Haven Keep (Book 1)

by R. David Bell

  Breakfast was similar to dinner. When you were eating out of a saddle bag you didn’t get much variety. At least it was nourishing, and that was what was important. They would need their strength. Outside they could have vyr waiting for them. They might need to fight or run.

  Von began gathering what he thought would be useful, which meant more alloy. As much as he thought they could carry without it overburdening them. He scanned one more time over the forge until his eye caught a helm. Before he knew it, he was standing over the helm and holding it in his hands. It was plain in its make, with a fixed visor that would cover three quarters of his face, and a ridge along the top that reminded him of the razor spine of a dragon’s back. The ridge widened then spilled down the rear of the helm into chain mail, reminding Von of the mane of a snowcat. The helmet looked menacing. It suited his mood.

  “Grab what you can,” Von told his companions. “We need to be on our way.” Von tried the helmet on. It fit perfectly. “I don’t intend to stop until we reach Azmark. Even if it kills the horses.” Come to think of it, it probably would.

  Chapter Thirty

  Von quickly examined the horses. A cursory check of their hooves and shoes showed them in good repair. His horsemanship skills were far from those of the Orlenc clan, but they were adequate, and as far as he could tell the horses were still in good health. They appeared to have rested well during the night. Von wished he could afford to allow the horses to rest longer, maybe just a few more days, before venturing back into the mountainous terrain. He wanted to spend more time in the keep, learn more about it, especially the forge. He knew there was no time for that if they were to reach Azmark in any time to give a warning. They should have been gone hours ago. No, they had needed the rest, the horses needed it even more. The time they invested here regaining their strength would be made up for with the speed they could now travel. He meant to be in Azmark in time to rip out Ky’s heart.

  Soren now walked the palisades and had been up in the towers, looking for signs of any vyr. He called down, reporting the things were gone, or at least not close. There wasn’t even a sign of the beast Von had downed with an arrow through the neck. Maybe he hadn’t succeeded in killing it. If the vyr actually were gone the trip home would be much easier. He did not want to think about fighting his way through that many bloodthirsty demons. Not that he was sure they could have.

  Von held the helm from the forge in his hands, studying it. He wondered if he could ever make its equal. On his chest he wore a breastplate over the mail shirt. Both matched well with the helm. He searched the whole armory for what he thought was the best armor, believing he’d found it. On his legs he wore grieves, fashioned in the same matter as the rest of his armor. He must look ready to go into battle. His companions certainly did. They had all searched through the armor as well, picking out anything that was to their liking. Even Soren had. Apparently Soren’s beliefs about breastplates and mail did not apply to helmets. He now wore one similar to Von’s. At first Kaiden voiced some concern, protesting that the Keeper was not supposed to remove anything from Haven Keep. Well, Von was not the Keeper and these things were left here for him. He was taking what he wanted and told the others to do the same. Even if these things were not for him, no one else was here to claim them, and he had a need. Eventually Kaiden saw the light. After all, they were here to bring back a weapon. Why not take anything else that was useful too?

  Yaris interrupted Von’s thoughts. “My lord?”

  Von wished Yaris would not address him like that. He supposed it was proper, so he did nothing to dissuade the man. It had just been a very long time since anyone bothered to constantly addressed him that way. It would take some getting used to.

  “I have found something that may be of use. Possibly, I mean, that is if the horses will allow us to harness them.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “A sled. It is in just as good condition as anything else in Haven Keep. Remarkable really.”

  “A sled?”

  “Yes, a work sled. I found it in the building over there. For hauling lumber or hay I think.” He pointed in the general direction of some buildings across the courtyard.

  Von had no way of telling which building without asking him to point again. Instead he motioned for Yaris to show the way and followed him to a building similar to the one they’d stabled the horses in.

  The door of the building hung slightly open. Yaris reached the door and threw it wide. A large work sled sat inside. It was similar to those used in the winter by wood cutters to hall their day’s labors down the mountains. Yaris mentioned the sled was in good condition, but he hadn’t said it was like this. The thing was exquisite. He doubted he’d ever seen the like. It was really a good sized wagon on sleigh rails, only the craftsmanship was amazing. Von would have bet all his New Day gifts for the rest of his life the runners were constructed with the same alloy used to forge his armor and weapons. Why use so much of such a valuable commodity on something like this? A closer inspection revealed the whole framework was constructed with the alloy, and so were the hitches, even a good amount of the running boards were plated with alloy. Finely carved wood, stained dark as black oak, was used for the side rails. Two benches, carved from the same wood, sat facing each other, one forward and the other backwards, for passengers, Von supposed, or for gear to be stored. A smaller bench sat higher up, at the front of the sled, where the driver would sit. The lines of the sled gave Von the impression the thing was fast, and lightweight enough for a couple of horses to pull. Maybe they could use it. The horses were used to having riders. They should not protest too much to being harnessed. It might work.

  “Let’s see if we can get this thing out of here.” Von grabbed hold of the hitch and tested the weight of it. He moved the sled with ease. Impossible ease. “Feel how light this is.”

