by Keith Walsh
The third of Kalen’s men moved behind Dallious with sword raised to strike but his shadow gave him away and Dallious threw himself to the left just in time for the sword to narrowly miss him. He finished the manoeuvre by going into a roll and coming lightly to his feet. A fourth attacker did not hesitate to launch himself at Dallious before he could fully recover and his blade bit deeply into his shoulder, cleaving flesh and cutting to the bone.
Dallious gave a loud scream as pain exploded in his body. He spun away from the fourth attacker and, reversing his rapier, trust it at an angle into the man’s neck. There was a crunching sound as the rapier burst though skin and bone to emerge partly from the mouth. As his victim fell, Dallious wrenched his weapon clear and prepared himself for the next attack.
Kalen and Atheles watched the entire scene unfold and even Sister, who still nursed her bruised cheek, was completely transfixed by what she saw, although her reasons were far removed from Kalen’s. He wanted Dallious to die, and she wanted him to live. Kalen was more than a little impressed with Dallious’ economy of movement. And it left him with only one question on his mind right now – could he best this aged duellist? In truth he doubted it, and since he knew that Atheles could not beat him he would not be able to rely on his giant companion to help him.
The only reason Atheles had managed to land the earlier blow on Dallious’ cheek had been due to the man’s attention being focussed on Kalen. Shaking himself from his thoughts he witnessed the last of his men fall to Dallious’ skilful swordsmanship. His man had lunged forward and Dallious had blocked the blade and twirled his wrist in a motion that caused Kalen’s man to lose his weapon. It turned circles through the air and before it hit the ground, Dallious delivered the killing blow, lancing his rapier through the attacker’s eye and angling it slightly to pierce the brain. The last of Kalen’s henchmen fell silently to the ground – all except Atheles and himself were dead at Dallious’ hand.
Kalen had handpicked each of those men based on their skill and ruthlessness, and Dallious had dispatched them with ease. He would have been greatly angered where it not for the ever so slight sensation of fear within him, something he rarely felt and didn’t like one bit.
Atheles stepped forward. “Looks like it’s me then,” said the giant of a man while reaching over his shoulder and pulling clear a hefty double-edged axe from a back sheath. A rapier would be no match for such a weapon but Dallious was a magnificently skilled opponent and Kalen reckoned Atheles wouldn’t even have time to swing his weapon let alone deal a killing blow. He placed his arm across the giant man’s chest. “No. As much as it sickens me to say it, you are the closest thing to a friend I have Atheles and I will not allow you to throw your life away pointlessly,” Kalen said, although the conviction of his words left a lot to be desired.
“You doubt I can deal with him?” asked Atheles.
“Do you think you can beat me?” countered Kalen.
“No,” answered Atheles honestly.
“Then I know you cannot kill this one.” Dallious watched the two men, his sword making sweeping circles in the air. Kalen began to think franticly in an effort to come up with some sort of plan to defend against Dallious. His eyes flicked to Sister and he dashed for her, pulling her to her feet aggressively. She didn’t have time to react before Kalen had a second dagger from his chest baldric pressed against her neck. It was held far back towards the ear and she knew it was resting against her jugular. Dallious stopped his advance but his eyes blazed, and in that instant Kalen knew his plan to be the right one.
“I swear if you hurt her Kalen, I will kill you in the most excruciatingly painful way and your giant oaf of a companion will do nothing to stop me.” Dallious’ words contained enough venom to kill ten men, but Kalen scoffed.
“Do not waste my time with idle threats old man. The girl and the man that protects her, I want his name and their destination – now.” Kalen jerked Sister as he spoke and Dallious could see the fear in her eyes, yet still he noted her barely move her head to say no. He felt a great well of pride but it was quickly swallowed by his desire to see no harm come to her.
“Very well Kalen. You win,” said Dallious at last while casting a look of apologetic sadness towards Sister. He saw tears flow freely across her cheek then and in turn felt his own eyes well up but he held it back. He would not give this devil the satisfaction. Kalen missed little, however, and uttered one word, “Touching.”
