The Black Sword Trilogy: The Poacher

by VanMeter, Jeffery

  “Are you crazy?” Terri laughed. “She’s a queen of a magical land. She probably doesn’t even remember my name now.”

  “How can anyone forget you?” Kenner teased.

  “Ask my last girlfriend.”

  Kenner also told of his journey in the mountains and of finding the sword. He didn’t tell of his shadow or give any indication as to where the tomb was; nor did he talk of the treasure in the tomb. He spoke of his armor, of the bandits in the woods and of Shela finding him twice.

  “Let me get this straight,” Terri pressed him. “I fed and took care of that cat for almost an entire month, and she saves your ass?”

  “I guess she prefers boys to girls,” Kenner teased.

  Finally, one of them spoke of Captain Krall.

  “How is he?” Kenner asked after finding out that he was alive and in the city.

  “He’s fine,” Terri answered. “He’s on trial and might possibly be hanged, but other than that, he’s fine.”

  “On trial for what?” said Kenner, almost falling out of his chair.

  Terri tried to sober herself enough to tell the story accurately.

  “According to the Lord Mayor of Calderon, he faked a military emergency so that he could evacuate the city and rob it blind.”

  “That’s ridiculous.” Kenner said.

  “I agree. And that’s precisely what I said when I testified in court this morning.”

  “Then he should be off the hook.”

  “Not quite.”

  “What now?”

  “The prosecutor, who also happens to be a friend of the Lord Mayor of Calderon says I’m lying to protect him.”

  At that moment, two soldiers pushed their way to Kenner and Terri’s table. They stood over him, trying to look menacing.

  “Are you the one called Kenner?” One of them asked.

  “Who’s asking?” Terri asked, sounding drunk and angry.

  The soldiers then leaned on the table.

  “Are you Kenner?”

  Terri started to try and stand, but Kenner grabbed her arm.

  “I am.” Kenner answered them.

  “Come with us.” The soldier said to him.

  “Am I under arrest?”

  “No.” The soldier answered. “You’ve been called to testify in court.”

  As they left, Kenner threw one of his gold coins at the bartender. As he walked out the door, he heard the bartender yell and sing.

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  Captain Krall sat in a chair in his cell smoking his pipe and thinking that Walechian prisons had improved since the first time he been imprisoned over thirty years previous. Like the young and defiant Kenner, he was a petty criminal who had been given the choice of joining the army or suffering worse punishment. As he was a pickpocket, his punishment would have been to either spend a year in prison or have his hand cut off. His third option was the army. That felt like a dozen lifetimes ago to the man who had served and fought for his nation for so long.

  In the middle of another tedious evening, the door to Krall’s cell opened and, at first he couldn’t tell who it was entering with the torchlight behind him. Krall was able to focus on the person entering his cell and recognized Kenner standing before him.

  “By the great lady,” He said, trying not to yell. “You made it.”

  “Yes, I did.” Kenner answered him. “And it looks like I got here just in time.”

  “A day or two earlier would have been better.”

  Kenner looked at the cell around him.

  “This is a lot nicer than the cell I had.” He told Krall.

  “You’re not an officer and you don’t have as many friends in this city as I have.” Krall answered.

  “Speaking of friends,” Kenner added. He then handed Krall a canteen. Krall opened the top, smelled it and discovered immediately that it as ale.

  “Let me guess,” said Krall; “our mutual female friend with the bow?”

  “The very one.”

  For the next hour, Kenner sat and listened to Captain Krall tell the story of his journey. Kenner wanted to tell him of his story; but something told him that it wasn’t quite the time. Instead, he just listened like he used to in his village when the elders told their stories.

  Kenner also noticed a difference in the way Krall was speaking to him. His tone was less commanding or officious. It was more familiar; as if talking to a friend. He thought it strange, at first, but then found himself liking it.

  If nothing else, Kenner thought to himself, Krall had been fair and honest with him. As his captor, he had treated him and his cousins decently. As his commanding officer, he had been evenhanded and reasonable. He had been just, impartial and even, to a small degree somewhat kind to him. Kenner had no complaints of him as either an imprisoner or superior and was proud to have fought with him. Seeing him in the jail, but still maintaining his pride and bearing had Kenner respecting him even more.

  “So why are they doing this to you?” Kenner asked him.

  “Do you want my honest opinion or the answer I’m likely to give in court tomorrow?”

  “Let’s try your honest opinion.”

  “The mayor is an arrogant ass who’s upset that I interrupted his beauty sleep.”

  Kenner laughed as he took a drink from the ale Terri had provided him.

  “Terri said you could hang if you’re convicted.”

  “It’s possible, but I think it unlikely. The charge is ridiculous and he has no evidence. I think the King should be able to see right through it.”

  “So the King’s judging you?” Kenner asked.

  “He is, but there’s a panel of judges that could overrule him, if they want.”

  “What’s the likelihood of that?”

