Haven Keep (Book 1)

by R. David Bell

  Mo returned almost as quickly as he’d left. He started toward Von then stopped, slowly turned and walked toward the head table. Von looked over to where Mo was heading. Baiden had motioned Mo up there. A kitchen boy wouldn’t dare go against a subtle hint from the lord of Azmark, it was as much as a command. From the look on Mo’s face he’d been given more than a subtle hint. If Von wanted to eat there was no choice but to eat with Baiden. And Anora.

  Von made his way up to the front, keeping his head down hoping to be as inconspicuous as possible. He felt there were eyes drilling holes in his back. Von passed Berkler. Berkler stood from his table where he’d been eating alone. Von understood why no one was sitting with him. Berkler left his breakfast unfinished and made no attempt to hide his disgust as he made his exit. Von would need to be wary of him, now more than ever. Not a man Von thought could be trusted.

  Von looked up from where his eyes had been studying his feet. It was obvious he couldn’t hide where he was going just by hiding his eyes. Mo placed Von’s plate where Kaiden normally sat, right between Baiden and Anora. Exactly where he didn’t want to be at the moment. Only he found himself happy to be near Anora despite how uncomfortable she made him.

  Von greeted both Baiden and Anora in the same polite way. “My lord, my lady.” He nodded to each of them and he took his seat.

  “I guess old habits die hard,” Baiden said with a smile.

  “I guess they do,” Von answered in a tone that was not exactly respectful. Von surprised himself with what he said next. “For now I will play along.”

  Anora face was a mixture of surprise and puzzlement.

  Baiden smiled and made a sound Von could only describe as a sigh rolled up into a giggle.

  “I’m glad my father is amused,” Anora chided.

  Von turned to her. He was no longer obligated to do as Baiden said. In fact quite the opposite was true. Of course Anora had no way of knowing. A fact Von was grateful, as well as responsible for. She’d already accused him of lying to her before. How would she react to the truth when she learned it now? Something to be dealt with later, for now he would enjoy his breakfast with two of his favorite people. Well, enjoy it as much as possible with all those eyes staring at him.

  The smell of food in front of Von reminded him of how hungry he was. Mutton and barley, with smoked cheese and eggs. He dove into his meal, not knowing what else to say. Something witty maybe. What was he thinking? He couldn’t flirt with Anora while her father sat right next to him. Von wondered what Baiden would think if he knew what he thought about Anora. Baiden was no fool. Von was sure he already knew.

  A closer look at Anora’s dress revealed that it was not black at all. It was a deep dark green, the same green as the cloak Anora made for him. She made the dress look gorgeous. He couldn’t believe she’d actually made them matching outfits. He raised his eyes a bit at the realization.

  Von knew she noticed his inadvertent reaction when she flashed him a knowing smile. Von was beginning to think this girl, who just days before was out of his reach, could actually be his. She would be. He made the decision. She would be.

  Baiden and Anora had long since finished their breakfast. They sat in silence watching him eat. It was not uncomfortable, at least not as uncomfortable as the walk up here. Von would never be uncomfortable in Anora’s presence, not anymore, not now, after he made up his mind about her. Maybe that was what was causing all the problems, he just needed to make up his mind about her. His hand went to his pocket where he kept the golden braid of her hair. He’d kept it there since she’d given it to him. He would always keep it with him.

  Von washed his meal down with the glass of goats milk. “I have much to do today,” he announced. “If you will excuse me.” He really wanted to say more to her, but did not know how or what to say.

  “We will,” Anora answered. She smiled at Von. “Don’t go hiding anywhere. We would still like to see you more often than just at meal times.”

  Baiden’s smile matched his daughter’s. Von could not escape it, not that he wanted to, at least not from Anora. Baiden’s expressions he could do without.

  “Remember where your place is now.” Baiden counseled. “We will soon be entertaining visitors from the other clans, at least as soon as the meeting at Stone Abbey is concluded. Some may remember you. You are no longer a servant. It is important that you don’t act like one.”

