The aroma reminded me of a girl I once knew in the south who always wore honeysuckle in her hair. I tried to recall the girl’s name, but I could not see past her long blonde hair and athletic physique. Placing the cork back in the bottle, I positioned it back on the shelf ready to pick up another when a voice startled me from behind.
“Your armour Mr Stein” I spun around to see the old man standing in the cubicle’s doorway; in his arms, he held my armour.
“By the Gods man, don’t you ever make any noise?” I said out of surprise.
“I’m sorry to have frightened you Sir, but your armour is ready.”
“You did not frighten me…” I returned hastily whilst feeling a little foolish by my sudden outburst, “it’s just that I was… taken aback a little that’s all.”
The armoured trousers slid on perfectly as did the upper section. They were both so supple and flexible that I moved my arms and bent my legs with newfound vigour. Indeed the only hard parts to be felt came from the metal plating that was embedded into its design, every time I moved a limb the square pieces of steel could now easily be felt through the padded armour. Fresh oil still glistened upon its leathery surface, and the actual oiling process had darkened my armour to such a degree that anybody would have to have had the eyes of a Wolvern to spot me in the darkness now.
I turned and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror…Perfect!
“Thank you, my good man,” I said upon tossing him a gold coin.
“And here’s something for yourself,” I added, and tossed him another
The man thanked me humbly as I turned and exited the Floating Swan public baths.
Outside, Ranak-Lore was still bustling with activity as its everyday inhabitants went about their daily business. I stood in the street just outside the baths wondering what to do next. It was mid-afternoon, and there were still about three hours of daylight left before I had to meet with Baram.
Three hours I thought to myself. What to do? At that moment my stomach reminded me that I had not eaten since breakfast and my mind was set. I would head to The Sunbud Tree Tavern for one of their famous meat filled pies. It was not that far from Baram’s home, and besides, if Tambia was there, I might find entertainment of a different sort.
I noticed a definite spring in my step as I walked the streets en route. Maybe it was my bath. Or maybe it was the comfort of my now cleaned and more manoeuvrable armour that energised me so. Or perhaps it was just the fact that I might soon be in a woman’s bed again that put the smile upon my face. Whatever the reason I was feeling happy and life felt good at the moment. I found myself smiling at passing ladies, giving way to gentlemen and merchants alike, and also nodding in respect to the City Watch as they continued their armoured patrol of the streets.
That was until I found my inquiring thoughts trying to spoil my newfound enjoyment as they began contemplating the quest for this Soul Crystal. Sure it would be hard, no job was without its dangers and its perils, but I would see it through and treat it like any other task that I have accomplished no matter of its size.
“But the fate of southern Kantaria could rest entirely upon this quest,” stated a conflicting voice within my head.
Well, I would give it my best, I always did, and besides if I did not manage to retrieve the Soul Crystal, then Ranak-lore and the King would just have to take its chances; however my journey turned out, wouldn’t they?
A small boy approached holding onto his mother’s hand. The young boy could have only been about six years of age and stared at me the way children do as I passed them by.
“What about the people, what sort of future will that boy have?”
Who am I to worry about the citizens of Ranak-lore or any other resident of the south for that matter? What concern were they of mine? That’s why they had the King; surely it was his job to worry about the populace. Besides, none of these people would give a damn about me if I was in trouble. Anyway, I’ve already said I would give it my best.
“But your best may not be good enough,” warned the voice. “You are going to be travelling in a perilous country where an army is amassing under the banner of a vengeful wizard to find a thing of evil origins. It is your most dangerous undertaking to date, and you know it.”
I was beginning to get very fed up with this voice, and I found my demeanour getting more overcast with my mood darkening at every step.
It is not as if I did not know the risks, I was the one who had freely accepted this mission, and besides I would not be going alone this time. Baram would be there with me. The man who has already saved my life on two occasions twice before, a truer friend I could not find, and one whose steel I could count on when needed. Then there was this Jarackell or Jarsamell or whatever his name was, this apprentice magic user of Luka’s, surely he would be of some use. Wouldn’t he?
I listened for the voice to argue back with an opinion of its own but it remained silent.
As I tried to push the thoughts from my mind, I found that my legs had carried me to the Sunbud Tree’s entrance, pushing once again on the decorative doors I entered the tavern.
Inside, the atmosphere was entirely different to the previous night’s revelry. Indeed its interior looked much more spacious than I had remembered it to be. Most of the seats were now empty apart from a small group of three men who sat quietly by themselves to my left, and another man to my right, who was currently eating what appeared to be the remnants of a pie, most of which was still attached to his beard.
I walked up to the far end of the bar and carefully avoided two arguing men who seemed to be under the influence of the Sunbud’s ale. If there was a fight to be had, I did not feel like getting caught in the middle of one now, not since I was feeling so clean and refreshed at present.
A large burly gentleman, wearing an apron that signalled him to be in charge of the establishment approached me from the other side of the bar. He was currently cleaning a mug with a not too clean looking cloth, whilst keeping a careful eye on the two arguing men at the other end of the bar. Placing the mug on a tray next to some others, he then beamed me a smile from his round red face.
