The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1)

by Jim Greenfield

  The thunder of hooves fills the valley as The Talos Company rides down all Turucks in their path. Kerreth's double swords cleave head and armor on each pass. Tag Makk's generals try to rally their troops, but General Salie is not there and the soldiers panic. Machel is seen riding south on a horse. Tireless are the swords of the Talos Company and the shrieking of Elberra Turan, the Anethean, fills the Turucks with fear.

  The Talos Company drives the Turucks toward the east where Jed Turlane and Charles Oswald wait with soldiers to greet them. The Eslendians shout as they engage the Turucks.

  Gorm Talos approaches Tag Makk, swatting aside Turucks without effort.

  "What do you want, old one?" said Tag Makk. "There are no Turucks as old as you. I have never seen gray hair on a Turuck. You are a Daerlan."

  "You do not know me, Tag Makk?" asked Gorm Talos.

  "There is something in the back of my mind, but I cannot recall it. Leave the field or I shall kill you."

  "I am Gorm Talos."

  "Ha, ha. Gorm Talos. Truly? The years have not been kind to you. I remember a dark haired giant of a Daerlan but now you are diminished. You have come to kill your nephew? Did you never forgive your sister for choosing to leave Liannest? She made the correct choice. Look at you, Gorm Talos. Old and disrespected, carrying a sword like a common soldier. You should be honored among the Daerlan, but of course you are not."

  "Time for talk has passed Tag Makk. You disgraced our family long ago and now at last you must make amends. The Menaloch no longer protects you. I will kill you."

  Gorm Talos darted forward and struck at the leg of Tag Makk. The war hammer struck the ground where Gorm Talos had been.

  "Missed!" cried Gorm.

  Despite his age, Gorm Talos was fast and his sword drew more blood from the wounds James gave Tag Makk. Still, as fast as Gorm was, Tag Makk moved faster and Gorm never landed a solid blow. Gorm dove in and out, leaping and slashing. The war hammer blocked many blows. Gorm darted and sliced off Tag Makk's left ear. The Turuck screamed in anger and pain. Gorm kept moving, just out of reach of Tag Makk.

  But the speed of Tag Makk became a blur as he dug deep for the will to fight. The war hammer struck Gorm Talos on the shoulder, breaking bone and sending the old Daerlan to the ground. He rolled away from the next blow but before he regained his feet, Tag Makk swung again and crushed his hip. Gorm collapsed in pain. Tag Makk did not hesitate and brought his hammer down, killing Gorm Talos.

  "Good bye Uncle. Your death was as common as your life." Tag Makk shook his hammer at the Eslendians.

  "I am still strong enough to kill you all!"

  Tag Makk prowled his space of turf like a wounded lion, waiting for his enemies to approach. He did not advance and growled at anyone that approached. His soldiers fled from him. The blood flowing from his wounds became darker.

  The shape of Kerreth Veralier stepped from the battle chaos to face Tag Makk. Kerreth stood silent, his swords at the ready. Tag Makk hesitates, and turns back to look at the creature before him.

  "Tag Makk, I am Kerreth Veralier and you have killed my friend. Your life will end this day."

  "May I interrupt?" asks Sir Norman Oswald. Kerreth bowed his head to Sir Norman.

  "I claim the right of combat," called out Sir Norman. "Without the Menaloch this gentleman will carve you with either of his swords. That would not be fair even for all you have done. Against me, the odds will be closer, although the outcome is fixed. Your death is here, Tag Makk."

  Tag Makk felt mortality in his chest and increasing weakness from the wounds James gave him. The Menaloch's power was gone and he was tired and bleeding. Sir Norman Oswald approached like a wraith, as yet unmeasured in this war. The greatest swordsman of his time stood, rested, strong and resolute. Tag Makk realized the odds were against him, but he had defeated long odds before. He raised his hammer and shouted to the heavens, then charged Sir Norman.