  “I doubt it. It’s very rare that the King is overruled on these kinds of decisions.”

  “What I’m most concerned about,” The Captain continued, “is the delay this trial is causing. Every day Grail and his army gets closer to Mobrey and their objective. If we don’t raise an army to strike back, we may not get the chance. Once that army is entrenched at Mobrey, they could hold out for weeks until a larger force comes up behind them. If that happens, it will be a long and bloody war Walechia may not be able to win.”

  They sat silently for a few moments, drinking and Captain Krall continued smoking.

  “You said your father was a soldier.” Krall said, breaking the silence.

  “He was,” Kenner answered. “He fought in two of the Causton wars.”

  “He must have been quite a warrior,” Krall added. “If he was half the fighter you are, he must have been quite a man.”

  “He was,” Kenner went on. “And he was much more than just a fighter.”

  “Was he a good man?”

  “Yes, he was. But the King must have done something really awful to him for my father to hate him so much.”

  Krall nodded.

  “The King has not always been wise in his decisions.” He said.

  There then came a knock on the door.

  “Time’s up!” The guard at the door barked.

  “I guess that’s my cue.” Kenner said as he stood up from the bed he was sitting on.

  Krall then handed him the canteen.

  “If afraid you’ll have to take this with you.” He said.

  As Kenner stood in the door and turned to say goodbye; Captain Krall asked him a question.

  “What was your father’s name?”

  Kenner looked seriously at Krall.

  “His name was Banner.” He told him.

  Suddenly, Kenner saw Captain Krall’s eyes widen and he had an expression of both surprise and awe.

  “You’re Banner’s son?”

  “Time to go.” The guard told Kenner and he left.

  Captain Krall spent the rest of the night in amazement. Kenner was the son of the great General Banner. A part of him told him that he should have known.

  Chapter Thirty Eight

  Kenner and T
erri took rooms at an inn near the palace. Terri, still slightly drunk had no trouble falling asleep. Kenner, on the other hand was wide awake in the room next to hers. Even in the soft bed with clean sheets, he couldn’t sleep. He lay awake most of the night staring at the ceiling with thoughts that would not let him rest. How did Captain Krall know his father, he asked himself? Had they served together in the war? Were they friends?

  His father rarely spoke of the war and never mentioned anyone he knew from that time in his life. He sometimes spoke of an unjust and foolish king of a corrupt and “morally bankrupt” kingdom; but he never said anything of anyone he knew. Krall’s reaction, Kenner thought was of someone who, from appearances knew him well. He knew there was a lot his father didn’t tell him, but never pressed his father for any more than what he told and warned him about.

  Perhaps Krall could tell him about his father, Kenner thought. Perhaps he could fill in some of the blank spaces he always wondered about. What was he like as a young man? What did he do in the war? Why was he banished?

  “Trouble sleeping?” asked a familiar voice. “Shadow” stepped out of a dark corner of his room and into the flickering candle light. Kenner was startled for a moment, but not afraid. Her voice was soft and soothing, almost like a breeze and her eyes were like dark, yet clear pools.

  “I thought you were busy.” He said to her.

  “I was. But I also said I would be checking in on you from time to time.”

  Kenner sat upright and rubbed his tired eyes.

  “You really should be resting.” She said gently to him.

  “If I could sleep, would we be having this conversation?”

  “Possibly,” she said with a hint of a laugh. “But then you likely wouldn’t remember it.”

  “Do I talk in my sleep?”

  “No, but you do snore.”

  Kenner laughed a little, then ran his fingers through his hair. It was almost as if the action reminded him that he really was awake.

  “It’s been an interesting day, hasn’t it?” She asked him.

  “That’s an understatement.” He answered. “I found a friend of mine has the Blackwood Bow, my Captain is on trial for his life on a ludicrous charge and…” He trailed off for a moment.

  “Go ahead and say it.” She pressed gently.

  “He knows my father.”

  “Yes, he does,” She said firmly. “And you have questions for him.”

  “I have questions indeed. Perhaps you could answer them, now that you and I are on speaking terms.”

  She sighed and looked down at Kenner.

  “Depending on the questions, I may not be the right one to answer them.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  She then appeared to sit in a chair across the room.

  “Sometimes the right answer must come from the right person; especially when it comes to truth. Although I may be able to give you a true answer, it will mean more to you if and when the right person gives you that truth.”

  “That makes almost no sense whatsoever.” Kenner said to her.

  She smiled and nodded.

  “It will in time.”

  They were quiet for a moment. Then Kenner asked her a question that had been on his mind since the tomb.

  “Why is this all happening to me?”

  “Why not?”

  He was a little frustrated by this answer and wanted to raise his voice. He wanted real answers to his questions and felt “Shadow” should be the one to tell him.

  “I really was hoping for a better answer than that.” He did tell her.

  Her eyes looked like they focused on him, almost as if searching him.

