Haven Keep (Book 1)

by R. David Bell

  “And nothing,” he added. “Nothing is wrong with what your father has done for me. I just want to eventually be able to stand on my own.” He hoped that was a good enough explanation. He wasn’t exactly being articulate, but it would have to do. He felt guilty, knowing moments before he wasn’t sure a blacksmith’s life would be enough. He was torn. He wanted revenge, but he wanted a life with Anora too. He couldn’t tell her everything yet. She would have to wait and, he hoped, somehow understand.

  “You lied to us,” Anora whispered.

  “What?”

  “We gave you a home. Treated you like family and you lied to us.”

  “Anora, what are you talking about?” Von didn’t understand where this was coming from, “I don’t...”

  “My father told me.” She stood up to leave.

  Von nearly panicked. What did Baiden tell her?

  “He said you would be leaving us.”

  “Leaving you?” Von felt relieved. There was no way Baiden knew the full truth, so no way Anora knew either. “Why would I do that?”

  “Your free aren’t you?” She raised her voice. “He said you would have things you would want to do. Things you would need to do.”

  Anora turned sideways to hide her face. Von took hold of her arm. She looked up at him, her eyes welling with tears. “Why could you not tell me? What else have you kept hidden?”

  “Kept hidden?” Von wondered, some of the panic returning. “I don’t understand.” Anora’s words stung, hit too close to home, but he dared not think his secret was known, at least not by Anora.

  “Father said you’ve had eighteen summers. He didn’t even say eighteen winters. As if you don’t belong here. Like you aren’t one of us.”

  “I’m sorry,” Von said. “I was afraid of the mines. Please understand.”

  “Is that all?” Anora asked. It was more of an accusation than a question.

  Von stared blankly at her. What was he to say? He was holding back. Could he tell her everything? No. Not yet. Maybe not ever. His hand dropped from her arm to her hand. The thrill holding her hand was marred by the accusing look.

  “I don’t know what you want to hear,” Von finally admitted.

  “You promised me less than a week ago you weren’t leaving. Now Father says otherwise. Tell me it isn’t true.”

  “I have no plans to leave,” Von assured her. It was true. He hadn’t made any plans. He hadn’t thought that far ahead, but he knew now the day would come. He just couldn’t bring himself to tell her.

  “But you are leaving, aren’t you?” Her accusing look turned to sadness.

  “Not now,” Von answered, “not yet. I’m trying to reconcile my old life with my new one and I don’t know how.”

  “Stay here,” Anora pleaded. “Stay with us.” Von wanted to hear her say stay with me.

  He could not lie to her. “There may come a time...”

  He caught her hand before it struck his cheek. What was wrong with her? She yanked her other hand out of his and began pounding his chest. She was sobbing. Von pulled her to him and let her cry.

  “I won’t leave you,” he promised. To his surprise she stood in his embrace. Von wished he could keep her, wished she could be his.

  Finally Anora dried her eyes. “Dance with me tomorrow night,” she said.

  “What?” Von asked.

  She pulled away and wiped her face dry with both hands. “There is a feast tomorrow night,” she was smiling again. “You would know about it if you came out into the world sometime.” Smoothing her dress she continued, “A letter arrived from the Halfen Clan. They have a new chief. Messengers will be here by morning with more details. Some sort of representatives coming to pledge their support to Father and respond to the gathering of chiefs.”

  “What happened to Cray?” Von wondered out loud.

  “They say he died in a drunken brawl. No surprise,” Anora sniffed, “Halfen.”

  Von thought she was going to spit.

  “It doesn’t matter, you will dance with me?” It sounded like a question, but Von knew it wasn’t.

  “I don’t know if that’s wise.” Von searched for a good excuse, even though he would love a chance to dance with Anora. “Not everyone knows yet.”

  “What, that you have been pretending to be a little boy?”

  She was teasing him again. It made Von feel more comfortable, that things were normal.

  “Everyone will know soon enough. You can’t hide in here forever.” She turned to leave, and this time Von let her go.

