by Dane Bagley
Just before dusk they arrived in Agedon. Here was a large city without a wall. The buildings were built of wood and not of stone and concrete, as was Cardsten. The architecture was more primitive and certainly not as fine, yet there was a certain charm that it possessed. As they rode in the people stopped and saluted their king. They seemed happy on the whole and did not appear to salute out of fear or with only mock obeisance. The king in his turn smiled warmly and familiarly. The rugged charm of the architecture seemed to emanate from a people who also had a rugged charm about them. Compared to Tengeer this city would have looked wealthy and modern. But they had arrived from Cardsten and not Tengeer, so their perspective made it feel much humbler. Most people had never traveled from Cardsten to Agedon. Those who had, in the past, would have been traders primarily. They would have easily contrasted the appearance of the two great cities and with their descriptions made Agedon seem primitive, impoverished, and the land of fools. Especially if that was the way that they were expected to portray it.
They were brought directly to the city center where the Royal accommodations were. The palace was beautiful on the outside—a carved wooden building, taller than the rest, and beautifully landscaped. The dress near the palace may have even rivaled some in Cardsten, unlike the dress of those who lived farther from the palace and were much more simply attired.
Tira’s discomfort had reached the threshold where at times she thought the pain may cause her to faint. In some respects, the riding helped, both in duration and energy expenditure, but the bouncing and the jolting only caused her more and more discomfort. All of the men dismounted and were quickly attended to by men and women from around the palace. Terrence and Tira did not dismount, not knowing what was expected of them. Within moments all of the men were gone, all except the king. He stood communicating with some men who looked to be of importance. He did not look around towards Terrence and Tira but occasionally the other men did. Those men nodded obediently and then the king was off.
Terrence watched but Tira bowed her head in agony. She was glad for the journeys end. Those other men left but the two were not alone. Many people from around the palace were scurrying around nearby. Still they waited. After ten long minutes an aged man came up and addressed them. He took the horses reign and led the horse with the riders several buildings away.
“Ye may dismount,” said the elderly man.
Terrence dismounted and then carefully helped Tira do the same. She winced with every movement and pressure. When she reached the ground, she could hardly stand. Terrence helped her from falling but she was extraordinarily discomforted being upon her feet.
“It’s not far, if ye can walk m’ lady. Ye may carry her if ye can instead.”
Terrence attempted to pick her up but the movement caused a sharp stroke of pain.
“I’ll walk, it’s better,” she said. “Slowly. Give me support.”
Inside, the large triangular domed hall was cool and shaded. Some torches lit the hall but it was rather dark after spending the entirety of the day outside.
“Lay on the table here, m’ lady.”
It was a short wooden table but still she winced and groaned as she positioned herself thereon. Terrence tried to help but everything he did seemed useless in relieving her symptoms. Though it was cool inside Tira had significant perspiration upon her forehead. She lay with her feet up, attempting to find the most comfortable position, though it was still very painful. Another ten minutes passed with no one entering. Terrence tried to speak with Tira but even trying to speak brought on too much pain. They remained silent and he held her hand.
Two middle aged men entered with shaved heads and simple cream colored gowns. They sought eye contact from Tira and when they got it, one put his hand very softly on her abdomen. He pushed down softly and she winced. He moved his hands around her abdomen both examining and trying to ascertain the level and origin of her pain. She squeezed Terrence’s hand tightly. Terrence beheld that they worked cautiously and tenderly. Though neither man seemed to acknowledge Terrence he felt an instant trust with them. They treated Tira with kindness. They spoke so low to one another that Terrence understood nothing of their communications.
The next thing he knew they were removing her clothing to the point that he felt ashamed to look in the direction of their examinations. Tira continued to grip his hand tightly. He reddened some and then turned his body so that he could see only her face and not much more. For many minutes the men worked. Tira kept her eyes shut and from time to time squeezed them tight and winced. For a while both men walked away and the two were alone. Terrence was afraid to look back to see if she was covered. Tira opened her eyes and stared at Terrence. He searched her face and her deep mysterious eyes. The pain in them was obvious but there was so much more.