  “Why does anything happen to anyone?” She finally said. “Why does one acorn become a tree while the others wither and die? Why does a baby become a boy or a girl? Why does one soldier survive a battle while all around him are killed?”

  “Sounds like you’re talking about destiny.” He said, leaning back against the wall. As he did, she appeared to lean forward.

  “To a certain degree, I am. But I don’t think destiny is quite what you think it is.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  She then stood from the chair.

  “Most people see destiny as some outside force that controls the events of their lives without them being able to control it. They see destiny as an absence of choice.”

  “Well, isn’t it?”

  “Not always.” She then paused and smiled. “Sometimes destiny is choice.”

  Kenner wanted to press her further.

  “You’re not quite ready for the rest of this conversation.” She said to him. “It is important that you have answers to your questions; but it is more important that you understand those answers.”

  “Huh?”

  She then stood over him and smiled confidently.

  “Let’s let the next several days teach you the language of a little more experience and then we’ll discuss this further.”

  Kenner then heard a knock at the door.

  “Sorry to wake you, sir.” Said the inn keeper. “But there’s several soldiers asking for you.”

  “I’ll be right there!” He answered them. He then looked for “Shadow,” but she had disappeared.

  The palace looked strange without the throngs of people crowding its halls, thought Kenner. He was led through the halls to another large pair of doors on another side of the building. There were two long benches on either side of the wide corridor. He saw Terri and Captain Krall sitting on one bench talking to a man wearing a white robe. Upon seeing Kenner, he rose and approached.

  “I’m sorry to get you up this early; but the King prefers to hear cases that he’s judging early in the mornings.” He said to Kenner. “My name is Kirallis.” He said holding out his hand. “I’m defending Captain Krall.”

  Kenner shook his hand and introduced himself.

  “Have you ever testified in court?” Kirallis asked Kenner.

  “Never, I’m afraid,” Kenner answered.

  “Yes, well…it’s not difficult; but it can be tricky at times. The most important thing to remember is to answer every question as simply as possible. Yes or no will do in most questions and never volunteer any information that hasn’t been asked in any question…”

  Kirallis was interrupted by the sound of loud footsteps coming down the corridor. Kenner looked in the direction and saw several soldiers marching down the hall, flanking the King. He was also escorted by several men and women in robes; and also Prince Melkur. The sight of the Prince instantly made Kenner angry.

  “All hail the King!” Kirallis announced.

  “Prepping your witnesses?” The King said to Kirallis, who had gone to one knee.

  “Yes, Your Majesty. It’s always good to prepare early for your court.” Kirallis answered.

  The King laughed and then turned his attention to Kenner. Kenner bowed.

  “At least you bowed this time,” He said to Kenner. He then slapped his hand on Kenner’s shoulder; which almost made him flinch. This was, after all still the man who ruined his father.

  “It’s good to see you alive.” The King said to him.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Kenner said simply.

  “Well, well, well,” The Prince said, stepping in front of Kenner. “If it isn’t the poacher.”

  He had a smug smile that made Kenner nauseous to look at. He also seemed to be inspecting Kenner, like a butcher examining a cow.

  “Where did you get that sword?” He asked Kenner in the same sickening voice.

  “I found it.”

  “Did you?”

  The Prince then stepped closer.

  “I’m afraid only officers are allowed swords in our army. You’ll have to surrender your blade.”

  “If you’d like to take it yourself, you’re more than welcome to try.” Kenner said in a low voice.

  “Are you threatening me, poacher?”

  “Melkur!” The King called to hi
m from the doors.

  The Prince smiled again.

  “We’ll continue this discussion later.” He said, sneering at Kenner.

  “Anytime.” Kenner answered.

  After the King and his entourage entered the courtroom, Kirallis spent a few more moments preparing Kenner and the others as witnesses. He gave them advice on posture, tone of voice; any detail that he thought might make a difference in the way a witness might be perceived by the King.

  “This above all,” He finally said. “Never lie, not even a small lie. The prosecutor can smell a lie from a thousand feet away and he will hammer you if he senses even the slightest untruth. No matter how insignificant you think the information may be, embarrassing or irrelevant always tell the facts. Not the truth as you may perceive it; but the absolute facts.”

  The doors swung wide and a herald stepped forward.

  “The case of the People of Walechia verses Krall continues!” He called.

  Chapter Thirty Nine

  The courtroom was much different than the throne room that Kenner remembered. The King sat on a throne at the very end of the room. In a single and simple wooden chair sat Captain Krall facing the King and on either side of him were large marble desks, behind which sat the prosecutor, defense and their assistants. Behind these was a gallery with bench seats for observers, spectators and other witnesses yet to be called. To the King’s right was a line of twelve men seated behind a stone wall

  “The People of Walechia call the woman known as Terri!” Called a soldier dressed in polished steel armor. Terri stood up and took a chair at the bottom of the steps leading up to the King’s throne. As she sat, the prosecutor rose and approached her.