The Merchant and the Menace

by Daniel F McHugh

  ‘Old man,’ sobbed Macin. ‘I dismissed the court for the day. We do not seek your entertainment or slight of hand. Everyone leave me alone in my misery.’

  ‘Macin! King of the Zodra! Commander of the Guardians and Protector of the Faith of Avra! Stand!’ bellowed the old man.

  Macin cleared the tears from his red-rimmed eyes and slowly stood.

  ‘My heart is troubled on this day,’ growled Macin. ‘However, I’ll not be spoken to by a simple tinker in this manner. You’re lucky I wallow in self-pity at the moment and don’t possess the heart to drag you to the...’

  ‘In your family’s two thousand year old grasp on the throne of this kingdom, I definitely noticed one similarity in all its members,” said the old man cutting Macin off, ‘they all talked far too much for my taste. You, sir, may be the worst so far.’

  ‘What ... who are you?’ sputtered Macin.

  ‘As for Brelg forgiving you, he may do so. I can’t control his actions. However, you should be asking forgiveness from a higher source. This kingdom is in disrepair. Men’s lives sacrificed over vanity and greed. A daughter’s life and love used as a bargaining chip for power. A people shunned and suppressed. Valor and duty ignored. Hypocrisy rewarded. You will one day be judged for your life and taken into the arms of your Creator, or shunned and cast out into the realm of Chaos. Do you truly repent, Macin? Will you really change?’ asked the old man.

  Before Macin answered, the old man stepped within a foot of the king and glared into his eyes. The tinker grew in stature as a faint green light hovered about him.

  ‘It is deemed that you will suffer your penance here on this world. You just rediscovered a love for your family, a family that means everything to you. You will now lose that family. We shall see if you truly repent.’

  The old man spun to Brelg.

  ‘You’re a unique man, Brelg. You’re to become the caretaker of a little package. No more war. No more battle. It’s time for you to settle down, and we think you chose the perfect woman. Prince Manfir awaits you at the Hold with instructions from me. He recently became my new protégé. I’ll be along after I conclude some other business.’

  Brelg hesitated, glanced at the king, then back to the old man.

  ‘You do understand who I represent, don’t you, sergeant?’ questioned the tinker.

  Brelg bowed deeply then rose.

  ‘Yes, my lord,’ replied the sergeant. ‘I’ll go at once.’

  Macin spluttered a protest.

  ‘Macin of Zodra,’ interrupted the old man. ‘The changes that are about to affect your life do not transform one fundamental fact. You are the ruler of this land and the steward of its good fortune. What you lose sight of is the fact that the people allow themselves to be ruled. It’s the grace of the people that keeps you on the throne, for if you were truly a bad king they would have removed you long ago. I charge you with fulfilling the duties of your office to the best of your ability. Protect and nurture this realm and you shall restore honor to your household.’

  Macin stood speechless, staring at the tinker.

  ‘If that is all, your highness, I’ll take my leave,’ said the old man bowing to the king and turning.

  ‘Who are you?’ demanded Macin as the tinker reached the chamber’s doors.

  The old man slowly turned and smiled.

  ‘Lately, I use the name Jasper. However, I go by many different names throughout the lands. The Borz Windriders call me Berbati. The Ulrog fear me as Hdi, or “little Awoi”, and the Elves refer to me as Seraph or “Keeper”,‘ the tinker paused. ‘Zodrians however, usually refer to me as Ader, the voice of God. Good day.’

  With that the old man turned and walked from the room.

  “Just like that you told him all,” came a voice from the kitchen doorway.

  Teeg’s eyes never left Kael as he smiled and responded.

  “Not all, but a good portion. However, there’s still so much for him to learn. Your sister and her husband’s history are but a small part.”

  Kael turned to see Manfir framed by the kitchen doorway.

  “So, now you know,” said Manfir moving into the dining hall.

  The Zodrian prince stood before Kael staring with his stony expression. A broad smile gradually crossed his face. A powerful hand shot out and grabbed Kael by the forearm. The boy was yanked to his feet and wrapped in the strong hold of Prince Manfir. As they embraced, Manfir whispered into Kael’s ear.

