Valley of the Black Dragon

by B A Fleming

  One turned to shadow them and was greeted by a knife across his throat a few steps into the deeper shadows. He was small, and although thickly built like a soldier, probably more fragile than in his previous years.

  “Seems you like the look of us stranger?” indicated Curran, standing behind him.

  “No sir, I merely was making my way to my accommodation.”

  “Then you won’t mind directing us to the venue?”

  The man seemed nervous although not at all suspicious as would be expected.

  “As you like sir, I merely was enjoying some sunshine outside. I noticed you but that was only in a passing glance.”

  “A bit more of look than a glance, we would suggest.”

  “You don’t strike me exactly as mercenaries, sir, and someone might think that I know something for a few copper coins. I’ve not the strength to fight like I used to, so information is now my currency.”

  “Then maybe you would serve more purpose to us alive then dead, unless you have someone in mind already to share of our arrival?”

  The other person stopped to watch the interaction at a safe distance, slightly further around the corner and almost facing away, buying some oranges. He considered the party and then slowly moved off down a parallel street, keeping a firm eye on their movements.

  The old mercenary showed them to his accommodation.

  The party lead their horses into the stable where a young stable hand was paid more than required to groom and tend to their horses.

  The stranger quickly mentioned something to the boy and Curran questioned him, with the reply that the boy was to take special attention to their mounts if he wished for a fine breakfast the next morning. He helped them unsaddle their horses and they brought their gear inside to a long table, ordering a few ales.

  The inn was setup like most in the kingdom with a common room downstairs and rooms along an upstairs balcony corridor. The old mercenary sat with them and started talking.

  *****

  The men wore linen shirts under leather vests and thick woollen pants with canvas over hauls, as was the general garb of a soldier or mercenary of the valley kingdom. The group looked, to the perspective of an outsider, a typical party of unemployed mercenaries.

  Such groups were fairly common in this part of the kingdom, where Grangols, bandits, and the occasional troll wandered onto the roads connecting this high valley township with the main cities around the lake.

  The members of Catheridge had agreed that Thais and Casperi were squires of the court in Bhagshau, children of minor rich nobles, and that the Catheridge soldiers were a band of mercenaries hired by their father. The man seemed to take the story on face value.

  What set this band apart was both the refined manner in which they held their conversations and the young woman, always hooded, that sat at the table with them, although definitely involved in their conversations. Many women would be treated as outcasts in a group of men, or the fondle for one or many, but this one was treated and spoken to equally as any other at the table.

  “For a bunch of mercenaries, you’re a pretty sorry looking lot.”

  “Yes, that is true, but then that is all a matter of perception.”

  They were all individually decent fighters, but since only a few had bared arms with each other previously, as a fighting team they were still somewhat disadvantaged.

  The old mercenary introduced himself as Veer. Although he seemed to be trustworthy enough, all members of the party were cagey to divulge anything too particular of themselves. They were merely ex-soldiers of the Catheridge barracks taking time off to travel and earn some money with some of the caravans whilst exploring the western side of the valley, with some on a side trip for one of their own.

  The young squire was seeking adventure was many of them were indentured to him and his sister. It was a believable enough story, with enough truth in it that they could add details if needed.

  “I know of many strange happenings in the hills about here, if it is worth your while gentlemen,” queried Veer. “And lady, of course,” he added glancing across to Thais.

  “We will be in need of a guide as we wish to explore the hills around, and maybe even see some snow?” prodded Nathe.

  “Then I am happy to engage your service sir, for these lands are my home and I know every forest trail having battled the Gols on many occasions.”

  “Then a deal is struck. Now let’s discuss a price. Say thirty gold coins?” stated Nathe.

  “For two months, my lord. That would be an honor.”

  “Three months, and we will provide your food.”

  “You drive a hard bargain sire, but not an unfair one. May I enquire just what we seek?”

  “This man,” said Nathe, pointing to the barons’ son, “has a deathly sick mother and we are in search of the Seer to find a cure.”

  Veer half coughed, half laughed. “There are stories of the Seer, and inexact thoughts, although we may die in a blizzard before we find him.”

  “You will be well compensated if you do,” joked Denue.

  “I thank you for such a privilege,” replied Veer with a smirk.

  Like any city in the realm there were plenty of choices on offer to the mercenaries to spend their money.

  They kept a low profile at their table, only raising any sound to signal for more allies. Thais, stared into the nothingness of the table. She was uncomfortable in the few inns she had visited previously. Although it was not unique for a woman to be travelling amongst mercenaries it was certainly uncommon, and she kept her hood on as to minimize the amount of suspicions.

  “I reckon you could do with a good toasting lass,” mentioned one man as he came to stand by the table. He was a heavy man with a dagger hanging by his side. He had a short beard with wisps of grey in it, and eyes that looked Thais up and down as if inspecting his supper.

  Casperi, her brother, held her arm down beside her, and smiled back at the man.

  “You boys got no tongue?” he continued. ”Seems the lass needs a real man to take care of her.”