  Anora looked back over her shoulder. “Make sure you clean up before you come to dinner.” She winked at him, shut the door and left.

  Von shook his head, but couldn’t help grinning. Anora. He often thought of her. Lately he couldn’t get her out of his head. More than ever Von wanted to make a new life here. Could he forget about his home and what happened to his family? Was there any reason not to? What could he ever do to bring it back? All questions he really possessed no answers for. At least not answers he cared to dwell on.

  Von worked the bellows to reheat the forge, trying not to think about what he once was. He could become something new, something different. Start a third life as a free man of Azmark.

  He decided not to try and finish the dagger, since the pattern had been interrupted.

  That was it!

  If he could finish a blade without interruption, without breaking the momentum, the pattern would be finished, it would be complete.

  A small blade. He could finish a dagger if he worked through the night. It didn’t have to be complicated. A simple design, a simple pattern. If it worked... He almost dared not think about it.

  Von began preparations for his task. Using the tongs he placed the last of the third billet in the forge. His heart pumped with excitement. The strange alloy began to glow, pulse with the energy of life. He worked quickly, transferring his excitement into the weapon. The pattern was similar to the one employed to forge swords, only less complex, one he could work and repeat rapidly. The speed of his strikes transferred into the life of the blade. It spoke to him. Sang to him, the tones of a battle hymn. In and out of the fire and back to the anvil. He worked with a rhythm he dare not change or slow. Faster, faster. The knife blade answered, echoed the rhythm, the speed of the pattern. This was going to work. He knew it. Faster and faster he worked. Hammer stroke upon hammer stroke. He exerted all his energies, neared exhaustion. He fought through the pain, fought through the fatigue. The dagger neared completion. His whole body began to resonate with the rhythm of the pattern. A pattern he was creating. It gave him renewed energy. Faster, faster. He could feel the synergy, feel the culmination of every fold, every blow. He was almost there. One last hammer strike.

  His strength left him. He sank to the floor in exhaustion. The pattern vanished, but the blade was done, finished. An elegant weapon nearly two hands long. It glowed hot and red, and though the pattern was gone, no, not gone, complete, the life he poured into the blade remained. He could feel it there, an unseen force resonating with the glow of the heated metal.

  He plunged the knife into the barrel. It hissed, cooled rapidly, the glow of the dagger gone in an instant, the life remaining.

  Von twirled the weapon through his fingers. The knife moved effortlessly. It danced with a will of its own. No, his will. The will he forged into it. The excitement, the speed he poured into his discipline was alive in the dagger.

  “Yes,” Von announced in triumph. “Finally.”

  He could wrap the hilt in leather later. It must be near dawn by now. He needed a bath and some sleep.

  “I better get going,” he told himself. “There’s a banquet tonight, and someone is waiting for me.”

  Von stepped into the kitchen. He was washed, shaved and wore his best coat and breeches. Redd was there as usual. Dell was returning through the door to the Great Hall.

  “Von, me boy,” chimed Redd, “No need fer ya t’ be usin’ the back way no more.”


  Von’s surprise must have shown on his face.

  “Oh, ev’ry one knows. Can’t keep somtin’ like that secret.” His usual smile was in place. “Most be happy fer ya. Least anybody has any sense.” He gave Von a slap on the back. “Wasn’t right what happened t’ ya as a boy, now Lord Baiden’s done made it right.” He gave Von a shove towards the Great Hall. “Ya truly be one of us now. Now go enjoy yerself.”

  Redd pushed Von through the swinging door. No one seemed to notice him enter. Music filled the Hall. Some people danced. Laughing and twirling to the lute and pipe music. At the head table sat Baiden, his wife, his councilors and Anora. Von’s gaze rested on her a moment.

  There were five other men at the table Von didn’t recognize. The one at the end was the largest man Von had ever seen. They were all large gruff looking men. Must be the messengers from the Halfen. Von tried to hide in a corner by himself. He searched for an empty table, somewhere he could sit alone.

