The Blighted Fortress

by David E Dresner

  Traveler said, “Do you want to use the torch and lead the way back. It’s about burned out so there’s not much light.”

  “No, you lead and I’ll be right behind. I’ll take the soap pail so you can manage your clothes and hold the torch. We just need to hustle.”

  Hustle they did. In a few minutes they were at the rear exit to the inn. Traveler confirmed that the door was open and held the now sputtering torch for Glenda to see the steps. She was up the steps in a small leap and inside, “First to the kitchen,” she said, “we can dry our clothes out by the fire.”

  Once inside the warm kitchen they felt the heat wrap around their bodies. There was a rack for drying and they spaced out their clothes to minimize the drying time.

  As they were leaving the kitchen the keeper entered. He grinned at them, “You two keep amazing me. I thought you would be frozen and float out to sea. I’ll bring your clothes up when they’re dry. They’ll be fine in half an hour. I’ll rotate them as needed.

  “As I mentioned, we have a full inn tonight. A group of the duke’s men have already arrived. They eat and drink a lot and are noisy but they pay well. I’ll warn you they can be rough when drunk and I’ve set you up at the furthest table. I suggest you eat quickly then retire to your room. Remember to bolt the door.”

  Both acknowledged the advice and thanked him for managing the clothes drying. “We’ll wait for you to knock.” Grinning, Traveler then added, “Follow the Tony Orlando and Dawn song and knock three times.”

  Hermann frowned, “Don’t know that song. You can teach me tomorrow.”

  Chapter 34

  Recovery

  Once in their room Traveler said, “Imagine the money we could make by introducing songs they’ve never heard?”

  Glenda laughed, “Yeah, we’ll need a lot of money to defend ourselves against the EPA for water pollution with that soap. I bet we killed all the fish downstream.”

  Traveler lit several of the small candles placed on a central table. He then shut the window and collapsed into the chair. He began to softly chuckle, “It was kind of an adventure, but man, that water was cold. I think I left parts of me back there, I’m afraid to count my toes.”

  Glenda was sitting in the bed with another blanket wrapped around her. “I know I’m going to stop shivering I just don’t know if it’s today, tomorrow, or next week. My teeth sound like they’re sending Morse code to my brain.”

  “Change of subject but what do you think of Hermann? He is quite proud of his name in case you haven’t noticed.”

  “I think under his rough exterior he is a decent guy, certainly much better than the mounted soldiers I saw.”

  Traveler continued, “It’s understandable why he wears his name with pride, it’s the name of a famous German tribal leader.”

  Glenda settled back thinking, Here comes another history lesson. Lucky me.

  “It was AD 4 and Rome was at the peak of its power. It had conquered all of Gaul, what we call France today, and decided it was time to conquer the vast territory we call Germany.

  “Before launching the invasion, Rome had planned ahead. They had a time-proven method of creating future allies among conquered tribesmen. The young sons of tribal leaders were brought to Rome to be Romanized and young Hermann was selected.

  “Hermann was given a Roman name, Arminius, and was raised with Roman values and military training. Over time the Romans believed he was now loyal to Rome and he was sent back to help with the conquest of the Germanic tribes.

  “The invasion of Germany was launched by General Tiberius. He invaded with a massive force of thirteen legions and auxiliary support, about 100,000 men. The invasion force was initially successful in defeating a number of Germanic tribes and the conquered territory was renamed ‘Germania’.

  “Tiberius moved on and an experienced administrator named Varus was placed in charge of managing Germania. Arminius was a trusted advisor to Varus. Unknown to Varus, Arminius remained loyal to his Germanic roots, he was still Hermann.

  “Hermann lured the occupying Roman army deep into the forest then ambushed it. He crushed Varus and his 30,000-man army. This stunning victory, referred to as ‘The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest’ is considered the greatest Roman defeat. The battle changed Western history and made Hermann a German hero. That’s why our innkeeper is so proud of his name.”

