Chapter 18
It is comical to think of the times Kerreth Veralier walked unnoticed in cities, freely mingling with the populace. Taller than most men, broad as two, usually armed to the teeth as the saying goes, but I've seen him bite during battle so don't discount his teeth. I believe the same innate ability that makes Kerreth invulnerable to magic also repels the gaze of an undetermined witness.
From Gerrand's Histories of Landermass.
They passed through the freshly painted green gates unmolested, a traveler and his servant, soiled by days of travel, moving confidently to the interior of Gornst in search of a tavern to quench their thirst. They passed the taverns closest to the gate that would have the higher prices and watered down ale.
"Where will the rest of your companions be?" asked Greyrawk. "I doubt they would wait around for Belderag to imprison them again."
"No, they would have moved on. The question is, are they still in Gornst, or did they find another sanctuary from which to decide the next course?"
"They would wait for you to return before they do anything, wouldn't they?"
"We have been together too long, Ian. The Talos Company will move forward with or without me. It is the task that guides them, not me. It is my job to catch up with them; they won't wait long in one place."
They entered the gates of Gornst with a group of travelers and made their way to a tavern towards the middle of town. Kerreth did not want to stop where the soldiers drank rather he wanted to hear the talk of the citizenry of Gornst. The tavern they chose was called the Grey Fox and it was crowded but the two of them were able to squeeze it along the bar. One man started to complain but took one look at Kerreth and gave way. The patrons were mostly merchants with a few young nobles hogging the best table. Their voices were louder than the rest of the patrons as they wished to draw attention to their higher station. The merchants talked about business and wondered what the troop movement meant. The rumors of a Greyrawk returning had reached everyone's ears but there was no talk of Celaeri. The prevalent thought was the Greyrawk had brought an army and would fight Belderag for control of northern Cresida.
Greyrawk sipped his ale and watched his companion who made note of everyone in the common room and any possible threat to them. Kerreth relaxed a little and quaffed most of his mug. He winked at Greyrawk, drained the last of the ale and asked for a refill.
"Where are you from stranger?" asked the innkeeper. "I don't remember seeing you before and I wouldn't forget someone of your size."
"I haven't been in Cresida for many a year. My name's Kerreth."
"I'm Colly Bulger, I own this place." The innkeeper was a large man, a head taller than Loric and as big around as Dvorak. His huge hand hid the mug of ale he placed in front of Kerreth. Bulger was younger than he looked; his head gleamed and tufts of grey hair bordered his ears and the back of his head. His cheeks were rosy and his face was creased with laugh lines. His deep blue eyes were clear and piercing.
"A satisfying living, if I may say so," said Kerreth. "I'm sure I would drink too much of the ale."
"Aye, I would as well if my daughter wasn't around to kick me in the rear. What brings you to Gornst, Kerreth?"
"I seem to end up where things get interesting."
"Ah, you mean Greyrawk and Belderag," Bulger kept his voice low. "I don't get too many high ranking nobles in here, but some of the Red Hawks drink here now and then. I hear Belderag is nervous, but I don't think it's just because of a Greyrawk. There are rumors of Celaeri going around."
"I've heard of Celaeri."
"We all have heard of them. They were cruel race according to the stories; enslaved the good people of Cresida. No one has seen them for several lifetimes, but the rumor is they've never left Cresida and are hidden up in the Black Heath. Not that anyone has tried to find out." He took a long look at Kerreth and the twin sword handles barely covered by his cloak.
"You are a fighting man," said Bulger. "Who's hired you?"
"I'd rather keep that to myself, but I will say it is an outside party."
"Ah, a profiteer ready to make gold off our suffering?" Bulger laughed. "Can't say that's any less disagreeable than any other line of work." Bulger served ale for the serving girl to take to the tables.
"Colly, do you have relatives on Anavar?"
"Why, I think I have relatives on every continent, even down in Breanen. You think you know someone?"