  A hand on Von’s shoulder drew his attention from his search of the Hall. It was Roren. “Come take your place with us,” he said. “We were wondering when you would finally make an appearance.”

  Von couldn’t sit with the guests at the head table. It wouldn’t look right. If Baiden was trying to gain some influence with the Halfen, this wasn’t the way to do it.

  “Come Von,” Roren insisted. “Your food is going to get cold.”

  Von followed Roren to the head table. Roren took his seat with the other councilors. The only seat left was Kaiden’s empty chair, between Alensa and Anora. Von wasn’t about to sit there.

  Baiden’s face widened into a grin. “Von,” he said, “sit, sit.” He gestured towards the open seat.

  Von hesitated.

  Alensa spoke, “Go on, Von. It is past time that you took your seat with us.”

  Von was glad she didn’t speak loud enough for the whole room to hear. The Halfen heard though and their disapproval showed on their faces. They hid it quickly and Von wasn’t sure if anyone but himself noticed. Von saw no escape. He sat down between the two women. He could feel his face turning red. Anora gave him a sideways look and smiled. Alensa was smiling too, but concern showed through. She never could hide her emotions well. She must be worrying about Kaiden. He would be home within the next day or two. Von noticed looks from the other tables as well. He tried to ignore them.

  One of the Halfen spoke. “Is this your orphan boy?” He made no attempt to hide his contempt nor his rotten teeth. Alensa stiffened.

  “Slave boy is what I heard,” another said. He appeared he could be the brother of the first.

  “Watch your mouths in the presence of our host and lord,” snapped the huge man at the end of the table.

  He turned towards Baiden. “I apologize for my crude companions. They don’t often have cause to be in the company of more civilized men.” He shot warning looks at the other two. The pair glared back at him, but made no response.

  “No offense has been given,” responded Baiden. He remained calm through the whole exchange. “This is Von. He is a blacksmith. Highly skilled, and a near master.”

  “Quite an accomplishment for one so young,” a fourth man said with a disbelieving tone. His hair was dark, nearly black.

  “If you will forgive us again, young Von,” the large man said, giving the dark haired man the same glare he gave the other two. “We have not yet introduced ourselves. We are Halfen. I’m sure you have heard the sad news we have brought.” Not waiting for an acknowledgment, he went on. “I am Jubben.” He gestured to the men sitting with him. “This is Dennen and Drake. They are brothers if you could not tell.” Jubben’s eyes never left Von. “And the other two are Greggor and Vlennen.” He leaned forward. His size made it appear he’d stood up and leered. “You must have an interesting story young Von. If you do not mind, I would like to hear it.”

  “There isn’t much to tell,” Von began.

  “Von needed rescuing, and we rescued him.” Baiden interrupted. “He has proved his worth time and again and now has taken a place in our society.”

  “I see,” Jubben replied. He did not look satisfied. “No matter, we have other issues to discuss. As you probably know, Ky has been chosen to lead the Halfen.”

  The corner of Baiden’s mouth twitched, but that was all the reaction he showed.

  Jubben went on. “Of course it still needs to meet with the others chiefs approval, and your own.” Jubben looked sideways at Von as if he was saying too much for ears that should not be listening.

  “That approval is really just a formality,” Baiden answered. “It is tradition, and old tradition, but still, just a formality.”

  Von knew nothing of this Ky fellow, but he would bet his freedom that Baiden was not pleased with this turn of events.

  “If your clan has made its choice,” Baiden said, “Ky can be confirmed at the gathering of chiefs. It is less than a month from now.”

  “It is our choice,” Drake hissed, “and no one else’s.” He looked poised to do murder or worse. “He will take his rightful place with the chiefs.” Von thought Drake felt Ky’s rightful place was at the head of those chiefs, more than just an equal.

  Baiden’s eyes narrowed, but Jubben spoke first. “Is that not what Lord Baiden has just said?” He emphasized the title. “Do not forget yourself and where you are.”