  With Hermann’s name fully discussed they fell into silence which quickly led to a pre-dinner nap. Both were in a deep slumber, Traveler in his chair and Glenda in bed, when there was a robust knock on the door. Traveler’s head snapped up. He cleared his mind and called out, “Yeah.”

  “Hermann here with nice warm clothes, I’ll set them beside the door. I suggest getting into them before they get borrowed.”

  Traveler glanced at sleeping Glenda and muttered, “Relax princess, I’ll bring them in.”

  He carefully unbolted the door and stuck his head out. The long hallway was partially lit by flickering candles. Looking down he saw their clothes, surprisingly they were folded. He brought them inside and bolted the door.

  He placed part of the pile beside Glenda, who was making stirring noises. “These are yours. I’d put them on while they are toasty warm.”

  He proceeded to his end of the room, turned his back and quickly got dressed. “Take your time, I’ll go down and secure our table.”

  Once he was gone Glenda stretched out in the bed, it was soft and comforting. She felt like a kitten wrapped up in a snuggly blanket. Then she realized she should bolt the door. Once out of bed, the room’s chill gave her an unwanted wakeup call. She bolted the door then quickly dressed.

  Before putting on her boots she lay back in bed again. I wonder if I could order room service? Fat chance. She lay there while gathering herself and thinking of the day’s events. I guess Hermann is a decent enough guy. I wonder if he’s a decent cook. I’m sure he’s no M in the kitchen, but right now I could eat warmed over roadkill.

  Chapter 35

  Dinner Guests

  Traveler came down the stairs to the sound of large men making large noises. He reached the bottom step and slowly entered the dining room. There was now light coming from wall sconce torches as well as from a blazing fire. He noticed with some satisfaction that several of his cut logs were providing light and heat.

  Looking casually around he saw the room had tables filled with military men wearing assorted leather jerkins and junior officers with light chain mail armor. He recognized several of the men from the group that had disciplined the field farmers. A nasty bunch, he thought.

  At that moment the keeper came out from behind the bar with each hand holding multiple large mugs. He casually approached Traveler and quietly said, “I gave you two that corner table. It’s as out of the way as I could find. I suggest you eat, spare the conversation, and retire behind a bolted door. They appear to be in an even fouler mood than usual.”

  Traveler nodded, “My dinner plan exactly.”

  As Traveler slowly walked to the table, he felt eyes tracking him. The eyes only stopped watching him when Hermann began placing ale mugs in front of them. Traveler knew these men would load up on ale and food then look for entertainment. He was sure that he and Glenda needed to be gone before it was show time.

  While sitting he kept his head down in a submissive stance. He used his peripheral vision to study the men while avoiding any eye contact. He felt like it was another night at the Chicago museum but with nasty guards present rather than fire creatures. Keep a low profile and try to remain innocuous.

  The keeper placed a large plate of bread and cheese on Traveler’s table with two mugs of a potable drink. Looking at the drinking mugs the keeper beamed, “It’s my house blend of aged cider and ale, you’ll get a double kick. It’s a bit sweet but it grows on you.” Placing a tankard of water on the table he added, “Feel free to add water to slow down the kick.”

  Traveler tore off a piece of the thick black bread and thought, This crust could replace
my shoe soles if necessary. He took a tentative bite of the soft inside bread, then a larger bite of the cheese. He washed the food down with the mug offering. A smile lit his face, Well, this is surprisingly good. M needs the recipe. With that he began to tear off more of the bread.

  As the food and ale were doing their job Traveler suddenly noticed the room had gotten quiet. He lifted his head to see Glenda approaching the table. She had entered the room with her usual striding bounce and a mop of drying red hair reflected the light from the wall sconces. Traveler saw the many sets of eyes tracking her movement. Deer in the hunter’s rifle scope, flashed through his mind.

  When she reached the table Traveler whispered, “Not the best time to make an entrance, princess! Sit down and lower your head, quickly.”

  Glenda slid into the other chair and took a subservient position. “Start to eat and avoid looking around. The good news is the bread, cheese, and drink are surprisingly good.”

