Right now he wanted to enjoy the wine and foods. He might even get a game of dice with some men he could see in the common room playing at cards. The room was slowly filling, and the innkeeper was busy about his duties. Mei’An was content to sit and relax for the moment. She knew that such moments would be rare in the coming months, perhaps years. No one knew where or when the battle would take place. The prophesies only said that it would. The beginning was the finding of the Great Seal of the Creator and the return of the Dragon Lord. The stirring of the Lord of Sara Sara in his prison beneath the mountain was just part of the prophesy. As sure as the sun still rose each morning, things would now begin to unfold, until at last the battle was joined. So for the moment they would rest.
The hum of conversation filled the room. A musician was on the small stage, picking at the strings of an instrument in a casual way that gave background to his chanting story. He was a travelling story teller and musician, the story told in time to the plucking of the strings. People listened or they didn’t. Tallbar the innkeeper was pacing up and down the length of the common room, worry furrowing his brow. There were not the numbers in the room that there normally were. The word was spreading of the events of the previous twenty four hours, and it seemed people were being cautions. The event of the last hours had not gone unnoticed. It hardly could have. The very building itself had been groaning, and at one stage people had been fleeing for the doors of the inn like beetles from an overturned log. Even now, the rumble of departing wagons in the street was permeated by the shouts of wagon drivers. The crack of whips over the heads of the beasts adding to the noise. Some stayed though. New arrivals still came in. A local noble tied his horse to the rail and stamped into the common room. He slapped at his legging and trousers with broad leather gloves and surveyed the room.
“The roads out of the village are packed innkeeper,” he said. “Wagons, people on foot, even a family leading their livestock. They all tell of strange events in the city. They all have the name of this inn on their lips.” His tone of voice said he was looking for answers.
“My lord, please. My last seat for you, or a private room perhaps? Our best wine? ale? My lord, I know of no strange events. Other than some disturbances in the mountains – perhaps ...” His voice trailed off as the lord stood looking at him, slapping his gloves into his hands. The lord, as the innkeeper called him, had the air of authority about him, recognisable in all lords. He expected to have his queries answered. This one did not look soft like some. His clothes, although dusty were of fine cut. Dark breeches, topped by a tight, dark green coat that flared at the waist. Silver scroll work edging the sleeves and collar, and worked down the front. The buttons were of bright silver, and showed a crest. That of a tree with a lion in repose at its base. He wore a rapier like sword at his hip, and carried it as though well used to it being there. The wear on the hilt was not lost on Luan, who had been watching from his place across the room. It spoke of a sword that had a lot of use.
Tallbar was looking between the newly arrived lord, and the table where Mei’An and her party sat.
“My Lord Bornale. I am a simple innkeeper. I know nothing of strange events. Only that trade seems to be quiet today.” Tallbar mopped at this glistening forehead.
Lord Bornale’s hand rested on his sword casually. He swept his gaze around the room. Seemingly oblivious to Mei’An and Luan. His dark eyes glittered though, and the set of his jaw told of tension. His lips were a thin line beneath his hawk nose. His dark bushy eyebrows were drawn down as he peered through the dimness directly at Rees. He took a step in the direction of their table, and like an uncoiling Whip Snake Luan was on his feet and between the table and the approaching Lord Bornale.
The tension in the room was almost tangible. The musician stopped playing with a last discordant twang.
Luan was standing almost casually, expressionless, his thumbs hooked into his broad belt. He was not on guard, but it was apparent that Bornale would not pass him. Bornale had only taken the one step. He still seemed to not see Luan, his gaze giving the impression that he was looking right through Luan at Rees.
“Strange guests in your inn this day innkeeper,” he said. “Perhaps the stories are true after all. This farm boy at the table is being spoken of all over the city.” Finally he focused his gaze directly on Luan and with as much contempt as could be possible in his voice said. “I heard nothing of men playing at warrior though, nor passing their camp followers off as ladies.”