  Sir Norman bowed to the charging warrior and began the dance of death. His movement was so elegant and the speed of his blade so swift that Kerreth smiled as he watched the artistry of a bygone era. The loss of the Menaloch and the wounds James had given him weakened Tag Makk and the tantalizing figure of Sir Norman Oswald, so close, yet untouchable, frustrated him into poor decisions. In the end it was not a match and the silver haired man drove his blade deep into Tag Makk's heart. The Turuck fell back with a cry that sounded over the battlefield.

  Kerreth patted Sir Norman on the shoulder and nodded his head.

  The death cry of Tag Makk halted the battle. The Turucks, abandoned by the Shadow Runners and now their invincible leader, stood dazed among the gore.

  "Throw down your weapons!" cried King Hal. His captains took up the words and the Turucks began disarming themselves. The Turucks were herded together but not harmed. King Hal sent Jed Turlane and a company of soldiers to Far Greening to gauge the situation there. Word comes back that the Turuck captain handed the castle back to Bert Kalen once Tag Makk had fallen and the Turucks left Far Greening heading south.

  Dvorak Annis and Navir worked as healers after the battle. They moved quickly to determine who needed their help the most. Soon their hands and arms were covered with blood.

  Blackthorne helped them for a time then departed for home, irritated by his inability to save Lan Tagjet or Onyax Lor. Kerreth shook his head. Blackthorne measured everything by how it affected himself. Time had not changed him and would never change him. Perhaps that made Blackthorne who he was; Kerreth did not profess to be wise enough to know.

  Darkin Root returned from the Turuck soldiers. "They won't want Daerlan help," he says to Kerreth. "They have been badly used by Tag Makk and the Menaloch. They just want to go home. They need to rebuild their confidence. Perhaps a dialog can be established with the Daerlan."

  "Don't count on Navir's help," said Kerreth.

  "He only sees things his way," said Moria. "Kind of like you, Kerreth."

  "Very funny. We need to come to an understanding soon about your attitude."

  "Oh, an understanding. Very detached way of speaking about love."

  "Well, I have work to do," said Darkin Root. He scampered quickly to the Turucks, gathered near the place where the Menaloch was destroyed. Richard Cane commanded the soldiers who guarded them. He welcomed Darkin Root with a wave.

  "Just the two of us now," said Moria.

  "Yes. And that is the way it should be," said Kerreth. "I am thinking of a trip to a cabin in the Curesia Mountains that I own. Would you like to join me?"

  "Kerreth, you aren't leaving my sight."

  "I'll consider that a yes."

  The Eslendians create a circle around King Hal. He has his sword unsheathed and is grim. The mood of the Eslendians is somber and quiet. Per Tagjet stands closest to King Hal, his head bowed. There is movement to the far side and the huge figure of Sir Plucker parts the watchers. He escorts Howard Cane into the circle and stops, pushing Cane down.

  Cane is on his knees as Hal approaches. Hal nods to Plucker who backs away, leaving the king and Cane on the open space alone.

  "Howard Cane, you are a traitor to Eslenda, conspiring to put Eslenda and its people in peril. The penalty is death!"

  "Have you aught to say on your behalf?"

  Cane looked to Hal, then to his wife, Margaret and last to his son Richard. Seeing no comfort in their eyes, he shakes his head.

  Hal raised his sword and brought it down hard. Margaret let out a sob and was comforted by Richard. Hal walked to his tent to clean the blood from his gloves and tunic.

  Chapter 31

  "Where are we going?" asked Moria.

  "I think we will cross back to Anavar. We haven't been to Curesia in a long while. I think it's time," said Kerreth.

  "Oh, yes, that cabin in the Curesia Mountains."

  "Where's Navir?" asked Hobart.

  "Navir and Taina are taking Gorm's body to Liannest for a Leave-taking Ceremony."

  "Why didn't you go, Moria?" asked Hobart.

&nb
sp; "I am half Daerlan. Not pure enough for that ceremony." She looked at Kerreth.