"Well, I used to frequent the Red Wolf Inn in a little town called Blackcrag. Conner Bulger was the proprietor."
"Still is. He's my grandpa."
"Yes, I thought you were striking in your resemblance to him."
Colly Bulger grinned and pulled a pint of ale for himself.
"Then I know who you are, Mr. Veralier. I heard a lot of stories about you."
"Well, Colly, I would appreciate no one else knowing exactly who I am. I have met Belderag, but I may not be able to identify his people."
"Not to worry. A friend of grandpa's gets special consideration. Now, there are a couple of Belderag's men in here right now to keep an eye on. Those two at the table nearest the door; Red Hawks out of uniform. Spies are what I call them."
"I'll be careful. How about another ale?"
"On the house," said Bulger.
Greyrawk had taken a vacated small table near the back door and tried to keep his long legs out of the serving girls' way as they brought out streaming bowls of stew. Greyrawk felt hunger pangs and searched for coin to buy a meal but the Celaeri had taken everything of value from him.
A large bowl was set down in front of him. He looked up at a homely girl, still gangly from youth, grinning at him.
"Your friend seems to be friends with Papa and you looked hungry."
"I am, thank you."
"I'm Danni."
"I'm Ian. Pleased to meet you Danni." She flushed slightly and hurried off to work. Greyrawk picked up the wooden spoon and carefully tasted it. He smiled and began shoveling it in to the extent he could stand the heat. Kerreth came and sat down, the landlord standing over them.
"I'm Colly."
"Ian."
"Careful with my Danni, now you young scoundrel." He winked at Greyrawk. "She's the best cook I've ever had and since her mother died, she's the lady of the house."
"Ah, your daughter," said Greyrawk. "While she would be quite a catch, I assure you Colly that my intentions are honorable and I only desire this hot bowl of stew."
"You aren't attracted to her? What's wrong with Danni?" Colly's voice grew rough. Greyrawk's mouth hung open. He looked up at the innkeeper's scowl.
"Kerreth, help!"
Kerreth laughed and Colly joined in.
"Ah, you're a good sport young man," said Colly.
"I'm afraid he's got his own family," said Kerreth. "He can't afford to be looking elsewhere. I know, I've met the lady. Quite handy with a sword herself."
"Oh, why didn't you say so? Enjoy the meal. I'll talk again later if I have the time." Colly went from table to table checking on his guests.
"He's awful big to be joking like that," said Greyrawk.
"It was funny. You turned whitish for a moment."
"I am pleased to be so entertaining. What did you learn?"
"Belderag is readying to march against the Celaeri. The rumors of the Celaeri have the folks jittery and no one has much confidence in Belderag. But he does have spies in town and we best are wary."
"What's our next move?" asked Greyrawk.
"I want to see what is happening at the castle. I need you to stay here; I have rented a room. Listen to the talk of the tavern and listen to Colly. There is a lot in that old head that is helpful. Regain your strength for when I return we won't stay long."
"I can help you."
"Yes, you can," said Kerreth. "But Belderag has seen you."
"He's seen you, too."
"Yes, but I am not his sworn enemy. He may view me as a nuisance perhaps, but not a threat to him. He might send a couple soldiers a
fter me to see what I am up to, but he will not lose the chance to catch you. Stay here and rest."
Greyrawk sighed. "I will, but it will be hard waiting."
"I didn't say it was the easier job. I will first go to the compound where Brandalay and you stayed, and then I will find Belderag."
"Arenna's compound? There are many armed guards there. She is at odds with Belderag and not trustful. Be wary."
Kerreth grasped Greyrawk's forearm and left the tavern. Greyrawk walked over to Colly and held up his empty cup. Danni hurried over to refill it.
Kerreth walked at good speed but did not rush through the streets. Gornst was a large town, the largest in northern Cresida but small compared to giant Nantitet in Calendia. Still, the streets were filled with people and in places Kerreth had to pick his way through the masses although most moved quickly out of his way. His swords and his tusks opened a comfortable passage through town. He followed Greyrawk's directions and kept the south wall in sight as he moved toward the castle. Arenna's compound was snuggled against the south wall several blocks from the castle. She did not want her father to easily observe her activities.
