Asgoleth The Warrior: A Modern Tale of Sword And Sorcery (fantasy fiction books)

by Kirkwood, Bill

  She had heard tales of such barbarian warriors, grisly tales of bloodshed and rapine and slaughter and she suddenly felt very unsure of herself in this huge man’s presence. What did he intend to do with her?

  She gasped as he suddenly, with great strength and ease, lifted her to her feet. Her head was spinning but she managed to keep her balance and said,

  ‘Who are you warrior?’

  ‘My name is Asgoleth of Cathia, a land far to the north of here. How came you to be in the company of such rogues girl?’

  She stared at him, taken aback by his direct speech and forthright manner. It was something she was just not used to. Finally she shook her head and replied,

  ‘In truth Asgoleth, I know not. The last thing I remember clearly was drinking a goblet of wine before retiring to my bedchamber. After that, all was a horror filled nightmare until I awoke to find you looking down upon me.’

  Asgoleth grunted,

  ‘You were drugged then, to make the job of your kidnappers the easier. Do you know who they were?’

  She shook her head, then her face paled as she realised what might have happened to her.

  ‘If you had not stopped them those horrible men would have succeeded in their plans. I owe you much Asgoleth.’

  He grinned down at her and said,

  ‘You owe me naught, Princess.’

  She gasped and stepped back and he smiled grimly in the darkness.

  ‘You know who I am?’ She demanded.

  ‘Aye, that I do girl. I saw you once at your father’s side when he came to inspect his border garrisons. I am not one to forget beauty such as yours; nor would any man with red blood in his veins.’

  She blushed under his bold gaze and once again felt a tingle of disquiet as she realised her helplessness. All her life she had been accustomed to warriors bowing before her but this man did not look as if he had ever bowed to anyone. Even though he knew of her exalted status, there was nothing of awe in his demeanour. It was yet another new and disturbing experience for her and there was a slight tremor in her voice as she said,

  ‘Well Asgoleth of Calthia, what do you intend to do with me?’

  Asgoleth grinned and his strong teeth flashed in the moonlight.

  ‘By the beard of Ragnar girl, there are many things a man could do with a wench as fair as you and I am sorely tempted; but I think I should get you back to the palace before your father tears the city apart looking for you.’

  Mingled expressions of relief and disappointment flashed across Amira’s pretty face. Relief that she had been rescued and disappointment at failing to discover what a man like this would do with her were she an ordinary girl and not a high born lady. His hard, strong, lines appealed to her, as did his easy confident manner and she felt some deep and primitive part of herself responding to him, for though she was of royal blood, she was still a woman.

  She found herself feeling envious of those common girls who were free to dally with the men of their choice. Such simple pleasures were forever denied to one of her station. As well as being the Princess, she was the high priestess of mighty Solus. When her term of temple duty was over, she would marry a man chosen for her by her father and she would bear him strong sons to carry on her line. She would live out a life of duty and obligation to the people of Torr as a high born woman of the house of King Aractus should.

  For a moment she felt a fierce stirring of rebellion in her heart and wished that he would change his mind and carry her off with him to share his life of wild adventure. But the moment passed and she sighed, she knew that she could never share his kind of life no matter how much she wanted to. She was a royal princess and must live as such; there was no other path for her. She looked up into his eyes and said,

  ‘You are right, of course, I must return. Come, let us go now. This evil place makes me shiver.’

  She cried out in surprise as he suddenly gave a sulphurous curse and swept her off her feet, drawing his huge sword as he did so.

  ‘What are you doing? Put me down at once!’

  ‘We must go quickly girl, there are many armed men coming towards us. Now be silent and hang on to me, I can move faster if I carry you.’

  Such was the tone of command in his voice that she unthinkingly obeyed. He carried her easily in his strong arms and moved as silently as a stalking tiger through the menacing gloom. Behind her now her city bred ears finally picked up the sounds of pursuit that he had heard so long before and she stared into the darkness behind them with frightened eyes.

  He slipped into the concealing gloom of a side alley and placed her on her feet.