“I have killed many men in my life Kalen but by all the Gods as my witness, I have never killed in hate. But I hate you Kalen,” whispered Dallious. His words received nothing but a spiteful grin.
Kalen gestured at Dallious’ bloodstained shoulder. “You have ruined my shirt. How could you have been caught so badly? Do not answer, the question is rhetorical,” he spat. Dallious had had enough of this smug cowardly son of a whore and wanted nothing more than to kill him on the spot, but he knew that not to be an option at this time and instead chose to provide the information Kalen wanted. “The giant who protects the girl is called Gal—”
“No Dallious!” cried Sister but Kalen pressed the dagger to her neck and she fell silent. Her eyes focussed hard on Dallious in a last desperate effort to make her forbidden love see reason, but he did not possess her strength in terms of sacrifice and looked away from her gaze and continued. “The giant’s name is Gallant. Where they are going I truly do not know.” As he spoke he felt ashamed and continued to avert his eyes from the woman he loved.
Kalen broke into a loud and eerie laugh, throwing his head back towards the sky before refocussing on Dallious. “Are you telling me I not only wasted four good men but all this time on just a name? A name that means nothing to me I might add.” Kalen looked to Atheles now. “Does it mean anything to you Atheles?” he asked.
“No,” lied Atheles.
“No.” repeated Kalen, and Atheles started to feel uneasy. He could see that his master was losing patience despite appearing to be in total control. His demeanour was capable of fooling many but not Atheles who had been around the man for too long. Please do not kill her, he thought. He had put up with a lot of Kalen’s shit over the years but killing a woman of the Faith was a different matter entirely and it was all too possible it would test his oath to breaking point.
Despite the inappropriate timing, memories of his oath came flooding back to him and Atheles’ mind was suddenly transported.
He remembered hearing the rapturous roar of the arena. Felt the sweat caused by the intense heat flow down his back. His nostrils burned with dust from the dry earth. He would be next up and across from him sat his opponent, the current champion – Haggard. The man stared at Atheles from under his heavy brow.
“So you are the contender to beat me, correct?” asked Haggard. Atheles did not answer at first. Instead he just stared back at the man, taking in his colossal size, muscular build, baldhead and badly scarred face. None of this caught his attention more than the deep blue eyes that appeared to be looking into his very soul. Those eyes unnerved him more than any battle scar.
“It would seem to me that your muscle mass may be a hindrance if the fight lasts a long time,” started Atheles finally choosing to answer the question put to him. “You will grow tired quickly and I’m sure it will make you slow. However, your reputation for finishing fights quickly means you are already aware of these facts. Should you get a hold of me I have no doubt your strength will dwarf mine and may give you the win,” he continued, speaking frankly.
Haggard listened intently to the young man. His assessments were correct and Haggard sensed this person as someone to be cautious of. He was certain he could beat him but decided to do something he had never done before – open up.
“I have a son, did you know that?” asked Haggard. Another roar erupted from the arena above. It wouldn’t be long now and so Atheles humoured the conversation. “No. I did not know that,” he replied.
“Aye, by the Gods I love him with all my heart but he takes after his
mother. Cold hearted bitch that she is. He has my eyes though, a deep blue. Although in mine there is strength and in his there is nothing. He seems to look right through you. Makes my blood run cold—”
“You?” interrupted Atheles.
“Aye, do not judge me as weak until you have stared upon them yourself…” There was a pause for a moment. “Atheles, is it?” asked Haggard. Atheles nodded. “Unfortunately I do not see him anymore. The bitch banished me,” said Haggard. “Banished from my own home! Can you believe that?” he asked laughing cynically.
“Surely you could change that if you wanted to?” asked Atheles. Haggard’s laughter subsided and he eyed Atheles for a moment, his lips pursed.
“Aye, I suppose I could but in truth I am in no position to raise a child. I live and fight in this arena. I send them coin and have arranged for him to be trained by some of the best instructors I know.”
“Well that is more than some men do,” responded Atheles. Another roar sounded, louder than any previous…
“The weapons Atheles.”