“I love you,” she mouthed inaudibly.
Terrence smiled slightly and Tira returned as much of a smile as she could muster.
Terrence could hear the men had returned. He looked at her face. He could see by her expressions that she was being touched by them again. Tira kept her eyes open and stared at Terrence. She tried to be brave. He felt in the pressure in his hand and the expression on her face that she was in extreme discomfort. She breathed heavily then and looked at him earnestly. He heard a brief communication behind him from the men, and then, after a moment of silence, Tira’s entire countenance changed and she let out a horrible scream. She grabbed his hand so hard that he felt that she may disintegrate every bone. Her head arched back and she panted between yells, tears rushed down her cheeks as she sobbed and sobbed. The gripe on his hand loosened some. Tira’s cries almost muffled the sound of the men speaking, but not entirely. Terrence held her and occasionally wiped the tears from her cheeks. Slowly the sobs themselves muffled but her eyes remained shut. The men still worked behind him but she no longer winced with their actions.
A prolonged silence indicated to Terrence that the men had left them again. They returned shortly and soon Terrence realized that they were covering Tira with a blanket of animal skins. He moved to look her over then. She was completely covered in a brown bear skin, except for her face and arm which hand he held. Tira was not sleeping but she was calm. Her face was turned away from his, though she still gripped his hand. She breathed more slowly and regularly. Slowly the grip loosened and he sensed her slumber. He let go of her hand slowly and helped her arm underneath the blanket. He desired a pillow for her head that was resting upon the hard table but could not see anything suitable. He looked for anyone but no one was there. Looking back at Tira he wished that he knew more but saw a peacefulness in her sleep that encouraged him. He bent down and after wiping away tear soaked strands of hair from her face he kissed her cheek.
This gentle kiss was interrupted by sounds from without. A moment later King Daron entered with an entourage. He walked briskly and assertively towards Terrence and the sleeping girl.
“Good. She sleeps,” he said inspecting her quickly. “I am told that all will be well with her soon.”
Terrence breathed a sigh of relief.
“Ye may stay by her tonight. There will be those who will attend to her throughout the night. Ye’re supper will be brought shortly.”
“Thank you.”
The King looked Terrence in the eye and shook his hand. Then he and his entourage left. The large hall was silent and empty again until Terrence’s dinner was brought. He ate alone with his eye on Tira. Bedding was brought for him, though it was not yet late, and he and the sleeping Tira were generally alone for the night. He was aware occasionally of the men, or others like them, returning to examine and treat her.
In the morning, when he awoke, Tira was still sleeping.
He thought that they were alone but a man behind him spoke. Terrence turned around somewhat startled.
The man, bald and dressed like the others had been, was alone.
“She is doing fine. She will be okay. She needs nourishment, though. Would ye awaken her and let her know? I do not wish to
startle her,” he said with a smile.
Terrence nodded and moved towards Tira. He reached under the skin for her hand and held it for a moment. She did not stir but continued to breath slowly and rhythmically. With his other hand, he brushed her damp hair from her face and slowly stroked her cheek. Still, no movement.
“Tira,” he said softly. She did not budge.
“Tira,” he said a little louder and he saw some facial movements.
“Tira, how do you feel?” Tira’s face showed some effort on her part to arouse but she fell back into her slumber.
“Tira, my love, it’s morning.”
One eye flickered momentarily and then the other. A gentle smile transformed her face.
“How do you feel?”
She nodded slowly. “Better. A little better. No, I feel much better. But, I feel so tired and so weak. I do still hurt, though. Some.”
“Can you eat? You haven’t eaten in nearly a day. You need nourishment for strength.”
“Yes, I’ll try.”
Terrence began to lift her to a sitting position. The skin fell off of her shoulder and revealed it bare. Terrence caught the edge and moved to cover her.
“Where are my clothes?”
“I…I don’t know,” he said reddening.