  “It’s been difficult not being able to talk to you all these years.”

  The big man released the boy and immediately turned to Teeg.

  “Ader may have your hide yet, Lord Elf.”

  “Wisdom is not the sole property of the Seraph, my friend. Occasionally, others must make decisions for themselves. Lord Ader would rather the boy sleep soundly on full knowledge than the half facts supplied by good man Hamly,” replied Teeg.

  Manfir glanced at the wide-eyed, confused Kael and laughed.

  “If you think that boy will sleep tonight, you must redefine the meaning of wisdom!”

  CHAPTER 15: RECRUIT

  Manfir was correct. Kael lay awake for hours. Not only did the evening’s news stun him, but the absence of his brother disturbed his sleep as well. He was so used to the rumbled snoring of Aemmon, that its absence unsettled him. After lying awake for several hours, Kael stole down to his father’s room. He cuddled under the blankets of the oak four-poster and let his mind relax. The scent of his father on the blankets comforted him. He also detected the faint fragrance of his mother. Kael sobbed and drifted to sleep.

  “... was already informed of his mother’s identity. I felt it was necessary.”

  “Your feelings often contradict mine, Lord Teeg. No matter. What’s done is done. I’ve kept things from the boy for so long, perhaps it becomes a habit,” replied Ader.

  Kael rose and approached his father’s door, which was recessed near the main stairway.

  “It seems our young earl switched sleeping accommodations in the evening,” said Teeg. “Please come out and join us, Kael.”

  Kael slowly opened the door and entered the main hall. Ader and Teeg stood in its center and Flair busily cleared the table.

  “You slept late, my boy,” said Ader. “I was tempted to send Flair up to rouse you.”

  “Sorry,” said Kael.

  “However, upon hearing of your eventful evening,” continued Ader, “I realized sleep may have become a rare commodity for you.”

  Kael stared at his bare feet and fidgeted. He knew Ader was upset and he felt guilty of the way he manipulated old Hamly. He desired to change the subject.

  “Why did you call me that?” he directed at Teeg.

  “Called you what?” asked the old Elf.

  “Young Earl,” quoted Kael.

  Ader frowned at the Elf.

  “You seem to take so much pleasure in revelations,” growled Ader. “Please continue with them.”

  The Elf bowed lightly to Ader with a flourish of his hand.

  “As the son of the Duke of Kelky and his wife, a princess of the realm, you are an earl,” began Teeg. “I believe your proper title is ‘Kael Brelgson, the honorable Earl of Kelky’...”

  “all right then ..” interrupted Ader.

  “... fifth in line to the throne,” said Teeg smiling.

  “WHAT?” exclaimed Kael so loudly that Flair dropped a tray filled with plates.

  “He said that you’re fifth in line for the throne,” sighed Ader, shaking his head.

  “What throne?” asked Kael.

  “My throne,” came a hearty laugh from the stairway, “and I don’t intend on letting it fall that far.”

  Manfir stepped lightly from the stairway and approached the group.

  “Good man Hamly is nearly finished preparing our mounts. We tarry too long. It’s time to move on,” said Manfir.

  “Quite right,” replied Teeg.

  Flair entered the room once more and set a plate full of eggs on the table.


  “I took the liberty of making this breakfast for you, Kael. There are a few moments before grandfather finishes with the mounts,” said Flair.

  “Thank you,” replied Kael, taking a seat at the table.

  Ader, Teeg and Manfir left for the stables through the kitchen. When Kael finished his breakfast he brought the plate back into the kitchen and once again thanked Flair. The boy nodded and took the plate. Before turning to the washbasin, Flair hesitated and looked at Kael.

  “Forgive me, Kael, but ... I couldn’t help but overhear a good deal of what was said here in the last day. Is it true?” asked Flair.

  “That depends on what you’re talking about, and even then I might answer that I’ve no idea,” smiled Kael. “Until I sit down with my father and ask a fair number of questions, I’m not going to fully believe anything.”

  “Well,” puzzled Flair “I know one thing for certain. My granddad is as involved as any of them, and that means its the truth. Granddad’s the most honest man I know. I hope that helps you a bit.”

