Olaff returned the smile, “We are definitely with you on that, our breakfast was battle-ready small.” Laughing he added, “Your own breakfast is back on the floor. We should go to the kitchen and truly feast there.”
“Agreed,” replied the duke.
As they walked Olaff said, “While we are there, I suggest a change in roles for the kitchen overseer.” The duke had a puzzled look at this comment but decided to wait and see why Olaff had brought it up.
Olaff continued, “There is a lot of storytelling to catch you up with, but first we feast then start the tales. But the best tale is about our two heroes here. Without them you and I would not be ourselves, possibly we would not even be here.
“They are very special, and I am more than proud to call them my friends. Our young lady here, you may call her Glenda, could pass for a Valkyrie. Our young warrior, name of Traveler, has a grip that would crush our best warriors.”
The duke looked at Olaff, then Traveler and Glenda, smiled and said, “A feast with great hero tales. My life is good again.”
When they entered the large kitchen, they saw the staff bustling with the morning fare. The four stood back in a quiet place and watched the overseer as she bossed and criticized the workers.
The duke quietly watched as long-time staff were beaten down by her tirades. He knew many of the staff since their childhood and considered them friends as well as hard-working professionals at their demanding trade.
Enough of this, I understand my brother’s comment. He strode up to the woman and placed his giant hand on her shoulder. She jumped at the strong contact, turned with an angry expression, then froze. She quickly made a deep bow. “Lords, how may we serve you this morning?”
Staring into her eyes the duke said, “To start with, a friendlier countenance for your fellow staff. Leaders do not abuse their comrades. Where is Andre who has held this position for years?”
The woman fought back a grimace as she answered, “The mage found him less than adequate and replaced him with me.” She paused then quietly said, “I placed him with the stable boys.”
“Well, things will return to normal starting now.” Motioning to one of the young staff, he said, “I am back and in charge of all. Bring Andre here and inform him he is again the overseer.”
Turning to the rapidly deflating woman he said, “I have sent the mage on a journey that better suits his talents. None of us will see him again. Andre will find a job for you that suits your own talents.” The duke then dismissed her with a short flick of his hand.
“And that’s how justice should work, fast, direct, and fair,” Traveler said under his breath to Glenda.
They moved to the group dining room, selected a bench and were quickly served an impromptu feast. Leading the caravan of servers was Andre. He knelt down by the duke as he handed up a large flagon of ale. “I believe this is your preference. I hid a full barrel from her.”
The duke smiled down, “Rise up, Andre, and share a mug with me.” The duke poured out a stein and handed it to a trembling Andre. Andre politely sipped then backed away. “I must return to my duties, my lord, there is much that needs to be corrected here.”
As Andre turned with a bow, he added in a quiet voice to the duke, “This is a day my family will remember that a lost treasure was found. You, of course, are the treasure.”
The duke laughed, “Don’t believe I’ve been called a ‘treasure’ before, but it does have a suitable ring. Right brother?”
“I believe the treasure I would like right now would be a mug of that ale,” Olaff answered.
As the four started on the first of many courses, they focused on their hunger. Stomachs demanded their undivided attention. Finally, Olaff lifted his eyes to Traveler and Glenda and said, “Permit me to do the honors of starting the tale that led to today. I want the duke to hear it without false modesty from either of you. He’ll enjoy me being the bard at the table.”
“Tell us your tale, bard, I know it will mystify as well as entertain,” encouraged the duke with a broad smile.
“Strange you used the word ‘mystify’ because that is very appropriate. Now prepare, brother, to hear our tale. It is a true saga and needs no exaggeration to be stunning.” Olaff began the tale with his discovery of Glenda and Traveler in his hidden lair. He recounted their strange abilities, their courage, and their own tales about how they came to the fortress seeking the creature known as the mage.
As Olaff talked the duke was drawn into the story. He accepted it without interruption. From time to time he would focus on either Traveler or Glenda.
Finally Olaff said, “And that, my old friend, my brother, brings you to this time and this table. I’ve told it as I personally experienced it, and I have no reason to question their tales as told to me.”
The duke shook his head in wonder but with an undercurrent of soft skepticism. He would never call his brother an exaggerator, but still the story was hard to fully accept.
Looking at Traveler with a smile he said, “After a solid meal and drink, my warriors enjoy a table game of ‘hands down’. Since we are all the best of friends here, I would like to test your famous grip. So, Traveler my friend, would you like to join me?”
“As you wish. I know this game and played it with Throbb a while ago.”
The duke rose and sat on the bench directly across from Traveler. “I recognize I have a rather large height and weight advantage, so I will not use close to my full power. I certainly don’t want to damage your hand or arm. This is all just good fun, and a little table exercise will help rid us of today’s stress.”
Neither Olaff nor Traveler seemed bothered by the duke’s friendly challenge. Traveler simply rested his elbow on the table, smiled up at the duke and said, “Take your time, I’m ready when you are.”
The duke positioned his elbow beside Traveler, then he slumped down as far as possible on the bench. “I’ll add a handicap to myself by getting down to your level, don’t want you trying to lift this big body anywhere. Olaff, give us a short count to begin.”
