I stopped outside a tavern called the “The Ranger’s Rest” and made a gesture with my hand that we should enter. Salford seemed to consider this idea before replying that we should continue on, and also added that he must get me to the King before this day is done. With a sigh and a little regret I had to continue along the street with the ever-dutiful Captain
The Castle of the King emerged from the rise at the end of the avenue. The first to appear was the King’s standard flying proudly from two flagpoles upon the battlements.
Lord Silverstone, the first King of Kantaria, originally had the castle built to be a working strategic fortification. The surrounding town had then arisen around the castle to seek its protection. Now it was more like a residence to the King rather than an official part of working defence of the City.
The castle had four turreted round towers that stood at each of its corners, with solid looking grey-stoned walls running between each of the towers to complete its construction. A Galvian sized wall then encircled its entire perimeter to hide the courtyard that undoubtedly lay beyond; I suppose even a King needed his privacy.
Crossing the square at the end of the street that led to the castle, we passed a group of women filling large clay jugs with water from a trough. The water originated from the base of a stone statue of an armoured Knight which issued forth a constant flow of the life-giving liquid. The figure held its head tilted to the sky with its sword drawn also pointed towards the heavens. As we passed, I quickly read the inscription.
In honour of Lord Silverstone first King and Protector
Blessed be the waters of life
As your life was blessed to us.
As we neared the gate to the castle grounds, two guards blocked our path with the spears they held.
“What business have you at the castle of the King?” demanded the guard to our left
The Captain produced the same papers he had shown several times before.
“I have Taragon Stein at the King’s request,” announced the Captain.
“Ah, you’ve been expected,” returned the man. The sentry handed the documentation back to Salford before saluting him. “You may pass.”
The Captain returned the salute, and our way was made clear.
The courtyard beyond was covered with neatly kept green grass. A row of small fruit trees lined either side of a small path which led to the castle entrance. A very small moat, which looked as if it was much larger in days past, ran around the outer rim of the castle, whilst a thick heavy drawbridge provided the crossing point over the decorative moat.
Once we had crossed, we entered under another portcullis and into the castle proper.
“Good day to you Captain,” greeted a tall man in black robes, who at first glance I mistook for Governor Arron’s servant!
“Kalmorin, it’s good to see you again. How are you?” enquired Salford.
“I can’t complain,” returned the man.
“How is Arron? And the south-east?” he asked.
“He is kept busy enough, and as for the south-east, it’s quieter than the north I hear.”
Kalmorin nodded in slow agreement before turning his attention towards me.
“Let me introduce…” began Salford
“Taragon Stein,” finished Kalmorin whilst extending his hand towards mine.
“I’m afraid you have the advantage sir,” I said as I shook the man’s hand.
“Forgive me. It’s just that I haven’t seen the good Captain here in quite some time. I am Kalmorin Shar, Chamberlain to the King.” He bowed and swept his arm before him as he introduced himself.
Salford turned to me.
“My job here is done, I will leave you in the capable hands of Kalmorin here.”
The Chamberlain smiled as he turned to Salford.
“Salford, report to the watch, then if you will meet me at the Knights Arms, for we have much to discuss.”
“I’ll be there after I report,” agreed Salford with a nod.
I could not help feeling that I was going to miss the honourable Captain. Over the past four days, I had grown quite accustomed to his company; there just seemed to be something about him that reminded me of …
“Are you well?” enquired Salford. His armoured mail hand rested lightly upon my shoulder. I noticed Kalmorin looking at me with concern upon his face. I quickly realised that I had not been paying attention. I feigned a smile.
“I will be now that I don’t have to endure any more of your cooking!” I jested.
The Captain gave a mocking frown.
Smiling, I placed my hand upon the Captain’s shoulder in a friendly embrace of my own.
“Take care of yourself Salford,” I smiled, “and if you should journey back through the Guardian Grove, make sure it is a quick one.”
The Captain smiled back and nodded his head. “Luck be with you Taragon Stein.” And with that, he turned and walked out into the sunshine. I watched him go and silently wished him well as he headed back along the tree-lined path.
“This way please,” Kalmorin gestured.
The Chamberlain then walked towards a set of large double doors ahead of us, whilst I made an effort not to tread on his long black robes in the process.
Pushing open the left-hand door, we entered into a large hall beyond.
The hall had a high ceiling and had many other doors leading from it. But it was the wall in front of me that grabbed my attention. A large double door dominated the wall here; it was huge! It looked as if it had been specially built so Galvian sized people could pass through. The door was of the finest polished oak, and what’s more on each of its two halves, it showed one-half of the King’s crest that had been expertly carved into the grain. The door was currently closed, and subsequently displayed the whole scene of a magnificent stag standing before a full moon in perfect detail. It was easy to see where the popular fashion for carvings upon doors must have originated from.
