by Steve Barker
As the garrison troops assembled, Var Toran ascended the steps of the barracks and turned to face them.
“Good troops. I thank you for the loan of your service, for your time, and your expertise. I thank your Commander Tollison for his cooperation in this urgent search we must undertake. I am aware of the odd nature of the arrangement we have at present, but I am sure you will find the compensation for your efforts well worth your time. Now, let me explain to you the task we have at hand.
“We are in search of a young girl who is very dear to someone at Whiterock. Though my contractor’s desire is to remain anonymous, their desire for the safe return of this girl is equally great. Though I can not tell you her name, I can describe her sufficiently, especially given that she has a rather unique appearance. The girl we strive to find is very tall, head and shoulders above your tallest man,” he said as he pointed to one of the troops at the rear of the assembly.
“She has long red hair, is quite thin, and wears men’s clothes. She is likely carrying a sword and dagger, and may know how to wield them reasonably well. Though she is young, about fifteen years old, she is quite capable, besting two men with skills similar to your own not more than a day and half ago. This knowledge adds to the difficulty of our task, as we are required to apprehend her without causing harm. The contract requires that she be returned to Whiterock intact, and unharmed. As such, I request that you conduct your search for her in pairs, as it is the best strategy to attempt to overpower her with strength in numbers, rather than steel.
“Your excellent commander and I shall wait at the coach house to monitor the junction at the main roads at the southern edge of the town. Report to us there with any solid leads, or ideally, the girl in hand.” Turning to the commander, Var Toran signalled his consent to commence the search.
With a nod, Commander Tollison ordered his men to depart
“Be quick about it boys. There is every chance this girl is still in Greenfield, and I’d like us to get back to our regular duties as soon as possible. Dismissed.”
Turning to the bounty hunter, Tollison extended his hand along the road, inviting Var Toran to head to the coach house.
Seeing that the corral was empty of people, at least in the holding area at the front, dGerrie ducked between the last couple of houses before reaching the stables. He wasn’t sure where this girl might be, if she was even still within the corral, but he was sure that he could not simply approach and introduce himself without provoking a fight. Stealth was the better option. dGerrie was confident in his well established ability to get close to an unsuspecting target without being seen or heard. Now was the time to employ patience and careful tactics.
Taking his time and moving furtively, dGerrie silently made his way to the edge of the last building beside the corral, making sure not to draw any unwanted attention along the way. Once at corner of the building, he paused and observed the stables for a few minutes. There was no sign of activity, aside from the animals in the yard, so dGerrie decided to approach the stable building itself. There was a man door facing the gap between the building where he stood and the stables, which appeared to be slightly ajar. Stepping lightly and drawing the shorter of his swords, one he would choose when expecting to have to do combat in tight quarters, dGerrie reached the door. Pressing his ear gently against the side of the stables, dGerrie listened for a moment, but could hear no sign of a person within.
dGerrie paused where he was and closed his eyes, counting to thirty. It was a trick he had learned from another bounty hunter. When entering a dark area from a light area, one could adjust one’s eyes to the dark before entering, and thus not be disadvantaged visually upon transitioning to the dark. Thinking that if the girl were inside she must be resting, or reclining, dGerrie stepped back from the wall and aimed himself for the open door.
With lightning quickness, he stepped through the door while barely making a sound, raising his sword as he quickly scanned the inside of the stables for any sign of a person. He had been quick, and nearly silent, but not quick enough, nor silent enough. As he finally completed his visual sweep of the inside of the barn, and turned to the small area behind the door, he was met with a blade at his throat.
Taking up his chosen position at the edge of the porch on the outside of the coach house, Var Toran lifted one foot to the edge of the water trough and leaned his elbow on his knee. Turning to Commander Tollison, he grinned and struck up a conversation.
“Commander. I understand that, until recently, you served as Commander of The Cavalry in the King’s Royal Army. The Southern Plains detachment, I believe. Tell me, did you see combat in the Sudaran conflict?”
