The Sampler Platter: A Little Bit of Everything

by Susan Skylark

  Chapter 15

  The year was growing old and the weather was not so pleasant to travel in as it had been a few months before. The wind was cold from the north and the sky often threatened rain or snow. It would have been a miserable journey alone, but their shared company lightened the gloom. They finally arrived in Astoria and after something warm to drink and a change into dry clothing, they were escorted to the Lady. She beamed with delight at the sight of them. “You have worked a miracle on the Order of the Unicorn,” said the Lady, “it may one day be worthy of the name! Very well done, but I am afraid I cannot let you rest quite yet. Especially you, Tristan. This Brotherhood of the Serpent is still out there and I need you to help me bring it to its knees.” Tristan bowed in acquiescence. “Now when will I have the honor of marrying you two,” asked the Lady with an attempt at a serious expression.

  “My Lady?” asked Tristan with a gasp. They had not even discussed marriage; though it was a hope that sometimes flitted through his mind. Arora looked equally surprised.

  Arora began, “we like each other very much, my Lady, but we have not even begun to think about such a commitment. We each have our duties and this is such a dangerous time…”

  “Nonsense,” laughed the Lady, “it is always a dangerous time and you will always have work to do. If you do not just go ahead and do it you will never get around to it. And if you wait until you are ready you will wait forever. You may not have discussed it, but I can tell that both of you have thought about it.” They nodded and blushed. The Lady smiled, “the two of you practically glow when you are in each other’s company. If you are not together you will be distracted while apart, and that I cannot have. You must decide now whether you will say your vows or forever remain apart.” They looked at each other and nodded. Then both turned to the Lady and said they would like to be married. “Good,” said the Lady, “let us begin.” Neither had imagined when she said ‘now’ that she truly meant at this moment, but they were more than willing to take their vows and the wedding proceeded quietly and quickly. Tristan looked at his new bride and smiled broadly. She blushed but returned his smile. The Lady beamed.

  The newlyweds were given three days alone together but then they were summoned again to the Lady for their next assignment. “Now that we have that messy business behind us,” the Lady said smiling warmly, “let us get back to work. As you both know, we have recently unearthed a most disturbing foe. Apparently, this Brotherhood is nearly as old as the Brethren and has been working against us from time immemorial though we knew it not. We know nothing about their infrastructure, their organization, or their location. That is what I want you two to find out. I need to know what they are up to and if we can put an end to them once and for all. Tristan, I am sorry your missions of late have been very vague, this one most of all, but you have done very well and I have no doubt the Master will lead you where you need to go. Arora, your days as a traveling Bard are temporarily at an end. For now you are in the service of the Messenger sect and will accompany and assist Tristan with his missions. But I believe your talents will come in handy as you travel. You can use them as a sort of cover, and they may allow you to gain access where you could not otherwise venture. We are aware of the existence of at least one of these men of the Brotherhood, which is the servant that fled from Westria when Tristan was there. I also wonder if this renegade member of the Order’s High Council is not also a member of the Brotherhood. Perhaps by tracking down one or the other of these men you will find further evidence of the Brotherhood’s existence. Otherwise I have no council to give you.” They bowed to the Lady and thanked her before leaving her presence.

  Tristan wondered what had ever happened to the ‘good old days’ when his life was simple and the Lady said ‘do this’ or ‘do that’ and he went and did it and completed his mission. Now his course was hidden from him. Everything seemed so vague and foggy. He was ecstatic about the prospect of traveling with Arora, but the only problem was where they were to go. He had no leads as to where either the servant or the councilor had fled. Short of walking into a den of evil and demanding to know where the Brotherhood’s headquarters was he had no ideas on how to begin. Arora was just as puzzled. Perhaps Nargath would know something or know someone who might know something. Arora had always wanted to meet a dragon and thought it was at least a place to start. They applied to the Lady and she gave her consent. They set off for the Northern Wilds, traveling under the guise of a wandering musician and her guard. The weather was typical for the colder parts of the year and traveling into the North Country was not exactly comfortable, but both were used to long journeys in bad weather and neither complained. Without incident, they arrived at Nargath’s cave.

  “Hello?” Tristan yelled, but there was no reply. He called again, but still silence reigned. Tristan crept cautiously into the opening to see if he could find some clue as to the dragon’s absence.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” asked Arora.

