The Vlakan King (Book 3) (11 page)

There was a hint of coolness in the breeze as the summer reached its end and Colly looked forward to his 'post' where he was out of Danni's way but she could check on him from time to time. He did not mind being mothered by his daughter, not one bit. The edge in the breeze kept him in a light doze, not fully asleep and vaguely aware of the commotion of the day. It was just the way Colly wanted it.

"Ah Colly. You have lived up to my expectations," said Colin Festin the blacksmith. His large shadow shaded Colly's eyes as they flickered open. "I knew you would find your true calling one day."

"Hi Festin. Do you begrudge me a hard earned reward?"

"No, I do not. I'm actually a bit jealous if you know the truth." The thickly muscle grey haired man slapped Colly's shoulder. Colin Festin was Colly's oldest friend and the blacksmith for Aryar Greyrawk, former Lord of Greyrawk Mountain who was killed by Belderag years ago. It was Festin who first saw Ian Greyrawk return to Cresida in what was the eventual downfall of Belderag and the lifting of the oppressed people of Gornst. Festin still worked as a blacksmith although he had two apprentices and one journeyman who handled most of the work. He wasn't as detached from his business as Colly, but he was slowly reaching the same point.

"Well then, grab a chair from inside and sit out here with me. There's a permanent spot for you if you want it. Gets a bit lonely dozing out here by myself."

Festin ducked in and returned with a chair and a pint of ale.

"I might take you up on that Colly. Since my wife died I've lost some of the zeal for my work. My journeyman, Carlik, is ready to take over the business. I just need something to occupy my time." He took a long pull on his pint and sat back in his chair.

"Colin, occupy that chair and relax. The world keeps moving whether you jump in or not. I prefer not at this point in time."

"You have a wise head, Colly, although I surprise myself to say that. I'd much rather end my life dozing in a chair than pitching forward over my anvil."

"Let's not get too morbid. I plan to sit out here for many years more."

An old woman shuffled up to them. Her clothes were worn but of good quality. A large man stood behind her several paces off, glancing around the area. She looked at Colly with a keen stare.

"Rumors, dear Colly, I have rumors."

"I'm through with rumors, Chander. Haven't you given up your occupation yet?"

"I'm busier than ever. Princess Linna gives me special commissions. Now the thieves' guild is run much the same here as it is in Andara. No more cutthroat relationships. It is now a dignified occupation and a very profitable arrangement. I am glad I lived to see this day and I shall not retire until the excitement fades."

"What are these rumors you bring to disturb my afternoon?"

"Some travelers have spoken of the Black Heath," said Chander. "Some traders came through and spoke of some losses they had in that land. They lost a wagon and horse found a very terrified compatriot who did not speak coherently for several hours. One of the traders was experienced and level headed. He got the man to calm and relate what he had seen."

"No. It can't be starting again."

"Yes, there are stories rising again of the dark shapes and lurkers in the night. What did you call them? Vlakan? Could the Celaeri return?"

"I do not know, but why tell me this? You have the ear of the Princess."

Chander made a sour face and spit.

"She discounts my reports. She is very strong willed and cannot be easily swayed from her opinion. She believes the battle you won was the last word in the matter. The Celaeri left vowing never to return. She doesn't see the dark side of the Celaeri as well as you. Out of sight out of mind, perhaps. You have a voice of authority in this manner, Colly. Also you are a friend of Tarlac Brandalay. His wife would be able to add weight to your arguments."

"Chander, I would need more than stories."

"I know, I know. Ask Brandalay to investigate. Colly you are the best man for this. I do not want another war to affect my business. I do not trade in food or weapons nor do I want to." She walked away.

"Well, that ruined my day," said Colly. "What are you looking at me for?"

"She is right," said Festin. "The Princess would listen to you. You are the King's Hand; that title has not been given to anyone else. King Byron did not appoint anyone else as the King's Hand after his father died. It appears old King Alec appointed you for life."

"I am not sure I will keep that chair for you after all," sniffed Colly. "If this is the way you will treat me."

"Papa! You behave." A woman stood in the doorway. She shook her head.