  Fortunately for the two young diners, the seated guards were distracted by the keeper bringing in heaping plates of meat. Large hands immediately grabbed hot chunks of the offering. The room filled with the sounds of open mouths tearing and chewing. Grease flowed down forearms from gripping hands onto the table tops.

  “Feeding time at the zoo,” Glenda said with a low chuckle.

  Traveler’s spider-senses were tingling hard. “Princess, I suggest you focus on eating. Let’s get out of here ASAP. There’s only one zookeeper and the lions are free to roam.”

  Glenda looked slightly annoyed. “I’m chewing as fast as I can. Besides I’m really hungry and I need this time to relax.”

  Traveler knew better than to debate and he also knew the more they talked the less eating got done. Gradually, the room returned to a normal level of chewing, slurping, belching, and other undesirable sounds.

  Glenda had consumed several helpings of the bread and cheese when she took a long drink of the ale. Her eyes immediately began to water and she snorted a bit out her nose. Traveler naturally started to laugh.

  Embarrassed she answered, “Thanks for the head’s-up bozo, I almost choked and that would have made a scene.”

  Traveler tried to look repentant but the grin failed to leave. “Sorry,” was all he could mutter without laughing again.

  Chapter 36

  A Peace Offering

  A shadow suddenly fell across their table quickly followed by a smell of dried sweat and bad breath. “I’m known as Throbb and I believe the lady needs a choice piece of the pork.” A very large hand lowered a hunk of dripping pork hanging from a long dagger onto Glenda’s plate.

  Glenda and Traveler looked up at the mailed man standing over Glenda. Traveler immediately recognized him as the lead rider who had intimidated the farmers and then rode through the plantings. Traveler had a flashback to the first time he ate with M on the train. I don’t think this meal is going to be as enjoyable as M’s hidden wine and dessert.

  Glenda kept her head down as she responded, “Thank you, sir, but I’m already stuffed. One more bite and I’ll explode.”

  The man pulled a chair over beside Glenda and handed her another mug of ale. “What you need, farm girl, is a bit more of the keeper’s famous ale but not watered down. A tall girl like you can hold a lot. Besides it’s not polite to refuse an offering of pork. Farm girls rarely get to eat it so don’t insult me.”

  Traveler now looked around the room. It was suddenly showtime. The entertainment was at his table and the soldiers were in a mood to watch the big man’s moves. Traveler realized that after Glenda, he was also on the entertainment menu. Rather than waiting for the mailed leader to continue, Traveler took the initiative.

  Traveler reached across the table and put his hand on the mailed arm. “Sir Throbb, please excuse my sister. She is very timid and she talks in a very soft voice. I can barely hear her myself so you likely did not hear her whisper ‘No, thank you’. Sadly, she is unable to eat most meats, particularly pork, but she appreciates your generous offer.”

  The keeper was standing in the doorway again holding multiple pitchers of his ale as he watched the emerging drama. Part of him felt like a coward for not intervening but his survival instincts overrode his emotions. He decided to return to the kitchen and ignore the lad’s coming beating.

  As Hermann was retreating he heard large fists pounding tables and loud voices calling back at him, “Innkeeper! Ale! More Ale!” The keeper thought, Ale is essential for these louts to enjoy the coming spectacle.

  The oversized man was now staring across at Traveler. He was acting like Traveler had just appeared and was of no consequence. “Puppy, remove that hand or lose it. Be thankful I do not choose to look closely at you right now. You had best remain unseen and unheard.”

  Returning to Glenda, he pointed to his seated comrades lifting mugs of ale and laughing, “You need a grown man to protect you against those drunken oafs. Fortunately for you, I’m here as that protector. Of course my protection comes with a small cost. Let’s start with a short dance to create a friendship.” With that he started to rise while lifting Glenda from her seat. He lifted her with ease.

  Overlooked, Traveler was now standing beside the man. He kicked the rising man’s legs out and the unsuspecting man fell heavily back into the chair. The sound of iron chain mail rang out and the room was deadly quiet. Traveler’s aggressive move was totally unexpected.

