Legend of Fire and Ice

by Xaiver Morden

“It’s a trap!” the guards shouted.

  In the exact same moment, arrows approaching from the deep of the forest on their right. Most of them hit. Cries, and rattles could be heard and the injured guards surrounded the wagons.

  “Quickly, to the wagons! Shields up, protect each other tightly! Archers, fire back!” Corwen shouted as loud as he could, to arrange his panicking men back to order.

  Men dressed in dark leather armor attacked from both sides, using curved blades, moving quickly and quietly. They were not ordinary bandits. This was a planned action. The guards attacked back the approaching enemy.

  Sitting on his horse, Corwen took his skillfully hammered, perfectly balanced, Terwaldian steel swords out from the case on his back. Looking straight into the eye of the enemy, he began to fight. The attackers fought well. Blades were clashing. He managed to injure one of them and knock over another, together with his horse. Suddenly two arrows hit his back in a row and he felt incredible pain in his body. The segmented armour took up the arrows, but they pierced through the steel plates an inch into his flesh.

  He turned back his horse and attacked the enemy with the rage of a bear. He cut down one’s hand and slashed the throat of another. His sword was impossible to follow and the enemy tried to escape from the mortal hits of the captain. He felt the medallion on his neck becoming warmer, which meant that the attackers used poison. They must be assassins, maybe from the Night Blades clan, who had been spoken about for years now. The bastards want to make sure. They knew that we are coming this way and they prepared for it. This is a deathtrap.

  Suddenly, they shot arrows again, toward the wildly fighting man. One hit the bottom of the horse, one pierced the armor on his leg, and the others missed aim. His horse stood on two feet, throwing him off. Corwen fell on his side, falling and rolling on the downhill, ground between the trees. One of the larger beech trees stopped him, as he hit his head in it. His steel helmet protected him from a mortal injury, but he immediately lost consciousness from the hit.

  *****

  A young girl was walking around the streets of Terran, in the noon sun. She was not even seventeen, but already a skillful thief. She went town by town, always on the run. She never stayed at one place for more than a few weeks, to escape her chasers. She did not know why she was followed, but suspected it was for an important reason that the members of the religious cult were after her. Her hood covered her face as she was wandering the alleys, to get some money from the unsuspecting pedestrians.

  She slipped her small, but dexterous hands under the coats and capes unnoticed. She know quite a few tricks how to divert attention, then she quickly disappeared in the hiding of the alleys, before she aroused suspicion.

  I am doing quite all right with this day. I have money to eat and I can pay for a room in the tavern, she thought.

  She ran into three drunk men on a corner, so she turned around and walked the other way, headed into a dead end. She had to face the approaching men, stinking of booze.

  “Well, well! What do we have here?” one of them asked, clenching a wine bottle in one hand.

  They stepped closer to the tiny girl, to have a better look at her.

  “Ah, a young, little girl waiting to be embraced,” another toothless bum was laughing.

  “Let me go or you will regret it!” the girl warned them with a fine voice, but still with confidence.

  “And how will we regret it? We only want a little piece of you. It will be good for you too, you won’t complain!” the third, biggest one stepped closer.

  “Don’t you dare touch me!” the girl hissed angrily and whipped out a little crossbow from her cloak, pointing it on the big man.

  “Slow down, beautiful!” he surrendered with surprise on his face, backing cautiously.

  The one with the wine, threw the empty bottle toward the girl, who evaded it quickly. The big one was on guard and using the gained time, threw himself on the tiny girl. He pushed her onto the ground and seized the crossbow.

  “Now you’ll get what you deserve, you little whore! You pointed a crossbow at us, so you might not enjoy what’s coming next!”

  He grabbed her legs and started to undress her, with the help of his fellows.

  “No! Leave me alone! Enough!” the girl screamed, but could not escape the squeeze of the man.

  Suddenly, her almond-shaped ocean blue eyes, turned bloody red and unearthly sounds left her small lips.