  ‘Be silent,’ he whispered and together they stood and listened to the sounds of approaching men. Dark, furtive shapes slid past their hiding place and she felt sure they must hear the rapid beating of her heart. In all, she counted six armed forms, saw the moonlight glinting off their steel, and then they were gone into the night, not knowing how close they had been to their prey.

  For a time they stood where they were to let their pursuers get well away. Amira, as she stood there with his strong arm protectively around her, was amazed to find that in the company of this huge barbarian warrior she felt a delicious sense of security. Something primal within her was responding to his fierce masculinity and her head whirled in confusion. Her breath came in quick little gasps and her heart was hammering within her bosom though not now with fear of her enemies. Never had she felt anything like this before. She was frightened and yet wonderfully alive, all at the same time. She gazed up at him and found herself wanting desperately to go with him, wherever he might take her.

  If he noticed her agitation he gave no sign. He released her and whispered,

  ‘Follow me now girl and be as silent as you can, come.’

  He turned and led her off down the dark, evil smelling alley and the princess Amira, proud heiress of five hundred years of royal wealth and power, followed him as humbly as a slave girl would her master.

  Through many such filthy lanes he led her and she marveled at the gliding stealth he displayed so naturally. She had always been deemed a graceful and elegant child but beside this man she felt like a clumsy tavern trull.

  They encountered no more enemies during that stealthy journey and finally they saw ahead of them the lights of the eagle Road, the broad thoroughfare that led to the palace. Asgoleth halted, still within the protective shadows and peered out warily. The road was alive with people and wagons and horses and brightly lit stalls and shops all along its great length.

  From behind his broad back Amira peered out in fascination at the busy milling throngs of people. This was the first time in her pampered life that she had been outside the palace walls without a squad of armed soldiers to protect her and she was amazed at the life that filled everyone. The delicious aromas of meat being roasted over charcoal fires reached her; so too the smell of strange spices and wines and freshly baked bread and her mouth watered.

  She saw lovers walking arm in arm and she envied them their simple freedom. She heard men laughing and joking with each other and the raised voices of others who haggled over the price of goods on the market stalls even though it was late into the night, for here, in this brightly lit area, the merchants plied their wares as long as there were customers to buy them and they were seldom short of customers. From far and wide they came to the great city of Torr to seek their fortunes, secure in the knowledge that the borders of Torr were ever under the watchful eyes of stout hearted Torran warriors. Amira was dazzled by all that she saw and heard. After this momentous night, her life in the palace was going to seem very dull to her.

  Suddenly the loud clatter of iron shod hooves rang out and Amira shrank back into the shadows as a squad of cavalrymen went thundering past. They were grim faced and more than one bore a snarl of anger on his face. People turned to stare in amazement at the commotion. Open mouthed they watched the horsemen as they swept by on their way to the city gates and the open country beyond.

  Voices were
raised in query and soon, another voice, growing louder as it approached from the palace, was heard.

  ‘The princess Amira has been kidnapped! The princess has been kidnapped!’

  Cries of outrage and anger rang out and the crowds milled around in confusion. Then a young soldier, a captain of infantry, climbed up upon a vendors stall and cried out,

  ‘Citizens of Torr, hear me. You men form yourselves into groups of ten and start scouring the city. Look everywhere, whoever has done this must not be allowed to escape with our princess, move!’

  The captain swiftly gathered a group around him and led them off towards the river. Other groups went off in other directions with loud cries of anger on their lips and soon the street was almost empty. Asgoleth grunted as he watched them go then he turned to look at Amira. He grinned at her.

  ‘It seems you have been missed, Princess. Come, we had better return to the palace quickly.’

  He took her hand and made to lead her into the light but she pulled against him and he stopped and frowned at her.

  ‘What ails you girl? You need have no fear now. Soon you will be back in your palace and this night will fade and be forgotten. Come now.’

  Still she refused to move. Instead she laid her hand lightly upon his mail clad chest and looked up into his eyes. In the light from the street he got his first really good look at her and he smiled at what he saw.

