Dark Times

by Brian Murray

  “I’m a sergeant, ma’am.”

  “Well, now you’re helping me to carry the food to the household.”

  The sergeant was about to complain, but thought better of it. He walked to a cupboard,

  found a white jacket and put it on, but it was too small and ripped down the back. Finding one that fit him, he walked to the table and started putting out plates and glasses.

  “Do you not have a clue?” snapped Christie, shaking her head in dismay.

  The sergeant looked up with a ‘who me?’ expression across his face. Christie shook her head and handed the man her bag. “Go and cut some bread.” Without turning, she added, “And be careful not to cut the slices too thick.”

  “Yes ma’am,” said the sergeant in regimental style.

  “That’s better,” replied the young woman, smiling.

  ***

  Surprising Christie, the cook made a breakfast that looked quite appetising. The first man returned to announce only two: the Queen and Princess Sasha were in residence. Christie asked where Zane and the two houseguests were. The man shook his head—a mistake. Sending the man packing, she told him to go and find out where they were and if they wanted to break their fast at the palace.

  That was Christie’s first day in charge of the palace. Her mother offered to help out at the bakery while Christie followed her new career, serving the royal household as head maid.

  ***

  Half way through the morning, Zane woke up in the chair in Rayth’s room with Aurillia asleep on his lap. He twisted his neck and cursed silently when it cracked in protest against the movement. He tried to shift his weight, realising he could not feel his legs. The movement woke Aurillia; she smiled dreamingly at seeing his face. “I need to move my legs, honey,” Zane said. Aurillia rose sleepily, taking the blanket, and ambled over to the bed. Lying on the bed next to her father, she covered herself and fell back asleep. Zane smiled and stood up. Then . . .

  CRASH!

  Zane fell on the floor in a crumpled heap. His legs, numb from the lack of circulation, had promptly collapsed under his weight.

  Hearing the crash, Dax rushed upstairs from the kitchen, entered the room, and tried to hold his laughter in check. In front of him, bowlegged, stood Zane, holding himself upright on the arms of the chair.

  “Don’t just stand there,” whispered Zane hoarsely, “my legs are dead.”

  Dax stood in the doorway and beckoned Zane over. Forgetting his legs for a moment Zane let go of the chair, and again collapsed onto the floor. Dax left the room and closed the door. The roar of his laughter annoyed Zane, who still lay on the floor. Crawling on all fours, he reached the door and opened it.

  Looking around and then down, Dax continued to laugh, seeing Zane on all fours. “Need a hand, boy?”

  Reaching up, Zane gripped the man’s wrist and was helped upright. Through his annoyance, Zane saw the funny side and smiled at the older warrior. Closing the door quietly, Dax helped the young king downstairs.

  Walking down the stairs proved painful for Zane. As the circulation resumed in his legs, pins and needles prickled painfully from knee to toe. Hiding his discomfort, Zane was helped into the kitchen, where he sank gratefully onto a chair at the table. Dax went to the stove and lifted the kettle.

  “How is Rayth?” asked the old warrior.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “He’s a tough old goat and will live,” said Dax in a matter of fact tone.

  “I’m sure he will,” said Zane, rising to head toward the back door, gingerly patting and rubbing his legs back to life. He opened the door for some fresh air and to his surprise, saw two axe-wielders on guard. The two guards turned and saw the king’s astonished expression. They immediately snapped to attention.

  Zane returned inside and looked at Dax questioningly.

  “They turned up last night. Something about General Brooks sending them here, for your safety, and what not . . . From what I can gather, he is not so pleased you’re here.”

  “And where am I meant to be?” snapped Zane, running his hands through his long black hair.

  “Listen, the man is worried about your safety and he has every right to be. I did tell him that you had the best warriors in the entire Kingdom in the tavern, but the axe-wielder captain would not listen to me. And when they found out this is Rayth’s tavern, and that he was injured, there was no moving them.”

  Zane smiled his crooked smile. He had been rightly chastised.

  “Where are my best warriors?” asked the young king, his grey eyes gleaming with mischief.