Olaff responded with, “Gentlemen, are you both ready?” Two heads nodded an affirmative. “Three, two, one, commence!”
Olaff and Glenda watched as two arms pressed against each other. The duke had a slight smile as he gripped Traveler’s hand and pressed both arms together. He intended to first apply a strong squeeze to alert Traveler what was coming, he knew the lad was a good friend to Olaff as well as a good friend to himself. He had no intention of harming him. Curiosity and a little skepticism required a simple testing of this famous grip and arm.
Traveler remained a stoic as he looked into his challenger’s face. He gave the same look to the duke as he had Throbb. He noted the duke’s slight smile on his face and in his eyes. Traveler understood why the challenge was made, He’s another “trust but verify” guy. Can’t blame him, ours is a hard story to believe.
As the squeeze increased Traveler felt the downward pressure begin. He divorced his mind from all sensory input and focused on the grip as the center of the force. He judged each increase in the opposing force and determined his response.
Interestingly, he felt he had added strength since the Throbb and then the Olaff contests. Maybe their recent victory over the jinn was already increasing his book-developed strength. He increased his own grip and downward arm force. The duke’s face now had a serious look. His eyes seem perplexed.
Even with the recently gained increase in strength, Traveler’s effort was approaching its limit. He felt himself close to being overwhelmed as his focus began to slip away. Then Traveler felt a second force joining him.
Olaff had wrapped his hand around Traveler’s and looked the duke in the face. “Brother, I think the lad has satisfied your skepticism regarding his ability. This is where you, as the champion, declare the contest a tie. Of course if you feel the need to continue, I can accommodate you.”
The duke’s concentration broke and he gave a great sigh of relief. Then he laughed and
his huge body shook. Gently clasping Traveler’s hand in both of his giant palms he said, “You are indeed a champion among champions, my young friend. Never has a man held against me as you have, with the exception of my big brother here. It is my honor to say that the story Olaff told is one I fully accept.”
Looking at Glenda he gave her a large smile, “I also accept the young lady would equally meet any challenge I might offer, so I bow to her both as a friend and an ally.”
Rising up from the table, the duke said, “I suggest we retire to my quarters. There are many questions yet to be asked. I want to get to know my two new friends here much better.”
As they rose from the table Glenda whispered to Traveler, “Our mission here is over. I think we should return to Chicago and report to M and Theo.”
“I agree. They must be anxious to know whether we succeeded or became part of the jinn.”
Turning to the duke and Olaff, Traveler said, “My sister and I need a little private time and I think both of you do as well.”
The duke nodded in agreement. “Olaff and I have much to discuss that would bore two young people.” He laughed and continued, “You certainly know where to find me.” Then jokingly he added, “Watch out for the floor mess when you enter, it’s quite slippery! On second thought, I think that cleaning up that mess will be the first task for our former kitchen tyrant.
“Now come up as it works for you. I am hosting a great feast this evening to make it clear to all that the mage is gone and I am back. Naturally both you are invited as guests of honor to join Olaff and myself at the head table.”
With that the duke and Olaff turned and began walking away. Glenda and Traveler remained at the table watching the two giants greet servants and warriors as they left. Suddenly Olaff turned, spoke to the duke, and came back alone.
“Why do I think you two may be leaving now? I trust my ale was not so bad as to chase you away.”
Glenda found she was suddenly misty-eyed. She rose up on her toes and gave the giant the biggest hug she could. “We will meet again, I’m sure. You are a true and amazing friend.”
Traveler kept a quiet smile on his face. When Glenda disengaged, he reached out to shake the giant’s hand and found himself enveloped in a bear hug. “Warrior brothers hug after a victory. Our tale of victory over the demon jinn will be told for many generations to come.”
Olaff now had what some close observers would claim was dampness in his eyes as he said, “I believe the shortest partings are the best while shared memories last forever.”
With that the giant turned and walked back to join the duke.
“I know exactly where to go now, follow me,” said Glenda.
She entered the stables and began walking down the long aisle to the rear. The stable workers were eating their midday meal and only the horses watched the two as they walked to the ladder. A few alert horses slowed their eating to observe how the two ignored the ladder and leaped up to the loft, then disappeared among the haystacks.
Grinning, Traveler said, “Right again, princess, this is the best launching pad to return. I think we had better do our slow dance before you start sneezing and scare the horses.” He naturally received a fake sneeze back.
Stepping forward they had a moment’s hesitation before clasping each other tightly. Red hair again obscured Traveler’s vision and he found it quite acceptable. Then they pressed their bracelets together. Shutting their eyes, and holding their breaths, they felt the world shrink around them.
They squeezed their eyes even harder while an unknown pressure forced them even closer. The dice were again being shaken in the space-time container.
Just as they were both ready to gasp for air their eyelids registered light. They slowly opened their eyes to find themselves back in their Chicago sanctuary.
Chapter 97
Hail the Conquering Heroes
As their eyes slowly opened, their ears registered vigorous clapping from a beaming M. Theo was beside him and his long tail was swaying rapidly in approval while he emitted strong purring vibrations.