  “It is never a good idea to walk uninvited into a dragon’s lair, but I need to know if he still haunts these hills or if he has moved on,” said Tristan. His wife nodded reluctantly and stood watch at the entrance as he moved deeper into the cave.

  There came a great rush of wind and a loud growling snarl was heard, “who dares invade my lair?” The dragon had returned.

  Tristan, who had not moved very far into the cave, quickly came out to face the dragon. The dragon’s eyes glowed red with anger and he looked ready to do something violent. “Nargath,” Tristan said, “we have come seeking your counsel.” The dragon pulled up short and squinted at his tiny visitors.

  “How do you know my name?” he asked. “

  You do not remember me?” asked Tristan.

  “Most humans look the same to me,” the dragon said simply.

  “Remember a certain incident about this time last year involving a small girl and a rather impudent soldier?” asked Tristan.

  “Ah yes,” said the dragon, “but where is your daring brigade? All I see here is one small girl.” Arora glared defiantly at the dragon. “I would not talk that way about her if I were you,” Tristan laughed, “she is as fierce a fighter as any man under my command.”

  “I beg your pardon my lady,” said the dragon. She acknowledged his apology with a satisfied nod.

  “I hope you do not keep this lady against her will,” asked the dragon.

  “No,” said Tristan with a smile, “she has agreed to put up with me indefinitely. May I introduce my wife, Arora.”

  “Pleased to meet you lady,” said the dragon, “though you must teach your husband more restraint. I nearly devoured him for his impertinence last year, but he managed to somehow talk his way out of it.”

  “I do not doubt it,” laughed the lady, “his tongue is as good at getting him into trouble as it is at getting him out.”

  “Never was a truer word spoken,” agreed the dragon. Tristan cleared his throat and the two remembered he was standing right there. Changing the subject the dragon said, “so you come for counsel?”

  “Yes,” said Tristan, “over the last year I have stumbled upon a shadowy group of men called the Brotherhood of the Serpent. The Lady has sent us out hoping to learn more about them. All we know about them has come from a few brief interactions with them and a book provided by Mortimer of Westria. We were hoping you knew something of them or knew someone who might.”

  “Mortimer!” said Nargath, “he is a bit slow sometimes, but a he is a good chap, at least if you can catch him awake. I hope he was doing well when last you met?”

  “He was having a very nice nap,” said Tristan.

  “Yes,” laughed the dragon, “he can sleep for decades. I have heard mention of this Brotherhood, but sadly I know no more than the name,” said the dragon. “I suppose one of the black dragons would know more,” he continued, “evil is their specialty. But
then you cannot go traipsing around anywhere near where the black dragons live or you will be destroyed before you have gone ten feet. Even a green dragon would be in very grave danger if he wandered into their territory unannounced. I can make some inquiries for you, but I cannot promise any results. All I can do is ask. They may choose to simply ignore my request. I will get word to you if I learn anything.”

  “Thank you,” said Tristan, “that is very generous of you. How is that little girl who enjoys singing so much?”

  A reflective look passed across the dragon’s face, “she is doing very well. I just came back from visiting her. She has such a lovely voice.”

  “If you would like,” began Arora, “I could entertain you with a song or two.”

  The dragon looked hopefully at her and said, “I would be very much pleased.” He was very fond of music. They passed the evening with much music and talk; it was a very pleasant night and a sad parting the next morning. As they rode off, they wondered where their journey would take them next.

  They traveled for several days and nothing remarkable happened. On the fourth day of their journey back towards Astoria they stopped at an inn for the night. Arora gladly took up her instrument and played for the gathered guests. As the night waned, a shifty looking fellow sidled up to her after she had finished her last song of the evening. Tristan watched him closely.

  “I begs your pardon mistress,” he said, “but I see you have a way with music.”

  She looked at him questioningly and he continued, “I know people as know people who like music.” She looked at him blankly. “I know people who could make it worth yer while for a little performance,” he said.

  “Who are these people?” asked Arora.

  “Oh,” said he, “they do not like to be talked about much. They are real shy if you take my meaning.”

  “And what do you get out of this?” she asked.

  “There be a reward for finding them good entertainment,” said the man.

  “What must I do to meet these people of yours,” she asked.

  “Do not worry, if you are interested they will find you,” he said.

  “You may let them know I am interested,” said she.