  “Where else? They’re sleeping. Wait a minute.”

  Dax left the kitchen and strolled through to the common room. An almighty clatter erupted, followed by some obscene swearing. Dax returned to the kitchen smiling, his violet eyes dancing with delight.

  “I will rephrase that: they’re awake, and on duty. Sire,” he added quickly, remembering that the title greatly annoyed Zane.

  Entering the kitchen came Thade and Tanas, soon followed by Ireen and Megan.

  “What was all that about?” asked Thade, rubbing his head.

  “Our liege wanted to know where his best warriors were, and I just wanted to show him that you were on duty.”

  Overhead they heard creaking from the stairs. “Now you’re in trouble,” said Zane, tip-toeing into a corner.

  Aurillia walked into the kitchen, her face like thunder. “What’s all the noise about, trying to raise the dead?”

  “Not the dead, girl, your father,” answered Dax, smiling. Aurillia did not answer; instead she walked over to Zane and kissed him on the cheek.

  “You’re the king, can you not control your people?”

  “They have your father’s welfare at heart, I think.”

  Tanas, also rubbing his head, added, “And we were on guard duty, to protect our liege, I think.”

  Laughter rippled through the kitchen.

  “Now, this is the atmosphere your father wants to have. He is not a man who likes mourning. Let him hear laughter and he’ll be up soon enough,” said Dax.

  Aurillia looked at the grizzly warrior and a smile grew as she walked up to him. She kissed him on the cheek and mouthed, ‘Thank you’.

  “Now as you’re by the stove, I will have some tisane.”

  “Anyone else?” asked Dax, annoyed.

  “Yes, please,” came a voice from outside, and in walked Zorain with Conn. Dax quietly swore and busied himself with the tisane. Mine will be better than Cara’s, he thought, smiling to himself.

  “How’s your father?” asked Zorain, his face full of concern.

  “He’ll be fine, thank you,” answered Aurillia. “And thank you for bringing him home.”

  “He saved the city. It was the least I could do for the old rogue.”

  Dax had started serving the tisane when a knock at the door sounded. Zane opened the door and Emyra walked in, cringing when she saw Dax making tisane. She had left in the early hours to go home and freshen up, escorted by an axe-wielder.

  “Dax is not making tisane!” she exclaimed in horror. “It’s a known fact that he makes the worse tisane in the Kingdom.”

  “That’s none for you then,” snapped Dax playfully.

  “Bless the Divine One for mercies,” replied Emyra, clasping her hands together. “I will see to our patient while you lot are being poisoned.”

  She left the kitchen and walked upstairs to Rayth’s room. To her surprise and joy, the man had regained some colour in his face and his breathing seemed less ragged. She sighed and gave thanks to the Divine One for the extra day of life. Rayth typified the city of Teldor, thought Emyra; if he died, part of the city would die with him. She sat on the chair and settled to watch the man sleep.

  Downstairs, Zorain and Conn left the tavern, but not before asking Zane to stop by the City Watch offices on his way to the palace. Zane promised he would.

  The others walked through to the common room, leaving Zane alone with Aurillia in the
kitchen. Zane took a sip of his tisane and cringed. Putting the mug down, he looked at the contents and smiled.

  “All he has to do is put the leaves in, add hot water and a little honey. How hard can that be? Dax is the only man I know who can destroy tisane.” Aurillia laughed and then tasted her tisane. Her smile turned into a questioning frown.

  “See what I mean?” he added.

  Aurillia looked at her lover’s face. He appeared tired and he had stubble that was certainly a few days old. Then he smiled his crooked smile. The Zane of old shone through and she had to smile back; there was the man she loved.

  “I have to go to the palace, but will be back soon.”

  “Don’t be gone long,” countered Aurillia as she reached over to touch his hand tenderly.

  “I’ll be back soon, I promise.”

  “You’d better be.”

  Zane smiled, leaned over and kissed her on the lips. Rising, he headed towards the back door and opened it.