Kerreth decides to walk up to the gate and ask for Arenna. Two guards appear when he nears the gate.
"What do you want," said one of the guards. His scowl softened when he saw the size of Kerreth.
"I want to speak with Arenna Aruk," said Kerreth.
"Who are you?"
"I am a friend of Brandalay's."
"I see," said the guard. "Let me give you some friendly advice; don't let Arenna hear Brandalay's name. A couple days ago, we would have let you right in, but Arenna came to us and told us to kill Brandalay on sight."
"Ah, that does change things," said Kerreth.
"Now, I don't know how it directly pertains to a handsome man like yourself, but I cannot let in anyone friendly to Brandalay and if I did, I might be required to put a sword to you. You appear to have some skill with a blade, judging by the quality of your steel. So it might have a poor outcome for all of us if you enter these gates. There are many more of us in the barracks. The odds do not favor you."
"I thank you for your honesty and I shall move on."
The guard exhaled and relaxed.
"Give Brandalay the warning if you see him. He was a good comrade while he was here, I'd hate for one of us to kill him."
"I will pass your words along."
"Tell him, Garbel wishes him well. Now go before we are required to act."
"I will move along. Tell me one thing, if Belderag rides to war against the Celaeri, will Arenna join him?"
"Celaeri? The rumors are true? I don't believe it. Until I see a Celaeri with my own eyes, I won't believe it. But if it were true; yes, I would think she would fight with him."
Kerreth bowed and quickly strode away. He noted the other guard moving quickly to one of the buildings and he did not want to meet any more of Arenna's armed men at the moment. The castle was only a few blocks from Arenna's compound and the gates were open with people moving in and out freely. Kerreth walked confidently, smiled and nodded at the guard nearest him. He entered without drawing too much notice and entered the great hall. Many soldiers were gathered there and Kerreth backed out quickly into an alcove. Concealed in the shadows he was able to watch the men assemble. He recognized Picker and his men. On the far side were the Red Hawks. It appeared to be a meeting of all the leaders that would take the field against the Celaeri.
Belderag sat in his high backed chair listening to reports from the captains. Standing next to him was a tall man with pale skin. There was something familiar about him, but Kerreth could not call it to mind.
Several men entered the hall and by their dress Kerreth guessed them to be nobles.
"You took your time," said Belderag.
"The road passes Greyrawk Mountain," said Walter Nunderburg. "We took a wider journey to elude their sentries."
"How many men do you have?"
"Two hundred including fifty horsemen."
"How many guard your castle?" asked Belderag.
"I left fifty men to protect my wife."
"Your wife? If we do not win the day, fifty soldiers will not save her."
"Nevertheless Dacu, I will not leave her unguarded."
"Where are your useless brothers?"
"They are scouting the Celaeri movement. A small party came down from Greyrawk Mountain and moved toward the river in the direction of Triss. They are following them and they have hawks with them to update me on what they find."
Belderag nodded his head and reached for his wine.
"Picker! You shall lead the west flank. Walter, your men shall be the east flank. The Red Hawks will fly down the center and we shall hammer the Celaeri. They use finesse in their fighting; they are not comfortable with close quarters and brutish tactics. We must hit them hard and divide them. Cut them off from the mountain."
Belderag turned to the pale man and spoke with him privately. The man nodded and left the hall. Kerreth, waited, then eased himself out of the hall and followed the man to the stables.
"I need a horse," said the man.
"Yes, Machel," said a groom. "I get you a fast one."
Kerreth racked his mind trying to remember where he had seen the man before. Machel. The name meant nothing. Kerreth hurried back to Colly's tavern where his horse was tied behind the building. He tried to keep an eye on Machel and was only a few blocks behind when he mounted his horse. He did not take the time to say anything to Ian Greyrawk or Colly.