  Anora seemed satisfied with her father’s words, though Von knew there was more meaning to them than Anora realized. Von knew what Baiden was trying to say, at least Von thought he knew. If he continued to act the servant he would continue to be thought of as a servant. No one would ever truly follow him if they did not first respect him. Von hoped Baiden meant other clan members would remember Von was once a servant, not that they would know who he truly was. Von recalled Jubben had know, or at least suspected. It took Von a while to realize, but now it was painfully obvious. If Baiden had always known, and Roren and Jordy for that matter, who else knew? Who else suspected?

  Von rose to leave. “My lord, my lady.”

  “Stop calling me that, VON.” Anora emphasized his name.

  It was Von’s turn to smile. Maybe a little flirting in front of Baiden wouldn’t be too bad. “I’m sorry,” he said, grabbed her hand, gave it a kiss and bowed to her. “My lady Anora.”

  She tried to look angry as she glared at him. She failed miserably.

  Baiden burst into laughter. “I will speak with you later,” he said.

  Von turned and nodded. “Of course,” he said as politely as possible and turned to go.

  “I will too,” Anora called after him, “and you’re not going to like it.”

  She could not see the smile on his face as he left the Hall. Despite what Anora said, Von knew he would enjoy their conversation. There is no way he wouldn’t.

  Von left through the main entrance. He didn’t want to see Dell and Reece and there was a good chance they were still in the kitchen. Making adjustments to the way things had changed was hard enough without the teasing from his friends. He still considered them his friends and hoped they would remain so, only Von wasn’t sure how to keep the same relationship. Still, Von couldn’t help feeling sorry for them. They were bond servants and he was not. Maybe eventually Von could buy the freedom of all his friends. He could trust them. They of all people would be loyal to him. Von would need loyal friends soon, as many as he could get.

  The short walk through the courtyard brought Von to Baiden’s forge. It was as he’d left it. He hadn’t bothered to put anything away, which was unlike him. This place hadn’t been such a mess since, well,... Von couldn’t remember ever seeing it like this. He would spend the day cleaning the shop and readying for tomorrow. Everything needed to be prepared to exactness. There was no room for mistakes. The shop must be set up perfectly and he wanted to finish early to ensure an adequate rest tonight. That meant no dillydallying. He would even ask Corren to bless his dreams. Today was a day of preparation. Preparation of the shop and preparation of his mind and body.

  The morning wore on and afternoon approached. Von found himself loosening his shirt as he labored.

  The last billet of the strange alloy sat on the shelf. There was just enough left for what he had in mind. More than ever, he could feel the spark of life in it. Now he knew what to look for, knew how it felt, he could easily recognize the metal’s potential. He marveled at the simplicity of it. Now he knew its secret, he wondered how it was ever lost. He was sure he’d rediscovered one of the great treasures of the north. There must be a way to produce more.

  That was a task for another time. One that may prove even more difficult to solve, but he was determined he would. Those thoughts added to his excitement. It was all he could do to keep from starting his project now. He knew he must be patient, continue his preparations.

  The forge fire was still burning, and his work warmed him sufficiently enough he began to break a sweat. Despite the coldness outside, the forge always
stayed warm. Von couldn’t help but feel sorry for his friends who watched the flocks and herds. It must be freezing this time of year, especially tending the reindeer herds in the higher elevations. Surely they would have come down to the lower meadow pastures by now, especially with the early snows. Von shivered just thinking about it.

  Von’s work was interrupted by a knock at the door. He turned to see Baiden standing in the doorway.

  “I thought I might find you here,” he said. “There is something we must speak of.”

  Von stopped his work. “There is no need for you to knock, this is still your forge.”

  “A man does not walk in on his lord,” Baiden answered. He seemed the dutiful servant speaking to his master. “It is best if you learn that soon, the sooner the better.”