  Hearing the door open, Dax walked through the kitchen and followed the young king. Outside, the axe-wielders snapped to attention and saluted. One of them rushed off to get Zane and Dax’s horses. As the guard brought the horses forward, the old healer, who had treated Rayth the night before, arrived.

  “How is he?” asked the healer, hoping for the best but fairing the worse.

  “The old goat is still kicking,” answered Dax proudly.

  The relief was evident in the healer’s eyes. He just nodded and entered the tavern, to be warmly greeted by Aurillia. From the inn, Thade and Tanas emerged into the bright crisp morning air, followed by Ireen and Megan.

  ***

  Thade took a deep breath and smiled broadly. Holding Ireen close, his mind for the first time played with the future. For the first time in an age, he allowed himself the pleasure of considering his prospects.

  There was only one person missing, and he missed Cara very much. But under his arm was the woman he loved more than anything, and in front of him his mentor and father-figure Dax, who had rescued him last night. The prodigious warrior had long, greying hair but his distinctive feature—his bright violet eyes—had not changed with age. Next to the old warrior stood the king of the Rhaurns, Zane, who had proved himself a friend time and time again. Next to him was his new friend, the strange blind warrior, Tanas. He had started to like the warrior who was quick to laugh but cool, sometimes even cold, and kept most people at arm’s length. However, once the cold exterior was cracked, it revealed a warm interior the former gladiator liked.

  Next to Tanas stood Megan, his love and Ireen’s close friend. He did not know much about Megan’s past, but he supposed everyone had secrets. He closed his eyes and pictured his late friend, the former blacksmith, Gammel. With Gammel here everything would have been perfect; but he was gone, killed on the palace steps the night before. Opening his eyes, Zane saw Ireen’s questioning emerald green eyes. He smiled, reassuring her, and she turned and hugged him tightly. Yes, Thade concluded, the future looks bright.

  The axe-wielder brought forward the horses and found a wagon for the women to ride in. Zane noticed the Royal Lancers were waiting for the party farther up the road and he beckoned over the axe-wielder captain. The grizzly man stepped forward and bowed low.

  “Yes, sire?”

  “What are my Royal Lancers doing over there?” asked the young king with a frown.

  “Well, your Highness, umm, well you see . . . ”

  “Spit it out,” snapped Dax, standing next to the king.

  “Well sir, we won the right to guard you,” explained the captain, proudly.

  “What do you mean ‘won the right’?” asked Zane, confused.

  “Well, there’s one of us inside the tavern and our brethren fought by your side at the palace,” said the captain, gesturing towards the Royal Lancers. “They failed in guarding our beloved former king—bless King Logan’s soul—and now we have taken up the responsibility for your safety. They were not here for you, but the axe-wielders were and we will always be. I will leave some guards here for our fallen comrade and follow you up to the palace. Those horsemen will escort you to the palace. There, my men are guarding her Highness, the queen. Sire, I was at Sandall and should inform you that Captain Jamie died repelling the army at Southern Pass.” The commander bowed and walked off, barking out orders to his troops.

  Zane looked at Dax in shock. He had not heard of Captain Jamie’s demise. He felt guilty that the thought had not crossed his mind. Then Dax brought the king’s thoughts back to the present.

  “I do not think you should argue, Zane. This is a matter of pride within the army. He is right when he says the Royal Lancers failed. Leave it be and order will sort itself out.”

  Zane looked to Dax for advice and again he listened to the older warrior’s wisdom. The Royal Lancers had failed, that was true, but this seemed extreme. However, he did like the axe-wielders, and they had been always true to Rhaurien.

  The group mounted their horses and started the journey to the palace. As they passed the City Watch offices, Zane and Dax stopped.

  “Thade, Tanas, you and the others go ahead to the palace, I shall only be stopping here a short while,” announced Zane.

  When the group left, the axe-wielders arrived and took up their defensive positions. Zane smiled at his new personal guards and entered the quiet offices. Inside, Zorain and Conn warmly greeted the two men.

  “Your Highness, please have a seat.”

  Zane stood motionless, staring at the captain of the City Watch. Zorain saw the young king’s annoyed expression and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Zane, but you’re now king.”