Two guards stood watch on either side of the double doors, but they differed from the rest of the soldiers that I had seen. They still wore the plated armour of the city’s guard, but this was now gold in colour instead of the usual silver. Their hands were covered in gold coloured gauntlets, and on each of their breastplates was scribed the Kings crest. Cloaks of red covered their backs which matched the coloured plumes that adorned their helmets. Both stood stoic and solemn looking as each guarded their half of the door respectively whilst holding a highly decorative spear.
Kalmorin started to cross the polished flagstones heading for one corner of the hall.
As I followed, I could hear many voices, some of which were raised, coming from the other side of the crested double doors.
“……..Roads aren’t safe……” said one of the voices.
“ ...We can’t raise that amount!” said another.
“……….Preposterous……” boomed a third.
Try as I might, I could not hear much of what was being discussed, and since the guards ceremoniously crossed their weapons with a resounding clang to bar our entrance as we neared, I guess we were not meant to be heading that way.
The Chamberlain then stopped and turned before a weapon-laden table that stood outside of another door set against the eastern wall.
“I’m afraid you must leave your weapons here, as no arms are allowed in the presence of the King.” Kalmorin pointed to a space upon the table.
All manner of fine looking swords, many of which were still in their decorative sheaths, lay upon the table. Judging by the craftsmanship of the weapons I guessed they belonged to people of high standing. They also did not appear to have seen much practical use, as most of the blades were immaculately clean.
Unsheathing my sword I placed my weapon upon the table. Resting next to the others, it looked quite dull and ordinary in comparison, with its black leather bound hilt, but sharp and functional undecorated steel blade. I then released the strap that held my crossbow in place and positioned it next to my sword before slidi
ng my arm free from the buckler and placing that down too.
I was now unarmed.
I had thought of leaving my shield with my belongings at the stables but then decided against it. I did not like leaving equipment of importance, or value in my saddlebags but what was I supposed to do, carry it all around with me? It was bad enough leaving my Glowball staff in my packs every time I had to stable Storm, let alone anything else! Besides, the buckler shield had rested very comfortably upon my arm, with its warm radiating glow of magical energy I had grown quite accustomed to it, and at times, I had almost forgotten that I was wearing it. Now it rested on the table with the other tools of my trade, and all of a sudden I was left feeling vulnerable.
Kalmorin simply smiled as we entered into a small square room through the door to our right. Soft cushions adorned stone benches that were placed beneath two small windows. A stone table with a bowl of fruit and what looked like a glass decanter of red wine sat upon the table just in front of the benches. An elegant rug carpeted the floor, and two woven tapestries hung on the wall opposite the windows. I could only see two other exits from the room, one on the rear far wall from where I now stood, and the other positioned between the tapestries.
“Please make yourself comfortable,” smiled Kalmorin as he gestured towards the benches. “I shall return with the King shortly.” The Chamberlain then bowed before turning around and exiting the room through the door between the tapestries.
Once alone, I suddenly realised that I had never actually met with a King before, and I started to become slightly apprehensive about the meeting. I found myself pacing back and forth whilst imagining all sorts of strange scenarios.
The King wants to meet me...me! Why?
Passing the table for the sixth time, I noticed the glass decanter of wine again and decided that having some might be a good way to quieten my fears.
Pouring a glass of the thick looking wine I then proceeded to empty it with two large gulps. It seemed to help, just as I was pouring my third glass, I heard the door open behind me.
The King of Kantaria had entered the room.
King Branagan Ether Silverstone the third stood not more than four paces away with the aura of his presence lighting up the room like a candle in the darkness. Standing a little less than six feet in height, King Silverstone was an imposing figure of a man. A short, neat blond beard encircled both mouth and chin. Broad shoulders sat on top of a powerfully built frame. The King’s noble face bore sharp chiselled features; high cheekbones rested under tired eyes heavy with the burdens of Kingship. Subtle blond hair was grown to shoulder length beneath a circlet crown of polished gold. He wore clothes of exceptional quality befitting of his status and looked every bit the King that he was.
To the King’s left stood another man, who if anything I felt had an equally imposing presence as the King’s, even more so. Tall and thin, this man was dressed in a long red shimmering robe that almost looked as if it was made from a flowing river of fire. Each time this man made the slightest of movements, the robe would come alive and send a ripple along the strange material like a wave upon a shore. The hem and cuffs of the red robe had strange silver symbols embroidered on them that shone with a brilliance of their own making, much like the rune that was engraved upon my shield. The man’s narrow face was pale and gaunt. A long thin beard, as black as night, started on a small area on his chin and ended at a sharp point that hung near to his chest. Above his tight lips, the man’s nose was very similar to his beard in the way that ended with a point! His head was completely void of hair, but on its top, he wore a small round disk of polished red metal. But the most startling feature about this man were his eyes….two fiery red coals glowed in my direction and seemed to be studying me with a gaze that penetrated to the very depths of my soul. I felt a power in that gaze, a power I could never hope to understand. A sudden remembrance of the beast that chased me in the Guardian Grove gave me a reason to look away, I turned my attention back to the King and noticed a small smile spread across the thin man’s lips as I did so.
