Not like mine, that had seen ...Gone! I was at the corner of the house where I had left my armaments the night before. But now they were missing! I frantically started searching the rest of the room...nothing.
Fearing thieves, I called out to Kendra.
Her inquisitive head appeared from around her bedroom door at my summons.
“Kendra! My armaments that were here?” She looked at the empty spot I indicated.
“Oh, I think Baram may have taken them to show them to that weapon’s shop owner, Olaf. I’m sure he will take good care of them.”
“He knows better not to take another man’s weapons; it’s like a code!”
But I found myself talking to a closed door as Kendra had once again disappeared back into her bedroom.
“Bah! Baram!”
A few moments passed until the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard ascending the staircase outside. Reaching quickly for the door I opened it to find what I took to be a tired and out of breath, rather sweaty looking Baram.
The reason I was unsure was that this person more resembled a Warrior King straight out of the northern wastelands, rather than the weaponsmith I once called friend. Standing larger than life, this man wore a heavy cloak of the blackest fur I had ever seen. Beneath this, I counted two types of armour, consisting of a coat of fine looking chain mail worn over a set of padded leathers. On his head was worn a large round dark helmet, domed and robust looking it had a fur trim similar to that to be found on the tops of new boots. He carried a large sack in one hand and held my Buckler shield in a leather gauntleted glove in the other. I also took note of my scabbard, which was fastened about his waist.
For all the world he looked an entirely different person altogether. But the overall effect with his now larger than large size, plaited beard and grim expression, gave the impression of someone not to be trifled with.
“Baram?” I asked somewhat unconvinced.
Baram broke his facade with a grin. He then entered the house and placed the sack upon the table along with my Buckler.
“Well what do you think?” he asked as he stood in the room’s centre with his arms folded across his chest.
“Very impressive, although I believe the sword would look better about my own waist.”
“Ah, yes, sorry about that, I wanted to show Olaf your weapons. He was especially interested in that magical shield of yours. He said he would give you a very good price should you decide to sell it.”
“Thanks, but I like it where it belongs for now, with me!” I added with emphasis.
Baram nodded as he unfastened my blade and placed it upon the table with the rest of my belongings.
“Sorry I took so long. I would have been here sooner, but Olaf wanted to equip me properly before we set off. I was also stopped by the city’s watch and detained for several minutes before they believed me to be harmless enough, and send me on my way.”
“You told Olaf about our mission?” I enquired alarmed.
“Oh no,” assured Baram “Well…. I might have said that we were going to the north on the King’s request, but that is all, I swear.”
I raised my eyebrows at this last remark.
“He was actually very understanding of my situation. He said if I was going to the north, especially at the King’s request, then I should have the best armour that Ranak-Lore had to offer. Free of charge as well,” he added with a grin.
“That’s probably so he can tell everyone that you wear the armour from his shop whilst on the King’s mission!” I scolded.
“Oh! I didn’t think of that. Perhaps I should return...” Baram gaze went to the door, as if unsure of what to do next.
I shook my head.
“Never mind, what’s done is done, and at least now you’re properly equipped for the task ahead.” He cast me a weak smile.
Now standing in the light, I recognised the black cloak of skin he wore to be that of a RazorBear. By itself, the hide of a Razorbear was generally tough enough to absorb a lot of punishment. Indeed many an adventurer had perished in battle with the beasts whilst trying to penetrate their tough hide. I looked him up and down. He Obviously did not intend on not taking any chances
“Do you think that you have enough armour for this task?” I said sarcastically.
Baram rolled his head back and laughed.
“Hah you jest, but I have a future to return to in Ranak-lore when all this is over, and I don’t intend anything unfortunate happening to any piece of me along the way.”
I smiled. “Yes well, I know of one individual lady who would like to keep certain pieces of you intact at any rate.”
Baram scowled and turned his usual colour of red just as Kendra re-emerged from the bedroom. She had changed her clothing and was now dressed in a stunning off the shoulders gown of pure white that flowed to the floor. The dress was embroidered with fine needlework lace in places and had a row of shiny pearl-like buttons that fastened down the front. Shoes of white complemented the dress and judging from her hair and face; she had spent as much time as she could preparing for Baram’s return.
Both Baram and Kendra stopped and looked wide eyed as if spying each other for the first time.
It was Kendra who made the first move and ran to hug her intended armoured husband. Baram responded by wrapping his huge arms around the girl, and they embraced.
“Well look at you,” announced Kendra as she eyed the armoured giant up and down. “You look as gallant as a knight,” Baram responded to this compliment with a smiling blush.
“Well it’s a bit tight here and there,” he said, whilst moving his arms up and down to emphasise the fact.
“And I had forgotten how heavy these things actually were to wear. But me!” said Baram opened mouthed, “Look at you! You’re…beautiful.”
Kendra smiled and kissed him lovingly on the lips before breaking apart from their hold.
“Well, you two mustn’t leave on an empty stomach. I’ll go and prepare some food.” And with that, she sped off towards the kitchen. Baram watched her go then turned to stare at me with a puzzled frown.