He took extra care ensuring that she was covered with the skin also from behind once she reached her sitting position. All but her face was then covered. The man across the way smiled at the scene. He stood up and brought over a broth and some bread.
“This will help ye, m’ lady,” he said kindly.
“Thank you,” said Tira.
Terrence brought the bowl to her lips and she took a short sip. She swallowed and licked her lips. Then he dipped a small piece of bread in the broth and gave her the bite. When half of the bread and broth were gone, her appetite was satisfied.
“I’m tired,” she said to Terrence.
Terrence looked over at the man and he nodded his assent. Terrence helped her back to a lying position taking great care to ensure her modesty.
“May we provide her with a pillow.”
The man nodded and looked at Terrence’s bedding on the floor next to her. He reached for a pillow and gently propped it underneath her head. Tira appeared to slumber already.
Two young women entered the room with more food. This time it was Terrence’s breakfast. The girls, about fourteen each stole a glance at Terrence and then giggled as they made their way out. The exchange was curious to Terrence but not enough for him to reflect on it. He devoured his breakfast and then stood up. Again, the hall was empty until the King returned.
“Terrence, I trust ye are well and rested.”
“Yes, I…”
“And the girl, she is in good hands?”
“I do belie…”
“Good. Here’s ye weapon. Let’s put it to use.”
“What?”
“Show us what ye’ve got, my man.”
“But Tira…”
“She’ll be fine. She’s resting and the men are taking great care. Don’t worry over the lass now, come and show us ye handiwork.”
Terrence left the large hall reluctantly.
The Bright morning dazzled his eyes after spending so much time in the dim hall. The king walked briskly and Terrence followed a few paces behind. As they left the confines near the palace, Terrence noted the people. They were busy at work. The smell in the air was that of blacksmiths at work. More than once he saw into the open workshops of blacksmiths at their grills. How many horseshoes do they need? Terrence pondered ironically. Passing the fourth workshop, thus far, he saw what looked to be an iron man inside. Terrence stopped and looked. The king, not hearing Terrence’s footsteps turned around. Terrence just stared at the iron man. The man was faceless but had two horns bent upwards. He looked fierce and cold at the same time.
“Terrence, ye’re king awaits ye.”
Terrence turned, not entirely taking in the king’s gentle rebuke. He looked blankly at the king for a moment.
“Armor. A suit of Armor. We are preparing for battle. Now come along.” The king turned and walked briskly in the direction that he was heading.
Terrence stole one more look at the armor and then jogged up to his king’s side. In the distance was the familiar sound of swords clashing. In time, Terrence was in a large clearing and could see that many men fought with their swords in mock battles.
“Jack,” yelled the king. A large athletic man with rippling muscles made his way towards them. “Are ye rested and ready for battle.”
“I am, m’ king,” he answered assertively.
“Good. I bring ye a new recruit. He’s used a sword before. Has shed blood, and more than one man. Test his skills.”
Jack nodded and smiled slightly still looking at his king. Terrence and Jack moved several paces away and drew their swords. The king looked on eagerly. Terrence was not as large or as muscular as Jack but he was a fairly good match. They stood looking at each other and offered a few practice swings.
“Are ye waiting for an invitation? Begin,” said the king.
Jack took a step forward but Terrence held his ground. He watched this man carefully. He was strong and confident to be sure, but he was no Aiden. His moves betrayed a carelessness. He was brash and he was strong. Yet, nothing about his moves or his attitude betrayed superior intelligence. Terrence stood ready for Jack to offer the first swing. He did not have to wait long.
Jack stood within striking distance and after eyeing Terrence momentarily, swung with full force overhead at Terrence’s head. Terrence saw how exposed his opponent left himself. If it was blood that he was after, Terrence could have run him through before the blade was even dropped towards him. But this was not the purpose of this event. Instead, he coolly blocked the blow making it diverge several inches to the side of his body. Jack was then badly out of position with his back exposed for any attack that Terrence may render. The king noticed this positioning at once and cringed.