I had no doubts or disillusions that I stood in the presence of two of the most powerful men in Kantaria.
“May I introduce his royal highness King Branagan Ether Silverstone the third,” announced Kalmorin.
I was not entirely sure what to do at this point.
“Your majesty,” I said as I gave a short but graceful bow in the King’s direction.
This seemed to suffice, as the King nodded a greeting in return.
“May I also introduce,” began Kalmorin again, “Court advisor and master mage to the King… Luka Barail.”
Nodding my head in Luka’s direction, my eyes once again caught his fiery gaze. He then started to cross his thin arms, whilst his hands grabbed near to the wrists on each opposing forearm. He then brought the folded embrace upwards until it almost touched his bowing head.
I had seen this before. It was your average wizard’s greeting, but something told me that Luka was not your average wizard.
“Thank you Kalmorin,” said the King with a deep resounding voice, “that will be all for now. You may go.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Kalmorin bowed to the King and then to Luka, before exiting the room.
King Branagan turned his attention to me. “I must thank you for your swift arrival to my summons Mr Stein.”
“When the King calls, who am I not to answer,” I replied.
It was not as if I had much of a choice anyway I thought!
“You must be wondering why I have asked you here and rightly so, but that will come in time. First I would like to know what you have heard in relation to our northern cousins?”
Luka advanced towards the table like a Werecat stalking its prey. Standing next to me, I felt a soft, warm glow of heat radiating from his being. He bent down and started to pour himself a glass of the thick red wine; I suddenly remembered that I still held my own.
The nearness of his presence unsettled me somewhat, and I think he knew it.
“Well... the north?” I started as my eyes went from Luka and then back to the King. “I hear the rumours of unrest, and many people are heading to the south…. There is also talk of an invasion. But more than that I do not know.”
Luka retreated just to the right of the room’s centre. Half watching him and half watching the King, I noticed his nose move to sniff the bouquet of the wine before sitting down to rest himself in a chair that was not there! Luka then proceeded to look at me from the comfort of his invisible seating as if nothing was amiss!
I glanced quickly at the King looking for some acknowledgement of this unsettling occurrence, but the King just continued as if nothing had happened.
“Yes the north…” he started as he cupped his hands behind his back, and began to pace back and forth in thought.
“Not only do I have the merchants of Nashmere and Ranak-Lore constantly complaining to me that the roads are unsafe to travel.” The King’s tone had changed, and he now spoke quicker with a hint of annoyance.
“Not only do I have the nobles of Kantaria arguing over their petty land disputes!” He waved a hand in the direction of the door from which he had entered as he continued his complaints.
“Not only do I have more and more people arriving daily into Ranak-Lore seeking my protection Mr Stein, but also….”
Branagan had stopped his pacing and now stood eye to eye before me.
“I also believe the North will soon invade.”
The news shocked me. There had always been rumours that the North would invade, usually from the old who were always rambling on about such things. But now here stood the King of all southern Kantaria actually confirming the fact.
I glanced over to Luka who seemed unconcerned at the news. He was now leaning back into his invisible seating whilst looking with some interest into the wine of his glass as if it held all the answers from some unforeseen future.
I emptied my own in a gulp and placed it back upon the table before me.
>
“I’m afraid it’s true,” the King confirmed. I turned to face him.
“I have sent many spies to the north Mr Stein over the past three months to gather what information they could from the constant rumours that have reached my ears. Of the ten I sent only two returned.”
The Monarch lowered his head as if in remembrance.
“The news they returned with was not favourable. Our northern forts along the Great Divide have not seen any activity these past four months; this troubled me. Normally light skirmishes with the north would be commonplace, with patrols and small attacks on our forts a regular occurrence.”
The King continued to pace as I took a seat on the cushions behind me.
“But now nothing! No sign of any activity from the north whatsoever. This is what prompted me to send in my men.”
“It seems my worst fears are now confirmed. Someone is uniting the north under one banner.” The King glanced towards Luka.
“They are rallying the small warring bands to stand together for a much larger, singular cause. One of my spies even reported seeing the fierce Malikan warbands from the great isle off the north-eastern coast upon these shores. They gather even as we speak within northern Kantaria in large numbers!”
Luka finished his wine, as a look of concern spread across the King’s brow.
“We are ill-prepared for an invasion Mr Stein.”
“At best, we can muster five thousand soldiers and two thousand militia.”
Branagan’s tone slowed and now sounded downcast.
“If all the warring bands of the north were to unite with the Malikans…Then I fear the opposing force would be five times our number.”
And I was having such a good day up till now!
King Silverstone stopped before the glass decanter and emptied its contents into a glass of his own.
I thought for a moment, wondering what part I had to play in all of this, and why the King had decided to confide in me of all people. I decided to probe for a few answers of my own.
Taragon Stein: The Search For The Soul Crystal Page 7