  “Very good,” smiled the man, “you will hear from them shortly.” With that he scurried out of the inn. She came and sat by Tristan.

  “What was that all about?” he asked.

  “I am not sure but I think we need to play along with it for now,” she said. Tristan did not understand either but he felt the same. They retired to their room.

  Long before sunrise the next morning, there came a scratching sound on their door. Tristan bolted out of bed with his sword drawn. He cracked open the door and peered into the hall. There was no one there, but a folded piece of paper had been slipped under the door. He opened it and read it. In a shaky hand, someone had written: We have been advised of your musical abilities. If they are what we have heard, we will pay you well for your services. If you do not follow these instructions to the letter there will be no deal. Come alone, or at most with your guard to the ruins just outside the village. Come before sunrise. Tell no one of this message or of us… It was not signed. Arora read the letter and they began packing. The world was dark and cold in the gloom before daybreak. They moved silently and swiftly to the appointed meeting place and waited. A short, hooded figure met them and motioned for them to follow. They did as their mysterious guide bid them. For over an hour they traveled silently through the dark woods; the sun began to peak over the rim of the world. As the world grew brighter, their guide stopped in a large clearing surrounded by ancient trees. “We are safe from prying eyes and ears here,” said the scratchy voice of their guide.

  “Who are you?” asked Arora. “We are a hidden people, a forgotten civilization, the original inhabitants of this region,” said the man. He only stood about two-thirds the height of a grown man. He continued, “we have lived here long before men moved northward, and I hope we will be here long after he has again retreated south. We hunt wild game and gather the fruits of the forest. We are no threat to anyone unless they threaten us. We only wish to live on in anonymity and peace. We have become very good at hiding from those who would do us harm. There are very few who know of our existence.”

  “What would you have of me?” asked Arora.

  “We dearly love music,” said the man. “If you would be so kind as to play for us, we would happily pay you a fair price,” said he.

  “You need not pay for my services,” she said, “I would happily play for so noble a folk.”

  He smiled at her kind words and they followed him deeper into the forest. “My people have some skill with illusion,” he continued, “it keeps out those who would do us harm and keeps our borders safe. Because of this, we can sense when something is not what it seems. Your beasts appear to be common horses, but they are not.”

  “You see truly,” said Tristan, “they are the noblest and fairest of all creatures that go on four legs, but it is their secret to share if they wish.” For a moment, they stopped and the unicorns briefly allowed the little man to see them in their true forms, before cloaking themselves again in the guise of common horses.

  “How is it you come to have such noble mounts?” gasped the man.

  “It is their choice to serve us,” said Tristan, “they bear no one against their will.”

  They journeyed deeper into the ancient woods and the little man appeared lost in thought. What strange guests had he invited into his realm? In the very heart of the wood, the ground sloped down from all sides and formed a little basin. The center was clear and paved with river stones. The sides were terraced and wooden benches and logs sat in rows all the way around the sloping sides. It was a little amphitheater. As they looked closer, they could see high up in the trees something like little cottages built among the branches. Ladders were tossed down and many people of similar height to their guide (and some shorter) ran to great them. The children seemed the most excited. They were a stout, ruddy people with cheerful faces. They were taken to a sheltered area where they were served a late breakfast and given warm water and towels to clean up with. They took the tack off the unicorns and let them run free upon the grass. Once everyone was cleaned, fed, and rested Arora took her place in the little basin and sang for much of the day. The little people were overjoyed and most had never heard anything that brought them such pleasure. That night, it was their turn to provide the music and a feast. They provided roast venison, quail, dried fruits, nuts, fish, wild honey and every type of treat the forest could offer. After a large meal, they broke out their own unique instruments and played a wild tune that made even the worst dancer want to kick up their heels and try. It was an extraordinary night. They slept most of the following morning away and around noon finally stirred from their beds.

  Their guide (who also happened to be the leader of the hidden people) said, “I wish we could have this pleasure often repeated, but I fear you must be on your way. And we have our own chores to attend to. Perhaps when you pass this way again you will remember us?”

  Tristan smiled and said, “we most certainly will and we thank you for your hospitality.”

  “I only wish there was something you would take in payment for your services,” said the little man.

  “Perhaps you have information that can help us,” said Tristan.

  “Perhaps,” said the little man, “though I know little that goes on beyond the borders of the Wildlands as you call them.”