Atheles was confused. Haggard had never said that to him. “The weapons…?” he asked.
“Atheles!” barked Kalen.
Atheles shook his head, snapping himself back to the present.
“Yes Kalen?” he responded at last.
“What the hell do you mean ‘yes’? I told you to take the weapons from Dallious. He has agreed to give me the sword-masters tournament set in payment for letting this bitch live. Haven’t you been listening, you walking trunk?” Kalen’s anger rose.
“Of course, at once Sir,” said Atheles while moving cautiously towards Dallious, who now held the weapons out in front of him. Atheles snatched them and headed back towards Kalen. Upon reaching his master he draped the set around his neck.
“Excellent,” exclaimed Kalen and his mood seemed to lighten. Atheles noted it and against his better judgement allowed himself to relax a little. Then Kalen spoke.
“Atheles.”
“Yes?”
“Take care of Dallious will you?” Before Atheles could respond Kalen slid his dagger across Sister’s jugular. She immediately felt blood spurt from the wound followed by a warm flowing sensation soaking her neck and chest. Her heart filled with terror, as she knew the slice to be fatal. Horror spread over Dallious’ face as he witnessed his love flung to the ground and saw the bright red fly through the air as she fell.
He unleashed an unearthly scream and charged at Kalen. Atheles was caught by shock and didn’t react fast enough to stop Dallious, and Kalen didn’t notice the man bearing down on him, too busy eyeing his newly acquired weapons. Dallious crashed into him and both men were launched off their feet. Atheles recovered from his initial shock and made a dive for Dallious.
His mind consumed with rage, Dallious did not sense the approach of the giant, something he surely would have had he been thinking more clearly. During the brief struggle he managed to pull the dagger belonging to the weapon-set free and attempted to ram it into Kalen’s skull but suddenly pitched forward as Atheles slammed into him. Darkness enveloped him.
A shadow covered Kalen as the huge figure of Atheles towered over him. Relieved of Dallious’ weight, Kalen leapt to his feet and immediately drew his rapier and whipped it through the air, catching Atheles on his left ear. A piece of the lobe flew off and Atheles gripped at the fresh wound, pain flooding his senses. Kalen’s rapier came to rest on his neck.
“You idiot Atheles! I told you to take care of him. He almost killed me.” Kalen fought for calm, doing his best to resist spearing Atheles where he stood, in truth angry with himself more than anything else. Be mindful of your surroundings, he thought – it was something that had been drilled into him countless times by his instructors. He should not have relied upon Atheles to protect him. The thought sobered his mood somewhat and he withdrew his rapier and sheathed it.
Atheles considered the action something of an apology and left it at that, although he was angered by the further degradation of his features. He now had a missing earlobe to go with his ruined nose. Gods, had Kalen been fast, he thought. I could not have reacted in time even if I had wanted to. He shook himself from his thoughts and looked to the downed Dallious.
“Did I kill him?” he asked. Kalen just looked at him with naked anger in his eyes. “I hope not,” he answered flatly, seeing confusion appear on Atheles face. “You intend to let him live?” he asked hesitantly. Kalen moved towards the prostrate body of Dallious, glancing briefly at Sister he noted that she was dead and almost entirely bled out. Bending down he felt for a pulse in Dallious’ neck and to his delight found one. “He’s alive,” said Kalen excitedly, ignoring Atheles previous question. Atheles remained confused. Kalen hated Dallious, so why would he want him to live?
“I don’t understand,” said Atheles. Kalen rolled Dallious over onto his back, the man plainly unconscious. Then he rose gracefully. “That is why I lead and you follow Atheles. Did you not catch the fact that these two were in love?” asked Kalen.
“I did,” replied Atheles.
“And, answer me honestly on this Atheles, do you think me merciful?” Kalen looked at Atheles as he posed the question, a look that suggested he did not wish to be lied to. Atheles knew the man to be uncanny at reading people and having no wish to risk his life he answered honestly: “No.” Kalen smiled at his companion and much to Atheles surprise it appeared genuine. “Good. There is still some loyalty in you then,” he observed.