“What can I get you?” he asked
“Well, I have heard about your famous meat filled pies, and I’m here to try one, along with a tankard of your finest ale if you will.”
“Certainly sir.” The man’s eyes once again glanced towards the two arguing men. Following his gaze, I saw that the pair had now come to blows to settle their differences.
“But if you’ll excuse me first...” and with that, the burly Barkeep revealed two large disproportioned forearms by rolling up the sleeves on his white shirt and advancing towards the men.
Entertainment as well, I thought as I turned to watch the show.
The Barkeep engaged and lifted the smaller man clean from the floor by using just one arm. The man who had been rudely interrupted by the barkeep had been in the process of smashing both his hands down upon the face of his companion before his sudden and untimely elevation.
“Well hello again,” purred a voice to my left.
There stood Tambia looking as alluring as ever; she wore a simple brown cotton dress, low cut around the cleavage that enticed the eyes. In her hands, she carried a tray filled with meat pies and ale mugs. I noticed then that she must have emerged from the door behind her, as it was still swinging gently from her passing.
I beamed a smile at her pleasing appearance.
“I almost did not recognise you,” she cooed again as she eyed me up and down whilst leaning a little closer with an approving smile of her own.
“I have cleaned myself just for you,” I returned in subtle tones whilst looking deep into her eyes.
“I doubt that.” She smiled.
“In seriousness, I’m here to sample one of your meat pies and a mug of ale, as I hear that you cannot leave the City without sampling the delights that The Sunbud Tree has to offer.” I deliberately looked her slowly up and down upon my last remark.
“Oh!” she said as she stood and rested her free hand upon her hip.
“Well, I can give you your pie and ale now.” The tray was brought skilfully down before a delicious looking large pie, complemented with a mug of ale was placed before me.
“As for any other delights…” she enticed through pouting lips and raised eyebrows.
My heart pumped quicker, and I felt my blood coursing through my veins as the young raven-haired beauty leant a little closer.
“We shall have to arrange those for you after you have eaten,” she whispered.
At that moment the Barkeep returned rubbing his hands free from unseen dirt. I turned to look at the far end of the bar where nothing could be seen of the two arguing men that had been there previously.
“Ahh, I see you have gotten what you wanted, that is good,” he said as he rolled back the sleeves to once again hide his muscled forearms.
“Not yet, but I hope to soon.” I replied whilst looking in the direction of Tambia.
“Very soon,” I repeated to myself as I studied her figure from the table where she cleaned…
Long shadows stretched around the room from the fading sunlight outside the window, and Tambia rolled off from me for the second time that hour to light the small candle that rested on top of the bedside cabinet.
Sitting up in the bed I pulled the blankets loosely about my waist.
“Leaving so suddenly?” I enquired as I studied her naked curves, which glistened softly with sweat in the light of the candle's flame.
She stooped over to plant a kiss upon my lips.
“I would have thought that you would have had enough by now?” She questioned, as she began searching the floor for her clothes.
“One could never get enough of the pleasures that you have to offer my dear.” I complimented as she stood with a bundle of clothes in her arms and smiled.
“Nevertheless, I soon have to be ready for my next shift downstairs, and besides didn’t you say you had to go somewhere before nightfall?”
Nightfall! I looked to the window as the meeting with Baram once again filled my thoughts.
“I do,” I replied, “but tearing myself away from such a vision is not an easy thing for a man such as myself to do.”… I thought I sounded convincing enough…
“And such a man you are!” She squealed in return before launching herself at the bed to cover me with kisses yet again.
“Now promise me you’ll look for me upon your return?” Her big blue eyes were full of hope as she gazed into mine awaiting a reply.
I always found it hard to lie at moments like these, but I hugged her warmly, and the embrace was returned. “Tambia, this will be my first place to visit when I do.”
This had the intended effect as she smiled and spun gaily from the bed to stand once more.
“Now please let yourself out,” she called.
“Oh, I think I know the way,” I mocked as she opened the door.
Now standing in the open doorway, she paused for but a moment to blow me a kiss, and then she was gone.
Throwing back the bedclothes in Tambia’s small bedroom above the Sunbud Tree Tavern, I too began searching the floor.
Finding my armour in various locations around the room I dressed myself and made ready to leave. But before doing so, I reached into my money pouch to check on the contents…one could never be too careful. Looking into the purse revealed it to be not so bulging anymore. A quick count showed it to be correct but less than half full, at least it still held mostly gold. Leaving a couple of the coins about the candle, I extinguished its flame and then left the abode.
The walk to Baram’s home was thankfully a short one. Looking above the exterior of The Dragon’s Tooth I saw a light coming from the window in Baram’s home. Pulling my somewhat tired limbs up wooden steps that led to his door, I gave silent thanks to the carpenter who had made the handrail that assisted my climb.