  Baiden was back to his old self in an instant. He supposed Baiden couldn’t change over night. Von didn’t expect him to, nor did he want him to. He did not feel ready to lead anything at the moment. As far as Von was concerned, the longer Baiden stayed the way he’d always been, confident and in control, the better.

  “What do you need?” Von wondered.

  “The meeting of the clan chiefs is beginning to gather at Stone Abbey. For some reason it has begun earlier than originally planned. I must arrive early to counter any plans the Halfen may have already put into place. We have the support of most of the clans, at least I believe we still do. Some may waver, and we cannot afford that. We must have a unified north.”

  “Do you wish me to go with you?”

  “No,” Baiden answered, waving his hand dismissively. “You must stay here.” He looked tired. Sounded tired too. “Kaiden will be returning soon. If he is not back before I leave, you must go with him to Haven Keep.”

  Baiden paused, long enough for Von to interrupt. “I don’t understand your plan. My services would be of better use here. You will need every sword available to you.”

  “I do not doubt your courage, nor your ability to fight. You’ve proven yourself more than capable. You surprised me in fact. I did not realize you were so,... deadly.” He sounded like a proud father.

  Von felt a pang of guilt. He knew both Baiden and he would be dead now if it were not for his dagger. It was charmed in some way. Von knew that, and he was sure it was the lost art of the ancients newly discovered. He would keep it a secret from Baiden for now, but he did not like doing it, nor taking credit for something he couldn’t have done without his new weapon.

  Baiden continued. “You are trained in the art of a blacksmith. Better so than I have been. Better than Kaiden also. It is a tradition in the north that the Keeper be trained as a blacksmith. Most do not know why. Maybe the clerics remember, or learn something of it in their dreams. I do not fully understand, but there are clues to why this is that are only found in Haven Keep. I have an idea, but, as I told you before, I think that you will know better.”

  Von stared at Baiden. He didn’t know what to say. He remembered stories of Haven Keep from his childhood. It was a fortress in the Iron Mountains, long ago abandoned. Once the home of the kings of the north, the Dragon Lords and their followers. A place of fables, a place of magic and legends. No one really knew for sure why it had been abandoned only that it was abandoned many, many years ago. Maybe as far back as the beginning of the empire. Some said the winters became too harsh and men eventually left the frozen mountains for survival. Others said the mountains had become infested with beasts. It was now a haunt for dragons and worse. That was almost laughable. Von thought the more years that passed the more fantastic the stories had become. Despite all the stories, tradition still sent the Keeper of the North to Haven Keep. It was a of right of passage. There were stories of men who traveled there and never came back. Von could think of no one who personally knew of such a man. They were stories, just stories.

  “I do not need to learn how to be Keeper, Baiden, besides you are a better Keeper than I could ever be.” Von was not sure if Baiden should be left to deal with the Halfen on his own. He wanted to be here to help if he was needed. Von laughed, “If I am the lord here, why do I find myself still listening to and obeying your orders?”

  Baiden laughed too. It was good to see him laugh. There had been too much sorrow here in Azmark as of late. Von feared there would be much more.

  “I am sorry,” Baiden said. The amazing thing was he actually sounded sorry. He looked down at the floor sheepishly as if he’d been caught stealing pies from a window sill. “It is just that I am worried, no terrified of the Black Horde. They will destroy the north if we are not united.”

  “That is why I should stay here. I will help you fight the Halfen and secure the forces of the north to repel the Horde.”

  “I can handle the Halfen myself,” said Baiden. “They no longer have the element of surprise. What we need is a way to fight the Horde. Elrec possessed a sword he used to defeat the Black Horde over a thousand years ago. I believe it is no longer in Haven Keep, though I am not positive, but I believe there is something there we can use. You must take your time. Spend a few days there, or more. Haven Keep is not quick to reveal all it’s secrets. Learn what you can from what the Dragon Lords left. I do not presume to command you and we will do as you wish. However, I believe you and Kaiden can better serve us by making the journey to Haven Keep.”

