“How can you be so resigned to your fate when just days before you were determined to stay alive?”
“I have had time to accept that which I cannot change. I have seen many men die when I ran instead of staying behind to defend them. Every time we encountered a battle, I let the other person fight while I quietly slipped away unnoticed.”
“That’s why you wanted warriors to accompany you,” Landon said to himself letting the reality of these words sink in. “You needed someone to do the dirty work. Does Godfrey know?”
“I have known Godfrey many years. He knows all about me.”
“He condoned this!? How can you –” he began with rage building inside him, but Daxis cut him off.
“Do not be so hasty to judge your friend. He does what he has to.”
“Where is my ring!”
A sudden clang echoed in the dark room silencing their conversation. A low light crept into the room. A man with heavy boots and jangling keys stomped his way over to where Landon sat. Forcefully, he grabbed Landon’s arms and released his bonds. His arms dropped to his side limp. “Lord Malchus requests your presence,” he bellowed.
“Daxis, answer me.”
Landon heard a loud thud and a body slump to the ground.
“He’ll rot in here before Malchus will give him the privilege of an audience with him. Come!” He jerked Landon to his feet pushing him ahead. At the doorway Landon stopped to get one last look at Daxis, but the guard forced him on ahead. He walked up a narrow, spiraling staircase lit by a candle at each turn. About five floors up a corridor appeared on their right and the guard shoved Landon through it. He could see now that it was the same guard who had dragged him through the town.
“Must you be so rude?” Landon asked. The guard did not respond and urged him forward. The corridor they walked through was roughly twenty feet across with many doors on either side. At the end of the corridor stood two large wooden doors. They stopped in front of them and Landon waited as the guard parted the doors to allow him passage through. As soon as Landon stepped into the large room, the doors slammed behind him leaving him alone in the room.
The massive room was as ornate a room as he had ever seen. Along the walls, large tapestries hung. The one window across the room was shut and kept the sunlight out. The room was lit from many candles placed all about myriad tables. It gave the room a sinister feel. Along the back wall stood a large hearth which boasted a raging fire. In front of the fire sat two large and luxurious chairs. The fabric was a deep red and it was lined with a golden trim. Lord Malchus stood up in front of one of them. “Do come, sit,” he beckoned. Landon cautiously strode forward and sat down in the chair on the right.
“I would like to extend to you my sincerest apology for detaining you as I did,” Malchus said drinking from an ornate chalice.
“I suppose I have no choice but to accept, my Lord.”
“Do you know what today is?”
“The darkness of your cell has clouded my mind.” Malchus caught a hint of accusation in Landon’s voice and smiled at it.
“Today, you claim your place among the landed gentry,” he said as he took another sip savoring the bitter drink.
“Then I was down there for nearly four days and it is my birthday,” he said thoughtfully. “The farm now belongs to me,”
“I thought that on this day, of all days, we needed to have a little talk. You see, Landon, you are the exception to the rule. Not many people can claim that they were born a peasant and rose to become part of the gentry. But as a gift to you, I bring you a story to perhaps help your perspective in life.
Malchus took a long drink from his cup. “The priests tell of an ancient legend of a furious battle in heaven fought many ages ago between the forces of good and evil. Heaven was ruled by a mighty king who ruled with an iron fist. Long ago he commanded a great army, and never lost a battle he fought. His angelic soldiers loved him and the way he ruled. But there were a few who did not. The leader of these was named Asriel. He was the strongest general in the King’s army and taught all other soldiers the way of the blade. It came about one day that he grew weary of the King’s rule and sought to place himself upon the throne. But, he knew he could not do it alone.
“He summoned together his closest officers and began one by one to test their loyalties to their king. He had a silver tongue and could convince those he needed to join his side when their will seemed in doubt. It was in this manner that he gathered his forces. Over time, nearly a third of the army secretly became loyal to him. One of these was a smith whom Asriel asked to construct a flawless bow made from precious metals and jewels. With it he was able to destroy nearly all of the king’s generals in a short manner of time. The bow had the ability to be shot from so great a distance that the victim would be dead before he ever saw his assailant. With this bow in hand and his soldiers in place, Asriel launched an attack on his king. For days the battle raged, and the rebels gained ground. The plans for the attack were so well constructed that when one arm of the king’s army gained ground another arm lost ground. Then, one day Asriel sought too eagerly for power and fought a battle he could not win. His failure signaled an end to the rebellion.
“You see, Landon, Asriel tried to change too greatly his position in the world. He was given a great status as general of the king of heaven’s army, but it was not enough for him. In his greed, he coveted the throne and in so doing he destroyed himself. Remember this lesson well, for though you have risen to a new status, you must always remember where you began and that it was a gift. Never take advantage of that.”
Surprised Landon replied, “I honor your gift and will take your words to heart. Will I be returning to my cell now?”
“Nay, after properly inspecting your effects it has been found that you were not in league with Daxis and were simply unfortunate enough to get caught in his web. I will consider your time spent in darkness punishment enough. In addition, I am allowing you to finish your quest to find Aldous the wise.” When Landon’s face contorted in confusion he added. “Daxis was most forthcoming with information. Aldous was last seen in the town of Ellington. He may be the only person able to answer your riddles,” he explained handing Landon his sword and letter. Then, reaching into his robe he withdrew a cloth. He handed that to Landon as well. “I would very much like to see you unlock the mysteries of your ring.”