“Taragon, what have you been saying to her?”
“Well I may have had a word here and there,” I added, “but I said nothing that she didn’t know already.” Baram open mouthed scratched viciously at back of his head just under the helmet’s rim.
“You know, I’m sure the beast who gave up this fur died from some unnatural complaint,” he said as he lifted the helmet clean from his head and scratched some more.
“No more so than when somebody had killed it I would imagine!”
“Huh, always the jester,” returned Baram.
“Not anymore Baram, now there’s work to be done.” I edged my tone with seriousness as I sat at the table. Baram joined me on its other side.
“The second watch bell, how long do we have before it’s sounding?” I enquired.
“Let me see; the first watch is sounded in two hours, the second three hours after that.”
“Then we leave for the stables in three hours. That should give us enough time to reach the gate.” Baram nodded his agreement.
“How well do you know the north?” I asked.
“Not very well. The furthest I’ve been was to Glandoran’s Basin and that’s when I was with you.”
“Hmm, I’ve been a little further to the Nazoran battle plains past the Great Divide but no further.”
Baram looked deep in thought.
“The Nazoran battle plains……wasn’t that were your father….”
I looked to the floor as painful memories returned.
“Sorry Taragon, I didn’t mean to….”
“That’s ok. It was a long time ago.”
“I’ll guess we’ll just have to scout our way from the battle plains, but first I intend to stop by and see Governor Talak of the North. He should have more information about the goings on in northern Kantaria.”
“A good plan,” agreed Baram.
Good
plan or not, it was the only one I had at present.
“Well, I guess there’s not much to do now except to wait.” Baram nodded solemnly. “But we should check our equipment here before we set off, and again when we reach the stables.”
I looked at the armoured form of Baram and noticed he held no blade of his own.
“And what of your weapon?” I enquired.
Baram beamed me a smile from within his beard and rose from the table.
“I’ll be just a moment,” he announced and disappeared into his bedroom. Moments later he returned holding on to his infamous long staffed battle-axe.
“I’ve made some improvements to it since last time you’ve seen it,” he declared proudly.
“So I see,” I returned whilst studying the weapon. The length of the staff remained the same, about five feet in height, but the axe-blade had been extended slightly and was now as long as my forearm. Above the blade on the tip of the staff was now placed a wickedly sharp looking spike that had not been there before, and as for the other end of the shaft, the bludgeoning ball of metal had been expanded to compensate for the extra weight of the blade. The whole thing was its usual black gleaming colour.
“See, I’ve added this spike and increased the weight and size of the blade. I’ve also added this strong metal banding about the staff’s centre for more help in parrying cutting weapons.” Baram stood and wielded the weapon with a few practice swipes looking very impressive indeed. Memories of our battles shared came flooding back as he wielded the staff expertly about himself, and at that moment I knew it was right that he should be coming with me. Something inside of me told me then that I needed him to be there… and although he wore a heart of gold I knew that given a difficult situation, he could be as formidable as a Fangore.
Kendra entered the room carrying a tray of food just as Baram was finishing the last of his practice swings.
“Baram! Not in the house please.”
“A happy looking Baram stowed his weapon in the corner of the room and sat at the table.”
“Still haven’t lost my touch, eh Taragon.”
“No, very impressive my friend.”
Dinner was a very satisfying affair as Kendra had used her best meats and ale to accompany it. I toasted merrily with Baram to the success of our quest, but discreetly gave a cough and a shake of the head when he reached to pour himself a third mug of the fine tasting brew. I needed him now to be in full control of his actions from this point onwards, as my life and his could well depend upon it.
After dinner, Kendra cleaned the table and told us that she was preparing some food packs for our travel, just as the bells from the first watch sounded throughout the City.
Baram was immediately on edge as he started pacing back and forth like some expectant father.
I collected my short sword and strapped the trusted blade once again to my side in its scabbard. It felt good to have it back again. Picking up the round buckler from the table I turned over the warm shield in my hands but then decided to leave it on the table for the time being. Next, I would secure my crossbow to its holding strap on my leg……where was my crossbow? I could not see it upon the table, and a quick glance to the corner where I had previously stowed my weapons, revealed it to be still missing.
I turned to Baram.
“Baram, where is my crossbow?”
“By Thundar’s Hammer, I had forgotten all about it.” The weaponsmith stopped his pacing and placed his hand upon his forehead in sudden remembrance. Then with a huge grin, he walked to the sack he had carried earlier.
“I have a surprise for you Taragon,” he cheered as he began rummaging within. “Blast! I know it is in here somewhere,” he added unconvincingly as he continued his search. “Ah, here it is!”
Baram then lifted a crossbow from the sack and placed it onto the table in front of me.
“A gift for you Taragon,” he smiled thoroughly pleased with himself.
“For me?” I was genuinely surprised as I picked up the small crossbow in front of me.
“Well judging by your old one, it was about time that you renewed it.”