  “Naas gaas zogul! Imyor el rangar!” the girl shouted in a deep, unearthly voice.

  Blood started to pour out from the eyes and ears of the men. They screamed of pain and writhed on the ground. The surprised girl suddenly, became conscious again. Her eyes turned back to blue and she could not remember the past few seconds. She stood up quickly, got her pants back and ran away with her crossbow, leaving the men on the ground behind. It was not the first time she lost control when her life was in danger like now. After losing consciousness, danger usually goes away. She felt like she had to share her body with someone, even when she was a kid, but she got used to it and the feeling was not so disturbing anymore.

  She headed towards the Pilgrim Inn. She had enough of the thievery for the day and she felt hungry after so much excitement. Her senses told her, she would soon have to leave this city too.

  Chapter Two

  Crows had already appeared on the forest road, seeing the dozens of dead bodies lying on the ground. They flew closer, driven by their curiosity and hunger to examine the territory. Suddenly, they all went up as they heard a noise, when a body thought to be dead, got up from the ground.

  He opened his eyes slowly, his whole body struck with pain. He hit his head hard after the fall, a big hump appearing on it. His steel helmet was battered, but it also saved his life. The arrows with black feathers were still stuck in his back and leg.

  That was a close call. These assassins almost done me right. I wouldn't have my poison resistant amulet. I would be dead for sure. I need to get myself together and head back to the town, he decided.

  He stood up slowly, got his blades and limped back to the road, where the caravan stood. The sight was painful. Dead bodies, blood-covered guards, servants of the merchant and dead horses were lying everywhere. The assassins must have taken their own dead, because he could not see any of them. Next to a wagon, he found Galdara the old dwarf. He was tortured, his nails ripped off, one of his eyes gouged out and his throat cut open when they found what they were looking for. He sank on one knee and covered the dead body of the merchant with a cloak.

  “I am so sorry I could not protect you my good sir! This raid was well planned and they left us no chance. I swear to my life, I will revenge your death and the death of my men. I will find out who did this and why we were attacked!” he shouted furiously, clenching his fist.

  He remembered the words of the dwarf.

  “If anything happens to me, please read this letter,” he quickly got the writing out of his pocket, broke the seal and began to read.

  Captain Venuri del Corwen,

  If you are reading this letter, I am probably dead. Pay attention please, because the following few lines, can determine human lives and the faith of whole countries. The reason I was so secretive is to protect this secret from the outside world, but I am still afraid the enemy is after us. The map I recently acquired is from the time of the demon wars, several thousand years ago. According to my current knowledge, it might lead us to the hiding of an ancient relic, which if acquired by the wrong hands, can cause unspeakable events. It must be taken to the dwarves or to the Dukedoms so the great scholars can find out its history, which indicates the hiding place at the grand bogs. There is also an ancient, unknown script on it that has to be encoded. Good luck to you my friend. Wherever faith takes you.

  Regards: Jahren Galdara,

  So that is why we were attacked, they came for the map! Now he finally understood the events of the past few hours. I definitely have to get the stolen map back. I could never live with knowi
ng that I did not try, he made the decision.

  The captain already heard about the clan of the Night Blades, who he suspected with the attack, but never actually met them. They were feared around Algaron, but only a few could speak about, surviving their attack and Corwen was one of them now. They became notorious in the past few years around the whole continent. They took care of the most hideous and awful missions.

  He walked to one of the wagons with the supplies, still feeling dizzy from the loss of blood and the concussion. He got a shirt out of the box, ripped it and looked for some strong alcohol. He found a few bottles of Southern-Varran firewater. He had a few big sips of it to ease the pain.

  He got out the arrows one by one and disinfected the wounds with the alcohol, bandaging it as tight as possible. The attackers did not take much, only the easily transportable goods and some money. Several of the boxes were robbed and their content was thrown to the ground. The captain packed the valuables, the tiny sculptures, the crafted golden bowls and glasses, the fine weaponry in a case.

