The Hammer of Champions

by A L Issett

  “We had a budding romance Carolina” Tanner replied. “This get together has shown me we really are not that compatible.”

  “What are you talking about?” Tara said shocked. “Is it because I didn't want to go? I am having a good time.”

  “It was a lot of things, but enjoy your night Tara” Tanner replied.

  “What do you mean enjoy my night?” Tara said with her voice raising slightly. “I refused to be dragged along because you have some kind of hatred of the people here and now you break up with me? You told me not to talk about us to anyone but it is my life too and these are good people, why are you doing this?”

  “Tanner” Queen Caroline interjected. “We were only trying to be friendly, we did not mean to come between you and Tara.”

  “Your Majesty you have done nothing I did not expect you to do” Tanner replied. “But my problems with Tara are my own and although I respect your position not even you have the authority over my love life. Tara is a good girl, she is just not the one for me.”

  “Why are you doing this to me?” Tara asked.

  “I am doing nothing to you Tara, I asked you for one thing and you couldn't do it’ Tanner replied. “I admit it Your Majesties, I want none of you in my business. I don't trust anyone of you to have my best interest at heart anymore. What I do know is that the crown will take whatever I covet and use it against me, if it happened once it will happen again. I did not privy Tara on our relationship but told her my plan here. Tara decided she would rather choose this place over me so now she can have it. She thinks all she did was have fun and meet a bunch of famous people. To me she is a betrayer that is not to be trusted under no circumstances.”

  “Is this because of that man and the duel?” Tara asked pleadingly. “I thought you did well you have nothing to be ashamed of.”

  “You don’t get it Tara and perhaps you never will” Tanner said with a sigh.

  “Tanner don't do this” King Golden replied. “You obviously cared enough for this girl to bring her here of all places. Whatever we have between us don't ruin your chance at happiness.”

  “My chance was ruined long ago Your Majesty” Tanner replied. “But if you will excuse me I will let you and your new friend Tara talk all about me, she looks like she is having a lot of fun telling my business. Tara I will leave the carriage for you, I can make my own way home.”

  Tanner left Tara without looking back, he could see the shock in the girl’s face but it was what it was. As Tanner left the place he could see someone running around back to get his carriage, Tanner waved him off and instead would walk. He had already set himself up a room in the city of Darwal, which was overseen by the Duke. The fresh air would do him good and also help clear his mind. Golden was trying and so was Caroline. A lot of time had passed between them but it was hard for Tanner to let things go, maybe poor Tara was caught in the middle. Golden and Caroline could be charming, perhaps she was just a girl in over her head. It was of no matter, Tanner figured he was just not ready and Tara could readily find someone else. Tanner walked down the road towards town when he could hear hoofbeats behind him. The sky was a bit dark and he was unarmed so he just went towards the side of the road and crouched. He saw a rider coming forward with another horse in tow. Tanner let himself be seen as Edmonson came into view.

  “You trying to get out of that place?” Tanner said as he looked up at Edmonson.

  “Well after your duel with Perry you set the place a buzz” Edmonson replied as he handed over the reigns. “He is a three bolt swordmaster, in a duel he should have been able to finish you quickly. People were remarking how they had never seen anyone hang with him for so long.”

  “He was a cheater using magic I had not seen before or detected really” Tanner replied.

  “Perry is no mage Uncle” Edmonson replied.

  “No he isn't, but he has his own tricks” Tanner began. “The mages scattered around the room, they were feeding him power somehow. There is no way a little man like that should have been able to stay with me. I feel his blows even now from when we were hand to hand.”

  “What do you mean Uncle, I had you winning that fight” Edmonson said. “He couldn't really get inside on you.”

  “I was doing all I could to keep him on the outside” Tanner said as he faced the mage. “The same thing when we went to swords, I don't duel but I still should have beaten him. The boy is a gifted blade, his cuts are precise and quick. But he does the same forms over and over, any swordsman can eventually figure him out, it's like he is fighting in a pattern. I can beat almost anyone on speed alone but he was at my level or higher. The mages that were feeding him looked almost on the verge of dropping when he quit, I think he knew their power was waning. If I had to do it all over again I would have separated those mages from their power.”

  “Uncle” Edmonson said hesitantly. “I have heard whispers from my wife you are able to somehow break the connection between a mage and their magic. Is this true? Can you show me?”

  “Do you feel that drain boy” Tanner replied. “Like you are beat down from a hard day’s work. That’s me drawing in power from you. Now I have stopped that and I have an anti-magic field around us, try to do something simple like make a light.” Tanner watched as Edmonson concentrated, then gave up.

  “So the great Perry is nothing but a fraud” Edmonson smiled.

  “He is not exactly a fraud, the boy does have considerable skill but since I have never underwent any test to determine my ranking I don't know how good” Tanner replied. “But the speed and power he showed today was not his. His mages somehow figured out a way to form a link with him, it is almost like the power I draw except I do it by force. I don't think it is a good way to spend your magic since one mage could be far more devastating than anyone holding a blade but then again this Perry is in it for the long haul.”

  “He seeks recognition, everyone knows that” Edmonson explained. “I just hope everything going on with the five kingdoms blows over. But on to the reason I am really here.”

