The Hammer of Champions
Page 17
“Perhaps he is making his move,” Caroline said. “Your spies have said as much.”
“We would look as scared as a mage out of magic in a war,” Golden said. “We have to go if only to dress down Duke Wayne.”
“Is that wise?” Caroline asked. “All of his greatest allies are going to be there and we are unsure where Duke Haggerty’s allegiances lay. We know he has talked to Duke Wayne and we know Duke Wayne has spun him some story and has given him a bracer.”
“We gave him a bracer as well,” Golden said. “But we are still unworthy or outsiders to a lot of people. We have to assume Haggerty has thrown in with Wayne. I am ready to stop this right now, I am done playing games. I may not have been born a noble but no one will ever say a man from Kol is a coward. I am going to this wedding, whatever is going to happen will happen.”
“You can’t, who will protect you?”
“We have our allies, they will fight when the time comes.”
“We have to get Tanner to come. I will send Carolina, I know they are supposed to spar today.”
“Whether he goes or not, I will be there. I am guessing he has an invitation since he has seen Jessica a few times.”
“That ended yesterday,” Caroline said. “Haggerty wants Tanner to change the way he does things and Tanner refuses. Caroline broke it off.”
“She gave up being a countess? That makes no sense. There are no single Dukes, heirs to Dukedoms, Earls or even Barons that are single. Why would she turn down something like that? Tanner is almost as rich as her father is. I haven’t let Tanner know but I have people watching them when they go out. He seems happy enough and so does she. Are you certain?”
“Jessica told Carolina. Tanner took the news well. My mother wants him to take Baron Cohenny’s daughter Lena to the wedding if he goes.”
“Well that will be up to him. What is concerning us now is Duke Wayne now that Tavor has fallen in line.”
“They think you sent Tanner to kill Duke Pithington, especially since no justice or even a hearing has been given to Tanner. I haven’t heard anything from them. I think we should let some of them know about the bracers. After all, mages will have to be used to power them. I wouldn’t want any of my magic gone for such a thing.”
“Neither would I but our daughter seems as right as a pig in slop. I think she should come with us to this. She has beaten one of our royal guard in a duel and she practically just picked up a sword. I dueled her myself after that, she is too quick to fight properly.”
“She beat you?”
“Not quite,” Golden said. “I kept her on the outside by using a combination of footwork and magic. Well, after she kicked me hard in the chest and sent me to the ground I did. I think with a month or two more of practice I won't be able to do anything with her. As is I have to wait around for her magic to wane before I can attack.”
CHAPTER 15
“Earl Tox, I see you have shown up with practically all of your staff here with you,” Duke Wayne said.
“I didn’t want to show up here at all to stare in the face of those who kidnapped my niece Your Grace,” Tanner said. “I just thought it is wise to surround myself with people I can trust. Now about that hammer.”
“We can talk about that later, did you bring a young lady here with you today?” Duke Wayne asked.
“If you are asking was I saddled with someone then the answer is yes,” Tanner said. “The Queen mum fixed me up on a date with some girl named Lena. I think she is one of Cohenny’s people.”
“You are here with Baron Cohenny’s granddaughter?” Duke Wayne said as he took a step back. “I didn’t realize you two knew each other, let alone are courting.”
“I don’t know her,” Tanner said. “Just met her yesterday and heard her chirp like a bird when the sun goes up about how she wants our wedding to be.”
“You are getting married?!?” Duke Wayne said surprised.
“Pit no,” Tanner laughed. “The girl never came up breath while she was talking. I am not marrying anyone for any reason. If she would have stopped talking she would realize we are just escorting each other to this thing. A woman has to have her shit together if she wants me. Even then I know I am too much of an ass for anyone not mad to stay around for long.”
“Oh,” Duke Wayne said. “And Queen Mother, does she have you escort many of these young ladies?”
“Pit yes she does and I have no idea why,” Tanner said gruffly. “Normally it is Haggerty’s daughter Jessica. I am sure she realizes though that the match is almost impossible. I don’t plan on bowing before Haggerty while he tells me what is best to do with my own lands. I won’t do it for Cohenny either, which is the reason I think these matches were trying to be made.”
“You were gifted a title that commoners should never reach. Now you are refusing the help of real nobles to put your lands in order.”
“My lands are in order. We have less poverty and more full bellies than anywhere in Ket. Money comes through my lands and a lot of it. I don’t need or want any help.”
“I heard what happened to Pithington and I want to tell you to your face that I am not scared of you. You are a traitorous barbarian who came here with an army to change our way of life. Before you get all angry, realize my son Perry is here and that any aggression from you will be dealt with.”
“I care less about your opinion than a no handed man cares about a pair of gloves. You should be lucky that I didn’t bring the horde to your doorstep. You think me daft, but I know you had something to do with Carolina being taken. I just can’t prove it. You will do yourself a service to remember that I grabbed a Duke and twisted his head all the way around. Just like I will do to whoever the inside man was in my niece’s kidnapping. You do have yourself a pleasant day.”