  “That may be just the information I need,” said Tristan. He continued, “I am guessing you know more of these mysterious lands than almost anyone else?” The man nodded solemnly. “Good,” said Tristan, “we are seeking a dark and evil group of men. We know that some of them go about on the backs of a large, two-legged reptilian predator with frightful teeth, terrible claws, a long snaky ne
ck, and a whip like tail. All we know is that these creatures are native to the Wilds or somewhere beyond it. Have you any knowledge of such beasts or the men who may seek them out?”

  The little man was silent for some time before he spoke, “what you speak has not been widely known amongst our people for many hundreds of years, but it has passed from Elder to Elder with every generation. Why do you seek such knowledge?”

  “We have been sent to discover what we can of these evil men, and if possible put an end to their Brotherhood,” said Tristan.

  The little man gasped in horror, “you are walking into grave peril, but if this is your quest then I will assist you as I can. The creatures we call ‘lurkers’ and they dwell mostly in the swampy plains beyond the northern borders of the forest. They are dumb, but terrible beasts. They hunt in small packs and prey on anything they can catch, including smaller members of their own kind. From time to time, dark and evil men have been seen crossing the Wilds and entering the swamps in search of such beasts. I know not what spells or charms they place upon the monsters but somehow they tame them and use them as others use horses. We watch these strangers pass by night, but do not dare go near them.”

  “How often do you see such men?” asked Tristan.

  “We see several crossing our borders every year,” he said.

  “Have you seen any lately?” asked Tristan.

  “One was seen several days ago,” said the man.

  “Can you lead us to him?” asked Tristan.

  The little man swallowed nervously but said, “I will.”

  Almost immediately, they set out in search of the shadowy figure that had been seen four days previously crossing the little country. The man was on foot so they hoped he had not traveled too far. Tristan placed the little man ahead of him in the saddle and they traveled swiftly to one of the last outposts where the little people kept watch. They had seen the man last night, crossing out of their country and into the broad flat plains that stretched away into the North. Tristan dropped the man at the border and wished him well. He watched them ride off into the gathering night, wondering what evil fate might befall them.

  They let the unicorns have their heads as they were keen sighted in the darkness and Taragon knew the smell of the ‘lurkers.’ They traveled swiftly and silently, always looking for some sign of their quarry. About midnight, the unicorns stopped and sniffed the air; Taragon had caught the scent of a group of the beasts in the distance. Tristan did not wish to confront the man; that would only lead to yet another dead end. He wanted to follow the man to his final destination, hoping he would lead them to the main headquarters of this Brotherhood. It was a cloudy night and little could be seen on the vast, dark plain. Taragon pulled back, it seemed the creatures were approaching. They took cover next to a gigantic boulder sticking out of the ground and rising high above their heads. These lands were strewn with such monoliths of rock and they provided ample cover from the approaching pack. The pack came within earshot and the snuffling and squawking sounds of the vicious creatures was heard. In the distance, as if following the creatures, a small, man-sized figure was seen; a darker spot in the blackness. From this distance and in the black of night they could see little else. Something that sounded like humming was heard coming from the man-shape. One of the creatures stood as if transfixed, the rest backed up, squawking in fear. That an unarmed man on foot could frighten such terrible creatures made one wonder how powerful he truly was. The hypnotized beast stood as still as a statue as the man approached. He threw something over the creature’s head and fastened it on the creature’s breast; Tristan thought he saw it glint red in the darkness. He knew without seeing clearly that it was one of those milky-red crystals such as Visca used to ‘tame’ his beast. Without further ado, the man jumped on the creature’s back and rode off into the night. The rest of the pack had retreated into the relative safety of the darkness. Tristan gave the thing fifteen minutes to get ahead of them and then they set off in pursuit. Tristan hoped to stay far enough behind that the man did not realize he was being followed, but close enough that they did not lose his trail. It would be a strange journey and the their quarry would set the pace.

