“Well maybe I can persuade you to change your mind one day. How do you like the sword?”
“You are getting better at it,” Tanner said with certainty. “But what does your father think of this? There is more money to be had making horse shoes or farm equipment.”
“He really has let me be since the time for my departure is coming rapidly,” Golden said as he took the sword from Tanner and placed it in a familiar scabbard. Tanner’s uncle had made Golden that scabbard for his 11th birthday. Seeing it made Tanner mist up a little knowing that Golden still kept it and had it in great condition. “Did you see Mary on your way here?”
“Yeah I saw her walking with the love of your life,” Tanner said laughing. “I even managed to insult Gwen first this time, she looked at me in my clothes and was left speechless.”
“Yeah, I bet she wasn’t the only one left speechless,” Golden said giving Tanner a knowing wink.
“What are you getting at Blessed One?” Tanner said with a look of curiosity. “You look like the one who secretly farted in room full of people.”
“Open your eyes Tanner, Mary has been trying to get your attention for a while now. It is a running joke in our family, just as funny as all the girls trying to catch my attention.” Golden said as he walked around the smithy to the small stable behind his house.
“Mary likes me?” Tanner said unbelievingly. “Blessed One you must have let that blonde hair of yours do you thinking for you. I have known your sister ever since I could remember and I am sure there is nothing going on there. Even if there were, I can’t be with Mary, she is your sister. If I had a sister she most definitely would not be with a tall muscle bound dandy with more looks then brains.”
Tanner ducked as he knew Golden was going to throw a playful jab. He would miss this time with his friend, he did not get along with any of the other boys in town. It’s not that they were unfriendly it’s just that they worked the Baronet’s lands like most people. Some saw him as lucky even as he gave some of his extra meat away, they just didn’t get along. That and everyone other than Golden did not care for the smell of his small tannery.
“Let’s break our fast man, I have been working out with the sword all morning and I am as hungry as an ox,” Tanner said as he grabbed ahold of the small horse he kept stabled at the smithy. The heat coming off of the smithy was a great place for it, the harsh winters in Kol were known to kill people, let alone horses. It was because of that many people often left their horses with Diamond for a small fee. Other than Tanner and Diamond, there weren’t too many permanent businesses around, save for the tavern. Most people sold whatever their wares were, usually something they farmed from the Baronet’s fields on the sixth day of the week, right after church and the only day they had off from the Baron’s fields.
“Well I brought you back here to the horses because I figured we can eat at the tavern this time, they are having some kind of special breakfast there for me,” Golden said as he hopped on top of the old pony his father had given him on his last birthday. Tanner followed suit and soon followed Golden along the streets. The tavern wasn’t that far away but was in an inconvenient position. It used to be along the main road where everything else was. Baronet Greenley after the war in an effort to assert his power had ordered it moved. It was now between the Baronet’s estate and the town of Kol. It took most people an hour to walk to the tavern from the village proper so it was a wonder they stayed in business at all. Tanner had thought someone would be smarter and make another tavern that people can actually use, but if the other one goes out of business maybe they would be forced to move too.
The ride was in silence, Tanner figured his friend had a lot on his mind with his leaving and all. As the duo neared the tavern they could see men on horseback outside in the colors of the Royal Army. They were holding torches and threatening to set the whole place ablaze. Golden ever the hero started galloping towards the commotion, Tanner let out a sigh and decided to join his friend.
“I don’t have time for this peasant,” Tanner could hear a man in mage robes say. Tanner had only seen a Mage once before, in Daum and instantly did not like the man. Mages had a reputation for thinking they were above everyone else, like nobles but only more dangerous.
“What is the meaning of this” Golden said as he leapt off his horse.
“War is upon us, you and every man in this village is requested by His Majesty to report for training at once,” The soldier said as took a step back, obviously intimidated by Golden’s height and build. “Any who does not will face the King’s justice, like this tavern owner trying to hide his son.”
“Their son is twelve,” Tanner said as he got off his horse and walked up to the crowd. “He is too young to fight anyway. Why don’t you lot come off it and stop bullying people. Does the Baronet know you are on his lands causing trouble?”
“Who do you think you are boy?” the Mage said as the troops with him stepped aside. The man looked no more than 25 summers and had long brown hair which he kept in a ponytail. His face was unremarkable, he couldn’t have been called handsome by anyone but the sneer he had on his face would make even the most nearsighted call him ugly.
“I am someone wondering why are you doing this, we are all on the same side,” Tanner said as he stepped to side so if there was any trouble, the Mage would have to at least turn his head to fight Golden. “If whatever war you are talking about is so great, asking will get you a hell of a lot more help than telling. What would you plan to do after you have killed your way through recruiting all the men in my village? Do you think these men could take all of us?”
Tanner saw the mage’s face grow red as an older soldier stepped in front of him with a tone that suggested he had plenty of practice at diffusing tense situations. The soldier had to notice Harpo, the owner of the tavern had now walked out the door with the old sword he kept and peasants were coming from the direction of the Baronet’s lands.
“Listen son,” the old soldier began. “We are at war and every unmarried man from 16 to 30 is to present himself for the army. We didn’t make this decree but we are enforcing it. The Tavorians are attacking and we need every able bodied man to report, including you two.”