  Long, foaming black hair, entwined with strings of precious gems, cascaded down over her slim white shoulders. Eyes as green as emeralds, set in a heart shaped face, stared back at him and as he looked down upon her he felt an urge to crush her to him and taste of those full, red, half open lips. For a long moment they stood thus and Amira blushed at the fierce appreciation in his gaze.

  She lowered her own gaze in confusion, knowing not how to say what was in her heart. Never before had she experienced such strange, frightening and yet so thrilling emotions as those that filled her now. He said nothing, merely holding her within his arms until she straightened her shoulders, looked into his eyes and cried,

  ‘Oh Asgoleth, When you take me back to my father’s palace I shall once again become the Princess. I shall be surrounded by armed guards and fussing maids and once more I shall be the high born and aloof royal lady.’

  She swallowed nervously then spoke on quickly before her nerve failed her.

  ‘But until then, I am just a girl and I wish to reward you for your valour in the only way a girl can.’

  Her heart pounded as she looked up at him. She could hardly believe what she had just said to this huge, wild, barbarian. She, a royal princess, offering herself to a savage! It was unthinkable that she should behave so and yet here she stood, trembling, afraid that he would refuse her.

  He stared down at her and she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. Then he laughed and swept her into his strong arms.

  ‘By all the gods there be girl, no man could ask a better reward than that.’

  Their lips met and she thrilled to the lawless passion of his kisses, the touch of his hands upon her body. Finally, gasping for breath, her head awhirl and her eyes ablaze with a primal hunger, she pulled away from him and gasped,

  ‘Asgoleth, I must return to the palace at once,’

  She saw his frown and quickly touched slim fingers to his lips.

  ‘Hear me Asgoleth. When the clamor has died down, I will send a trusted maid to you. She will guide you by secret ways, to my chamber. There I would learn from you how a warrior of the north treats a woman.’

  She looked up at him, boldly now and there was a challenge sparkling in her eyes. He held her at arm’s length, drinking in her beauty, and then he laughed once more.

  ‘Aye girl, you will learn and I will be happy to teach you.’

  They kissed once more, fiercely and then he glanced out into the street.

  ‘First things first though eh? Come, let us go.’

  Together they eased out into the confused crowds that were making their way to the palace. Amira snuggled close to her huge protector and, wrapped in the folds of his cloak, none guessed that she for whom they all searched was among them. She wanted to reveal herself to them, let them all know that she was safe but Asgoleth forbade it. He wanted to keep her identity a secret lest there be more enemies close by among the throng. She was pleased and snuggled even closer, enjoying his mastery over her.

  As they drew near the palace they beheld scenes of uproar and confusion. Squads of horsemen clattered in and out of the palace gates. Armed men ran hither and thither chased by the bellows of harassed officers. The palace itself was lit from top to bottom and blazed like a sparkling jewel in the night.

  Citizens gathered thickly about the walls, staring in wonder at all the activity. Asgoleth grinned at her.

  ‘There are so many people looking for you that I think I might have to carve a path to the gates with my sword.’

  She gasped and glanced at him with concern in her eyes and then she realised that he was jesting with her and she smiled back at him. He grinned and taking her by the arm, he began forcing his way through the dense crowd. Men cursed as he pushed past them but they swiftly subsided into silence when they beheld his mighty stature and grim face. It was not long before he and the princess arrived at the palace gates

  They were met by the leveled spear points and nocked arrows of angry and suspicious sentries. An officer strode forward and demanded,

  ‘What do you want here barbarian?’

  Before he could answer, Amira stepped in front of Asgoleth and said,

  ‘Do you not recognise your princess, Captain?’

  A stunned silence descended on the Captain and then his face creased into a grin of joy.

  ‘Princess Amira! You are safe, may mighty Solus be praised. Come, enter swiftly, your father is distraught, he fears you dead.’

