The Black Sword Trilogy: The Four Nations

by VanMeter, Jeffery

  After the tour, Kenner and Terri were shown to their own rooms in the palace, as Janna supposed that they were probably tired from their journey. When Kenner walked through the doors of his own room, he couldn’t believe that a room that size was meant for only one person. The room alone was twice the size of his little house in the hills. The floor was covered in the same red velvet as the library. There were plush chairs located around the room and an enormous four-poster bed in the center that Kenner guessed could fit an entire family. Covering the bed was a scarlet blanket with the golden chalice emblem in the center. Draped across the blanket was a robe and pants that appeared to be made of the same thin and shiny material as the dresses he saw earlier; which were also red. The posts which rose to a ceiling at least 20 feet high were also draped with curtains of the same color.

  The posts and headboard of the bed were of a rich, dark wood, but not quite the black of Blackwood. The headboard had a carving of a spear and battle axe crossed as if in battle and all of the wood had a soft sheen. Built into the far right wall of the room was a large fireplace with soft, warm flames flickering. Its light danced off of the headboard and posts of the bed. Leading from the bed to the fireplace was a rug with an image of a ship embroidered into it. Kenner also noticed that his belongings, including his black armor had been brought into the room. As she strolled into the room and sniffed around, even Shela looked smaller in the huge room.

  On the opposite end of the room as the fireplace were two glass doors that Kenner thought to be large enough for Shela and her kittens to easily pass through. The doors were open and Kenner saw that a balcony of a stone floor and iron bars lay just beyond them. There was a table and chairs appearing to wait on him with food, glasses and a bottle of wine that looked to have just been set. He picked up one of the glasses, which was as light as a feather and upon closer examination seemed to be made of very thin crystal. He lightly tapped on it and it made a clear, yet light ringing sound, not unlike the Sword being drawn.

  The balcony overlooked a large, open courtyard that looked almost the size of his village. In the waning light, he saw in the courtyard perfectly square patches of neatly kept green grass and a fountain, like a much smaller version of the fountain and pool at Kallesh in the center. Surrounding the courtyard were the windows and balconies of other rooms and to his mild surprise, some of them were larger even than his. They all had soft firelight coming from within, but in the corner of his eye, he thought he caught a glimpse of blue light from inside one room. He turned his head to look, but couldn’t see it anymore. Looking to where he thought the light had come from, he saw a thick curtain waving.

  “Great Lady, look at the size of this room!” Kenner heard Terri exclaim.

  He went back inside and the first thing he saw was Shela laid across the enormous bed.

  “I think, this time we can share.” He said to her.

  The Ladies of the Woods

  Not much is known of the early history of the nation known as The Blackwoods. For centuries it existed only as a legend of a land west of the seemingly impenetrable forests of the hills marking the border of Walechia. Travelers spoke of huge black trees that were impossible to fell. These trees were rumored to be able to whisper to each other and even move of their own accord. Travelers spoke of the trees watching them and the creatures within these forests having minds and wills of their own like people. However, these strange tales were dismissed as mere stories. Although most people were convinced that such stories were fantasy, curiosity remained about the mysterious land hidden deep within the woods.

  It wasn’t until the Dark Times that it was discovered that there really were people living in the woods. The armies of Walechia had been pursued into the hills by the Dark Master Corob and his huge army of Silthers. The Commanding General of Walechia’s Army, Frid told of reaching a river far into the forest and just before a battle with a far superior force, archers the likes of which he said he’d never before seen attacked the dark army and with their aid, he defeated them.

  Most of Frid’s account of his journey into the Blackwoods is shrouded in secrecy and mostly lost to time. What is known is that he returned to Kallesh with a small army of Blackwoods’ archers and a woman known only as “The Lady of the Woods” accompanied him. This “Lady of the Woods” bore a magical bow that could hit any target at any range its archer could see and never miss. It was also this Lady that told King Remnor of Walechia of the offer of the Spirits of Land, Sea and Sky to forge the Great Weapons and to give them to the leaders of the divided lands in their war against the dark forces threatening them.

  After the Dark Times were over, The Lady of the Woods disappeared into the Blackwoods along with her army. However, many years after that first war, a single boat carrying another woman calling herself The Lady of the Woods sailed into the port of Maynohr, on the edge of Sheyron’s border. A trade deal was struck with Sheyron and that nation’s ships were thus allowed to sail within the border of the Blackwoods. However, only certain Captains were allowed to sail into the Blackwoods’ waters and were sworn to secrecy. Over several generations, these secrets were shared only with Captains that replaced their predecessors. They would not share their secrets and the existence and locations of any cities or peoples within the Blackwoods remained unknown.

  When the Great War broke out, The Blackwoods stayed out of it for the most part. Archers from the Blackwoods had come to the aid of Sheyron when threatened by Masallah, but the Blackwood Bow had not yet been seen. King Ailorahn of Walechia took a small company into the hills to search for the Blackwoods in an effort to form an alliance with them. According to legend, he was met by a small company of archers at the banks of a river and disappeared with them on a boat. He returned a year later with a kind of alliance that would ensure the security of the border of the hills. However, the Lady of the Woods, Melova took the Bow into the war alongside Ailorahn who was rumored to have become bewitched by her power and become her lover. No official documents have ever been found to confirm this legend. However, Melova, herself did fight in the war on the side of Walechia.

