded by the others, as if they thought he would flee.

The captain led them at a slow pace while they circled through the inner ring of the city. The guards didn’t speak to the man, nor to one another, as they paraded through town. This gave him the opportunity to take in his surroundings. Surprisingly there were very few guards—except for the ones stationed at the various gates they passed through. As they approached each one, the captain raised his left hand in a fist toward the guard in charge. The guard returned the signal as the party passed through. He realized it must be a salute, although none he remembered.

The journey through the city took longer than he expected, and they approached the largest set of gates he had seen yet. Unlike the others, this one was closed and a guard approached. For the first time since they set out, the captain spoke to the guard, before he motioned for the others to open it. The captain again raised his left fist before proceeding.

Lavish, lush, green gardens of the palace welcomed them. Placed throughout were statues and fountains, with a road in the middle leading to the main entrance of the palace. The road had bushes and shrubs on both sides. It looked welcoming, if not smaller than he remembered. The palace had tall white walls and appeared to be marble. A number of columns were prominent on the front and three domes adorned the roof. The one in the center looked the largest, flanked by ones on either side; both the same size. All three appeared to be gold. Gargoyles sat evenly spaced surrounding the exterior of the roof, separated by carvings in the marble. He looked toward the captain and noticed he had lost ground to them, so he quickened his pace.

They reached the stairs, where two grooms met them. They dismounted their geldings and handed the leads, before advancing to the doors.

They turned left and headed down a long hall. When they neared the end, they reached a set of doors guarded by two more soldiers. The soldiers saluted the captain, who ignored the salute, but did nod. The chamber spread wide and looked much like a courtroom. Multiple rows of benches lined the room, curved in an arc surrounding three sides. All of the seats faced a throne in the center. The throne sat above all the other seating areas. Colorful tapestries hung on the walls of the chamber; the most prominent of them contained two lions standing on their back legs facing a two-handed sword. The images were in silver, with a crimson-red background.

The captain led him to the first row in the middle of the room and motioned for him to sit. “If it’s okay with you Captain Markel, I prefer standing. Sitting makes me uncomfortable.”

Markel didn’t answer, but nodded. The captain’s unwillingness to speak frustrated the man, but he stood and continued to wait. After a few moments passed, a set of double doors to the right of the throne opened, and four guards entered the chamber. The guards lined the doorway, two on each side, while an older man and woman entered. Without looking in the direction of the assembly, they both walked to the throne, where the lord sat down and the lady stood on his right. It looked as if the man struggled to sit. He was a shorter man, and looked to have been well fed for countless years. He had a long white beard overlaid with a white and gray mustache hanging down at least a foot on either side. The lady looked fit, and quite a bit younger than her husband did. She glanced across the assembly, lingering a moment on the man. All of the formality ground at his nerves, but he understood the necessity of it.

The lord let his gaze shift and rested his chin on his left arm, stroking his mustache while he studied him. He stared long while deep in thought, “So, you don’t know who you are.” He clasped his hands in his lap as he leaned forward. “If you don’t know your identity, what do you expect me to do about it?”  He furrowed his brow. “Look, I’ll cut right to the point. I’m a very busy man with better things to do. I only agreed to this meeting because I was intrigued to meet a man who was naïve enough to think they could bother me with such a mundane conversation.”

The man looked to the ground in irritation.  He didn’t know what he expected from the lord, but he definitely hoped he would be more amenable to helping. “I’m sorry to have taken you away from your busy affairs.  I just hoped—given my current attire—you would recognize me.”

The lord offered a flippant wave. “I suggest you remember your place next time. Ask around town, try and look for something familiar, or put up some signs for god’s sake.”

Looking defeated, the man said, “I thank you for your time, my lord, and sorry to have bothered you.”

The lord stood as the man turned to leave.  The light caught the armor of the mysterious man as he turned, and Brukahn suddenly caught sight of the crest. “Wait, wait, wait. Turn back toward me.”

The man did as instructed, wondering what he would want now. “Is there something else, my lord?”

“Come closer to me,” he said as he waved him forward, excitement filling his eyes. “That crest.  The one on your armor.  Do you recognize it?”

The man looked down at his chest. It was an extravagant crest with a lion, sword and shield. “It’s a nice crest, one that I don’t recognize though.” He shrugged. “Should it mean something to me?”

“It’s the Havenbrook crest, so yeah I would say it means something.” The lord looked confused. “If I don’t know you, why are you running around claiming my city as your own? Perhaps you should tell me a little more.  Start from the beginning of what you
can
remember.”

Perturbed, the man said, “As you wish.” He began retelling everything that began that morning, although his irritation grew. After such a rude greeting, he wasn’t sure he wanted the lord’s help.  Then again, he didn’t really think he had a choice.

When he finished, the lord sat and pondered his words for a moment. He consulted with the lady, before he said, “Your story intrigues me. I’m not sure the best way to proceed.” He stopped, while he considered his next course of action. As the man shifted, he caught the sight of a chain around the man’s neck. “What are you wearing around your neck?”

The man pulled out the chain and displayed the silver medallion for the lord. “I’m not sure what it signifies.”