“Dallious has lost everything dear to him. Losing a loved one will break all but the strongest of men and he does not possess such strength. If he did he would have let Sister die rather than provide me with the information I asked of him,” explained Kalen. “But you said the name meant nothing to you,” responded Atheles still feeling somewhat confused.
“A necessary ruse that was needed to make Dallious bargain for the woman’s pathetic life. I had already considered the best method for disarming the man. We have a name now, Atheles. It may not seem like much but it is better than going around simply asking for the whereabouts of a giant. A name can often be the missing piece to a person’s memory. How many people walk these lands that could be considered giants? You yourself fit that very description, but a name – well, that is something we can use.”
Upon hearing Kalen mention Sister, Atheles looked to her lifeless body and felt a rush of anger rise within him, causing a momentary loss of composure.
“It did not save her though,” stated Atheles. “I do not approve of her killing.” Kalen glared at his companion and his hand moved to the hilt of his rapier. “I did not ask for your approval you cur. Would you like me to balance those ears Atheles?” Atheles just looked away, cursing under his breath. He took some comfort from the fact that he did not possess the skill to kill Kalen anyway.
“Still, letting him live with everything required to avenge Sister is foolish and I am certainly no fool.” Kalen wasn’t even looking at Atheles as he spoke, instead he was rubbing his chin and staring at the wall. “Your axe Atheles,” he said suddenly, as if a thought had just occurred to him, his hand outstretched in waiting. Atheles hesitated for a moment. Could this be another one of Kalen’s ruses to have the giant hand over his only protection? Remembering the fact that he could not beat Kalen anyway he placed the double-headed axe into his hand. The weight of it caused Kalen’s arm to drop suddenly, until he flexed his muscle and held it firm.
“No wonder you are so slow,” commented Kalen upon realising the weight of the weapon. Atheles didn’t respond. He waited for the axe to be discarded and for Kalen’s rapier to piece his throat. It never came. Instead, Kalen walked nonchalantly towards the unconscious body of Dallious. “My, you must have hit him hard Atheles,” Kalen said while nudging Dallious’ arm with his foot so that it was in a more favourable position for the operation.
“As much as I wish you were awake for this Dallious, I simply don’t have the time to wait around for such a pleasure. We have wasted enough al
ready.” And with that Kalen swung the axe down hard onto the wrist of Dallious’ right arm, severing the hand in one clean strike. Then he turned and without any sign of emotion tossed the axe back at Atheles.
“Thank you. A rapier would have made much more work of the task,” said Kalen looking to the sky.
It is getting dark, he thought, but then something else grabbed his attention. Something he had missed up to this point. Smoke billowed into the air from a chimney. Kalen squinted at it and realised it was part of a ramshackle outbuilding beyond where the horses were tethered. He walked close to it and noticed an anvil and hammer in the gloaming. Next to them was an old steel bucket filled with discarded horseshoes.
Ah excellent, thought Kalen as he realised it was a blacksmith’s forge. He quickly walked back to Dallious’ now dismembered body and picked up the severed hand. Then he returned to the hearth and tossed it in. He watched with sickening pleasure as it burst into flames and the smell of burning flesh filled his nostrils. Atheles wanted no part of this grotesquery and instead prepared the horses to depart. He wondered where everyone else in the convent could be but did not ponder it for long, thankful that Kalen had no more victims to maim or kill.
How much longer will you stand by this maniac? he asked himself. Before he could come up with any answers, the words of Haggard in the arena came flooding back to him: “You are a man of your word?” Atheles had nodded in agreement before answering, “I would sooner die then break it.”
He pulled himself from the memory as Kalen approached him, while thinking perhaps the time to die had come. Kalen instructed him to leave the other horses. The men were dead and they had no need of them. Atheles risked his other earlobe by suggesting that they would perish without attendance. Kalen just laughed at him and spurred his horse into a gallop through the open convent door. He did not look back but Atheles did. And his heart was filled with sadness.