Luan’s expression never changed. The words flowed over him. He was watching the eyes of this Lord Bornale. The man might be a blind fool, but he wore a well used sword. Any sword play would start in the man’s eyes. There was now a slow movement of people toward the doors. A storm was coming, both outside and inside, and most people preferred to be outside.
Mei’An rose gracefully from her chair and stood beside her guard companion. She laid a hand on Luan's arm.
“My Lord Bornale,” she began. “Let me introduce myself. I am Mei’An, and this is my Guard Companion.” She hesitated but a fraction then added. “..Luan.” Her voice was light, her tones like music in the still air.
Lord Bornale swallowed, his eyes slightly larger. He blinked.
“Your...” he hesitated, “Guard Companion?” He looked at Luan as if seeing him for the first time. His gaze swept over Mei’An, taking in the fine materials of her dress, the excellent cut, the nice needlework. He lifted his hand clear of his sword, and swept his hat from his head. He bowed low in the same sweeping motion.
“Dear lady, forgive me. I little expected to find a Wind Reader in a common inn. Nor did I expect her Guard Companion. It," again he hesitated. “..may have been interesting.” Lord Bornale was looking directly at Luan. Luan nodded at the comment and stepped aside.
“You will join us at table?” Mei’An said in a pleasant voice, quite at odds with the tension in the room.
“Only if you will forgive me my indiscretions my lady. Truly had I known of the presence of a Wind Reader in the city, I would have curbed this accursed tongue. I take back my insults. The Creator attest, I humbly apologise.” This was an apology that was meant. Even Luan relaxed. None would invoke the Creator unless they meant it.
“You are forgiven my lord. Surely, we all speak in haste sometimes, only to regret it later. Please, step up to our table and take refreshment with us. We would like to hear what you have been hearing in the city.”
Bornale kept a wary eye on Luan, now settling again into his chair. Bornale was no fool, and well knew he had very narrowly escaped a direct confrontation with one of the most feared and respected swordsmen in the country. Bornale knew he was himself no slouch, but he also knew he would most likely have ended up dead on the floor had he encountered a Guard Companion. He watched Rees as he sat the opposite end of the table. He placed his large hat in front of him, and took a jug of ale handed to him by a thankful innkeeper. The patrons who had fled moments before were trickling back into the inn. The musician started playing again, a happier tune with a foot tapping beat that soon had everyone relaxing again. Conversations started and laughter began to be heard.
Rees still hadn't spoken, and Mei’An indicated him.
“Lord Bornale, this is Rees. A companion of mine on our journey. His friends are not present just at this moment, but I expect they will return before too much longer. Indeed, Rees is as you say, just a farm boy out to see the world.”
“He’s from Xu Gui – you are from Xu Gui?” Bornale redirected his question to Rees.
“Yes.” Was Reese’s clipped reply.
“I have heard,” continued Bornale. “That two of your friends returned to your village, and that three have simply – disappeared."
“You hear a lot, my lord. Perhaps you can even tell us what it is we do?” The flat statement in Rees’s voice was neither question nor insult. Just a statement of fact. To the surprise of all Bornale leaned back in his chair and roared with laughter.
“No young la
d, that I can’t. Yes, I hear a lot. I have eyes and ears throughout the city, as a man in my position must in these dangerous times. The only place I cannot seem to ever gain entry to though is The Inn of The Blind Man. Very truly named, this place. So when things began to happen, and all pointed back to here, then I must come in person and make direct enquiries myself.” Bornale sipped from his mug. He leaned forward and lowered his voice.
“I have heard. I have heard .. that the last battle approaches. What know you of this matter Master Rees. of the village of Xu Gui, once the last refuge of the Malachite Kings.”
“What do you know of this Lord Bornale?” Mei’An’s voice was quiet. No longer light.