Brukahn’s eyes lit up.  He knew exactly what it was.
This man is a keeper! And one who doesn’t know what that means. If I play my cards right, this man could be a worthy addition to my troops.
“That is an interesting piece of jewelry, although I have to say I don’t know what it signifies either,” he lied.

The man slid the medallion back below his breastplate.
What good are all of these clues to my past, if no one else recognized them either?
He wondered.

Brukahn knew he needed to help the man now, at least for his own mischievous purposes. “Very well, I find it all very peculiar.” Lord Brukahn stopped to let this statement soak into the man’s mind. “I still don’t know if I trust you, but the best course of action would be for you to seek out the old wizard, Norlun. This would require a guide, as the village where he resides is a long journey from here.”

The name Norlun struck a chord with him. He seemed familiar and he tried—to no avail—to conjure an image of him. “I’ll do whatever it is you advise.” Remembering what Pudge had said about the lord being interested in hands of combat, he added, “And offer any form of support I may upon my return, as payment for your guidance.” He bowed his head to show respect. “I’d be honored to accept any who you deem appropriate to accompany me on this journey.” He was excited to be actually getting somewhere, for the moment at least.

Lord Brukahn stroked his mustache again, while he thought of a plan. “I could send you out with some of my guards, but I’m not sure who I could assign this task to.” He thought for a moment when an idea crept into his head and he began to laugh. Liniana would be the perfect guide, and if he sent her with this man, she could spy on him during their journey. She could gather just the right useful information to force him into service. “I’m wary about whether to trust you, and in that case, I suppose I should send my daughter as your guide.” He sat forward with large eyes.

His face flushed at the prospect of the Lord’s daughter as a guide. Surely, a soldier would be more appropriate; but then again, he didn’t seem to be in a position to argue. “Very well. If you deem her adequate, I will accept your hospitality.”

The Lord guffawed. “I can see this isn’t what you expected. I assure you she knows the land well, and is a good resource in the open wild.” He grinned, “if not a good judge of character as well.”

The lord waited for the man to respond, but when it seemed he had nothing to say, he continued. “There is no one I trust more for this duty than her, and I will send two guards with you as well.” He brought his hands together—his pointer fingers outstretched—and rested them below his lower lip, “You’re welcome to a room in our guest quarters, and require your attendance at dinner with my wife and I this evening.”

“I’m very gracious to you, my lord.” He bit his lip and kept his opinions to himself. He wanted to get back on the road to discover his identity, but if the lord wanted him for dinner, then he had no choice.

“Liniana will return from her training in a matter of days. In the meantime, you’re welcome to partake in all the realm has to offer.” He looked toward Markel and said, “Captain, see this man to one of the guest quarters and ensure he gets settled.” The lord rose. “One last thing. In payment of my hospitality and assistance in this matter, I expect you to offer your service in my army upon your return.” The man bowed his head in acceptance, as the lord took his wife's arm. He bowed to the party and they headed toward the door.

The man looked to the captain, and motioned for him to lead the way. He wasn't looking forward to it.

Inside the Merchant's Dagger Tavern, the mood felt thick and threatening. The bar sat very dark, considering the time of day, but with no windows in the establishment, what else would one expect? Many lit sconces adorned the wall, they cast an ominous glow throughout the room. Most of the patrons looked very rough, and rightly so, because they were employed by seafaring merchants. Several of the men wore dark cloaks and stuck to tables on the outskirts of the room.

The door opened, letting bright light burst into the room. Two Goblins walked in and took a table in the center. One looked older than the other—a grotesque sight to behold, with numerous scabs and sores on his face. They were in the midst of an argument.

“I still don' know what ya be thinkin’ Tuk? Lettin’ that knight out of our grasp with no reward!” Kos said. He glanced around the room looking for the owner of the establishment. “What do it take to get a drink ‘round here?” He slammed his fist down on the table. “We be thirsty and in need of ale.”

A tall, dark-haired man appeared from behind the counter, as he made a scene. He had a scarred face, rimmed with a light beard. He approached the table the Goblins occupied, his hand on his dagger.

“I won’t be having any trouble from you, Goblins!” He reached a hand up to scratch at his beard. “I don’t like Goblins in this bar. If you show me some coin, I will fetch ya some ale.”

A cloaked man, sitting in the darkest corner of the tavern, took an immediate interest in the two Goblins and the barkeep. He leaned forward to hear the conversation better. He wore a mysterious look.

Offended, Kos moved his hand to his dagger in response, “If it be coin ya be lookin’ for, it be coin I be havin’.” He moved his right hand from his dagger and displayed his coin purse with his adequate quantity of coppers and silvers. “Can we be havin’ a couple of ales now, or ya goin' throw us out of your tavern?”

The bartender moved his hand off the hilt of his dagger. “Because you have coin, we’ve no problem here. I will fetch ya two ales.” He headed behind the bar to grab the beverages.