  Thais stood and released a quick chop with her right hand slicing down upon the mans’ neck. Her hood had flown back revealing her auburn hair tied into a long pony tail. Just as the sole of her hand struck him it released a quick blue light, hardly noticeable, merely a flicker, as if a candle flame was struck by a breeze. He collapsed instantly.

  Others in the room turned to see the man fall and the girl standing there snarling as he fell. Several chuckled, most just glanced at her and went back to their drinks. Her brother gently squeezed her arm and she sat back down, her table full of companions all smirking at her. Her foe lay where he fell, others casually stepping over him on their way to their table.

  “Seems all my new companions can take care of themselves,” Veer observed. He suggested that they might want to move upstairs at the end of this ale. The clientele was starting to get rowdy, and although those already there knew now to steer clear of the girl it wouldn’t be long before another looking for whenching would approach her.

  Veer organized for three more rooms next to his. These were much larger rooms than his, and two of the soldiers were happy to bunk in with him as Nathe had offered to pay for his room. Thais and Casperi shared the second room and the rest of the party split between the third and the fourth.

  Although the soldiers were uncomfortable with Dralans’ meditations, they had gotten used to them and were happy to leave him to his own routines.

  *****

  The darkened corridors were silent in Kogu Castle, stronghold of the Empire of Narthal. The eyes of a statue opened. The tall stone soldier took one shallow stone breath through his nose, and then another. He remained still, looking directly forward. Slowly, his eyes scanned the corridors. Empty.

  He now took a deeper breath through his mouth and let his stone arms and legs tense slightly. The material seemed to soften without changing color, nor texture. One more scan then he stepped out of the alcove, glancing
at his four stone companions, all seemingly empty solid stone carvings alike himself. He marched quietly down the corridor.

  After fifty paces, he stopped. The guard outside the door was sound asleep. He entered, closing the door behind him.

  “Emperor Koguryo of Narthal.”

  “Dralan, my boy. What have you to report?”

  “The mission goes well my Emperor. Your spies were correct in their analysis of the valley. The king is a fool and the young Prince Casperi seems our only obstacle to overcome.”

  “Have you removed him then?”

  “All in good time my Emperor. It was you who told me that in the midst of chaos lies the greatest opportunity. This time will come soon enough.”

  ******

  The band met for breakfast. Veer had been reserved but respectful and did not either try to sneak out during the night, nor seek any further information. Even with the rowdy crowd downstairs all the party slept soundly on their sleeping pallets after many rough nights without a bed since leaving Catheridge Castle.

  “How do you intend for us to travel my lord?” enquired Veer to Nathe. Although they had only known him for less than a day, it seemed that he was trustworthy enough to share more details.

  “Well, to be honest Veer. Considering where we are travelling, I was concerned as to our numbers, or lack thereof.”

  “It had crossed my mind too my lord. I imagine that you are now less than you started, if that is not too much of an assumption.”

  “You are correct in this observation Veer. Do you know much of these Ice Gols, and should we expect to encounter them on our journey?”

  “I have crossed into the lands of the Ice Gols on several occasions and they were far below where I expect we will find the Seer. They are ugly creatures, teeth sticking straight out, stomach wobbling like jellied vomit, strange lopsided faces hiding beneath impenetrable masses of bristly eyebrows. I imagine that we would encounter many in our travels.”

  “Well, then, I guess we will need a band of mercenaries to join our crew,” mused Nathe. Ten should do. At least four archers, and the rest handy swordsmen. Do you have any in mind, Veer?”

  “Well, I do know of some, and others that are not in town at present. I will make enquiries today.”

  “It would be wise if we conducted some sort of conversation, just so that we could see who we are getting before handing over the gold.”

  “I will discuss with the innkeeper if we can conduct interviews this evening before supper.”

  “That’s a good idea. That will give you plenty of time to spread the word and not enough time for them to get too wasted before we see them.”

  “And when shall we leave my lord?”

  “Two days’ hence. Once we know who our crew will be that will give us tomorrow to supply ourselves before we begin at first light of the next day. Besides, my party should be well rested by then.”

  “I will commence the search right away sire,” Veer suggested.

  “After breakfast, if this suits?” he added with a smile.

  “Of course, Veer.”

  The party chatted amongst themselves after Veer had left the table. Although the old man seemed quite eager to please them, it was decided that they would let the process play out to see how genuine he was in his devotion to them. Curran also noted that he had seemed to regain much of his strength overnight and didn’t come across as the frail man they had first met.

  ”So, what’s the call on looking at maps in the castle my lord?” quizzed Nathe.

  “Well, we have managed to remain undetected by them thus far,” replied Casperi. “What are your thoughts?”

  Thais, Denue and Dralan looked on. Although Casperi was by status the most senior of the party, he had relied on the thoughts and direction of Swordmaster Nathe and Denue, both with over ten years’ experience on him.