  "What?"

  "Waiting for the snide comment."

  "What? About your purity? I am silent on the matter."

  "Do you think that will help you?" Moria's voice rose.

  "I'll ride ahead," said Hobart. He moved ahead of them.

  Hobart could hear the shouting but was far enough away not to hear the words. The rest of the company moved up to join him.

  "Nice day for a ride," said Loric.

  "So you say," said Elberra. "But I believe we have company." She pointed ahead on the road near a hedge. A tall figure waited, shimmering in the light.

  "Man or Daerlan?" asked Loric.

  "I can't tell," said Hobart. "Looks a bit transparent. Dvorak! Ready a spell."

  "Oh bother. I was just dozing off."

  The company stopped yards from the newcomer. Kerreth rode through them to the figure. It was a man, tall and muscular with a sword draw, but he seemed uneasy as if unaware of where he was or how to react.

  "Who are you?" asked Kerreth.

  The figure turned toward the sound and Kerreth recognized him.

  "Prince James? You are Prince James? Are you a ghost?"

  The figure did not answer and continued to stare at Kerreth.

  "I wish Blackthorne was here," said Dvorak Annis. "He can speak with the dead."

  "James?" asked Moria. "Are you waiting for someone?"

  The spirit that was James nodded.

  "Oh, I'm sorry," said Kerreth. "I know for whom you wait, but the souls taken by the Kaliga are not free until the breaking of the world. Navir kept that knowledge to himself until he left for Liannest. I am sorry. If you wish, you may travel with us for company. Perhaps in time you will learn to speak to us."

  "What?" said Moria.

  "Shh," said Kerreth. He turned back to James.

  "Since you are dead you won't die in a few years so we can relax our rules on human members: you can join the company."

  Loric shook his head and rolled his eyes. Elberra elbowed him. The Talos Company rode on with a ghost trailing them.

  Hal sat on a high stone outside the walls of Far Greening, his people gathered around him with the Nunari and the Talos Company.

  "We have reclaimed Eslenda! Hear the words of your king! I, Hal Islen take the name of Henry Islen for my reign. King Henry is how I shall be called and King Henry II after my father.

  "My heir shall be Sir Charles Oswald in acknowledgment of his role in the defense of Eslenda. Sir Charles shall be named Protector of the Realm.

  "Far Greening shall need a new leader as I shall live in Riverdowns. Sir Norman Oswald, I charge you with the defense of Far Greening, castle, town and people. How say you?"

  The silver haired man walked to the king and knelt.

  "I am honored by your trust in my family and myself. I shall be forthright and steady in my support of you, sire. If I may be so bold, I would ask to have Jed Turlane as my captain. He served your son well and has developed into a fine leader."

  "So be it," said King Hal.

  Sir Norman backed away and embraced his son.

  "Richard Cane, come forward."

  The young man stepped from his mother's side and knelt before the king.

  "You are not your father and I hold you blameless in his treachery. I would you take Rockwood as your own and bring good relations to the Nunari."

  "I will do it."

  "Of that I have no doubt," said Hal. He looked to Richard's mother.

  "Margaret, what is your desire?"

  "Brother, I will stay with my son and run his household until he marries."

  "Very well. Now we come to other matters. Per Tagjet, Hunter of the Nunari, you have repaid Eslenda's rough treatment of your people with courage and faithfulness that we did not deserve. What do you ask of Eslenda?"

  Per Tagjet stepped forward and bowed.

  "We are a people who recognize good and bad can come from people, regardless of the behavior of their kingdoms. Eslenda never failed us, only some evil individuals. We pledge to remain friends to Eslenda and look forward to good relations with Richard Cane. We honor the memory of Prince James, who together with my sister, Sena, united our people more than I thought possible. I shall consider Eslenda and Nuneland to be one people bound by James and Sena. We ask nothing from Eslenda save friendship."

  "And you have it. You and your people are free to stay or go as you wish. May the light allow shine on you, Hunter."