  After Faraday took control of Sheyron, he allegedly sailed by himself up a secret river to a place known to history only as “The Secret City”. There, he formed an alliance with one of the Lady’s councilors and the previous Lady was deposed in her absence. As part of a deal whose terms have never been disclosed, he was named King. After that, he then controlled both Sheyron and The Blackwoods. Faraday then, again according to legend met with Melova who gave him the Bow and disappeared into legend.

  After The Great War, the nation known as The Blackwoods became known for its secrecy. It was known to exist and had clearly defined borders. It maintained trade with the other nations through Sheyron, but had virtually no communication with the outside world. It became a place of mystery and legend. Its history and people were virtually unknown and thousands of men and women were known to disappear into its borders never to be seen again.

  Occasionally, The Ladies of the Woods bestowed gifts to the peoples of the other nations. Among these gifts were the massive Blackwood doors that would become known as “The Iron Gates” of the city of Kallesh. Also, regularly young women from the Blackwoods would travel to the great cities of the world and meet with their leaders. Very rarely, leaders from the other nations were allowed to visit the Blackwoods, but they never told any details of this legendary nation or its secretive people.

  Chapter 22

  Terri was amazed by the size of the room she’d walked in to. It was almost the same size as the house herself and her five siblings were raised in. There was a huge, four-poster bed with oak posts and headboard, both ornately decorated. There was the same velvety material on the floor as the library; except that this was a soft gray. The blanket on the bed matched the material on the floor as did the curtains hanging from the bed posts. On the other side of the bed was a fireplace and facing the bed were two enormous glass doors that opened to a balcony beyond. Examining the
balcony, she found a bottle of wine and glasses.

  She further investigated the room and found a smaller room attached with bathtub built into the floor. The tub itself was made of a white stone she’d never seen before. Touching it, she found it cool and smooth, almost like glass. Next to the tub were large, clean, white towels. Touching one of them, she found it soft and subtle, almost like down. In addition, there was a very short dress and robe made of the same thin and shiny material she’d seen the ladies’ dresses made of. As she rubbed the strange material between her fingers, she found it smooth and soft like nothing she’d ever known

  There was knock on the bedroom door and then Terri went back into the room to see who it was. A line of young women carrying pales of steaming water marched into the room and to the room with the bath. Also standing at the door was a handsome young man in a red, military uniform. He was not quite the same height as Kenner, and not as muscular. His thin body and limbs made him look long and somewhat awkward. He had long, curly brown hair and his face was like that of a younger Edum.

  “Good evening, Miss Terry.” He said politely.

  “Who the hell are you?” Terri asked him suspiciously.

  “My name is Firth. I am to be your guide and your escort during your stay here at the palace.”

  “Guide and escort?”

  “Yes. There’s going to be a lot that you’re going to see and hear tomorrow and the Admiral has asked me to be available to you for when you have questions or need clarification.”

  Terri relaxed a little. He didn’t seem harmful; at least there was nothing in his manner that seemed to be hiding anything.

  “Are all ‘guides’ and ‘escorts’ as good looking as you?” She asked sarcastically.

  He smiled and a charming sparkle appeared in his eyes.

  “The Admiral did want you and Kenner to have a pleasing of company as possible.”

  “That’s very nice,” Terri said warning, “But don’t get any ideas of being too pleasing.”

  “Of course not,” He said with the same charming expression. “I am merely to serve as intelligent and helpful company.”

  “Good to hear.”

  “However, should you require more interesting company,” He said in a teasing tone, “I do know where such can be found.” He smiled and winked at her. “I’ll be just outside, should you require anything.”

  “Your bath is ready.” Terri heard a young woman tell her. She looked over toward the room with the bath and saw that the five young women were standing before her with their hair pulled up and wearing only large towels. Terri couldn’t contain a grin.

  After her long and luxurious bath, Terri was dressed in the short dress and robe and the new and strange material felt wonderful against her skin. It was so soft and smooth; it was almost like she was being softly caressed. It was cool and warm at the same time and tingled a little as the material gently brushed against her.

  “What is this stuff?” Terri asked one of the bathing girls.

  “It’s called silk.” The girl answered.

  “Silk?”

  “Yes, Miss.”

  “Where does it come from?”

  All the girls then looked at each other somewhat cautiously and then one spoke.

  “I’m sorry Miss, but we’re not allowed to tell outsiders.”

  “Really?” Terri said, surprised. “You realize, of course that you’ve only made me more curious.”

  “I’m sorry Terri,” Firth said from outside the bedroom door. “But it’s currently a national secret.”

  “You’ve got good ears.”

  “That’s one of the reasons my father asked me to be your escort.”

  “And who’s your father?” Terri asked his voice.

  “Captain Edum.”