“I am already reporting,” Golden began. “It was found out that I have the gift of magic and I was to start training in a week.”
“A magic user in this backwater?” the Mage spat. “Well then you are with me, are there any other supposed magic users in this place?”
“Only the Baronet’s son” Golden replied. “We were to start together.”
“And where is this noble at now?” the mage asked the question as if he were talking to two idiots.
“Do we look like his keepers you twit?” Tanner said as more men from the village started gathering around.
“You watch your tone boy or I’ll…” the Mage said before Tanner cut him off.
“Or you’ll do what exactly?” Tanner said as he drew his blade. “I’ll run you through before any of those fancy words leave your mouth jinx flinger. Even if you manage to get me you won’t get us all.”
“Now see here!” Tanner heard a loud voice say. Tanner turned around and could see the Baronet was among the group, his coat of arms showing plainly on his doublet. “What is this all about some soldiers threatening to burn down my town? Talk quickly, I don’t have time for peasants no matter what rank you hold.”
“Milord,” the old soldier replied. “We were sent to gather men immediately; we are at war with Tavor. If your men don’t come along we were advised to persuade them. If not us then a larger group will come after us and consider every man here a traitor to the crown. We only seek those 16 to 30 who do not have a wife or child at home. I suspect once the war is in full swing that will change.”
“Where are they supposed to go and who exactly is supposed to work my fields?” The Baronet said, his protruding belly jiggling along as he got more excited.
“You can take that up with the King,” the mage
said clearly unimpressed by being in the Baronet’s presence. “Now where is this son of yours with magical ability? He is to come with me at once along with every other magic user you know of. Failure to comply will resort to you and the rest of this rabble being labeled traitors. Right now just looking at this group I count at least twenty able bodies along with one magic user. I don’t care what kinds of skills these men have, I will see them all made into infantry fodder that serve on the front line. You will have until two days from now to get this lot to Daum, after that I will return with more men.”
Tanner watched as the haughty Mage climbed on his horse and rode away followed by the rest of his men. The Mage was obviously of Tavorian birth if his accent was anything to judge by, the fact that he was not awed speaking to a noble confirmed it. Tanner himself had never spoken to the Baronet and made no plans to, men like him were much too important to talk to a boy like him. His son Todd however, Tanner did not see as a true noble. Todd was just a bully.
“What are we to do Milord?” said one of the men in the crowd Tanner recognized as Darryl, one of the Baronet’s personal guards.
“You are to gather every soul that is not married or too young or too old and march them to Daum,” the Baronet said as Tanner could tell he was seething inside. “You will ride under my colors and present yourself to whoever is organizing the war effort. Anyone here that needs to handle their business should do it now, in three hours we will leave. And someone find my damn son and tell him to get home!”
Tanner watched the Baronet ride off and could see the shock in the men’s faces. The Tavorian war was 15 years ago, many who had fought in it had horrible tales of suffering. Despite other battles happening with other kingdoms, the Tavorian war held as the big one. The men from Kol who had fought in it now had a look of pity on their faces. They would not be needed since they were over 30. If what the old soldier had said was true they would be called up soon enough, along with all the married men. Everyone that was fighting age looked scared, Tanner was scared. For all his bravado earlier he was just a loud mouth, sure he didn’t mind putting a bully in his place but this was different, people die in war. And the Mage said he would ensure they were all on the front lines? The only one who didn’t seem worried or scared was Golden, he stood out like a beacon of hope Tanner thought. Men like him were made for this kind of thing and Tanner was sure songs and stories of heroism would follow his friend. Tanner wished he could be just like him, unmoving like a rock.
“Well you lot heard the Baronet, get your asses in gear and stop looking scared like a virgin about to be spitted,” Darryl said as he looked around the group. “Off with you now, I’ll don’t care if you are feeling gutted or not. And no suddenly marrying some poor girl to get out of it. And no rumpy pumpy either, if you didn’t get your load off already you don’t have time for it now, leave your girl alone and collect your things. We will meet up in two hours, in three hours we will leave. Anyone late will be flogged by the guard.”
Tanner looked at his friend and gave him a slight smile. If this was going to happen, he had things he needed to do and fast. Tanner turned his horse and began to gallop back towards his house. He passed the angry Mage and the rest of the soldiers who said some harsh words but didn’t get in his way. Tanner pet his horse Winny on the neck, she was a good girl and he hated riding her hard like this but it was only for a little while. The scenery flew by until Tanner reached his home, which seemed darker somewhat now. He hoped he would see this place again, after his uncle had died his world was turned upside down, he was just happy the old man taught him to prioritize.