  They tracked the pair until nearly dawn when they found a suitable hiding place to camp for the day. Tristan and Arora did likewise. They traveled only at night and on overcast days, as if man or beast feared the sun or perhaps felt safer in the dark or the gloom. They traveled when he traveled and stopped when he rested. The creatures were able to cover ground quickly; the pace would have killed a horse. Gradually they traveled south and east and entered more civilized lands. The stranger avoided any contact with other men; as the chances of encountering others increased, their travel only took place during the very late night and early morning. It was a gloomy road, but eventually the man seemed to stop. For over a day, the man did not move. They waited another day and again there was no movement. Finally, they made the decision to investigate, lest they sit and wait forever for something to happen. They cautiously approached the small clearing where the man had camped; one from each direction. There was no sign of the man, but the scent of the beast was strong in the noses of the unicorns. Taragon nosed around a large pile of brush and leaves off to one side of the campsite. He snorted in surprise at what he unearthed. The monster slept soundly under the brush pile; nothing they said or did could rouse the thing from its enchanted sleep. The man had hidden the beast and continued on foot. Without the smell of the beast to follow, tracking the man would be more difficult, but Tristan knew something of tracking and was soon able to find his trail, which had already grown cold.

  The man had a two-day head start but they were able to follow his trail as far as a small cart path leading towards a main road. Tristan said, “if he has left the beast, he must mean to return for it or call it to him at some point in the future. We must be close to his final destination.” Arora agreed and they set off along the cart path and joined with the main road. Tristan now recognized the country through which they traveled; they were traveling towards Lorna, the capital city of Vespera. He idly wondered what the Queen would think of his new wife. More seriously, he wondered if Vespera housed the headquarters of the Brotherhood or if they had stumbled upon a lone agent who had some evil business in the country. By nightfall, they reached the city and took a room at a small inn on the outskirts of town.

  “How do we find him now?” asked Arora.

  “I have no idea,” said Tristan, “I spent a couple months here about a year ago.”

  “Yes,” said Arora, “you have mentioned it.”

  “I do not know whether we should try and remain anonymous and seek him out ourselves or whether I should go directly to the Queen,” said Tristan.

  “Why not go directly to the Queen?” asked Arora.

  “We parted on rather awkward terms,” said Tristan blushing.

  “Yes?” said Arora acutely interested.

  “She basically made a marriage proposal,” said Tristan in a rush.

  “And you never mentioned it?” Arora said.

  “It seemed irrelevant, it was completely one-sided,” said Tristan desperately. “

  It seems relevant now,” said Arora wryly.

  “I am sorry,” said Tristan, “she took a liking to me, but I have no feelings of ‘that’ kind for her.”

  “I forgive you,” said Arora kindly, “I am not angry I just wondered why you never mentioned it. How did you handle it?”

  “I thanked her for her thoughts and rode away as quickly as I could, directing her to Conrad with any further questions,” said Tristan.

  “Very nicely done,” said Arora with a laugh, “I am glad you handled it better with me.” She embraced her mortified husband and they both laughed.

  “The other issue is Lyre,” said Tristan, “the Order’s pompous advisor to the Queen. For all I know, he still thinks I am part of
the Order. He very nearly jumped for joy the day I rode for Astoria.”

  “Why not approach Conrad secretly?” said Arora, “if he is still in the city.”

  “He was still here the last I heard,” said Tristan, “that is an excellent idea. He should be advised about this man from the Brotherhood as well.”

  “I should go,” said Arora.

  “You?” said Tristan with a sinking heart.

  “Yes,” continued Arora, “I am not known here and would not arouse suspicion. Perhaps I could even offer to do a private performance for the Queen, with no incriminating music of course. This is an investigation, not an outreach after all.” Tristan could see the sense of it, but he hated to send her out into danger alone, but he had better get used to it. There was nothing he could do to stop it; it was as much her duty as it was his. He slept little that night and in the morning she sent a letter to the palace addressed to Conrad. Very soon, the courier returned with a reply. He would be delighted to see her in the late morning. Tristan spent the remainder of the morning going over any information he could remember that might be useful. She was not sure how much useful information she obtained but she acquired a vast collection of minutia; he tended to ramble when he became nervous. She had never seen him nervous except where her safety was concerned.

  She faced him, “Tristan, whatever happens we must do our duty. You cannot lock me in a cage or keep me safe all the time, nor can I do the same for you. We must trust the Master in all things, including this. Please do not fret about my safety.”

  “You are right,” said Tristan contritely, “I am sorry and I will try to cope with this better. I am not trusting the Master as I should. Your safety and mine are in his hands. I must not worry about things over which I have no control.” Her answering smile was warm enough to thaw the Frigid Wastes in midwinter.