  Kael laughed and clapped the young man on the back.

  “It does Flair. It certainly does.”

  Kael walked from the kitchen into the stable yard. Ader stood by the gate to the yard engaged in an animated conversation with Eidyn. The young Elf pled his case concerning some weighty issue. Teeg stood nearby once again looking smug. Several horses were tethered in the yard, the Elves’ stallions among them.

  Near the stables, Granu stood scratching the nose of Tarader. Once more the Keltaran giant was covered from head to toe in his black robe. Just inside the stable door, Hamly stood staring distractedly at a pile of hay as Manfir conducted a quiet conversation with him. The old man shook his head and apologized. Manfir would have none of it. He smiled and clapped the old sergeant on the back. Hamly nodded and moved back into the stables as Manfir exited and walked toward Kael.

  “Your chestnut will be saddled shortly, Kael Brelgson. If we’re all prepared, we may leave then,” said Manfir.

  “Manfir,” called Eidyn. “You’re a military man of superior training. Why is it that our illustrious Guide, Lord Ader, refuses to use scouts? I’m fully capable and some might say quite gifted in this task. However, every time I ask, he refuses me.”

  Manfir looked from the Elf to the old man. Ader displayed a frustrated, perplexed look on his face. Teeg smiled and Eidyn’s temper grew.

  “We’ll be in open country for a good portion of this trip. Ulrog range freely in the mountains and the Keltaran step up their raids. It only makes sense to post guards at our campsites and send scouts ahead of the party. I’m the logical choice,” claimed Eidyn.

  “I take nothing from your abilities as a superior tracker and scout, prince of the Grey Elves, but in my many years of experience with ‘the voice of Avra’, if he says your services aren’t needed, then they aren’t needed. Please, argue no more and heed his advice. Your strength and insight will be required down the road no doubt, so try to conserve them.”

  Ader smiled broadly and crossed his arms.

  “Well said, Zodrian prince,” called Ader. “And it only took me seventeen years to break you of the annoying habit of questioning my wisdom.”

  Eidyn shook his head in frustration. Kael smirked at the comical scene in front of him, men of great power and ability henpecking one another. Hamly exited the stables leading the chestnut. The horse was expertly groomed and saddled. Kael felt pangs of guilt as the old man led the horse toward him. He felt the need to apologize for misleading Hamly.

  “Master Hamly, I’m sorry I let you believe...” began Kael.

  “No matter, Kael my boy. No matter at all,” replied Hamly as he adjusted the chestnut’s reins. “I’ve begun ta talk a bit much in me old age. Need to keep my flapper shut, I do. Just can’t help talkin’ bout things. Runnin’ a horse ranch hasn’t been near as excitin’ as my days in the Guard. I like to let the memory roam if ya know what I mean?”

  “Yes, I guess I do. I’m truly sorry,” said Kael.

  Hamly shuffled once more and stared toward his feet.

  “Head up, Sergeant Hamly!” called out Manfir from the back of his warhorse. “No harm was done, and your tidbits were nothing compared to the floodgate opened by the ‘Master of Spies’.”

  Teeg smiled as was his habit, and bowed deeply. Ader grumbled something about ‘chatty Elves’, and Hamly stood tall in front of Kael’s mount. Even the ominous presence of Granu let out a low rumbling chuckle. Manfir nudged the black stallion in front of the old man.

  “Did you saddle the extra mount as I requested, sergeant?” asked Manfir.

  “Yes, sir,” replied Hamly.

  “Flair. Did you gather your things?” called Manfir toward the kitchen.

  The young man sprang from the doorway. He carried a small bag of clothes, a sack of tools and a short cudgel. Hamly spun to Manfir.

  “What’s happenin’? Where’s the boy off to?” asked Hamly.

  “Aemmon wasn’t the only boy I hand picked for the Guards, my friend,” smiled Manfir.

  The prince tried to hold a straight face but could not keep a broad grin from spreading there. Hamly looked puzzled.

  “The boy is too young, Manfir. He isn’t eligible.”

  “He’ll be eligible by the end of the season, sergeant. The king calls upon many to return to duty. Brelg left to join in consult with my father. I think young Flair would find his call earlier than his birthday. Besides, I would rather he accompany us now, than journey by himself in a fortnights time,” replied Manfir.

