The Cavalier

by Jason McWhirter

  Tanus stared openly at Tulari as the giant horse stood passively, and Jonas couldn’t help but feel immense pride for his new steed.

  “That is the most magnificent animal I have ever seen,” Tanus said as he admired the huge animal.

  “Thank you, Tanus. His name is Tulari, and you’re right, he is magnificent in many ways.”

  Tanus broke his gaze from the animal and led the two warriors into the tent that housed the wounded. The first things Jonas noticed were the sounds and odors. It had been many years since he had seen the results of a battle, and even then he had only seen the dead. But here he was looking at the wounded. It did’nt take him long to realize that witnessing the survivors of a battle may be worse than seeing the dead. The dead didn’t moan or cry out in pain. The sounds of the wounded and dying were something that Jonas would not forget. But it was the smell that would stick with him. The interior odor was a mix of sweat, blood, infection, and vomit that assaulted Jonas’s nose. The tent was filled with makeshift cots lined with the many wounded. Surgeons and their apprentices moved quickly among the men, cleaning their bandages, and stitching their wounds. There were men unconscious, men moaning in pain, and even some men screaming as surgeons cut, sewed, or sawed. It was a gruesome scene that Jonas would not forget.

  “How many other tents are there for the wounded?” Jonas asked.

  “One or two for each modrig. The injured are organized into three groups. A black mark on their forehead means they will probably not survive, a red mark means they are seriously injured and they need treatment immediately, and a blue mark means their injuries are minor and they can be looked at later. The few priests that we have will try to heal the severely injured first, but we just don’t have enough magical healers to go around.”

  As Tanus led them through the injured men Jonas began to make out the colored marks painted on each man’s forehead.

  “Jonas!”

  The familiar voice broke Jonas’s trance as he was looking at the helpless men around him. Tanus had led them to a cot where Fil lay nursing his wounds. His skin was pale and he had a bandage wrapped around his bare chest.

  Jonas smiled happily as he gazed at his friend. “Fil, are you okay? Where are you hurt?” Jonas asked anxiously.

  “I was stabbed in the side and then an ogre broke some ribs and cracked my breast bone.” Fil struggled to sit up, his face strained as pain shot through his body.

  Jonas laid a restraining hand on him, easing him back down to a prone position. “Take it easy, my friend, all in good time.”

  “It is so good to see you, Jonas,” Fil said through a forced smile. He looked at Jonas more closely, his eyes moving across Jonas’s immaculate sparkling armor, and the beautifully crafted swords strapped at his side. The blue and silver symbol of Shyann danced in the candle light.

  “Ulren’s star, you did it, you’re a cavalier,” Fil said in amazement.

  “I am, my friend, but let me heal you first and we can talk in detail once you feel better.”

  “You can heal now? I knew you would do it, Jonas.”

  “I can do many things now. Now hold still. You will feel some heat and your body will feel warm as I mend your wounds. But it will not hurt.”

  “Okay, go ahead. I am ready.”

  Jonas reached down and put both of his hands on Fil’s chest. He began to pray silently, calling on Shyann for the power to heal his friend. His hands began to glow blue as he sent the healing energy into Fil.

  Jonas searched Fil’s body for the injuries and saw his breastbone was indeed cracked and he had seven broken ribs, one dangerously close to lacerating his lung. Jonas went to work on mending the bones, any ruptured blood vessels, tendons, and the surrounding tissue. Then he went to work in eliminating the infection that was building up in Fil’s side. The wound was shallow and he sealed it quickly. After a few minutes Jonas opened his eyes to see Fil staring at him with wonder.

  “That felt incredible. Thank you, Jonas. I feel perfect,” Fil said. He leaned up in bed and bent his body to test it for pain. He smiled broadly as he got out of bed. “I feel no pain. I’m a little sore but I feel much better. You completely healed me! Amazing!” He rambunctiously grabbed Jonas in a big bear hug and held him tightly. “I’ve missed you, my friend! We have much to discuss. But first, who is this beautiful lady beside you?”

  “My name is Taleen, and I’m a cavalier to Bandris,” Taleen said with a warm smile.