  He looked around, searching for his horse Smokey, who was his companion for a long time. He whistled for him and after a while, he heard a familiar squealing sound, as the slightly nervous black horse appeared from the woods. Corwen calmed the ebony-eyed animal and carefully took out the arrow from the horse’s bottom. He fixed the box onto his back and got on the horse, starting to walk back on the road towards Terran.

  He rode slowly, his wounds were throbbing terribly and he bled through the rags. He stood no chance against the assassins alone, so he needed an experienced team to follow them and fulfill his revenge. The journey was long and the sun was down as he arrived back in town. They were just about to close the gate. The guards recognized the man immediately.

  “Captain Corwen? What happened to you?” they asked with astonishment.

  “We were attacked by assassins. It might have been the Night Blades. I’m the only survivor, everyone else was killed from the caravan!” he replied on a haggard voice.

  “The Night Blades murdered not far from the city?” they looked at each other wonderingly.

  “Yes, could you let me in? As you can see, I’m not in a very good shape!” the captain lost his temper.

  “Of course you can enter, sir! We will send out a troop to examine the scene and report to the town lord.” They stood out of the way, quietly discussing the troubling news.

  He led Smokey towards the Pilgrim Inn, so he could rest his aching, tired body. Light and noise came out of the inn’s windows. He rode to the yard, towards the barn that he had left behind not so long ago. One of the grooms rushed to him immediately.

  “Take good care of my horse, boy! His bottom is injured, make sure he gets a good treatment!” he commanded the boy.

  He put a few copper coins into the boy’s hand who took the money happily. He even helped to get off the box from the animal’s back, hiding all the valuables. Corwen, with the crafted box on his shoulder, entered the dining hall of the inn.

  A lot of guests were having dinner at the round oak tables. The grand hall was lit with the chandeliers around the wall. The dancing light of the candles put the captain in a spotlight. The limping fighter went straight to the bar on the right of the entrance. Dozens of people were sitting around there. They were drinking, playing cards, telling old stories. A bard was singing a jolly song in the corner with his tambourine. Elves, humans, dwarves and orcs. All kinds of creatures could be found here.

  Red Beard, the innkeeper dwarf recognized the Corwen from a distance. He got his nickname form his chest-long rusty beard that had the same color as his skimpy hair.

  “What happened to you my good sir?” he asked looking worried, as he raised his bushy eyebrows.

  “Everyone is dead, Red Beard!” the captain sighed.

  “We were attacked by the Night Blades clan not far from here. They killed everybody at the fight. I am lucky to be here. I got three arrow shots.”

  “This is terrible!” he hit the bar angrily. “How could this happen here in the Dukedom, so close to our town?”

  “I don’t know innkeeper, but I will find out. I swore over the dead body of Galdara!” he looked very determined.

  “The merchant was my friend too. He always came in when he had business around here. This is not the faith he deserved. How can I help?” he leaned closer, bending his brows.

  “First, find me a priest or healer who can take care of my wounds. I need a room and a hot bath. Second, spread the word in the city that I’m looking for adventurers with knowledge of weaponry and magic for a dangerous mission and for a great price. I also need a tracker.”

  “You are my guest for tonight, Sir Corwen,” he gave him a glass of red wine over the counter.

  “Drink this now. You are in need of it,” he clasped his shoulder warmly.

  He did not have to ask him twice, the wine pouring down his throat filled his broken body with pleasant warmth.

  “Room seventeen is yours. Here is the key. It is on the first floor on the right of the stairs. I will soon take care of that hot bath and will find a healer too. Your message will be received around the town. I promise! Make yourself comfortable until then.” He calmed the captain down.

  “Thank you, Red Beard, in the name of Galdara too!” Corwen shook the dwarf’s hand.

  “That’s the least I can do my friend. I will pray for the dead too.” He shook the captain’s hand firmly.

  Corwen said goodbye to the helpful innkeeper and limped up on the stairs with his box. Curious eyes followed him, but he did not care about them. He arrived at the first floor, searched for his door, and entered the room.