  “Well, that explains that.” She mumbled to herself. The girls all giggled.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  It was a cool night, but not quite cold. General Krypt had moved the Grand Army to outside the city of Geedings. The city sat on top of a gently sloping hill and he felt slightly nervous about his army being camped on lower ground surrounded by rises. However, he had positioned scouts on the rises and to beyond the northern rise was a long, sloping hill overlooking at least ten miles of open plain. Dawn and light were approaching and his scouts would easily see the shadow of anything approaching.

  Krypt had barely slept at all since leaving Kallesh. He still expected to see riders from the King at any moment and reports had reached him about a force of Wolfen moving along the hills to the south and towards his army.

  Major Valon hadn’t slept either. When his General was awake, he knew that he could not sleep. Someone had to be there for him for when he had orders to give or to when he needed news about the troops.

  For the most part, the soldiers were rested and well fed. They were more ready for a battle now than they had been in a year. But now, the long, harsh winter was all but over and he knew the enemy would be moving as it had been for two whole years. But just as the Grand Army of Walechia was rested and ready to fight, both Valon and Krypt new that the enemy’s strength would be gathered. They knew they would strike somewhere and soon. What they didn’t know was from where.

  The evening before, Valon and several other soldiers had negotiated with the city leaders of Geedings for supplies and they would be delivered in the morning. However, they both knew now that the army was in a vulnerable position. To the west were the hills and if an enemy force came out of the dense forest, they could descend on the Grand Army with just enough of an element of surprise to inflict heavy casualties. In case of such an attack, Krypt had positioned his army with the cavalry and archers facing the west. The cavalry could be roused and ready to strike within moments with archery support.

  Krypt and Valon sat on a rise a mile behind the army on a sloping hill overlooking the encampment. A single soldier approached them both with a tin pot.

  “I’m assuming that’s coffee?” Valon asked the soldier.

  “Yes, sir.” He answered.

  “It couldn’t wait for the supplies to come in?” Valon asked again.

  The soldier didn’t answer, appearing slightly nervous.

  “It’s alright, soldier,” The General told him. “I think I can endure another terrible cup just one more time.”

  Valon took the pot from the soldier who ran back down the slope to the camp.

  “I’ll be glad when we move to higher ground.” Krypt said. He winced at the taste of the bitter and weak tasting brew.

  “I didn’t think Masallah even made such horrible stuff.”

  Valon laughed.

  “I think it’s a plot by the Masallan King to weaken us through slow poisoning.” Valon joked.

  Krypt tossed him a small glass vial.

  “Not more of this sauce of yours, is it sir?” Valon asked him. “I can’t see how you can stand putting this stuff in. It’s like flavored acid.”

  “Something has to keep me awake and this mud isn’t accomplishing that task.” Krypt replied.

  Valon watched his general watching over the camp silently as he’d done so many times through the winter and on this march. Again, he looked worried and tired.

  “One of these nights, you really should get a good night’s sleep, sir.”

  “I don’t know if I’m even capable of sleeping at night anymore. I may be turning into a vampire.”

  “I hope not, sir. I doubt even the Black Sword could pierce that heart of yours.”

  They both laughed. And then Krypt looked to the west.

  “You know he’s out there somewhere.” Krypt said.

  “Who, sir?”

  “Kenner.”

  “Do you think Terri found him?”

  “I’m sure of it.”

  “Do you think he’ll join us? He seemed pretty intent on never coming back.”

  “You wouldn’t want to come back either if the King had banished you after saving his Kingdom.”

  Valon took an
other thoughtful sip of coffee and examined the General’s face. He saw that Krypt was looking toward the hills as if hoping for something.

  “Were you there, sir?” Valon asked him.

  “Where?”

  “At the Battle of Mobrey?”

  “Oh yes, I was there.”

  “What was he like?”

  For the first time in a long time, Valon saw a smile creep across the General’s face.

  “It was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen.” Krypt told him. “One minute, he looked like a boy about to piss himself; the next, he was a General, leading his troops down the hill into the thick of battle.”

  “It was like something out one of those stories we heard when we were children. He charged down the hill on the back of that incredible beast like a legend. I think he must have killed a hundred Wolfen on his own; and that was before his cat was wounded. He dismounted and with every swing of that sword of his, another Wolfen died; sometimes two or three at a time. And then,” Krypt said, getting more excited, “when he faced the enemy General, he moved so fast, one could hardly see him. I knew Grail. Even without the Silver Axe, he was as fine a warrior as any ever seen. Everyone around, even the Wolfen were so astounded by what they saw, they stopped fighting and just watched the two of them. Grail hit Kenner square in the chest with the Axe and sent him flying twenty feet and into the dirt. Then Kenner took the Axe from him and slammed it into the ground. The ground shook and roared like thunder. Grail fell into a crack in the ground and then the Wolfen and their human traitor officers went running like children.”

  “If anyone else were telling that story, I’d say they were lying.” Valon said grinning.

  “I wouldn’t believe it myself if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”

  Krypt then caught sight of something that nearly startled him. When he jumped to his feet, Valon was so alarmed, he drew his sword.

  “What is it sir?”

  Krypt pointed to the rise just now being illuminated by growing sunlight. Valon looked and could just barely see several riders, perhaps twenty standing on the top of the rise a mile from the camp.