Landon quickly unwrapped it and retrieved his ring. He replaced his effects and stood to strap his sword to his side. Landon was unsure of what to think about Lord Malchus. On the one hand, he seemed cruel and dark, but on the other he showed compassion and generosity. He was unsure whether to be worried or grateful at his desire for Landon to complete his task.
“But how did you–” Landon began but was cut off with a wave of Malchus’ hand.
“You will take Gavin to accompany you.” As he spoke, the same man from the tavern with the long waistcoat and broad sword step into the firelight.
“My Lord, I deeply wish not to bring this scullion along for my journey! He is as loud as a mule and has not the ability to keep personal matters.”
“In truth, I am not quite as obnoxious as I made out,” Gavin replied to Landon’s accusation. “There was need to remove you from the establishment. I overheard your conversation with the barkeep and decided it was best to force you to leave before the rest of the patrons had a sudden urge to drag you out and hang you. People who search for Daxis in this town are just as despised as he is. Plus, if you had been taken, you would never have led me to his location.”
“Glad I could be of service,” Landon replied with distaste.
“Now, Landon, I believe it would please you very much to know that your horse is waiting outside for you on your journey. Gavin will follow as protection. I would like for you to report back to me with what you have discovered.”
“You give me land and now I am to be your servant?”
“And why not? Your uncle is.”
“Where is he?!” Lan
don exclaimed. “Where have you sent him?”
“Let us just say he is tying up some loose ends for me. But that is none of your concern at the moment. Now, be off!” he said quietly waving his hand towards the door then sat down and took a long sip from his glass. Landon turned and walked towards the door passing Gavin without a word.
Chapter Ten
Journey to the Arden
Aquila stood tied up outside the castle gate saddled with packs. She whinnied as Landon approached. He reached a hand out to stroke her long mane then gave her a once over to certify that she had not been harmed. Landon was relieved when he could see no marks. Standing next to her was a tall black mare also saddled with bags. Gavin walked up to this horse and abruptly mounted her.
“We riding or are you going to stand here all day?”
Landon scowled at him, but knew that he was right. They had to get moving. Ellington was a week’s ride due west through forest and up mountains. It would not be an easy ride, and Landon wasn’t sure how much food they had been given. He mounted Aquila as well, and the two men rode towards the city’s west gate.
“I find it interesting that for all of his life, Daxis searched for the stones and in the end they found him. Ironically, it is to be at his death he finds what he is looking for.”
“When is he scheduled to be executed?” Landon asked restraining the anger he was feeling.
“I am sure Malchus will take his time. He will let him hang in the darkness for weeks slowly depriving him of life until he is too weak to fight himself free again. Lord Malchus is a brilliant man. He never makes the same mistake twice. Capturing Daxis has been his only interest for ten years.”
“He cannot be that cruel.”
“You misjudge him poorly. Daxis should feel honored that Lord Malchus wants to hang him so quickly. Most prisoners yearn for death in Malchus’ dungeons and never find it.”
Arriving at the gate the two men halted their conversation. Gavin raised his right hand in a type of salute and the two guards immediately opened the gate for them. As they exited the city and looked out toward the West, Landon could see in the far distance a line of thick trees. In front of him the sun glowered through numerous clouds spotted about the sky casting beams of sunshine.
“We must hurry. There is a small cottage on the edge of the forest where we can stay for the night, but we must arrive before dusk or our journey will be much more difficult.” They spurred their horses forward along the west road. As soon as they were well away from the city gates, Landon began their conversation anew.
“The man I spoke with does not seem to be this cruel man you describe.”
“What you saw was an act. Lord Malchus must keep his image of great overlord otherwise the people might become restless and the treaty might be broken.”
“Treaty?”
“Do you really know so little about the world in which you live?” Gavin asked exasperated. “Do you at least know that our realm is ruled by Ten Lords?”
“Aye, I’m not completely ignorant,” Landon retorted.
Gavin sighed heavily.
“Nearly forty years ago, a civil war broke out between the Ten Lords. Lords Anselm, Roan, and Tubal, leaders of the largest counties, stood together on one side of the fight; Lord Malchus along with Lords Ulrich, Elton, Findal, Dawson, Coster, and Drake stood against them.”
“I’m unfamiliar with a number of those names.”
“Many died during the war. The Righteous Three, as they were known, fought to procure a better land for their subjects. Their lands being the largest meant they held power over the greatest number of people. The rest believed they had no need to succumb to the people’s wishes. Status in life was created by birth and they were unwilling to give that nobility up.
The war raged for years with many innocents being caught in the middle. Lord Coster and Lord Drake were both killed in the Battle of Pethor and Lady Rowena and Lord Baldor succeeded them respectively. Finally, seeing too many losses, the Allied Seven, as they became known, who were then led by the Lady Rowena, decided to sign a treaty to end the war. Rowena and Elton spearheaded the treaty having the two largest lands in the Alliance, and Malchus and the rest were forced to go along with the idea. When the ten finally met, it had been twelve years since they had all sat in council together albeit with some new faces. The result was a treaty that demanded fairer treatment of their subjects. You, yourself, have benefitted from one of the stipulations of the treaty.”