I thought it best to knock, which I did… no reply. Trying the handle, I found it to be unlocked. Pushing at the door, I allowed myself entry and was unprepared for the sight that awaited me.
Huddled in one corner where my bed had lain the night before was Kendra. She was crouched upon the floor with face down and arms folded across her knees. Her head lifted at my approach to reveal a face full of tears and sadness. By the looks of things, Baram’s news had been broken.
Looking around I could not see any sign of the aforementioned Weaponsmith, so moving across the room I extended a hand to help her rise.
The gesture was immediately slapped away.
“You! It’s your fault he’s going, it’s your fault he’s leaving me!” snapped Kendra condemningly.
I took a step back as Kendra rose from where she sat like an angry banshee. The face was full of sadness now filled with rage. Kendra advanced with an accusing finger pointed dagger-like towards me.
“You! If you hadn’t shown up here, he would not have this notion to leave, and everything would be as it should be.” I tried to speak but found I was not able as a rampaging Kendra was now in full flow.
“You’re the one who’s putting these silly ideas in his head! It’s your fault he wants to go! The great Taragon Stein off on another one of his great adventures! Well then, why can’t you go by yourself? Why my Baram? Why?”
She advanced towards me with her fists clenched tightly. I stood my ground and tensed my muscles at the imminent assault. Her raised arms struck simultaneously upon my chest, the attack was half-hearted, and I did not feel a thing as my armour absorbed her rage.
“Why?” She sobbed “Why?” The madness seemed to leave her as quickly as it had come, and her demeanour once again became that of a hurt and saddened woman.
I placed my arms around her in a comforting embrace and hugged her.
“Kendra… I do not take him away from you. It is something that he has decided for himself.”
We pulled apart, but we still held each other’s arms as her watery eyes met mine.
I needed to think fast.
“Baram loves you.” I blurted out quickly.
My words only scratched the surface as she tilted her head slightly to one side with a sniff to listen further.
“That much I know. But I think he needs to do this more for himself than anything else. You should have seen him the other night. He practically pleaded with me to take him along.”
“I, …I never knew he felt that way.” Her head drooped to the floor.
“No, it’s nothing about you that he is unhappy with. By the Gods no!” I assured.
Her big watery eyes blinked fast as if surprised by this news. I let go of her arms, which dropped limply by her sides. Turning my back to her, I began to pace in readiness for my next line.
“It’s this City, it’s that wall, and it’s seeing the same faces in this City that he tires of. But it’s not you Kendra. He actually told me that he needs to get this feeling out of his blood before he can settle for a life with you.”
Kendra instantly perked upon hearing this news.
“He told you this?” she enquired.
“He did,” I confirmed.
Now it was Kendra’s turn to pace as she brought her hands to her chin in thought.
“He never said.”
“Why would he? You know him. The big ox finds it hard to express his feelings!”
“Yes he does,” she responded with a smile.
At this point, I knew I was gaining ground, but I was now unsure of what to say next. An uneasy silence followed as she continued to pace back and forth in thought.
“But won’t it be dangerous? He has said little, only that he goes to the north to help you find something of great importance.” She stopped her pacing and awaited her answer.
“I won’t lie to you, it will be dangerous, and I’ve already tried to dissuade him. But the old bear is as stubborn as Hill Boar.”
She slowly nodded and smiled an agreement.
“You know he will go whethe
r you say or not.”
Kendra nodded again.
“Then the best you can do is give him your love and send him on his way. Let him know that when he’s alone out in the wilderness far from home, that he has your love to return to.”
Kendra smiled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
“Yes, you are right,” she whispered. “I understand now. But you must return him safely to me…please.”
I nodded. “I owe him that much.”
Kendra crossed the room to plant a kiss upon my cheek. “Thank you…”
A smiled found its way onto my face.
“Where is the man in question anyway?” I asked.
Kendra wiped the remainder of her tears from her now grubby face.
“He said he was going to the weapon shop to collect something of importance. I expect he will return shortly.”
I nodded back in answer.
“But look at me, I must be in a right mess.” Kendra tried to clean some of the dirty marks from her garments with one hand, whilst straightening out other parts of her dress with the other.
“This can’t do, what must I look like. You must excuse me. I can’t let Baram see me like this. Take a seat; help yourself to some ale from the kitchen. I’ll be but a moment.” Kendra spun around and disappeared into her bedroom with such speed, that only the door closing behind her had shown that she had passed through it.
I did not feel like drinking at present. So I decided to check on my weapons instead. It had felt strange leaving my weapons at Baram’s home, and I had been very weary at first. I could not get quite used to the fact that they were missing. Twice before, I went to rest my hand on the hilt of my sword only to find it was not there. But Ranak-Lore gave you an impression of protection. There was a unified feeling of safety what with the Ring of Steel and the King’s men here, what could possibly happen? Nobody, I noticed carried weapons on the streets apart from the City watch and a few of the wealthy nobles with their fancy decorative non-practical blades. Which I doubt would ever see the light of day.
Taragon Stein: The Search For The Soul Crystal Page 12