  "And you, King Hal."

  The Nunari made to follow Per Tagjet. Hal nodded to them as they passed.

  "Wait a moment Hunter of the Nunari," said King Hal. "You seem to have one of my guards in your company. How is this?"

  "Your pardon, King Hal," said Ank Rak. "I am afraid it is my doing."

  "Hush. Sire, I wish to accompany Ank Rak to Nuneland," said Teresa Butler.

  A tight smile wrinkled Hal's face.

  "I see. Sir John, Teresa Butler is still one of the King's Guards. Does she have leave to abandon her duties?"

  "Sire, she did request a leave of absence and I granted it. Did I err?"

  "No, of course not. Remember, Teresa, you are still one of the Guard and may be recalled at any time."

  "Yes, sire. I will be ready." She knelt to Hal.

  "No doubt. Fare well friends, until we meet again."

  The Nunari began their trek north. Hal watched them for some time.

  "Sire?"

  "Yes, John?"

  "It's time we headed to Riverdowns. Bert Kalen has the cleanup underway here and Sir Norman is in charge."

  "Aye, let's be on our way."

  "Will Hal be a good king?" asked Moria.

  "Yes, there's steel in him now," said Kerreth.

  "But the cost was high," said Loric.

  "Aye," said Kerreth. "Sometimes there is no other way to temper the hardness. He will fill his emptiness with duty and serve his people well. His wife still lives although she does not wake. Navir could do nothing for her. Perhaps time will heal her, perhaps not."

  "Is the Menaloch gone for good?" asked Moria. "I couldn't get Navir to answer me directly."

  "That's not a good sign," said Dvorak Annis. "But at least the Menaloch is vanquished. There was a lot of energy dispersed when the Kaliga struck it and we must hope if the Menaloch survived, it is too weak to be a nuisance anymore."

  "That is something," said Moria.

  "But not enough," said Kerreth. "We shall be vigilant."

  "When have we not been so?" asked Elberra. "It is our oath. We are the Talos Company."

  Hal stood on the ramparts of Riverdowns watching the cleanup work in the town and the fields trampled by war. He spoke not, and stood for hours. Quink came looking for him.

  "There is no trace of Lockwell," said Quink. "I found some more passages and one secret room but he is gone. Many personal things have been taken from his quarters. He is not coming back."

  "I see. You are sure of your opinion?"

  "Yes, sire. Every prisoner that Lockwell kept in the dungeon had Celaeri blood somewhere in their family history. D'siderin for one and even Sena Tagjet had Celaeri blood."

  "Sena?"

  "Her mother's grandmother was part Celaeri. She came from Cresida."

  "And you say Lockwell has Celaeri blood too?" asked King Hal.

  "That's what Loric said and he should know."

  "What could Lockwell have been doing?"

  They stood in silence for several minutes before Quink started fidgeting.

  "I looked in on the Queen," said Quink. "She looks peaceful."

  "Yes. If she does not wake at the least I shall know that no concerns will age her, only time. Eslenda has asked a lot from me Quink. I have paid it and I will pay more. But I do not regret the price to keep Eslenda whole."

  "It was a great evil Eslenda faced. The price could have been much higher."

  "Again your wisdom shines through. I still think you are t
he wisest of us all. Quink, I haven't heard much mirth from you lately."

  "I haven't felt very merry, sire."

  "Well, jester, what is it that I pay you for?"

  "To finish the wine?"

  "Ah, that's more like it. Come, Quink, I think you, Sir John and myself need to empty a few bottles this evening."

  "You wish is my command," said Quink.

  "Yes, yes it is. I will need to ask you about Lockwell and his activities. There are things afoot that I need to uncover, but let us start our new kingdom tomorrow, I'm tired."

  "As you should be, King Hal. Eslenda is secure once more."

  "Yes. Now I realize the true cost of freedom and we shall not close our eyes again." He touched the ring around his neck. "Come, John is waiting."

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31