“Only what I hear my lady. I am well studied. My family have had tutors for as long as our family has been. They instruct the children in all things. Including our history, and all the prophesies. I had thought, as all do, that the ancient tales are just stories to put little children to sleep. Now I find there are Tharsians beneath the city.” He held up his hand as Luan sat forward, palms flat on the table. “Morgoth warriors seen in the darkened streets, and a band of people in the city from a place mentioned in legends. On top of this, the walls on an inn, an inn I have no eyes and ears in, are seen to be vibrating and groaning, while lamps flare so as to crack their glasses. I am no fool my lady Mei’An. If not the last battle, then a battle none the less, but a battle is looming I fear. There are too many signs. Oh, and yes, your companions from Xu Gui are on their way with most of the Mare Altan from all of Da Altai. That will put over many thousands of thousand warriors on this side of the Dragon Spine. If the Mare Altan are coming openly, then the Asher Altan will be coming also. Now you tell me, Rees of Xu Gui. To whom are they coming to do battle with?” For one who had just seemingly announced the end of the world, Bornale was remarkably calm.
“The forces of darkness, Bornale.” Said Luan. “Only those need fear the coming battle. It does not involve the ordinary folk. Yet.”
Bornale sat back in his chair and let out a long breath.
“So. It begins. Just as I knew it would.” His long dark hair framed his face as he stared at the ale mug, slowly turning it between his fingers. “I had best prepare the city I think. I will call a meeting of the houses this night. Will the fighting be in the city do you think?” He directed his gaze at Luan.
“I think not Bornale. I doubt either the Tharsians or the Morgoth have sufficient numbers here to put up a battle. I think rather that the battle will be taken to them.” Luan looked at Mei’An. She nodded and Luan continued.
“The Morgoth hunt the Key to the Great Wheel. We in turn hunt them. Unforeseen by all, the Tharsians managed to take the Great Key, and now we all hunt them. We must get to them first. The Seal of the Creator has been found, and with that we can replace the Key to the Wheel, and fuse it in place forever. Sealing up the Dark Lord of Sara Sara in his prison. The King of the Malachites has returned, the blood line still survives.”
Lord Bornale had to snap his jaw shut. By the time Luan had finished, he found that his mouth was hanging open.
Rees spoke up quietly. “I think we should show Lord Bornale the treasure left us by the ancients.”
Mei’An looked startled for a brief moment. Rees was a man of perception, she must remember that.
“Treasure?” Said Bornale.
“Yes, the keys to the Kings you might say. Ask Tallbar here to show you to his room where it is kept. We will perhaps see you back here shortly.” Mei’An said pleasantly.
Tallbar hurried over at Mei’An’s gesture.
“Master Tallbar. Would you be good enough to show Lord Bornale the contents of the chest you treasure so highly. Even let him open it himself. It won’t take but a moment.”
Bornale looked at Mei’An. He sensed something here, but a Wind Reader would not tempt him into unknown danger. At least he didn’t think she would. He had heard somewhere that they were sworn to uphold the light, even at their own peril.
“Very well my lady,” he said. “But a moment and I will return.” He stumbled a little as he arose from his chair. He had heard Rees’s muttered “Perhaps.” Bornale left the room with the innkeeper. He was not at all sure this was a wise thing to do. Not many minutes had passed and he was back at the table. Tallbar all smiles behind him.
“Indeed, an interesting – treasure,” commented Lord Bornale. “But nothing actually precious I think? No gold, silver, precious stones? Yet you call this odd collection the Keys to a King was it?”
“My Lord Bornale. The contents of that chest are very important. Not only that, but had you been one of the Dark Ones people, you would have been destroyed the moment you tried to open the chest.” Mei’An arched an eyebrow. “The fact that you are back with us tells us that you are not walking in the ways of Darkness.”
Lord Bornale did not know what to say. He was normally a self assured person. Capable and strong. Powerful within the city. Yet here he had been tested by these outsiders. He didn’t know whether to be angry at being tested, or pleased to have passed the test. He decided to say nothing. Suddenly events were moving rapidly. He needed to keep his head clear of useless emotion.