  “You think me daft, I know that niece of mine sent you” Tanner said with a laugh. “They are sore over Tara, they sent you to see if I am just angry for right now or if I am done with her entirely. Well you can go back and tell those nosy Nancies sticking their nose where it don't belong got us into this codswallop. Tara is a good girl but not for me, what's this all about the five kingdoms?”

  “One of them, the one closest to our border is in a civil war” Edmonson explained. “They have been going at it and has tried to drag the others into the fight. If it weren't for the treaty I am sure we would be a part of it too. Right now we are already amassing on the borders if the fight comes our way.”

  “They must be as mad as a bag of ferrets” Tanner exclaimed. “They are going to keep it up and make the treaty void. Golden will abide by the one with the barbarian tribes but the five can't stand against Ket, at least not separately.”

  “I don't know Uncle” Edmonson replied. “On their own land they will be tough to fight with all the ballistae and catapults everywhere. But about Tara.”

  “Tara has my carriage and will be able to make it back to Tox” Tanner replied. “She already has decent money and will be taken care of. Thanks for the horse, you can get it back from the Fat Pig Inn, the rest of my staff should already have rooms there.”

  Tanner watched Edmonson go back towards the party and steered his animal towards town. Duke Haggerty and his lands were right up against Quet, the larger of the five kingdoms and probably the one in a civil war. Tanner found the inn soon enough and made sure the owner knew Tara would need her own room. Tanner had bought the inn out for three days, right now the men he brought with him on the long trip were busy draining the inn’s alcohol supply. They invited Tanner to drink and at least one made comment about where Tara was but Tanner ignored it and went up to his bed.

  CHAPTER 4

  Tanner jumped awake as he heard someone coming into his room. Although Tanner was naked he
quickly got to his feet and brandished a candle holder as an armored man came forth.

  “Are you Earl Tox?” the man said ignoring the candle holder.

  “Who wants to know” Tanner replied.

  “The Duke of Haggerty” the man said as he moved to the side and let another soldier in, this one carrying a sword. “Soldiers from the five kingdoms have crossed over into Ket and killed a couple of our soldiers. Not only that but Princess Carolina along with the Duke’s daughter are both missing. The King is calling for all available nobles with military experience to join him immediately.”

  Tanner jumped to his feet and hurriedly put on his clothes. He would send his people for his sword and helm but right now he would take what he could get. Tanner strapped on the sword. The sword was a decent weight and sat somewhat heavy on his hip. The Sword of Ages was a little heavier and a bit longer than the blade he now wore. Tanner went to go get his horse but found it was already out front and saddled. The men wasted no time in getting their horses up to speed as they went back towards Haggerty’s estate. Tanner could smell blood and see bodies as he came close to the house. Dead people in servant garb were spread out over the lawn. These are either the people who were killed by the attackers or the attackers themselves who were cut down trying to escape. Tanner let the men lead him into the banquet room where King Golden had a map spread out all over the table while Duke Haggerty was pointing out things to him.

  “How long ago did this happen” Tanner said as he walked up.

  “Do you mind Earl Tox, I am trying to explain to the King our best course of action” Duke Haggerty replied angrily.

  “You do the explaining, I’m going to get my niece and cut a hole through whoever took her” Tanner replied angrily. “Where in the hell is the Jinx Flinger at we got shit we gotta do.”

  “This happened a little over an hour ago” Queen Caroline said as she grabbed Tanner’s shirt. “We have people trying to search for her, they were taken in the night by women and men posing as servants.”

  “Well I know the way to Quet, did they leave anything behind?” Tanner asked. “Anyone barmy enough to do this had to leave some kind of demands.”

  “The Quetians want our help in their civil war” Queen Caroline replied as she started breaking down. “They don't think they will be able to get it any other way, they have promised to return both girls as soon as the war is over.”

  “Do you see the type of people you helped give a nation to?” Baron Cohenny said as the older man approached Tanner. “For all we know, you are probably behind this in an attempt to gain your own nation. You have never acted as one of us and now suddenly you show up and people are kidnapped.”

  Tanner backhanded the man to the floor then kicked him as hard as he could in the stomach sending him skidding across the floor before drawing his blade. Tanner felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to find the Queen there with sadness in her eyes.

  “Caroline I don't play these damn games” Tanner said as he turned back towards the Baron who was on the ground writhing. “I don't do little slights and maneuvering like these folks do. Anyone who wants to settle with me is going to get punched in the mouth from here on out if they are lucky. My niece is missing and I don't have the time to waffle on with any of these twats. If any man here feels he has the stones to accuse me of hurting my own niece draw your fucking blade and let's end this, otherwise shut the fuck up. Now you Your Grace, how long will it take for you to get some semblance of a force together to at least give the outlook that we are cowed?”

  “We have to do what these people want, they have my Jessica” the Duke said angrily.

  “Trust me, I know what it is like more than anyone to have someone you love held hostage” Tanner began. “I also know that we have to at least give the appearance that they have us by the cobbles and that starts with sending a force over.”