When Tanner was ready to leave he made sure he had his heavy furs, another pair of lion hide boots, his sword, his bow, his arrows, some small rope for his traps along with his shield and breast plate. He finished his packing by bringing food for a week and all his money. He laughed thinking about Mary and even Gwen, if he were married he wouldn’t be on a trip such as this, he would be with one of them. Deserting briefly crossed Tanner’s mind but if they were recruiting everyone he would stand out in any village full of old men and kids. Tanner neatly packed all of his belongings in the saddle bags on Winny and began his trek back into town. He didn’t have anyone to say goodbye to like everyone else. They were all probably crying with their mums getting last minute hugs and kisses. Tanner felt a little depressed about the whole thing and figured he would stop by Golden’s house. If the Blessed One wasn’t spinning a yarn then at least Mary would miss him. Although they were close in age he never really looked at her as a potential mate. Her breasts were fun to look at for sure but she was Golden’s sister. What if it didn’t work out? Losing his friendship means more than some potential match. Tanner thought about this until he was back inside the town which was bustling with activity.
Men and women were running throughout the streets, probably trying to provision themselves for the upcoming war. Not many men could afford a weapon, they really had no need for one until now. Would the army arm them? Would the blacksmiths be pressed into service also? Tanner was unsure but as he closed on Golden’s house he could see his father Diamond standing outside passing out blades. Tanner knew these swords were imperfect, they were made by Golden after all. The best blade he made was surely on his person. After the blades had been passed out Diamond was arguing with the crowd who insisted he had to have more. They were desperate and had fear of the unknown Tanner thought.
“You should be worried about saying bye to your love ones instead of making a scene” Tanner said loudly. “If our time comes if I were you I would wish I spent more time getting cozy with my girl or saying bye to my Da instead of fighting here for imaginary swords.”
Tanner looked as the crowd stopped yelling, thought about his words and soon started to trickle out, leaving Diamond relieved.
“Tie Winny up in the front boy, I was hoping you would stop by before you left,” Diamond said as he gave Tanner a sad glance. Tanner knew Diamond had killed a lot of people in the war, he was a giant of a man although age and injury had robbed him of his mobility. He had never spoken fondly about the war, well he really didn’t talk about it all only saying in the end whatever he did didn’t make a difference. Tanner gave the old man a smile; he didn’t need to see nervousness in his face. Old Diamond was probably worried sick about Golden although Tanner was sure he could hold his own. Tanner tied up Winny and could see the front door was open, Golden’s mom Amelia was about fussing and crying at the same time. Tanner was going to knock but decided to just walk on in.
“I knew it in my heart I should have gotten you married, plenty of girls and their mums had been dropping hints,” Amelia said bawling. “Now look at us, we are all snookered because I didn’t trust my instincts.”
“Ma I wouldn’t have been happy marrying any of the girls in this village,” Golden retorted as he put his arms around to comfort his mother.
“Tanner you are finally here, did you pack you something to eat?” Amelia asked before finishing. “Golden told me you didn’t break your fast today, Mary is cooking you boys up something to take with you on the road.”
Tanner nodded and made his way to the kitchen. He could tell Mary had been crying as she started putting thick slabs of meat on a plate. Tanner recognized the meat, even the cut. He had shot and butchered that doe not even two days ago and gave Golden the spare meat. Now it was being served up to him by a girl who looked as if she was going to fall apart.
“Mary,” Tanner said as he put his hands on her shoulder and turned her to face him. Mary broke down and Tanner pulled her in for a hug and suddenly felt very odd. He had never really hugged Mary before, it just wasn’t proper. He had first meant it to help ease her pain, now his body was having quite a different reaction to her closeness. He could feel her breast squashed against his chest and her lady bits was warming up his man parts through their clothes. Tanner pushed her back but knew it was too late. Mary was still crying but she had a confused look in her eye. Tanner went for broke and kisse
d her full on the mouth, if he were to die tomorrow at least he could say he had kissed at least one girl. He pulled away after a couple of seconds which left her speechless and went back into their front room just as Diamond closed the front door behind him.
“You lads don’t have much time,” Diamond said as he had an old dusty bag in his arms. He dropped it on the floor and right away Tanner could hear the sound of steel on steel. Diamond opened up the sack, well it basically disintegrated as he pulled something through it. Wrapped in oil cloth was a great sword, unlike the one Tanner carried this was a definite two hander. Also in the bag was two daggers, one was long, like the kind you wear on your hip and the other was short, like the type of weapon you would keep in your boot.
“You take these Golden, give that junk you made away to someone that needs it more,” Diamond said as he handed Golden the great sword. “This was made for the king’s guards, the person who made it was cut down during the last days of the war. I used this sword and it brought me home safe to you, Mary and your Ma. You are going to have to get a scabbard made for it,” Diamond said as he pulled out a small bag of coins. “It’s all I have to spare son.”
“Well I can make your life a little easier,” Tanner said as he tried to break up the grim mood. “At my house in my smoke shed I have enough meat to last me until next spring easily. Now it’s all smoked but it should last you a while. I also have the last of my skins hanging out and they are also yours. You don’t owe me nothing but please keep an eye out for the rest of my stuff. I would hate to have to come back a war hero only to slaughter some idiot for trying to take me things.”
“I will boy,” said Diamond as Tanner could tell the old man was barely holding it together.
“And don’t let Mary run off with some other lad either,” Tanner said smiling. “Give me at least three years and assume I am alive. Someone has to look out for the Blessed One, I doubt that chin could stop an arrow no matter how square that thing is.”
The Mage Breaker Page 2