  Fil noticed for the first time her immaculate armor and he reddened in embarrassment. “I am sorry, Taleen. I was so excited to see Jonas that I did not notice you were a cavalier. Please forgive my lack of respect.”

  Taleen reassured Fil with a brilliant smile. “You are forgiven, Fil Tanrey. Besides, even a cavalier likes to hear compliments from time to time,” Taleen added. Her smile was infectious and seemed to make the tough warriors around her blush.

  “It is nice to meet you, Taleen. And let’s just say that you are both a wonderful sight. I had heard that two cavaliers had arrived and destroyed the Banthra, but I had no idea it was you, Jonas.”

  “It was. We arrived today with Kiln. He held the center line today.”

  “Kiln is here?” asked Tanus, clearly shocked at the mention of the great swordsman’s name.

  “He is with the king now. He has taken over as high commander,” replied Jonas.

  “Is Kiln dark haired with gray eyes and fights like a demon?” Fil asked skeptically.

  “That is him. Have you seen him?” asked Jonas.

  Fil smiled as he thought about the fight today. “I have. I fought with him today. He came in on his horse and kept the line together. I have never seen anything like it. We were crumbling and getting scattered and he barreled in and took control, killing anything that came at him. He diced up the ogre that almost killed me like it was nothing more than a tiny goblin. He rallied the men and held the center, wading into the screaming tribesmen with no hint of fear. I couldn’t believe it; he just cut into them like they didn’t exist, leaping and spinning from one enemy to another, leaving dead bodies wherever he went. The enemy was so thick around him that I could no longer see him. I thought he had been killed, until our men, encouraged by his bravery, fought their way through the enemy ranks and found him fighting for his life. I passed out before that, but that is the story that I heard. Everyone is talking about him, but I don’t know how many knew that he was Kiln, the legend.”

  “That sounds like, Kiln,” Jonas said with a smile.

  “Jonas, we need to start healing these men,” Taleen interrupted.

  Jonas looked at her and at the wounded and dying men around them. “Yes, you’re quite right. Fil, let us talk later. Taleen and I must heal as many of these men as we can. We will take care of the most urgently wounded first, and then we will heal you, Tanus. Your men will need you healthy in the trials to come.”

  “Very good, Jonas. Thank you for helping my men, both of you,” Tanus said.

  “You’re welcome. I will find you later to tend to your wound. Fil,” Jonas said, turning his gaze to his friend. “How will we find you later?”

  “You can find my camp farther on the south side. I will have a warm cup of tea waiting for you,” Fil said.

  “I am looking forward to it.”

  “Taleen, I’m glad to have met you,” Fil said. “I hope you accompany Jonas to our camp site so that we may talk more.”

  “It would be my pleasure, Fil,” replied Taleen with a nod.

  “Sir, do you need me for anything or am I free to go to my camp?” Fil asked Tanus.

  Tanus smiled and shook his head. “No, you’ve done enough. You saved my life today and I thank you for that. Go ahead, get some rest. You’ve earned it.”

  Fil nodded his head and looked one more time at Jonas, smiling widely before walking out of the tent.

  Jonas and Taleen spent the better part of two hours healing as many men as they could. They were both exhausted as they drug themselves from the tent to
their horses and made their way towards Fil’s camp. They couldn’t heal all the men in one night. The energy expended took its toll on their bodies and they had to rest. A warm meal and a soft bed were needed now. But Jonas had to see Fil and that is where they headed.

  They found Fil’s camp easily enough and it wasn’t long before they had their tired bodies resting on their sleeping blankets in front of a warm crackling fire. A full belly, a cup of warm tea, and the camaraderie of friends did wonders for Jonas’s bone-weary body.

  Jonas and Taleen talked with Fil for as long as their tired bodies would allow. Fil and Jonas had a lot to catch up on and the words flowed from their mouths. They were both very happy to see each other, but it wasn’t long after they got there that Jonas began to tire, his fight with the Banthra and the healing finally wearing him out, finally overcoming the excitement of seeing his friend. Taleen was also exhausted and Jonas took notice of her heavy eyelids fluttering beyond the dancing flames of their campfire.