  “Yes, I’m king but you’re still Zorain and I’m still Zane, remember that.”

  “I am sorry Zane, please have a seat. You too, Dax.”

  “Thank you.”

  Conn entered the office, placed a tray of tisane on the table, and left the men to discuss business. Zane reached forward and took a mug. He blew on the hot liquid, enjoying the sweet aroma. Licking his lips, he prepared himself, sipped the contents and frowned.

  “Unfortunately,” started Zorain with a smile, “it’s one of those facts, Zane; men cannot make tisane.” Zane glanced up and smiled his crooked smile. He peered over at Dax who was enjoying his tisane.

  Realising he was being stared at, Dax snapped, “That’s the last time I make tisane for you, boy.”

  “Now there’s a blessing,” countered Zane happily.

  Dax just grunted a curse.

  “That’s no way to speak to your king.”

  “I’ll put you across my knee and spank you; that’s the way to treat ungrateful pups.”

  Zane put his hands up in a submissive gesture and bowed. “Yes, I should remember my place when with you older folk.”

  “Older folk? I will show you older folk. Think you can take me?” Dax’s violet eyes danced with mischief.

  “Of course,” responded Zane with youthful vigour.

  Dax rose and left the offices, followed by Zane and Zorain. They exited the building at

  the rear and stood in the small parade ground. Grey walls around the exercising area were high so no one could see inside and, more importantly, no prisoners could escape.

  Walking out into the flat, dusty area, Dax turned to face the king. Zane swaggered up to the older warrior and opened his mouth to say something. Crack! Dax struck the king with a thunderous right hook. Zane’s feet left the ground as he flew backwards, landing unconscious on his back in a plume of dust. Dax smiled at Zorain and quoted one of his favourite phrases, “Somewhere, somehow, some village is missing its idiot.”

  The two men strolled back into the office, leaving Zane sprawled across the ground.

  Back inside the office, Dax and Zorain sat down at the table, where Dax sipped his tisane.

  “Dax, I needed to speak to Zane about the security of the city. I have no men left to patrol the streets and the protection of the people is down to me.”

  Dax t
hought for a while and smiled. “We have the entire Rhaurn army here and I am sure some men can be released to your charge. I would suggest the Royal Lancers,” he added wilily.

  “The king’s own guards? I think not,” said Zorain, amazed at the suggestion.

  “They are not any longer. The order within the army is changing and the axe-wielders are now the king’s guards.”

  “The axe-wielders?”

  “Aye, they will now be Zane’s protectors. I will speak to General Brooks and ensure the men are sent to you this morning.”

  “Thank you, Dax,” said Zorain, glancing up to see Zane walk into the office rubbing his chin. He sat down next to the older warrior, head down, like a chastised pup.

  “I’m letting the captain here have some Royal Lancers to act as City Watch until he can recruit more new men,” said Dax.

  Zane numbly nodded. “I don’t think that’s the way you treat a king,” he grumbled miserably.

  “Do you want some more, boy?” asked Dax, his eyes gleaming with intent. “Thade never learned his lesson and now you’re going to follow.”

  “Let’s go,” said Zane, rising and strutting out of the room back to the parade ground. Following the king, Dax stepped out onto the dusty ground with Zorain behind him, smiling.

  Dax stopped, facing the young king.

  “I’m ready for lesson two,” confirmed Zane with a cocky smile.

  Dax threw a fast punch, but his target had already ducked under the blow. Using a leg sweep, Zane tripped the warrior, then using his elbow, connected with the older man’s chin. Dax slowly sat up, shaking his head and rubbing his jaw, with Zane standing above him, jumping from side to side, and smiling broadly.

  Zane blinked and stared at the older warrior who slowly rose to his feet, his face fixed in a malevolent smile.

  “Good move boy, want to try that again?”

  Zane swallowed.

  ***

  Thade, Tanas, Ireen, and Megan arrived at the palace to be greeted by a happy and smiling General Gordonia.

  “Good to see you, Princess,” said the general, who had been waiting impatiently by the gates, ready to summon a horse to ride to the tavern.