“You are correct on all accounts, Mr. Var Toran. Quite well informed, I must say.”
“Oh, thank you. I must admit that my livelihood can often depend on being well informed. Tell me, did your assignments ever take you as far as to where the border with Sudara crosses the Western Mountains?”
“I did venture that far on one occasion. It was in support of Commander Forjian’s campaign. He found his infantry set upon from all sides by Sudaran and Elvish forces, but managed to get a courier out in time to make it to our location at the River South. We rode for five days to come to his aide. Though, when we arrived there was not much left of the company. We managed to take some of the Sudaran’s by surprise, and open up an avenue of retreat. Forjian began his assault on the border outpost with four thousand men. We managed to aide the escape of only three hundred.”
Var Toran’s expression moved to one of fascination as he replied
“Ah, so it is true that the Sudarans and the Elvish fought side by side there. I have always wondered if the Elvish received Sudaran support in resisting Lorian rule where the traditional Elvish lands stretch north of the Sudaran border. Your experience would seem to indicate that such support was indeed supplied. I have also heard, and you must tell me if you know the truth of this, that the Sudarans had the help of one or more of the Golden Race. Many have dismissed this idea saying that they still slumber, while others have said the truth of it is evidenced by the total annihilation of several companies, in separate areas and at unrelated skirmishes.”
“As to the second rumour, I can say that I neither saw, nor heard of any evidence of dragons. It would be a first, I believe, for them to concern themselves with the politics of men. Though, if you believe the stories of the ancient Sudarans and the southern Elvish clans, who reportedly communed with the Golden Race, anything is possible.
“As to the Elvish and Sudaran forces, I would not say that they fought side by side. There were no fighting divisions which contained both Elvish and Human forces. There were Elvish brigades, and human brigades, which seemed to have some sort of coordinated strategy.”
“Interesting. That may suggest a temporary alliance, rather than any permanent peace between the Elvish and the Sudarans. Tell me, were you there when King Jerold and King Erhmenyr declared the truce? I understand that the negotiations were exceedingly tense, unlike Jerold’s initial meeting with our neighbours to the north.”
“I was not there, unfortunately. But I am acquainted with several officers who were. I’m told that both Kings stood nearly toe to toe at the mid-point of the border bridge at the River South’s crossing from Loria to Sudara, while they presented each other their terms. Unfortunately, no one is able to accurately report what was said between the two, as forces for both sides were not permitted on the bridge.
“Those who were there gave accounts that King Erhmenyr’s initial disposition was highly agitated and combative, but that after half an hour, King Jerold had somehow coaxed a smile out of him.”
“Yes, I had the pleasure of attending court at Whiterock on only one occasion before the good King passed to the next life. I must say that he was the most charismatic man whose presence I have had the honour of experiencing. Though I was not able to converse with him myself, I did enjoy hearing his conversations with the Lords and Ladies of Loria. Quite an engaging
man. It is interesting that after only a year of peace, Erhmenyr was mysteriously murdered in his own bed. And not having an heir to the throne, the rule of the Kingdom is still contested between its clans. Chaos reigns in the south, and many expect war with Loria once more, should a clear winner emerge in the struggle for its throne.”
“I try not to speculate about politics, especially those in foreign lands. Though I will say, that from a military perspective, there is no clear favourite in the civil conflict to the south. Jerold was a very charismatic and patient man. I can not say the same for his successor.”
“Ah, sadly that is true for me also. Though the young boy King is no tyrant, neither is he seasoned, nor a schooled leader of men. One may hope that he improves with time.”
“I doubt it will happen as you hope.”
“Is that what lead you to request you post here? Far from the capital?”
“Well spotted again Mr. Var Toran. You are perceptive. Though maybe not perceptive enough to leave a man’s personal decisions alone.”