Jack, who was not attacked, quickly readied himself for the next stage of the battle. Terrence stood, undeterred, awaiting the next blow. This time Jack was more cautious. He swung towards Terrence’s body but kept himself in position. This allowed for their swords to cling back and forth several times. Terrence held and blocked, keeping his feet planted and his position stable. He offered a few thrusts himself but just to test Jack defensively. The king could tell that Agedon’s champion was being trifled with. He felt some anger but it was mixed with pleasure and admiration.
Jack’s patience began to wear. Nothing he did deterred Terrence. He soon forgot what his last big mistake cost him, and came at Terrence with another hard blow. Again, he was put out of position, and again it was clear that the man could have been done for. Terrence again allowed Jack to ready himself. There was much less clinging around them. The men had stopped and were watching Jack, feared by everyone, struggling to gain anything against this stranger.
After some controlled fighting, Jack again swung himself out of position and this time Terrence reacted. He kicked Jack in the backside and knocked him to the ground. Jack rolled to a kneeling and then standing position quickly. Terrence was on the move. Terrence swung hard and Jack barely had time to block, in doing so he took two steps back and was in poor position. Terrence continued at him. Jack blocked but could not stabilize himself. He continued to walk backwards and struggled with his defense. Terrence showed no emotion on his face. He simply carried on. The men were hushed as they watched Jack getting devoured. With the next stroke Jack’s sword sailed away. He looked at Terrence with fear in his eyes. Terrence swung at him and Jack fell backwards just being missed by the blow. Terrence lunged at him and lifting his sword began his descent for the deathblow. Everyone, including the king were awestruck. Did Terrence not know that this was training? Would Jack be killed before their eyes? Jack, with fear filled eyes, lifted his hands in hopes of offering himself some protection. The sword fell with the tip pointed towards Jacks he
art. And then it ran through. It was lodged several inches into the ground, less than an inch from Jacks side. Terrence had deviated the course of the sword at the last second missing his opponent entirely but leaving the potential in question to no one. From a distance, most of the other men thought that the sword was run through Jack. The king narrowed his eyes and looked closely. Jack, who had stopped breathing looked Terrence in the eye. Terrence offered Jack his hand and lifted him up. When the men saw Jack on his feet and the sword still lodged into the ground, a cheer rose up.
Jack looked at Terrence with awe. Terrence smiled and shook his hand.
“Nice match,” Terrence said.
Jack looked at him blankly and then asked, “where are ye from?”
“Tengeer,” said Terrence.
“Tengeer?” Jack muttered to himself and shook his head.
Terrence was already making his way back to the king. Jack followed sheepishly.
All of the men left their places of battle to gather round their new champion and their king.
“Terrence,” barked the king. “Well done! Can ye teach this skill ye possess to the men.”
“Yes, king.”
“Men,” said Daron. “Here is ye general! Terrence, the general of the armies of Agedon. Will ye fight with Terrence!”
“Hurrah!” yelled the men and they lifted their swords in the air. Jack looked around and nodded towards the king. He was still catching his breath.
The king put his hand on Terrence’s shoulder and looked him in the eyes. “Will ye accept this position?”
“I will,” said Terrence triumphantly.
The men shouted and then hoisted Terrence upon their shoulders and paraded him around. When things had calmed, Jack came up to him.
“Congratulations, sir. I will fight with ye. I will be ye’re right hand man. Show me what to do and I will do it. Ye have earned my upmost respect.”
Terrence smiled. Things were as they should be in Agedon.
The men milled around not knowing what was expected of them.
“What would ye have me tell the men to do?”
“Tell them to carry on. I would speak to my king.”
Jack turned around and shouted to the troops. They began to fight and the clinging of swords was once more heard.
“My king, this is a great honor. I have not even been here yet a day. I have told to you all about me. What is it that we are preparing for? What is it that I am to lead the men to do? I must know if I am to lead them.”
“Sit with me here.”
Terrence joined the king upon the ground.
Chapter 18