"Danni! Why aren't you in there working? A tavern needs a steady hand running it, not someone who stares out the door."

"Chander told me she'd come by to tell you something important and I aim to make sure you listen to her."

"I did, and she's gone. Now get back to work."

"Grandpa, what was the important thing?" asked Elly Picker. She stood next to her mother and smiled at the seated men. Elly was fourteen, the daughter of Aran Picker, adopted by Danni when she married Picker and Colly spared no chance to spoil her. Except for her dark hair she was the image of her step-mother in height and temperament. It was hard to guess they were not blood related.

"Elly! Come out here and talk to your grandpa," said Colly. "Your mom works you too hard. Look Colin, isn't Elly the most beautiful girl in Cresida?"

"Well, I haven't been everywhere in Cresida, but I wager you are right," said Festin.

"I don't work her any harder than you worked me," said Danni.

"Did you hear something, Elly? Sounded like some angry hornet buzzing around."

"It will soon be if it isn't already," giggled Elly. "Mother sent Kerry to Princess Linna."

"You didn't!" said Colly.

"Princess Linna is very fond of Kerry and he needed exercise. I daresay we shall be meeting with the Princess by nightfall."

"We?"

"You, Aran and me. Colin, you are welcome to come to make sure Papa gets the story correct."

"Oh no," said Festin. "I know better than to jump between you two. A nice quiet evening at home is what I need."

"Very well. I do want to thank you for keeping the old man company. Keeps him from talking to himself or flirting with the women walking by. I get so many complaints about him."

"Who complains? Who?"

"I've got work to do. Elly, come along."

"Sometimes I think I am lucky," said Festin. "That I no longer have women in my life."

"You are lucky and never forget it," said Colly, glancing into the tavern.

Festin returned home and Colly spent the remainder of the afternoon in his chair enjoying the fine weather. He saw two figures walking toward him. One was his grandson Kerry; the other was the unmistakable silhouette of Beric Mallon, Duke of Gornst and former Warlord of Cresida. He now served Princess Linna as her second in command. He had fought alongside Colly in the Celaeri War and respected the opinion of the King's Hand. Kerry gave Colly a hug and went inside the tavern. Beric bowed slightly.

"Hello Colly."

"Be welcome, Beric. I see Dani's message reached her highness?"

"Yes and that is why I am here. I want to hear the entire message you received and any thoughts you have regarding it."

"Well, pull up a chair. Would you like something to drink?"

"Thank you, Colly, I don't mind if I do."

"Elly!" Colly called into the tavern. After a few minutes Elly came out and drink was requested. When Beric received his tankard he took a long pull on it and closed his eyes.

"Ah, that is what I needed," said Beric. "I need field work; too much administration smothers the soul. The army was much easier to manage than an entire city. If it weren't for the Princess I would have returned to Andara months ago. But enough of those trials, tell me of our old friends the Celaeri."

"Chander told me she heard tales of creatures in the Black Heath. Some traders were attacked by what they described as Vlakan. Chander has never given false information to me before so I am inclined to truth her words."

"Still very little information to mobilize soldiers."

"I agree. However, we both know that we cannot allow the Celaeri to set their plans in motion before we are ready. They fight too fiercely to start with the advantage. We need scouts to verify that the Black Heath is active again. I believe the Princess should request Brandalay to investigate."

"Excellent idea. His Celaeri wife would be able to confirm the rumors better than anyone." He finished his beer and stood up. "I will convey to the Princess the seriousness of the matter. I will let you know her decision. Thank you for the drink, Colly."

"You're welcome Beric. Drop by anytime."

Beric nodded to Colly and walked back to the castle through the streets of Gornst, his military bearing in contrast to the people in the streets. Colly watched him until he was out of sight. He started; Elly stood next to him.

"Is there going to be a war, Grandpa? I don't want Papa to fight. I don't want him to die."

Colly pulled her close and hugged her. "Neither do I, little one. Neither do I."