  “Fil, my friend, Taleen and I are both exhausted and we need to get some sleep. We have much to do in the morning,” Jonas said.

  “Oh yes, of course. Do you want to lay your bed rolls here at my fire?”

  Jonas was just going to accept when a lone horseman approached them from the darkness. The bright moonlight and many campfires enabled the rider to maneuver through the campfires to find them. The man was one of the king’s knights.

  “Cavaliers, the king has prepared a tent for you. There is warm water, food, and drink waiting. Would you like me to escort you there or send a rider for you later?”

  “We will go now. Thank you for the offer,” replied Jonas.

  “It is my pleasure. I am glad that you both are with us.” The warrior looked to be older than fifty winters. His face was covered with course whiskers, some of which were gray. He was powerfuly built, and his thick wavy hair gave him the look of a lion.

  Jonas and Taleen mounted their horses which had been standing near by.

  “Fil,” the veteran warrior spoke up. “I heard that you fought well today. Tanus said you saved his life. Good work, son.”

  “Thank you, Renagar,” Fil replied seriously.

  Renagar addressed the two cavaliers who were both ready to leave. “Follow me, if you please.”

  “I’ll find you tomorrow, Fil.” Jonas smiled at his friend as he turned his horse to leave.

  “Thank you for inviting me to your fire, Fil. I am glad to have met you,” added Taleen.

  “I’ll see you both tomorrow,” Fil said, watching them ride away into the night.

  Their tent was not large but the interior was spacious since it had little furniture. It had been placed near the king’s own tent, for which Jonas was grateful, in case the monarch might need them. Inside were two beds hastily made from furs, thick cotton blankets, and soft pillows. Just the sight of them made Jonas’s eye lids feel as if they were made of lead. A small table, covered with trays of meats, cheeses, and fruits was set up in the middle of the tent. They were also provided a large copper wash basin filled with steaming water. King Gavinsteal had also taken into consideration Taleen’s privacy and had his men construct a screen framed with wood with blue dyed cotton forming the panels.

  They used the wash basin to wash away the grime of battle, and after eating their simple but nourishing meal, they finally dropped their tired bodies down onto their soft beds. They fell asleep quickly, exhaustion permeating their bodies.

  Jonas slowly opened his eyes as a bright light shone before him. He squinted and held up his hand to block out what felt like the sun’s rays shining right in his face.

  After a few moments the light disappeared and Jonas opened his eyes fully, revealing Shyann before him. She was standing on the edge of a cliff, with her back to Jonas, and she was wearing black leather breeches and a matching black sleeveless shirt. Her whole body seemed to be bathed in white light.

  Jonas looked around and noticed that he was standing on a mountain and Shyann was looking down at something below.

  She turned her head, smiling warmly at him. “Jonas, come here. I want to show you something.”

  Her voice was the same as before, melodic and entrancing, and it warmed his very soul. Jonas slowly approached and stood next to her, looking at her beautiful features the entire time.

  She turned and looked at him, but her face was a mixture of pain and sorrow.

  “Jonas, Look down,” she ordered.

  Jonas followed her gaze and saw that they were standing above a huge city that was burning, smoke billowing from every corner. There were thousands of orcs and goblins camped along the perimeter and Jonas could see many still plundering the area. The city was obviously in ruin.

  “Is it Tarsis?” he asked.

  “It is, Malbeck has taken the city and King Kromm is now being hunted in these very hills.”

  “Is he alone?”

  “No, he has a small group of his elite guard with him, but Malbeck will find him. He is sending out his hunters as we speak. That is why I need you.”

  “You want me to go to the king and bring him to Finarth?”

  “I do. There will be forces hunting him and his family that even Kromm, the mighty warrior king, cannot face. Take Fil and Taleen with you. You will need help in this venture. Jonas, King Kromm and his family must not be captured. The king is necessary to the survival of these lands.”

  “What can one man do against the Shan Cemar?”