  “But his parents, they haven’t been told,” stated Hamly.

  “Would you do me that favor?” said Manfir.

  Hamly scrutinized Manfir. They stared at one another for over a minute. Finally, Hamly shook his head.

  “If your only doin’ this cause the boy is my grandson, it’s no good. You’ll just get ‘im killed,” said Hamly.

  “You know me better than that, my friend. The Guard only takes the best. Of course bloodlines play a part. However, Master Flair possesses what it takes. Now will you tell your daughter for me?”

  Hamly pursed his lips then let out a yell and threw his hands in the air.

  “Wahoo! I knew ya had it in ya boy!” said the old man as he ran over and bear hugged Flair. “I never pushed for ya with any of ‘em, but I hoped they’d notice ya! Well I’ll be. Never thought I’d see the day. Your dad’s gonna be awful proud! Wish he stood here now. Stay a moment and gimme that thing.”

  Hamly snatched the cudgel from the boy’s hand and ran into the inn. He was gone a few moments before he returned carrying a wool blanket. He stopped in front of Flair and threw open the blanket revealing a cutlass and scabbard. The weapon was obviously cared for over a number of years.

  “Granddad, I can’t take your sword. I’m not ...” began Flair.

  “Oh, go on boy. I don’t use this ‘un much anymore. All I’m gettin’ good for is runnin’ errands and such. A recruit for the Guard gets looked upon a lot better if he shows up with a proper sword.”

  The old man turned to Manfir.

  “Your highness, I’ve shown the boy a thing or two, but if ya don’t mind, do ya think ya might give him a few tips on the way. I’d certainly appreciate it.”

  “Done,” replied Manfir.

  A huge smile beamed back at the prince from the old man.

  “Well, we must be on our way,” interrupted Ader. “Hamly, with Brelg gone, your son-in-law becomes the commander of the militia in this area, correct?”

  “Yes, sir. He does,” replied Hamly.

  “Then you may tell him of your grandson’s good fortune, but the usual rules apply concerning our movements and whereabouts. Understood?” said Ader.

  “Understood!” said Hamly with a sharp salute and a wink for his grandson.

  The remainder of the group mounted their horses and Hamly swung the gate wide open. As they passed, the old man saluted once more and Kael noticed Hamly’s lip quiver as Flair saluted
in return.

  The group quietly road down the main road of town. Manfir took the lead as the hulking form of Granu strode silently in the rear. It was early and many of the inhabitants of the small village were in their beds. Kael laughed to himself. The stable boy, sneaking from his own village with princes and lords. What would they make of it? Perhaps that’s why they were sneaking, so no one would think of it.

  They passed the last structure in town, Daz the weaver’s shop. His old dog Trig sprang from beneath the porch and barked at the group as they slid by. A withering look from Granu sent the dog yipping back under the porch. They moved into the countryside and Manfir increased the pace. The horses began a light trot.

  “We will try to get some distance between us and the town while the morning air is cool. The horses will need to slow under the noonday sun,” stated Manfir.

  After several minutes at this pace, Kael stole a glance backward. The town disappeared beneath a ridgeline and Granu fell behind as well. Manfir never turned to check on the status of the lone footman of the group.

  Nearly an hour later, Manfir reined in the black stallion and slowed the pace to a walk. Kael was afforded the opportunity to look around. The boy was never this far to the north of the village before. The country was relatively the same as that around Kelky, rolling hills broken by ridgelines gave way to sporadic fields and meadows. The grasses grew high throughout the region making fine cover. Kael noted how much recent events changed him. He no longer looked at these rolling grasslands as cattle pasture, but as battle lands, a place not of beauty, but of danger. His anxiety rose.

  “Truly remarkable country,” came a voice to his left.

  Kael turned to find Granu quietly walking beside him. The Keltaran’s head was almost level to Kael’s.

  “You were able to keep up?” said Kael, his eyes widening.

  “I have hiked many leagues through the thin air and up the steep slopes of the Zorim Mountains. This is but a stroll to a Keltaran,” stated Granu.