“Welcome home! I salute my most amazing students, and more importantly, my amazing friends! Welcome home, Glenda! Welcome home, Traveler!
“The celebration feast is ready and Theo and I are anxious to hear all of your adventures. Your books are equally eager to experience your challenges and victories!”
Glenda was the first to hug M and then she gave him a second even bigger hug before moving to wrap her arms around Theo. Traveler remembered Olaff’s adage and gave M a warrior’s hug, then joined Glenda in hugging the tiger-sized Theo. The room echoed with the most pleasant of vibrations.
Glenda paused then said, “I am beyond excited to be back and tell about everything. But please hold the feast until this girl returns to her room for all the necessities, starting with a proper shower and a suitable dress.”
Traveler was already heading to his room while saying, “I’m all over that.”
M smiled, “That was expected. To quote an old saying, ‘Hail the conquering heroes!’” With a laugh he added, “Now go shower. Please!”
Once in her room Glenda quickly shrugged out of her peasant clothes. Before dropping them in her hamper she paused and suddenly embraced them, “You served me so well. Better than any designer dress could have. We may meet up again.”
As she stepped into the shower she thought, Home is where family and friends are, but importantly, also where the shower is. She permitted the falling water to almost drown her. She luxuriated in the heat and pressure across her body from the cascading flow. Her mind relaxed and all thoughts of mages and evil jinn creatures receded far away.
Traveler rolled his clothes into a tight ball, threw it across the room and watched it disappear into the hamper. “He comes off the bench and scores the winning basket!” Then he was a salmon swimming upstream against a hot flowing waterfall. He took the soapy sponge and began to seriously scrub. Multiple scrubs followed until the water bouncing off his hair and body seemed to sparkle.
Dried off and standing by the bed he said, “What do we have here?” The bed had skipped his usual jeans and instead provided him a formal look. A black tux and a formal, starched, white shirt with gold cufflinks greeted him. Rather than a bowtie there was a red cravat. He tightened the cummerbund, checked himself in the mirror, and nodded in approval. He added a mental, Looking good, big guy, and proceeded to the dining area.
Traveler was the first to arrive and assumed his usual chair. No funny stealth tonight, he thought, that routine is getting a little old anyway. Resting beside his plate was a mug emitting a sweet steam. He took a slow sip, nodded his head and thought, A special recipe made by M to celebrate.
His relaxed mood took a jolt when Glenda came striding toward the table. Her russet hair threw off sparks of gold and red from the overhead lanterns. An emerald green tiara held the hair more or less in place. Her dress was a blend of a prom dress and the classic little black evening dress.
When Glenda had put the dress on, she thought, Traveler’s mom would definitely approve. She would love to wear it to one of her business dinners, but only if nobody else had it on. Of course nobody else could have it. It’s one of a kind. Laughing to herself she added, But so am I.
Traveler rose to pull out her chair, then remembered her normal reaction and began to sit down. Glenda observed his being halfway up and halfway down. She threw him a sweet smile, “This lady would certainly appreciate the gentleman’s help.”
Traveler was struggling to adjust from casual Glenda, the burlap peasant who needed a bath, to this runway model. He started to say something witty starting with “I recall…” then the frog announced its presence and his voice stuck in his throat.
M smiled to himself. He understood Traveler’s sudden loss of words and came to the rescue, “Glenda, Traveler. Would you like to start with the soup or the egg rolls? Of course you may sample both, they are equally excellent.”
Glenda gave M an understanding sm
ile as she said, “While Traveler ponders his choices, I’ll start with the egg roll.” Traveler nodded quickly in agreement. M knew they were both avoiding the risk of soup splatter. To himself he thought, I’ll enjoy the soup and let the aroma taunt them.
Once the dining choices were presented, the food and conversation flowed. Glenda and Traveler took turns describing the events from first landing in the thick, old-growth forest to the final arm-wrestling between Traveler and the duke.
M was captivated as they recounted each challenge. Theo was a vibrating tiger who would press his head against each storyteller to encourage them to tell the tale in its fullest detail.
Finally the tale ended as did the dessert. Satiated from food and talking, Glenda said, “That’s our story. We never knew how it would or could end until the end actually arrived.”
Traveler added, “The two super-sized men, call them giants for lack of a better description, would make the best of allies. I sense they have an amazing history, but we’ll probably never know it.”
M reflected, “I agree, they sound like supernatural forces of nature. They are early men of the icy north and far from their place of origin. Who knows if their story will ever be revealed.
“You not only succeeded in your mission to contain the fire creature, you also lived during a critical part of European history. High school students usually learn about the Mongol hordes of Genghis Khan and their vast empire, yet little importance seems to be placed on Attila. He was the real deal as an invader of Europe and you know more about him than most historians.”
Rising up, M gave them a smile, a bow, and a departing comment, “Enjoy a long sleep tonight. Your books are looking forward to your adventures and successes. I suspect they will be generous and rewarding with your next stage of studies.” With that he retired.
Glenda watched M disappear into his kitchen then said, “It’s Theo time.” She proceeded to the giant cat now resting beside the fireplace. Sitting down she nestled against him. Traveler was a step behind.
The Blighted Fortress Page 34