“Another gift from Olaf?” I said sceptically.
“Well, he did offer, and seeing as you needed one….”
“Relax Baram I like it.”
Baram grinned upon hearing this and immediately began to fill me in on its workings.
“As you can see, its weight and size is not much different from that of your old one. It uses the same size bolts, and you should be able to fit it into your leg harness. But this one’s a little different.”
Grinning like a maniac, he walked over to his worktable against the far wall and pulled a large piece of oaken wood from underneath it. He then cleared a space on the worktable’s top before placing the section of wood upon it.
“Go ahead try it out,” he encouraged and pointed towards the wood.
Raising my eyebrows with puzzlement, I took aim and pulled gently at the releasing trigger. Two things happened simultaneously.
Firstly, the bolt I had fired shot off with such velocity that I was taken aback by the unexpectedness of its power. Secondly, as soon as the first bolt had left the bow, a second had popped up into its place from an unseen compartment underneath. I looked at the weapon in amazement.
“I can see you like it, go ahead,” Baram encouraged, “try your second.”
Again I took aim and fired the bolt. This time I was ready for the recoiling force as the bolt left the bow. It flew again with an incredible speed and knocked the wood onto its side upon impact.
“Well, what do you think?”
I just grinned as I held onto my new crossbow.
“I knew you would like it. I made it myself two months back. To be honest, I was a little hurt that nobody had bought it yet.”
Baram reached into the sack and rolled out a piece of cloth onto the table. It was full of crossbow bolts; each one secured in its own little holding strap. Taking hold of two of the bolts, he reached out his hand and took hold of the crossbow.
“See, once you secure the first bolt, you release this catch here and then you can press another bolt on top of the first.”
“It’s worked with springs,” I said as I watched with interest.
“Exactly!” confirmed Baram.
“Once turned, this small handle here pulls back the high tension wire that fires the bolt, and as you may have noticed, it has more power than your old one.”
“Yes, I saw that,” I agreed.
“Well there are actually two wires that fire the bolts, they are separated by this little guide here.” Closer inspection revealed the two wires and the small separating guide.
“Once you fire the first bolt, the mechanism readies the second for firing, and that’s about it really.” Baram handed the Crossbow back to me.
“Baram you’re remarkable, I bet that even the Galvians could learn a thing or two from you.” Baram just smiled whilst turning his usual shade of red.
Kendra returned holding two small sacks that she placed upon the table, whilst I secured my new crossbow neatly into its holding strap.
“There, now don’t you go eating everything at once,” she warned.
But before Kendra’s words had hardly had the time to leave her mouth, Baram was already rummaging around in one of the food sacks.
Kendra angrily slapped the back of his wrist with her hand, and a hurt looking Baram retrieved his hand.
“I said later, not now!”
Time moved on as our conversations touched on the goings on in Ranak-Lore. That was until our discussion returned to the north once again, and at one point when Baram inadvertently raised the issue about what the Malikans do to captured prisoners, Kendra fled to her bedroom.
“I had better go to her….” Baram rose from the table, and I soon found myself alone with my thoughts. Up until now, everything had been safe and secure, but I knew from here onwards things would be much different. Sure I enjoyed what I did, and I
well understood Baram’s feelings about joining the search for the Soul Crystal. It was always a thrill, the rush of excitement and adrenaline that I lived for. Always wondering what lay over the next hill, and journeying onwards to find out was what made me feel alive. How could I blame him for not wanting to come?
But now I would need all my wits and skills about me for this journey. I had no illusions of how difficult it was going to be.
Baram re-emerged from the bedroom and quietly closed the door behind him. Kendra remained inside.
He sighed as his gaze met mine.
“It’s time we should get going Taragon. The second watch will sound in just over an hour.”
I rose from the chair with intent as I began collecting my things together. Once ready I looked across to my friend who seemed a little sullen.
“Is everything well my friend?”
Baram cast a fleeting look towards the closed bedroom door and gave a weak smile.
“Yes everything’s well,” he said unconvincingly.
Baram moved towards his worktable and knelt beside it to produce a strange looking gathering of straps and buckles from underneath. He then proceeded to fasten the contraption around himself only to find that the Razorbear cloak he wore kept getting in the way. Muttering angrily to himself, he picked up a small knife from the worktable and made two neat slits in the hide of the cloak. He then introduced the straps through these new slits and adjusted the straps accordingly. Once satisfied with the fitting, he walked over to where his Battleaxe lay and placed a leather covering over the blade. He then lifted the weapon up, and with some difficulty slid it into its carrying position on his back by way of the harness.
Baram looked up to see me staring with some fascination.
“Designed it myself,” he beamed.
“The covering for the blade is so it doesn’t reflect sunlight in the day, and as for the harness, it has a quick release mechanism. See, you just pull on this strap here once the battleaxe is in place and…”
“Don’t we have somewhere to be?” I interrupted with inquiring look.
Taragon Stein: The Search For The Soul Crystal Page 13