  A voice ringing with embarrassment and rage shouted, “A sneaky ambush you little coward while my back was turned! You do not belong in this room with warriors. I brand you a coward and pass judgement on you.”

  By now the man had fully risen and pushed his chair away. He was massive and stood like a great tree swaying slightly in a heavy wind. The wind was generated by a combination of ale and the jolt of falling back into the chair.

  As he was rising the man had quietly slipped his left hand into his gauntlet. Once erect he immediately threw a mailed fist at Traveler. This blow had very bad intentions, it would have felled a lion. If it landed on a chest it would have broken ribs and sternum.

  Traveler’s reflexes anticipated the blow and he moved just enough that the iron fist slipped past his chest. Red-faced, slightly off-balance, and totally embarrassed, the man looked down to his sword. The sword would give greater reach to his thrusts.

  As he was pulling the sword from its sheath, Hermann now moved to the table and asserted himself. Nobody was more surprised at his intervention than the keeper himself.

  “Enough now, Throbb! You know this inn is a secure haven for travelers. These two are my guests and earned their meal. There can be no harsh beatings here on orders of the duke. Do you care to challenge the duke as well as the lad?”

  Before Throbb could reply to the keeper’s intrusion, Hermann added, “The mage is also quite fond of staying here. He appreciates the good food and the quiet atmosphere. Do you also want to incur the mage’s anger?”

  The mailed Throbb blinked at the warnings regarding the duke and the mage. He lost his assertive attitude for a moment and seemed to physically shrink. Then he reasserted himself and swelled up like a bullfrog calling into the night.

  “Fair enough innkeeper. While there will be no beating here, I am entitled to compensation for the insults. What do you suggest?”

  The keeper had no reply when Traveler answered, “May I offer you compensation in the form of a man-to-man challenge right here at our table or yours?”

  Throbb shifted from the keeper to face Traveler, “You have a wagging tongue, puppy. What’s your challenge, to see who can duck the quickest and talk the most?” This retort brought loud guffaws from the seated soldiers. The bullfrog swelled further with the encouragement coming from his crew.

  “Actually I was thinking more of a test of arms. I don’t mean arms in the sense of swords but just plain arms. My arm against your arm.”

  A disbelieving smile came across Throbb’s face, “You mean to arm-wrestle me, puppy?”

  “Indeed, that’s my off
er of compensation. While my sister talks in a very soft voice, I acknowledge my mouth can sometimes place me in difficult situations. As an alternative to the arm contest would my sincerest apology in front of all be sufficient compensation?”

  Throbb looked more closely to appraise Traveler. Tall he was and fast but hardly a heavyset build. The arm test was solely about muscle power and Throbb had a lifetime of building his muscle power. He planned on wrenching the puppy’s arm so hard he would snap the shoulder then smash the puppy’s hand as he drove it into the tabletop. He would have two rewards, a broken puppy and the dance with the sister.

  “Puppy, we’ll do the test of arms. The apology is just another use of your mouth but if your arm is as strong as your mouth you should do well.” Again a round of laughter came from the soldiers. They had seen Throbb defeat many an opponent in arm wrestling and knew he would destroy this arrogant farm boy.

  A sly grin crossed Throbb’s face. His wit was now on display as he added, “Do you want to use this table to save your strength from walking to another?”

  Traveler ignored the suggestion and accompanying soldier hoots. He turned and walked to a center table near the front entrance. The table hosted a group of seated soldiers and Traveler tapped one older soldier on the back, “Mind if I use your chair, sir?”

  The veteran was stunned at the boy’s insolence. He’s crazy but I’ll have a great view of everything. He slowly rose, smiled at Traveler and pointed to the empty chair. “Claim it while you can still talk, boy.”

  As Throbb was gathering himself for a stately walk to the table Glenda stood up beside him. Throbb realized the farm girl was quite tall and was now looking him straight in the eye. She suddenly did not seem timid at all. She smiled faintly and whispered, “Looks can be deceiving Throbb, I suggest you accept his apology. You will be considered as a man of honor for not attacking a younger, less-experienced man.”