  Von knew Baiden to be a patient man, but not one to be trifled with, nor pushed too far. He was a gentle and kind master, but that kindness went only so far. If these men thought Baiden weak they were fools. If Drake wanted to offend Baiden he wasn’t far from it. A fool made enemies needlessly. Only a big fool made an enemy of Baiden.

  “Of course Ky will be welcomed to his rightful place.” Baiden made it clear with his tone where he thought that rightful place was. “Enough of this. We can speak more of it later, in private.” Baiden’s face did not changed, but his eyes were darker, more alert. “For now let us enjoy this meal, and the music.” He motioned to the musicians in the corner. “Play something lively. Something befitting the celebration of our friends arrival.” Somehow the use of the word “friends” sounded sincere.

  The musicians struck up a merry tune, reminding Von of a dance he’d seen at court years before. He shook his head. Every time he tried to forget his old life, resign himself to a new one, he would find himself thinking of his old home. Reminders seemed to be everywhere these days. He didn’t want to think of that now, his old life was gone, never to come back. Anora was right, he could call this home, if he truly wanted. He felt a sense of belonging, and at the moment there was nowhere else to go. He was learning to call this home. And then there was Anora.

  Von realized Alensa was speaking softly to him.

  “Why don’t you dance with Anora?”

  Von’s face went white. Had she read his thoughts? No, if she had she certainly would not have asked him to dance with her daughter. She certainly would not approve.

  Von looked to Baiden. The man actually wore an approving look. Had everyone gone mad in the last week? Before Von knew it Baiden was pushing him out of his seat. With a little coaxing from her mother Anora rose as well. She actually looked excited. He hadn’t danced in nearly a decade and then it was as a child. There must be a way out of this. If there was he didn’t find it.

  Before Von knew what was happening Anora’s hand was in his and they were on the floor. She moved gracefully, gliding along with the music. He picked the steps up but moved clumsily compared to her. She radiated beauty. Von’s mouth went dry. She must have noticed, the light in her eyes turned mischievous and her smile became taunting. She danced closer to him. Von’s face felt hot. He must be as red as a frost onion. He hoped too many eyes were not watching.

  Others joined the dance, something Von was grateful for. He and Anora glided around them, stepping with the music. She moved easily, was light on her feet, more graceful than Von would have believed.

  “When are you going to move into the Hall?” Those emerald eyes gazed up at h
im questioningly. “Soon I hope.” She spun and twirled, her golden hair swaying. “I could show you your room,” she laughed. “It is ready when you are.” Her smile broadened and her eyebrows raised. “Many things will be ready for you when you decide you are ready for them. That’s not just my father speaking.”

  Von missed a step. She could not mean what he thought she did, what he hoped she did. He wanted to please her, but dare not hope for more. He was what life had given him and not what life had taken from him. No more than that, and he possessed nothing to offer her. He was reconciled to that fact now, only he knew it was a lie. A lie he kept telling himself. She deserved more, deserved better. Von wished he believed that lie too.

  The dance came to an end. Von wished it could go on forever, but at the same time was glad it was over. He glanced around the Hall, saw the faces staring at them. Some smiled approvingly, others looked aghast, especially Berkler. Von didn’t care if Anora wanted to continue dancing. He led her off the floor as quickly as he could.

  “I could move my things in here tonight,” Von said with a rush. He didn’t want to move. He still felt uncomfortable, but he did want to please her.

  “Good,” she smiled at him. “I can show you which room is yours.”

  They walked arm in arm, he was no longer leading her.

  Von noticed Baiden, his councilors and the Halfen were no longer at the table. Alensa was still there, the worry over the Halfen gone from her face, replaced by a pleased expression. A look for her daughter, and for him. Did she not realize that the daughter of a lord did not belong with a former slave? Maybe they did know the full truth. No, that was impossible.

  Suppressing a grimace, Von let Anora lead him up the stairs. She was heading towards the apartments where the lord’s family dwelt. This could not be right. These were the largest and the most luxurious in the Great Hall. Not that anything in the Hall was luxurious, at least not as luxurious the old empire. Von was surprised when she stopped.