“My apologies Commander. I meant no offense. I often find that sharing one’s personal story with those one serves with can make the time pass more pleasantly.”
Tollison stepped toward the bounty hunter and raised a finger as his tone took a decidedly authoritarian note.
“We do not serve together, bounty hunter. I serve the King, and if serving the King means that I must obey an order from him to join your search, so be it. Do not forget that you are a private contractor, not a servant of the crown. You would do well to remember the distinction.” Having made his point, the commander stepped back to the porch rail and leaned against it once more.
“Well, Commander” responded the bounty hunter “this will certainly be entertaining.”
Several moments passed silently as the two men scanned the road under the setting sun. After a short time, a pair of garrison troops approached the coach house.
“Commander,” the first soldier addressed Tollison, “she may have been spotted on the far side of the main road.”
“Lead the way men,” replied the commander.
“Exciting!” chimed Var Toran. “Exciting, indeed.”
dGerrie froze. This was unusual for him. The last time someone had gotten the drop on him with enough agility and quickness to bring a blade to his throat was well before he grew into a man. Even the boy he was then would not have been beaten to the punch, or the draw in this case, by just anyone. As his eyes traced the angle of the blade, which was oddly upward, indicating that it’s wielder was taller than he was, dGerrie’s jaw suddenly dropped and he let out a gasp in surprise.
“Sprout?”
“Stilt!”
dGerrie lowered his blade as he registered the delicate yet calloused hand, slender arms, and long red hair which framed the soft featured face of the girl he recognized as his friend, Hollyglade.
With a look of surprised recognition, she dropped her sword and grabbed him by the shoulders, pulling him in and embracing him tightly.
“By the gods dGerrie, what are you doing here?”
dGerrie was overcome by shock at first. He had spent a great deal of time in the last week wondering if the girl he was hunting was indeed his friend. He had been torn between hoping that it would indeed turn out to be her, in which case he could hope to aide her in escaping her pursuers, and the hope that it was just someone who looked like her, in which case he could fulfill his contract and still be sure his friend was in no danger.
Now, as she embraced him, while he was still full of the stress, anxiety and the hype he had worked up to come through the barn door and capture his prey, he felt overwhelmed by emotion. Then, releasing the pent up emotion and intensity that was coiled up in him like a spring, dGerrie dropped his sword and returned her embrace.
As he buried his face in her hair, the smell of animals, dirt, and hay filled his nostrils, and he smiled at the familiar scent of his nature loving friend. Her thin frame, though taller than his, sank into his embrace. He had grown up without siblings, yet having spent many years on the streets of Magnaville, looking out for the skinny little red-haired Elvish girl, watching her grow by leaps and bounds in both height and aptitude, he could only think of her as his little sister.
“Holly, I can’t believe it’s you. I’ve been hired to find a tall red-haired girl, but I didn’t know it was you.” Putting his hands on her shoulders and stepping back, dGerrie’s expression changed to a mix of worry and determination. “Sprout, we have to get out of here now. It’s not safe. They’ll find us.”
“What do you mean, we? Are you being hunted too? I could swear it was you I saw at that farm this morning. I don’t remember you having a beard. And what’s with the garrison’s uniform?” She stood back and looked him up and down, taking in his shaggy blonde hair, light brown beard, and his still somewhat skinny frame which carried a great variety of weapons.
“Yes Holly, it was me. It’s a long story. I was with The Dancer. He conscripted me out of the Magnaville garrison.”
She recoiled at the confirmation of her fears.
“You’ve been hunting me? You killed that poor old woman!?” She began to cry as her voice grew louder.
“No, Holly. Sshhhhh. The Dancer did that. I had no choice in it. It was either I go along with him, or risk being the next one he turned his sword to. Now that I know it is you that he seeks, I’m done with him. Contract be damned.” He took her hand and met her eyes with his. “Holly, you’ll always be my little Sprout. Even if you’ve somehow grown beyond my stature.”