  “That is what I was talking to his Majesty about before you interrupted” Duke Haggerty replied. “I can get men along with some mages to help out their cause in a no more than half a day.”

  “We have to remember the accords that tosser signed about not interfering with the five kingdoms” Tanner said.

  “Did you just call our departed King a tosser and in front of the royal couple?” Duke Haggerty said outraged.

  “I sure did, now are you busy badgering me about some bloke dead in the ground or do you care more about your daughter?” Tanner said as he pointed to the map. “Now what side of this war needs our help?”

  “It is the family of King Welby” King Golden replied. “The king himself was murdered with poison and three generals took over the palace and formed a coup. The royal family fled with all those who were loyal and the last my spies reported is they are fighting the usurpers in a losing effort in this valley” Golden finished as he pointed to a spot on the map.

  “Well then that is where the hell I am going” Tanner said as Edmonson walked up looking horrible. “I am going to write a missive I would appreciate if it could get to my people from Tox. They should be on their way with my gear and here in about two weeks at the latest armed to the teeth. Send them to find me unless I say otherwise.”

  “What are you doing?” Edmonson asked.

  “What's it look like Jinx Flinger” Tanner replied. “I am going into Quet and I am going to carve a bloody swath to my niece.”

  “I am coming with you” Edmonson replied.

  “No you are not boy” Tanner replied. “I don't trust anyone here to do right by Carolina ‘cept you and my dumbass nephew. This won't be the first time I have to shove a sword up someone’s ass and I doubt it’ll be the last. I know you are made of strong stuff and think nothing about jumping into the mix and smacking around any twat who needs it regardless of the odds. But I am a trained assassin from the Black Hand. Let me do my job and you do yours by leading the mages”.

  “T-The Black Hand?” Duke Wayne said stuttering. “That’s impossible they were disbanded.”

  “Well they sure in the pit weren't when I went through” Tanner replied.

  “Sending you alone is crazy, you may make matters worse” Duke Wayne said as Tanner yanked him up by his collar. “I-I only mean you should at least take Perry and a contingent of mages with you” the Duke finished as Tanner dropped him.

  “I am leaving in no more than a couple of moments” Tanner said. “If your people are coming they better be ready when I am.”

  Tanner then turned towards Edmonson and grabbed his shoulder, he gave the mage a look that the other man understood instantly. Tanner would find his wife or die trying. Tanner’s horse was already waiting on him along with the swordmaster Perry and ten mages. Tanner used his power and sent tendrils into them, they were very low on power and he was sure only with great difficulty would they be able to ride as hard as they needed to. Although his power did not work on Perry, he could just tell by looking at the man that he definitely caught the worst of it from their duel as he was sitting gingerly in the saddle. The men all had packs ready for travel, Tanner did not but he was used to living on the land as he spurred his horse onward. The party did not really speak to each other and because of the darkness had to go slow so the horses wouldn't break a leg or have to be put down. Tanner pulled off to the side of the road and just laid on the hard ground after quickly starting a fire. Those around him started putting up small tents and bedrolls but Tanner could tell they had zero experience doing such things as half of the tents fell down instantly. Eventually they all gathered around his fire and just laid in their bedrolls.

  The next morning Tanner was up early and watered his horse before traveling on. His companions first had the idea of eating some kind of breakfast but Tanner wanted to move and luckily they didn't argue. Tanner found some tracks in the light, two of the horses on this path left deep hoofprints, a sign that more than one rider was on the horse.

  “They came this way” Tanner said breaking the silence. “We are not going to catch them, they most likely had inside hel
p to begin with and I am sure they have a decent enough group to get my niece the hell out of the country. Following these tracks should lead us to them or at least from where they came. It is simple enough but it is time for us to put things out in open boy.”

  “Who are you calling a boy, you have the body of a man but your face gives you away” Perry replied. “I don't buy into your lie about you being nearly as old as the King.”

  “I am still the Earl of Tox boy, you show some damn respect. These mages won't be able to save you from me like last time” Tanner replied.

  “W-what are you talking about” Perry stammered.

  “Let's put all our coins on the stump” Tanner began. “I hit you with punches that should have dropped a man your size a thousand times over. You have some strength but when you hit me it felt like getting kicked from a plow horse with a nasty case of the jiggers. And your swordplay, I don't do all that dueling shit with tiny swords. I don't want to fill your head but I am sure you know that you are the best I ever faced.”

  “I am just stronger than I look” Perry replied.

  “You must be knackered if you think I am going to fall for that” Tanner replied. “I know these blokes around you were feeding you power somehow, after the fight they looked ready to keel over. What I can’t understand is how they were doing it or why. Mages, especially this many are much better by themselves instead of feeding you power.”

  “You, why should I tell you anything?” Perry replied.

  “Because my power acts in much the same way” Tanner replied. “How in the hell do you think I am so fast despite being built like a stone carriage? Normally I am sure your natural skill can beat most men with the sword, your strikes are short but crisp and always lead into another attack. But I suspect a ranked swordmaster would figure you out soon enough. Whether they would be able to overcome your youth and speed I do not know. But with these blokes feeding you power I am sure within a couple of passes you would have them beat.”