“Does this chest then have something to do with your missing companions? You mentioned Kings. The only one I know of that title would be the Malachite Kings.”
Mei’An came to a decision. This man knew most of the recent events. It would do no harm to give him more detail.
“The missing companions are two of the Mare Altan, guards of the Malachite King. The Lord of the Dragon Armies returned. A boy from the village of Xu Gui – named Antonin. He and the Mare Altan are missing. It seems that Antonin does not control his new found abilities yet, and hopefully has his two companions with him. We don’t know where they actually are at this moment. Antonin opened a ... portal to another place, and they have all disappeared into it.”
Rees was none to sure that all this detail should be given to Bornale, so recently met. He supposed it could do no harm really, but still. Mei’An had seemed happy to put Bornale in the picture. She had her own reasons no doubt, and they would not be the reasons that Rees thought. Not for the first time Rees wished that Antonin was back here with them. Not for the first time he wished he was back safe in the village, before all this had started.
Lord Bornale was also wondering why the Wind reader had been so free with her information. In his experience, the less people knew your business the better off you were. He would wait and see where this knowledge took him.
“With your leave, Lady Mei’An, I should do something about warning all the great houses that we will soon be host to legions of ‘Altan.” He rose to leave.
Mei’An spoke to him as he rose. “The Mare Altan will camp on the plains outside the walls Lord Bornale. There is a river close by, so the city will not be troubled unduly. They will only enter the city in their hunt for the followers of the Dark One. I suspect the battle will be elsewhere. I hope it will be for your sake. You should also have stone masons wall up the entrances to the underground caverns. That is one way the Tharsians are gaining entry to the city.”
“The caverns?” Said Bornale with some question in his voice. “What caverns are these that you speak of?” He was clearly mystified.
Mei’An looked at him. Clearly the man did not know what they spoke of. It was not possible that he did not know of the existence of the strange tunnels deep beneath the city.
“There is a huge empty building near the old city centre Lord Bornale. Beneath this building is the entrance to a vast labyrinth of tunnels. Huge caverns were formed by people long past, beneath this building. There is a long abandoned city on the other side of the mountain pass that also has entrances to a similar complex. If indeed not the same complex. Before he – ‘disappeared’, Antonin and his companion had cause to venture into the complex from here. There they encountered a band of Tharsians and only managed to escape after a hard fought battle. They were not gone long into the complex, yet say they
travelled far in strange conveyances. Surely you ...” Mei’An was cut off by Bornale’s raised hand.
“Ah yes Wind Reader. The Garvin Trails. Your young friends are lucky to come out alive. It is the Garvin that make these huge trails beneath the earth. Worms of monstrous size, with metal scales, that roar in loud voice at their approach. Vast winds are pushed before them as they speed along their trails. Any persons unfortunate enough to be in their path are swept away and destroyed. Not even their bodies are found. The Garvin it is said have existed beneath the earth for a thousand ages. Only the strongest of crumbling buildings now stand above the entrances to their trails. None would venture below for fear of their lives. Ages beyond ages my lady. That your friends ventured down there shows only that they did not know the peril. That they came back alive is something to be wondered at. None escape the Garvin, who roam their tunnels endlessly. Yet you say the Tharsians have gained entry to the city through the trails. Could it be that they have found a way to avoid the Garvin, or to control them?”
Lord Bornale scratched his chin. His dark eyes glittering, lost in thought for a moment. He brushed his long hair aside and turned to leave.
“The entrance will be sealed this day. On top of everything else, I do not want Tharsians rampaging through the city.” He strode to the door of the inn to depart.
Suddenly he stopped in his tracks, in mid stride. His hand was reaching for his sword, only a heart beat in time as Luan roared “Stay your hand.” There were six Mare Altan arrayed just within the door, in a wedge. The leader only an arm's reach from Bornale. Men nearest the door were falling out of their chairs trying desperately, quickly, to get away from the reach of these warrior women. They had seemed to materialise out of thin air, right in front of the door.
The Dragons of Sara Sara Page 30