  Von always thought it was silly the trip to Haven Keep was always referred to as a journey. Even in winter it would take less than a week. It was the stories that made it seem so remote.

  “I will go,” Von said.

  “Good.” Baiden sounded relieved. “There is one more thing. I have spoken with Berkler this morning.”

  “And?”

  “I have asked him to be one of my councilors.”

  “What?!” Disturbed was not an adequate word to describe how Von felt. He was angry. “You did not even ask me. I do not think we can trust that man.”

  “I know you do not particularly like him.” Baiden said defensively. “Traditionally a lord or a chief chooses his own councilors. He is a wise man and a trustworthy man, but not a very trusting man. I’ve had occasion to fight along side him and he was one of the first to volunteer in the failed attempt to save Evenfelle.”

  “I am sorry,” Von said. He hadn’t known Berkler was one of the men who’d gone to try and save his homeland. “You may choose whom you wish and I will trust your judgement.” That did not mean he needed to like it.

  “Just so you know, my other choice is Soren. I will speak with him when he returns. Berkler has not yet said yes and no one else knows, so I would like it kept between you and I .”

  “Of course,” Von answered. Now Soren was a choice Von could understand. He would be a good man for Baiden to keep close considering what was on the horizon.

  “If there is nothing else I will take my leave.”

  “There is one thing,” Von said. “I will need my privacy tomorrow. I have something I must do. You must make sure that no one disturbs me.” Baiden looked puzzled, but Von continued without explanation. “I will need a few days to work, maybe more. I can’t be interrupted. Can you do that for me?”

  “I can.” Baiden gave Von a slight bow and turned to go. It made Von uncomfortable.

  Von returned to his task. His mind raced with the events of the last few days. So much had happened, and so much was going to happen They needed to be prepared. Tomorrow Von would start something that would give him an edge against his enemies. He hoped.

  Von checked and rechecked his tools. He placed them all in locations easily within hands reach. What he needed was an apprentice to help him. But who could he trust? Certainly not Berkler, no matter what Baiden said. He would just have to try and do it on his own. It would just make the task more difficult, not impossible.

  “So you have made your decision?”

  Von turned to find Anora standing in the doorway. Baiden had the courtesy to knock. Anora just walked in unannounced. There was no reason for her not to. She didn’t know anything more today th
an she did a week ago. Von preferred it that way. And he liked her company.

  “Decision about what?” Von asked.

  “You are to be a blacksmith?”

  “What’s wrong with that?”

  Anora looked irritated and sounded more than a little disappointed. “Both you and I know you could be so much more. Why settle?” Even when she was lecturing him her voice was musical.

  “Blacksmiths are very respected,” Von protested. “I could make a very good living.” He was not about to tell her everything just to keep her from asking him about his plans in life.

  Anora changed the subject. “I brought you lunch again.” She smiled. Von loved that smile. “With your track record I didn’t want you to miss another meal.”

  “I have been eating just fine.”

  “You have, have you? I don’t think you could convince Redd anything of the sort was even close to the truth.”

  Von laughed. He could not argue with her. He never was good at winning an argument, especially with her. Winning an argument with Anora was near impossible. Von could do nothing but wash his hands and sit down to eat. What he should do is take her down to the banks of the Emerald Fjord and eat a picnic on the shore. Probably not the best idea with all the snow on the ground. Another time perhaps.

  Anora opened her knapsack and laid the food out.

  “Thank you,” von said. He knew he should say more, but again found he didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t uncomfortable around her, it was just lately he felt different about her and didn’t know how to express it. Maybe he should let her do the talking.

  They ate in silence.

  The food was pleasant, but not as pleasant as the company. Anora brought beef sandwiches and fruit. Von was not shy in the way he ate. He needed his strength over the next few days, so he ate everything Anora placed before him. Anora only ate a little, mostly just watched him. Finally she began to make small talk. Von didn’t care if she talked or not. He just liked her being there.