The history of Nantitet is the history of the Arayr family. Weracht de Arayr was the first king of the Zidar and led a portion of the Zidar from the Isle of Cothos to Anavar and they settled in what is now Calendia. Weracht founded Nantitet and built fortifications to protect them in this unknown land. The nomadic Men befriended them and over time the two races intermarried. Weracht's son Mauran was a mighty sorcerer and after the Jungegud Agnaran murdered Weracht, Mauran began to weave his protection around Nantitet and the people who lived there. Over the centuries an Arayr has ruled in Nantitet; some great kings, others not so much. Still, the continuity gives Nantitet and Calendia a history none of the other kingdoms can claim. And to this day it is claimed Mauran de Arayr still watches over his people.

From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.

The guards at the gate to the Nantitet castle bowed to the High Mage as he entered but their wonder was for his companion. Although the long history of Nantitet involved nearly the all races on Landermass it had been many generations since a Daerlan entered its gates. The ageless face and pointed features - ears, nose, and chin - were legends around the fireplace on a long winter night. The duo climbed the wide stone stairs where Mauran de Arayr himself once stepped; the distant voices of the past stirred in greeting by the drafts of the ancient castle. Taina Talos accompanied Artus Endria into the private meeting chamber of High King Armana. The Rose Bishop was already there as were the City Captain Baer Patros and Warlord Nar Tomak. Taina had been waiting for Artus at the Mage Academy when he returned. After hearing her story, Artus sent a messenger to the High King requesting an immediate audience. The breathless messenger returned with the High King's summons.

"Welcome to Calendia, Taina Talos," said Armana. "I was a very young man when we last met but time has not marked you at all."

"Thank you for your welcome, King Armana," said Taina. "You are most distinguished now and in good health I trust. I bring news from Gerrand and the Talos Company."

"Gerrand still lives?" asked the Rose Bishop. "It was said he died over fifty years ago. He would be nearly a thousand years old. Imagine the power to live so long. What other secrets do you keep from the Council Artus?"

"That is enough Aulan," said Armana. "Artus has no secrets from me. We have more important issues to resolve." He glared at Aulan who looked away.

"What news do you bring me?" asked Armana.

"Gerrand has visions of war," said Taina. "He wakes each morning with the images burned into his mind and has seen clues to believe Galamog is behind it."

"Mordyn? That is interesting based on Aulan's reports of unusual activity by the Mordynians. It has been long since Galamog stirred beyond her borders."

"We have sent messengers to our friends who travel often to make note of Mordyn activity," said Taina. "With the Celaeri recent activity, the rising of Mordyn brings on different meaning."

"You believe it is connected?" asked the High King. "Cresida is a long way from Calendia."

"Not where Galamog or the Celaeri are concerned. Gerrand believes there is a connection and Kerreth does too."

"The great Kerreth Veralier," said Aulan. "Now there is a creature to fear. Will he be coming to Calendia?"

"He would be my guest," said the High King. "Aulan, you have not shown your best qualities today."

"As you say, your Highness. May I be excused to start the preparations to ready the Rose Brothers for war? We have little time it seems."

Armana looked at Aulan and neither flinched.

"You are excused," said Armana.

When the Rose Bishop departed Armana spoke again.

"I may have another battle to fight. Aulan does not hide his displeasure easily. He has nearly as many soldiers as I do and he could tie us up here while Mordyn attacks Wierland or Curesia. I need Aulan with me and Artus; I need your War Mages quickly." He turned to the City Captain and Warlord who had stood silent during the discussions.

"Well?"

"I will prepare the city for a siege. My men will mark all the locations of the Rose Brothers," said Baer Patros.

"Be discreet," said Armana. "Although we do not want them to take us by surprise, we may need their help when Galamog's captains come at us."

"My soldiers are ready," said Warlord Nar Tomak. "We can defend the city or take the battle to the enemy but if the Rose Brothers rise against us, we cannot fight two fronts. We just don't have the numbers."

"I can get you more men. I will pull all the farmers and merchants into the army."

"That will help with numbers, sire, but they would be no good as soldiers," said Nar Tomak. "We do not have time to prepare them for warfare. It would weaken our lines to mix them with professional soldiers. There are other things they can do to help the effort."