Angry that he had to justify himself to the proprietor of the establishment, Kos shifted in his seat and turned his attention back to his nephew. “This be your fault, Tuk. Ye should’ve left the man be where he be. I thought we be in for a big reward, and thought it comin’ all mornin' long. It disappeared when ye let the man get away.” With a dissatisfied look on his face, he furrowed his brow before he continued, “And now it cost more to get passage on the boat because it be almost full.” He started coughing, much to the relief of Tuk.

The suspicious man in the corner leaned in even closer, listening to their conversation attentively.

With his uncle incapacitated by his coughing, Tuk knew his chance to speak had arrived. “No, ye should’ve listened to me when I be sayin’ we rob the man. If we took what the man had, we be on the verge of riches Kos. You don’t know what you be doin’, and I be havin’ about enough with ya.” Kos's coughing increased as he tried to interject his thoughts. “We had a goldmine, Kos! We be finding an unconscious knight, in full burnished plate mail with an enchanted sword on his back. We be rich men by now! But no! You seek beyond what ya can grasp!”

By now, Kos burned with anger, his cough the only thing preventing him from venting his rage at Tuk. The bartender appeared at the table and deposited the two ales.

The man in the corner had heard enough and approached the two Goblins—just waiting for the bartender to leave. Kos took a drink to clear his throat. He set the glass down, eager and ready to berate Tuk for his misspeaking, when the cloaked man reached their table.

Tuk looked up startled. The cloaked figure brought a finger to his lips, mouthing for them to remain quiet. “Keep it quiet and listen to me.” He looked to be an ageless man. The revealed portion of his face looked clean-shaven, and free from wrinkles, or any other.

“I’m a man who seeks information for my master. I couldn’t help but overhear your rantings a minute ago.” Tuk reached down for his dagger, concealed at his hip. Before he reached the hilt, the cloaked man had a knife positioned to cut Tuk's throat. “You both are very foolish and speak of things you shouldn’t be meddling in. Try it again, and I will kill you both.” He let that sink in and waited as Tuk removed his hand from the area of his dagger. Kos gave Tuk a disgruntled look.

“Good. I see you’re of good reason. I will pay you for your information. I will ask the questions, and if the information is correct you will nod.” He waited for their response. “You said you found an unconscious man? And you found him by the river outside of Havenbrook? Did he have a crest with a reared lion and a two-handed sword?”

The Goblins continued to answer his questions with nods. When the situation arose for Kos to jump in, he did. “You mentioned a reward. How much, and when we be gettin’ it?”

This angered the cloaked man. “I told you not to speak. But you can’t listen, can you?” He stared at both of them before proceeding. “I think it would be best if I took you both to my master. Get up! We’re leaving.” He motioned for the pair to get up to leave the establishment.

Tuk spoke up, “Leave? But where is your master? We’ve purchased passage on the Silent Whisper and we be leavin’ soon. All of our merchandise already be on that ship! We don’t just be leavin’!”

“Goblins! Why do I bother?” He paused. With disgust written all over his face he said, “I will pay you enough your belongings won’t matter to you any longer. Now get up and let’s go.”

Kos picked up his mug and finished his ale, realizing that arguments should never interfere with a chance at gold. “We be goin’ now, Tuk. Do as he says!”

Sullenly, Tuk put down his mug and got up to leave the tavern. As they exited, the bartender came rushing over. “I knew ya would try and cheat me. I need money for those ales, or ya won’t be leaving!”

Perturbed, the dark man brought out a gold coin from nowhere, and tossed it at the barkeep. “This should compensate you for those beverages. And speak no word of the three of us. You have never seen us before.”

The barkeep looked as if he didn’t understand, but managed to mumble, “Right, never seen you before. I understand.” He bit down on the coin. Satisfied it was indeed gold, he turned and tended to the bar.

With the barkeep taken care of, the man led the pair out of the door and into the street. He looked at the Goblins. “Stay close to me. I don’t wish to draw attention to ourselves.”

The Goblins nodded their compliance. The two looked at each other, exchanging wary glances. The man led them to the end of the building where they reached an alley. The man reached into his cloak and pulled out a dagger when they were out of sight. It was the most polished and ornately designed dagger the pair had ever seen. Kos' eyes grew large as he hungered to get his hands on the weapon.

With the dagger in hand, the man looked around to be certain no one watched them. He uttered words neither of them understood. “Dour pith cour mi!” The weapon began to glow, giving off a red hue. Aglow, he plunged the dagger into the brick stonework of the building.

The Goblins looked at one another in astonishment as the man drew a giant rectangle that could pass for a glowing, white door.

He looked at the Goblins and said, “One of you pass through the gate. When he’s through, it’s safe for the other to enter. Do you understand?”

They both nodded and looked to one another to see who would pass through first. Tuk sighed when he realized he would have to go. He took two steps forward and put his left leg in the white glowing portal. His leg had a warming sensation and he could feel it spreading throughout his body. It became hotter as he inched further through, until it enveloped him. Kos looked on in wonder as he watched his nephew disappear. He looked to the man with hesitant feelings, but the man gave him an icy look, urging him forward. After he disappeared, the man followed the Goblins into nothingness. As he walked through the gateway winked out of existence.