Ian will have to fend for himself, Kerreth thought. There is no time to make plans. I know where this Machel is heading and I will stop him from reaching Jerue Adan.
Kerreth rode as fast as he could short of drawing the attention of the guards. He could see the horsed silhouette of Machel ahead of him. Machel had cleared the gate but was not riding hard. There was still a chance to overtake him.
Greyrawk finished his meal and put his feet up on a chair, closing his eyes. Fatigue was beginning to overtake him and he wondered how long before Kerreth would return. The murmuring noise of the tavern was soothing. He was aware of someone near him. He heard the weight of a full tankard of ale settle on the table and he smiled and answered without opening his eyes.
"Thank you, my dear," said Greyrawk.
"You're welcome," replied Colly. He laughed all the way to the bar.
Greyrawk realized he had dozed off when someone kicked his boots off the chair. He opened his eyes to see two Red Hawks standing over him.
"What's the problem?" asked Greyrawk. "I'm minding my own business."
"Yes, and what is your business?" asked one.
"I recognized you from Lord Belderag's feast," said the other. "You were with Arenna Aruk."
"You are a Greyrawk."
"Ah, I see your point now. If you allow me to stand we shall settle this with the blade."
"I don't think so," said the first. "You are to be brought before Lord Belderag."
"I believe I will have to refuse." He started to rise.
A sword was at his throat. Greyrawk relaxed back into the chair.
"You will come with us and quietly," said the first. "Whether bleeding or no, is your decision."
Greyrawk knew they were seasoned fighters who hoped he would resist. He saw their tensed muscles and realized he couldn't move fast enough to stop both of them. Cold steel would pierce him if he resisted.
A loud thud and one Red Hawk pitched over onto the floor. The other turned and caught Colly's staff in the face. He also went down.
"Come," said Colly. "It is no longer safe for you."
Colly led him into the back.
"Bort! I will be gone for a few days," said Colly. "Danni too. You're in charge and you don't know where I've gone."
"Will you be all right?" asked Gez, the cook.
"Yes, we will be fine. It's the young man who is in danger. If his companion returns, tell Kerreth that Ian is safe."
Danni had a bul
ging pack over her shoulder and handed another to Colly. They moved quickly out the back door crossing to a small stable. Greyrawk took his horse.
"Kerreth's horse is gone."
"Well, I imagine he had need of it," said Colly. "It looks like he must have moved on without you. He knew you'd be safer here."
"With the Red Hawks here?"
"Even with the Red Hawks. You know how to wield a sword, as do I. Danni can use a dagger and runs very fast."
"How can we get out of the city? With war coming the gate will be closed and the city guard allowing people through."
"There is another way out near the river. We will have to lead the horses under the shadow of the wall along the riverbank until we can ride free. There is a great chance we will be spotted."
"Can we cross the river?" asked Greyrawk.
"The current is strong and it is very wide near the city. We won't be able to cross safely. And we want to stay on this side anyway."
Danni had ridden ahead and when they came to the wall she was waiting at an old blacksmith's building. It was no longer used and they led their horses inside. Danni closed the doors behind them.
Two men stood waiting for them, dirty and tattered. Colly flipped a small moneybag toward them. A surprisingly fast hand shot out and caught the bag. Colly led the way through a narrow doorway that led to the passage through the wall. Once out on the riverbank, they walked east. The two men began to cover up their tracks and closed the door to the passage.
"Where to?" whispered Greyrawk. Colly turned quickly and motioned for silence. They moved steadily along the wall. Greyrawk glanced up at the wall but could not see any guards. Finally, they reached an area where they could mount and ride. After a mile or so, Colly pulled aside Greyrawk.
"There is a hunting lodge near the foothills southeast of Greyrawk Mountain. That is where I am taking you. We might be too close to the Celaeri, but it's the best place, and Kerreth knows of it."
Greyrawk (Book 2) Page 19