  “Yes, I know,” Yaris said with a grin. “That’s what made me think of using it. There doesn’t seem to be any weight to it at all. I thought maybe you wouldn’t believe me so I thought I would let you see for yourself. I think I could pull all of you in it to Azmark by myself.”

  “You no doubt could. I don’t think you will need to, but you probably could.”

  Von pulled the work sled out into the courtyard. It glided smoothly across the snow. He should have struggle to move something this size and weight by himself, but pulled it as easily as if it were a toy.

  “Get in I want to see how well it pulls with you in it.”

  Yaris grinned. Von was happy to see the man had lost most of his nervousness. Von did not slow down for him to get in. Yaris trotted along side the sled, putting a hand on the side board and jumped in.

  Von laughed out loud. “I didn’t even feel a thing. Let’s get Kaiden.”

  “Get me for what?”

  Von turned around to see Kaiden watching them. “Get in the sled.”

  “We don’t have time for this. I am glad to see some of your old humor return. You know as well as I that it has been lacking, but we can’t waste time playing games.”

  “Just get in.” Von grinned from ear to ear. Kaiden probably thought he looked ridiculous, but he didn’t care. “Trust me, get in.”

  Kaiden sighed, then jumped in the sled in near the same fashion as Yaris. Kaiden didn’t appear to be having as much fun as Yaris was.

  “Again nothing!” Von could hardly believe it. He could do more with the alloy than just make weapons, he was sure of it. The Dragon Lords certainly had. They built this keep that never aged. Doors that never rusted shut. Why not a sled that could hold any amount of weight that you threw in it.

  Yaris’s words echoed Von’s thoughts. “Is everything in this place enchanted?”

  “I don’t know, but we can’t stay to find out.” Von wished they could.

  Kaiden still did not sound amused. “What are you two talking about?”

  Von gave him a wry smile. “You’ll see.” He wasn’t sure if his smile was from the fun he was having or fo
r what he now planned for the Halfen. “Come on let’s get the horses.”

  “Are you just going to leave this sled out here. You could at least put it back where you found it.”

  Von was glad Kaiden hadn’t taken to calling him my lord.

  “No, we are taking it with us.”

  In a few moments Von was back in the courtyard leading both horses to where the sled was. Kaiden met him half way, apparently he had not hurried out of the sled, though Von could see he was still wondering what had gotten into his friend.

  “Where are the saddles?” Kaiden asked, sounding more than a little impatient.

  “We can’t harness them and saddle them,” Von said.

  “That sled will just slow us down,” Kaiden protested.

  “Not this sled.”

  Von set to harnessing the horses with Yaris helping. Kaiden stood there shaking his head. Finally he must have decided he couldn’t win the other two over, so he went and retrieved the saddles and other gear from the stables. He still didn’t appear pleased.

  Soren strode across the courtyard to Yaris and Von. He must finally be satisfied that he’d seen all he was going to from the towers.

  “What are you playing at now?” Soren asked.

  “Not playing, getting us out of here.” Von knew he would not win them over without a demonstration.

  “That thing will just slow us down.”

  “That’s exactly what I told him.” Kaiden sounded happy to have someone on his side.

  “And I told you ‘not this sled.’ Just trust me. Haven’t you noticed what this thing is made of? We only have two horses and there are four of us.”

  “I don’t care what it is made of,” Soren growled. He would be harder to convince than Kaiden. “We can take turns riding. This thing will just tire the horses faster.” Von had to remember they did not know as much as he did about this alloy. He would make sure he took time to educate them. Right now they needed to be on their way. Maybe there was time for one demonstration before they left.

  The harnesses were not yet fastened to the hitch. Von started throwing all the gear into the sled and spoke to Soren. “Grab the hitch, you’re going to pull us around the yard.”

  “I’m not going to...”

  Von didn’t wait for him to finish what he was going to say. “Just do it. Kaiden, Yaris, get in.” Von jumped in too.

  “This thing is too heavy, especially with the three of you half wits in it. There is no more time for games. We need....”

  Von cut him off again. “Just do it.”

  Soren scowled at him, but he did grab the hitch and pull. The work sled glided forward. Soren’s scowl changed to a look of bewilderment. A look of understanding finally came over Soren.

  “It’s like a feather.”

  Yaris nodded agreement and appeared very pleased with himself. Kaiden’s features softened a little, but Von could see he was still not completely convinced.

  “Let me try,” he said, and jumped down. Kaiden grabbed hold of the hitch next to Soren and the two of them began racing around the courtyard.

  “Who’s playing now?” Von asked. “Let’s quit wasting time and go.”

  The horses were soon hitched and the saddle bags loaded. Isk and Jen climbed into the sled, jumping aboard when Von called to them. Von took one more look around Haven Keep. He would return. There were too many secrets still hidden here for him not to. He would be back to root those secrets out. Hopefully sooner rather than later. He took hold of the reigns and snapped them, sending the horses trotting forward. Surprisingly the horses responded very well to the hitch and harnesses. Maybe the return journey would go smoothly.