“I’m alive.”
“Nay,” Gavin said with disgust. “As of today, you are no longer a poor peasant farmer. That tiny parcel of land now belongs to you because of this agreement. Grudgingly Lord Malchus signed it, and his appearance as a gracious Lord has been believed ever since. In addition to this, the title of Sovereign was decided to be rotated among the Ten Lords every twenty years. Lord Malchus is due to stand as Sovereign in two years barring any uprisings. It was agreed that any Lord or Lady who could not maintain peace would be stripped of his or her title and a new council would meet to replace him or her as well as decide a new rotation for Sovereign.”
“Who is Sovereign now?”
“The first Sovereign after the treaty was Lord Anselm in order to show unity among the Lords. Lord Elton holds that title, now.” Landon absorbed this new knowledge. Gavin saw this and decided to continue his point “So, you see, Malchus cannot afford to ruin his appearance. But, do not underestimate him. He is cold, calculating, and at times a monster. He will torture your friend and take pleasure in it.”
“And you serve him.”
“I serve because through him I can gain status. When he becomes Sovereign, I have been promised more money and lands than I can use. He may be evil, but he is still a means to an end.”
“If he is self-absorbed, do you really believe he will reward you?” Landon asked. Gavin brought his horse to a halt and turned to look at Landon; in his eyes burned a dangerous fire.
“Hear this once, I have nearly sold my soul to hell to acquire what I have. I will give it up for nothing. Never attempt to dissuade me again. Next time, you will feel the end of my blade,” he promised.
Satisfied Landon nodded his head. Gavin turned his horse once more without a word and galloped at an even quicker pace. Landon looked down at his ring thinking about Gavin’s words. He truly hoped that this Aldous would be able to help him understand the riddle his father left for him. Knowing it would be a few days at least, he quelled his excitement and spurred Aquila on to catch up. An hour later they arrived at the edge of Arden Forest. The sun had already disappeared behind the horizon and the foliage of the large trees compelled the darkness to quicken.
Just as Gavin had said a lone cottage stood on the forest’s edge. A thin stream of smoke could be seen rising from the stone chimney. The cottage had a simple, long, rectangular, straw roof thatched together as if by a master. The walls were made of stone consisting of many windows each except for the entrance which faced south. In that wall rested a large wooden door. The rest of the cottage had long walls which no doubt boasted many rooms. Along the northern side of the house were many stables. Wide lands stretched out from the house surrounded by an old wooden fence.
Gavin dismounted his horse and tied her up to a post near the entrance. Landon sat on Aquila as he watched him walk up to the house and knock on the door. A large old lady with gray hair peeked her head out of the door. Landon could not hear what the two of them said, but she apparently knew him for a wide smiled beamed across her face. They talked hurriedly and promptly the lady closed the door in Gavin’s face. He stood there for a few seconds before a young man exited the building and walked towards Landon. “He’s taking the horses to the stables for the night,” Gavin said.
Aquila began to protest but Landon reassured her. He grabbed his bags from the saddle and hopped onto the road. The young man grabbed Aquila’s reins and Gavin’s horse and walked them over to their rooms for the night. Landon turned and followed Gavin into the cottage. T
he inside was much more luxurious than he had expected. At the entrance was a long desk where people checked into the inn. A long hallway was situated behind the desk with many doors on either side. The floor was made of a polished wood and candles lined the walls. In the midst of the hallway was a large room containing a fireplace and a few lush couches beyond which extended another hallway containing even more rooms.
The lady who had greeted Gavin escorted them to their room at the end of the first hallway directly adjacent to the great room. She opened the door to their room and Landon immediately noticed how sparse it was compared to the rest of the cottage. There were two beds made of wood frames upon which sat a quilted mattress. A blanket rested on top of each. There was a window along the far wall which faced the forest and a desk sat in the corner. Two trunks rested in front of each bed. The two men set their bags onto the wood floor next to them.
“Gentlemen, is there anything else I can do for you?” the elderly lady asked.
“That will be quite all, Adela,” Gavin said with a smile. The old lady bowed graciously and left the room.
“I take it you’ve been here before.”
“Many years ago, while riding through the Arden on a mission, I happened to see four men attacking Adela. She was returning from the stables for the night when they ambushed her. She told them she had no money on her, but they were not interested in money. I saw from my vantage point how three of them forced her to the ground while the fourth prepared to take what he wanted. I returned to the road to carry on my way, but realized that I might be rewarded for helping her. Turning around I rushed to her defense. My first target was the fourth man. Darting out of the dark forest, I surprised him so much that he froze in place. I charged my horse into him trampling him under foot. The other three fled in terror leaving their dead companion on the road. As I had predicted, Adela thanked me with food and lodging for the night and swore to always do so when I was in need of it. I have taken her up on it a number of times.”
The Awakening (The Stones of Revenge) Page 10