  It was a rather spacious room, with a couch a cupboard and a small desk with a candle on it. There was a big bathing barrel in one corner, with a tiny window facing the street behind it. It was perfectly fit for average demands.

  He put down his equipment, put the box in the cupboard, and laid down on the bed. Soon, servants came and poured hot water into the barrel. After they left, he locked the door, undressed and climbed into the hot water. His wounds were burning, but at least he could wash off this day and that made him feel better. He almost fell asleep in the cooling water, when someone knocked on the door. A sweet female voice was speaking on the other side.

  “Excuse me. Are you captain Venuri del Corwen sir? I am the healer. Red Beard sent me.”

  “Yes it is me. Just a second!” he replied, a bit confused.

  He quickly climbed out of the water, dried himself and got on pants. Then, he opened the door.

  There was a snow white skinned, ginger-red haired beauty waiting there. She was about his age. She wore a white lace tunic, running down to her knees. It was tighter around her waist and the neckline went a bit deep on her round breasts. She wore a medallion on her neck, with a hand holding a burning sun on it. Her curly hair was long and she wore it with a golden headband. Her lips were crimson.

  She examined the half-naked man and his lean muscles with her poison-green, beautiful eyes. The captain believed she was from the North. She wore a sack on her shoulder. She smelt like roses as she leaned forward to greet the man.

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Tyrind Larianna, the healer. I heard you needed help.”

  “Nice to meet you. Please come in. I was waiting for your arrival.”

  What an attractive girl. If I wasn’t in such bad shape, I would have her right here right now, the nasty thoughts ran through his head.

  The healer was able to estimate his state of health in seconds.

  “Your injuries are bad. Please lie on the bed and trust me.”

  Her eyes quickly ran along the muscled and scarred body of the captain. The woman, who was always hungry for lovemaking, really liked the view.

  She examined the wound with her fine hands and softly pushed them.

  “You are lucky! The arrows did not hit any vital organs. They don’t even have to be sewn.”

  “I see you are an expert. If you could identify the
weapon right away,” the captain complimented the girl.

  “Well, I’ve been a healer for more than a decade now. I’ve seen a lot. The wounds are quite clear, but I will clean them anyway. I brought an ointment made of special herbs. I will put that on you to help the healing. And drink from my gourd, this will strengthen your body’s resistance,” she explained.

  The captain drank up the potion, that tasted like a strong mixture of spices. It burnt his throat like fine schnapps, but the unpleasant sentiment disappeared soon.

  “Damn girl. It burns!” the captain coughed.

  “I bet it does, my own recipe,” Larianna laughed.

  She cleaned and softly creamed the wounds with her pale grass green ointment. She bandaged them with clean lint and started murmuring. Corwen had a cool sentiment around the wounds and he suddenly felt much better.

  “Wow. It’s like the pain is gone in a heartbeat. You are an exceptional healer,” he said with a happy smile.

  The girl smiled and her alluring eyes searched for the captain’s eyes. She had some impish thoughts in her head. I need to have this man, even if only for a night, she decided.

  “Thanks for the compliment. My clients are usually satisfied with the service. But it’s not only healing I’m skillful at,” she caressed Corwen chest, trying to suggest something delicately.

  “If you want some more tenderness, my door is always open. I live at room twenty-five now,” she offered her hand to the confused man.

  “And now I need two silver coins in exchange for my service,” she lightly leaned her head on the side, raising one eyebrow cheekily.

  “Here is your money,” he handed her the silver coins.

  “I will remember your room number, and I will come to you,” Corwen cleared his throat.

  “Fine. Good night captain Corwen. Get better soon,” she turned her back to the man and walked out on the door, as the captain was following her dainty steps with his eyes.

  “Good night to you too, Larianna,” he said as the girl was leaving.

  He closed the door and sighed.

  “For the love of Hectenos. What a beast. It’s been long since I met a fierce woman like this!” He scratched his groin.