She couldn’t help but smile in response to his grinning reassurance. Her smile quickly turned back to concern.
“dGerrie, I’m scared. This is too much for me.”
“I don’t blame you. This bounty hunter is no slouch. Holly…” His expression and tone grew gravely serious “we really need to get out of here. I will be just as much a fugitive as you now. And as good as I am in a fight, Trenon Var Toran is not a man I’d like to cross swords with.”
“Trenon what? Is that his real name? His men only referred to him as The Dancer.”
dGerrie leant over and picked up both swords, handing the one Hollyglade had dropped back to her and sheathing his own.
“Yes. Var Toran. He’s a uniquely vicious man.” Pointing to the sword, he asked “Do you know how to use that? I don’t recall you ever handling a blade. Though I have a feeling you’ve learned a thing or two, based on how we found Tom and Hern.”
“Not really. I know that the pointy end hurts more. And that was mostly luck. I surprised them in their sleep, though I didn’t get away without some scrapes and bruises,” she replied with a look of acknowledged naivete. She had not thought she would ever actually have to use a sword, and that she could get away with another good bluff, should any more difficult situations arise.
“Well, you may have to use it eventually if we are going to get out of here.” He drew his sword and motioned for her to do the same. “Quickly. We don’t have much time.” He moved to face her.
“Most men are going to try one of a few things. A stab, like this” He slowly moved his sword toward her in a demonstrated stabbing motion. “Or a slash like this, or this.” He motioned both a forehand and backhand downward slash.
“You have to let them make the first move. They don’t know that you haven’t swung a sword before, so don’t let them know. When they stab, or slash, you step to the side, while using your blade to guard yourself like this, or this” he showed both an upward and downward parry “and then you swing back. Not hard, but with delicate control. You don’t have to hack anything off. Just try to touch them. Your blade looks good and sharp. Usually a little cut feels like a big cut, in a fight. And if you’re lucky enough to hit them in the neck, where the blood will flow fast, you’ve done the job. Use that Elvish speed of yours, and the length of your arms to keep your distance. Anything more than that is too much to think about.” He resheathed his sword and turned to peer through the door.
“There’s some light left, but we’ve got to move.”
“dGerrie” she replied, still with tears trickling down her cheek. “I don’t think I can kill anyone. It’s not me. I can’t”
“Sprout,” he replied, looking her in the eye while placing a hand on her shoulder, and letting out a breath through his nose. “It may come down to either you or them. Make it them. Stay behind me if it comes to a fight. Hopefully, this is all moot, and we can just sneak out of town.” He leaned his head out the door and then back in quickly. “Come on. Let’s go.”
She sheathed her sword, wiped her cheeks, picked up the saddlebag, and followed him through the door. Fear welled up within her at the thought of a confrontation. So far, she had always had somewhere to run and hide, and had not had to stand and fight. Even the two men in the woods did not add up to a real fight. Though she had not come through it unscathed, her surprise attack had been effective enough to give her the advantage.
As the pair crept out of the stable and into the space between the buildings, dGerrie approached the edge of the house opposite the stables and chanced a quick glance along the alleyway in each direction. He flinched slightly, cursed under his breath and took a couple of careful steps back.
“There are groups of garrison troops in both directions. I’m pretty sure Var Toran has them working for him now. I believe that’s where he headed when we came to town about an hour ago. We can’t be seen by them. I’m not going to try to talk my way past them either. I can’t risk being separated from you now. It’s better they think I disappeared.”
“Let’s head back this way” she suggested, indicating a direction further away from the main road “Maybe we can get out of town and into the trees, or something like that.”
“It’s going to have to do. But let’s be quick about it.”
Taking the lead, Hollyglade moved with a dexterity and silence that amazed dGerrie. She seemed to him to have grown incredibly capable in several different ways in the short two years since he had seen her last. He followed closely, noticing her limp as they snuck between the buildings and headed to the next alley.