  “As we spoke about with your father, I think it best that we don’t get the House of Tharkomad involved unless we absolutely need to. Baron Brian is close friends with King Edward and he has already voiced his opinion on our little endeavor. Let’s fly under the radar for a while longer and maybe serve a visit to the Baron when we have the Seer at our disposal. Besides, I am still weary as to a kings’ spy on our trail, even if he is yet to show himself.”

  “Do you think that this Veer can lead us to the Seer then?” chimed in Thais.

  “Well, there’s gold to be made from this adventure, and he is, by his own admission, past his prime as a mercenary. I think no matter his intention, he has little to lose. It’s probably best if those more well-known of our party keep underground during the next few days. Curran and his scouts are visitors to these parts the most often and so their faces would be recognized along with yourselves my lord and princess.”

  “Good point, Nathe,” reflected Casperi. Thais looked displeased.

  “There will be plenty of time in the wonderful outdoors over the coming week’s sister. Probably best to enjoy some time with the practice of your studies whilst you can.”

  “Has the priest set you lessons?” laughed Denue.

  “Something of the sort,” grumbled Thais.

  *****

  Veer sat behind the table, inspecting each of the mercenaries as they approached. Having lived in these parts for a long time he knew most of men who would come, now that the word had spread of rich fortunes to those that would make up the band of hired thugs.

  Next to him sat Nathe with Casperi, Thais, Denue and Dralan sitting a few tables away across the room, perpendicular to the table, but still able to see both Veer and Nathe, and the approaching men. Casperi signaled if he wasn’t happy with a potential candidate, although with most prospects he allowed the interview committee to make the decision.

  The first to arrive was greeted with a smile and a standing handshake by Veer. This was the signal to indicate that the man was one of three of Veers’ old friends, and indicated that Veer wished this man to join the crew.

  The party considered the man and Nathe looked across to indicate that the man seemed okay and Casperi gave the finger wave that he agreed with Veer’s decision. After a short discussion, Veer shook the man’s hand with a smile and the man smiled back. The first of the mercenaries had been chosen.

  A procession of others approached with one in four men being instantly rejected even before sitting at the table. Through a variety of hand signals Veer and Nathe were able to negotiate seven other men to join the party.

  The man that had given Thais trouble the day before now approached the table. Veer considered him and looked across to his potential employers. Casperi indicated to let the man speak his mind.

  “My name is Gameard and I wish to join your crew in redemption for how I treated the lass yesterday,” he spoke shyly half to them and half to the ground. He glanced across the Thais.

  “And what do you bring us Gameard, more than a sturdy mouth?” enquired Nathe.

  “I firstly wish to apologize to the lass for my behavior was not appropriate, and offer my services in your employment that you may see me as a loyal and trustworthy servant.”

  “I recognize your name Gameard, and you come with high esteem,” added Veer.

  “I fear that my best days may be behind me. Maybe not so far gone as yours, but my reputation I know holds stronger than my strength. This campaign may well serve my future as I wish to leave my mark with reputation intact.”

  “A fine ideal Gameard but can you still be a leader of my men and a loyal servant to the lady that bested you?”

  “I entirely wish this my lord.”

  Nathe signaled for Thais to approach the table.

  Gameard bowed slightly, hand on chest. “My humble apologizes my lady,” he said looking towards her feet.

  “Gameard here wishes to join us my lady, but I feel that you should decide if he will. I’m sure he will agree that this is more than fair terms.”

  “I am at your command my lady,” offered Gameard with another bow.

  “No m
ore funny business then?” asked Thais with an unemotional look into his eyes.

  “I promise my lady.”

  “I’ll burn your balls if you do,” she added, turning to Veer. “Let him join us and show his true worth.”

  A few minutes later another man with big, heavy hands and proportionately thick wrists approached. He joined the table with more of a lumber than a step. His menacing stare did nothing to promote his case.

  “I hear you want some mercenaries,” he grumbled more than stated.

  “We need fit guys as we’re headed for the mountains.”

  “I can climb with the best of them,” he retorted.

  “And royal service?”

  “Nope. Don’t like royal goons.”

  “Who have you worked with and who can vouch for you?” calmly replied Veer, looking across to the main table.

  “Gameard over there knows me and I’ve worked the caravans for ten years,” he said, pointing across the room.

  “Can you handle working for a woman?”

  “Does she pay?” is all he asked.

  “If you do the job you’re employed to do,” replied Veer. “Be aware, the journey will be difficult, and you may not survive.”

  The big man looked at him, and then across the room, and back to Veer. “Well, I’ve been working the lines for ten years and I’m not dead yet.”

  “So, you’ve got no problem taking orders from a woman?” revisited Nathe.

  “Who is she?”

  Nathe signaled for Thais to come over. She looked at the beastly man for a few moments. He was indeed a big man. The type of frame whose shoulders barely fitted through most door frames, with a bison neck and hair that flowed like a horses’ mane.

  “Ma’am,” he said with a slightly bow.

  “What is your name mercenary?” she enquired.