  “To win this war we will need a culmination of what many men can do. The power of one, combined with the power of others, is a force that is hard to break. This is the ultimate difference between good and evil, men working together for a common cause. Evil harbors resentment, greed, and other emotions that eat their power away from the inside. It is a time for heroes, Jonas.”

  “How will I find him, my Goddess?”

  “Remember, Jonas, call me Shyann. I was once just a farmer and a hunter like you.” Shyann smiled warmly now. “Tulari will lead you there.”

  Shyann’s eyes suddenly lit up with shock, as if she were watching something terrible happen. “Jonas, you must awaken! Treachery is happening in the king’s chamber! Hurry or it will be too late!”

  A bright flash of white seared Jonas’s eyes……

  ......And he awoke with a jolt, his eyes wide and his body fully awake. He leaped out of bed and noticed that he was already wearing his armor and both his swords were strapped at his side. He didn’t stand around pondering how that happened but ran out of his tent, yelling for Taleen as he went. “Taleen, to the king’s chamber!”

  Jonas was long gone as Taleen awoke quickly, grabbing her sword next to her. She was already wearing her chain mail shirt but she didn’t bother taking the time to put on her plate mail.

  Jonas raced towards the king’s tent and noticed the guards at the entrance were all lying on the ground. He didn’t stop to see if they were hurt or just spelled, barreling through the drape that covered the entrance and calling on his light simultaneously. He drew both his blades so quickly that it looked as if they leaped into his hands. His light bathed the entire interior and nothing of darkness could escape the magic.

  A tall figure stood over the king’s bed and the man turned as Jonas’s light filled the room. It was Prince Nelstrom and he was holding a bloody dagger.

  But Jonas’s light wasn’t touching the prince. He was surrounded by a shadow that seemed to pulse around him, just like Jonas’s light, but dark and heavy with evil. Jonas’s light hit the darkness and was repelled.

  Prince Nelstrom’s eyes were glowing red and his features seemed to grow and elongate, until he was two heads taller than Jonas with long legs and arms. The fingers holding the knife grew as well, becoming long and tipped with short talons. His features were still that of the prince, but different, demonic in appearance. The bloody dagger in his hand slowly grew in length until it became the same long sword that he always wore at his side.

  “It is too late, cavalier,
” hissed Prince Nelstrom, spitting out the last word like it was poison. “The king is dead.”

  “But you still live, something I will remedy shortly,” Jonas growled, stepping further into the room, his twin blades glowing faintly, as if they were waiting to explode into action.

  “I’m afraid that killing me will not be that easy. Do you know what I am?” The prince asked, advancing slowly towards Jonas. His long arms and legs carried him smoothly a few steps closer.

  Jonas noticed that he was wearing the exact armor and clothes of Prince Nelstrom. It had somehow grown and stretched to fit his new size.

  “You are a man who sold his soul to the Forsworn. You are weak. You are nothing,” Jonas responded.

  The prince laughed as he started to circle Jonas, his aura of darkness still holding back Jonas’s light. “I am much more than that. Right now your cavalier friend and many others are trying to get into this tent. But they can’t. I have magically sealed it off. It is just you and me, something for which I have been patiently waiting.”

  “As have I, traitor,” Jonas whispered through clenched teeth. He willed his mind into the state of Ty’erm and readied himself for battle. All his senses were sharp and his finely honed muscles twitched, eager to spring forth and crush the murderous traitor. The king was a great man, and now he was dead, killed by his own corrupted son, at least that is what Prince Nelstrom believed. Jonas knew that Prince Nelstrom did not know that his real father was actually Kiln.

  Again the prince laughed, refocusing Jonas’s attention. “I have more power than ever. My Lord Malbeck has shared with me some of the power of the Shan Cemar. That is why you could not detect me, cavalier. We have new power, power that was hidden for many years, but it is ours now and you cannot stop us. I am Malbeck’s right hand, the hammer that will crush Finarth so that I may rule this land in his name and the power of the Forsworn will cover the lands.”

  “Your heart is now dark and corrupted with the stench of the Forsworn. They hold no power over me,” replied Jonas sternly, flaring his light again, trying to break through the prince’s defenses, but to no avail.