  Yaris stood at the open gate, waiting for the others to pass through. Once the sled was out he closed the gate tight and jumped in with the other men. He was fast becoming comfortable with Von and the others. Maybe it was the oath, maybe it was the mystery of Haven Keep, maybe it was something else entirely, Von did not know. What he cared about was that Yaris remained faithful. Von was sure he would. For some strange reason he was beginning to like the man.

  Von kept the horses at a trot. They would not be able to keep the pace up for too long, but he wanted to put some distance between themselves and the last place they had seen a vyr. Maybe Soren was right. Maybe those things were gone. Not gone for good, but at least gone from here.

  The mountain forest was quiet. The sun was steadily climbing over the mountains and its warmth was taking some of the bite out of the cold. The wind on his face, from the pace of the horses, felt barely brisk. He turned back, to look at Haven Keep one more time. It would soon disappear behind trees and snow, left to stand alone again, until they returned to reclaim its secrets. He would be back as soon as he could. There was much he needed to think about before then. He tried not to think too much about last night and the dream he had, yet it occupied most of his thoughts. What kind of creature was Brimstone? A dragon certainly, but much more than the stories about dragons ever claimed. They were supposed to be terrible beasts that caused destruction and havoc, base creatures from times forgotten, not intelligent beings that could speak and be heard, not creatures that knew men and fought along side them. Brimstone had said as much. Maybe it was just a dream. Maybe.

  The forest grew thicker the further they traveled. Von tried to stay away from the trees as much as possible. It would not be good to find themselves trapped in an area the sled would not fit through. It was much easier to avoid the thick growth than waste time backtracking. Much of the mountain was barren of trees. He just stayed to those parts as much as possible, avoiding the dense patches of forest.

  He would be lying to himself if he said that was the only reason to avoid the trees. Within the trees they would not be able to see as far, see anyone, or anything, approaching them. He felt safer out here in the open. Yes they would be seen easier, but they could also watch their backs easier as well.

  The day was uneventful so far and he hoped it would remain so. They traveled in near silence, watching the forest line. Von saw no signs of life other than a hawk flying off in the distance. He imagined they could be home in a couple of days, as long as they could keep this pace up. The horses may not last. Maybe they could find a farm to trade for fresh ones. Von was sure any farmer would be willing to trade whatever animals they owned for the quality horses that now pulled the work sled, that was if they could find anything else but an old nag to replace them.

  The day wore slowly on. They often changed directions slightly, making switchbacks down the mountain. Traveling straight down would have been too steep and the horses could not take that grade. They stopped for their meals, just so the horses could rest. No need to run them to death the first day. The evening meal they ate cold and Von took time while they were stopped to rub the horses down. He wished he could do something more about their fatigue. Maybe once they were off the mountain they could run them until they did give out. He would regret losing them, but it may just mean making up enough time to make the difference. The rest of the way they could run on foot if need be. It took much longer to run a man to death than a horse.

  The sun shone low above the horizon of the sea. Von was still amazed at how far he could see at this elevation. Any higher up and he could probably see the end of the world. The ocean always reminded him of Anora. He would be home soon to see her. Hopefully she was safe. Baiden would make sure she was. He tried not to think too much about that. It was time to be moving again. Still enough light for a few more miles today.

  Von climbed back on the sled. His back ached a little from sitting all day and he said as much.

  “Oh you’re not the only one,” Kaiden replied. “I only wish there was a warm bath waiting for us at home instead of a fight.”

  Von could see the allure in a warm bath, but if he was honest with himself he was looking forward more to the fight. At a time when the north needed to be whole it was divided worse than ever. Ky was going to pay for his actions and Von was going to ensure he did. />
  Twilight was fast coming on them and they would soon need to find a place to shelter for the night. If the temperatures continued to drop it could become deadly very quickly. The horses had exerted themselves so much this day it would not take much for them to freeze.

  As the light faded so did Von’s eyesight. Still he scanned the tree line. Once or twice he swore he saw movement out in the waning light. Maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him.

  A small alcove of trees ahead might be able to provide shelter. The moon would be out soon and with its light reflecting on the snow they would have plenty of light to travel again once the horses were rested. That is if the temperatures did not drop too fast or too far.

  They stopped at the alcove of trees and built a fire. The wind started to stir and the icy chill of it stung Von’s exposed face. He pulled his cloak around himself tighter and tried to warm himself by the fire. Kaiden was cooking again. It smelled wonderful.

  “You’ll make someone a fine wife someday,” Von told him.

  “Someone has to cook for you helpless louts or you would probably starve to death,” Kaiden chuckled. He tried to sound offended, but Von could sense the mirth in his voice. It was good they could still find humor, considering their situation.

  “We’ve already eaten.”

  “Nothing hot. This will warm your bones.”

  “A few hours rest and we should be on our way,” Soren said. “The moon will be out soon and we will be able to travel.”

  “What of the horses?” Kaiden asked. “They will need more rest than that.”

  “The sooner we are out of these mountains the better.” Soren scanned the forest. “There are things moving in this night. If the horses die from exhaustion it will be well worth our being away from here.”