  The spear points were lifted and the sentries stepped back to let them enter, with wide grins on their faces. Amira and Asgoleth entered the palace and the guards closed in protectively around them as the crowd cheered wildly. They were ushered quickly through the long torchlight corridors of the palace towards the throne room.

  Asgoleth received many curious glances as he strode along beside the princess. He towered over the soldiers who were escorting him and in his plain mercenary harness he looked like a lean and dangerous wolf among a pack of hounds.

  At last they swept into the throne room and were greeted by a momentary silence. All eyes were on the princess and the huge barbarian beside her. Then the king rose from his throne and strode over to meet them. Soldiers and courtiers stepped quickly out of his way to let him pass and he grasped her to him and held her tightly.

  ‘Amira, my daughter, you are safe thank Solus! I thought I had lost you forever. How came you to be in the company of this warrior.

  Quickly she told her tale, leaving out what had occurred between her and Asgoleth. When she was done the king turned to the young barbarian with a smile on his face.

  ‘Warrior, you have done Torr a great service this night and We are grateful to you. Henceforth you will be known as Captain of the Palace Guard. You shall live here in the palace and the city of Torr shall be open to you. Will you accept this position young man?’

  Asgoleth looked steadily at the king and said,

  ‘What of the present captain of the guard, your highness?’

  The king scowled.

  ‘That treacherous dog, he was one of the kidnappers and he has paid the price for his betrayal. Now what say you warrior? Do you accept?’

  Asgoleth grinned,

  ‘I will guard you and your daughter well your majesty.’

  The king nodded and said,

  ‘So be it then.’

  Then he ordered that Amira be taken to her quarters. Asgoleth made to follow her as she was borne away by fussing ladies of the court. He stopped when he heard an outraged voice cry out;

  ‘Sire, these Akonites have gone too far this time. We must mobilise the army and m
arch against Trannos at once.’

  ‘Wait!’ the barbarian commanded and Amira and her ladies came to an abrupt halt.

  The king and his nobles looked at him with raised eyebrows as he walked back towards them. He stopped in front of the king and said,

  ‘Your majesty, I do not believe that king Trannos was behind this nights work. In fact, I do not think he is even alive now.’

  There were gasps of surprise at his words and the king demanded.

  ‘How do you know this?’

  Asgloeth told them of the priest’s boast that Demos would lead the Akonites to victory and king Aractus nodded.

  ‘Aye, I know Trannos and he would never allow a magician like Demos any real power if he were alive. If Demos has usurped the Akonite throne then we must march against him at once, he is no wine soaked weakling like Trannos.’

  Asgoleth held up a hand and shook his head.

  ‘Sire, it would be an act of the utmost folly to give up our positions in the mountains and march against them. The Akonites outnumber us at least five to one. If we were to march out and meet them on the plains in open combat, we would be overwhelmed by force of numbers.

  Send for mercenary warriors to swell our ranks and when we have built up our numbers then we can move against them, leaving our hill forts fully garrisoned behind us. To go against them unprepared would be to invite disaster.’

  A grumble arose from the king’s nobles but he raised a hand and silence fell.

  ‘For one so young you display great wisdom Asgoleth. I fear that my nobles and I spoke in outrage at the insult done to Torr this night. I shall heed your words Warrior. We will bide our time and build up our forces as you have suggested and then, when the time is right, we shall march against Akon and put an end to the menace they pose once and for all. Again, Asgoleth, you have my thanks.’

  Asgoleth nodded then turned and strode out of the throne room with the princess and her ladies following him.

  Aractus watched him go and there was a shrewd smile on his face. He had seen the way Amira had looked at the young barbarian as she had told the tale of her adventure. He was realistic enough to know that if Amira decided to reward the warrior in her own way then she would be very discrete about it. She had ever been a strong willed and intelligent girl and one day those gifts would help her become a fine queen. She would marry a man he chose for her and she would live a life of duty to the throne. In the meantime though she would not be the first royal lady to take a secret lover and nor would she be the last. He watched them go and silently wished them well. Oh to be young again, he thought. Then he sighed and turned to face his nobles.