Tanner walked away from the man, sure his threat was heard. Wayne had sent him an invitation to the wedding and told him to bring three other people. Instead of some lesser nobles or family members like everyone else brought, Tanner had brought his three best fighting men to the event. Something just didn’t smell right to Tanner. Tanner knew Duke Haggerty had met with Golden and that the man was given a bracer made from Tanner’s own hand. Tanner didn’t care what happened to the things he gave Carolina to give to her mother and father but was surprised that Golden didn’t keep it for himself. Tanner thought the bracer was given as a gift to ensure Duke Haggerty’s loyalty. From his talks with Haggerty’s daughter Jessica though, Tanner figured out that Haggerty had been visited by Duke Wayne. Jessica’s loose mouth was the reason Tanner asked to see her a few more times. Jessica herself broke things off when Tanner refused to listen to any ideas about what should be done with his land. Tanner figured that order probably came from her father who had divided loyalties. Tanner wasn’t sure which way Duke Haggerty leaned, on one hand he knew the man hated him and Golden because they were born commoners. On the other hand Haggerty had suspicions Duke Wayne was involved in Jessica’s kidnapping. Tanner heard from his nephew that Golden had suspicions a coup was forming and would be enacted at the wedding. It was the only reason Tanner had agreed to finally come along. While he hated Golden he would not be able to look his niece and nephew in the face if he abandoned their father to the enemy. Farald had also let him know if the king fell then whoever felled him would be looking to off Tanner next. If the fight was going to come, then Tanner would take everyone with him. It is the reason the Sword of Ages was strapped to his side and why he wore a leather and steel breastplate under his clothing. Duke Wayne though thought he could get Tanner to come by offering to let him use the copy of the Hammer of Champions that Perry had secured. The man had no idea that the copy Tanner made worked.
“Uncle Tanner, I am so glad you could make it,” Carolina said as she walked up. “From where I was, it looks like you and Duke Wayne had a disagreement.”
“He came over to provoke me then threatened me,” Tanner said.
“Threatened you?” Carolina said looking around nervously.
“Uncle I know you have your own abilities,” Carolina said nervously. “But Perry has the grand bracer and I can count at least five mages here that belong to Duke Wayne. Perry also has one of the swords based off your own. All he would need is for a single strike to get through and he got the better of your sword play the last time you met.”
“Don’t you worry about a thing girl. I know that Perry is a great predator, like a wolf. He don’t realize though that he has stumbled into a lion. I didn’t know how his magic worked and wanted to keep things fair. I never used my power to cancel out magic around him except for once. He probably thinks that my gifts work on mages but he is wrong.”
“He is?” Carolina asked.
“It works on magic,” Tanner replied. “Whoever is feeding him magic will not be able to. All of his speed, his healing, his strength will be gone. None of mine will and with my sword he will be cut down like a tree before the ax. Whatever is supposed to happen, is going to happen today.”
“How do you know?” Carolina asked.
“Where is Jennifer at?” Tanner asked. “Her uncle was loved by these people, they would never hurt her. Neither her or her daughter is about, they don’t want to be involved either way. Where is your friend Jessica at, this seems like the type of place she would be at.”
“After what happened to us, her father made her stay home,” Carolina said.
“Your father wanted you here so he can get all the rats in one basket. He plans on making you all stand as a family and not cower away. If he refused to come, then Duke Wayne could take some insult. If he left you then assassins could possibly deal with you away from your father. Duke Haggerty would have thought his daughter would be safer under his direct supervision instead of at home. Your father thinks the same. The only reason he would not have her here is if he knew she was safer elsewhere.”
“You have to be mistaken.”
“Your friend is smitten with me. I am a big lout with a lot of muscles and a lot more money. I don’t cheat so she will not have to worry about me leaving my seed everywhere. I also am a family member of her best friend. She broke things off with seeing me again after I refused to see her father for a business meeting. I think her father was behind that. It was convenient that it happened the day before I received the invitation to come to this place. You have your blades on you under that dress?”
“Of course,” Carolina said. “Uncle I have to talk to mother and father.”
“Don’t bother, your Da is daft but he is not that daft. He knows exactly what is about. The reason he has stood in a corner most of the time and has his hand on his stomach is because he has a sword or a dagger hidden on him. The hilt of it is right above his navel, he is hiding it with his hand. When you have been around the block as much as I have you notice these things. He has not moved, neither has one of the servants along the wall who has done nothing but stare at the king. That one I recognize as one of the gate guards. That is Your Da’s emergency plan.”
“How did you…”
“I used to train with assassin’s girl. I know some things. Go back to your Da. Here comes Perry and I don’t see Darlene with him. He is about to say some rubbish to get himself killed.”
Tanner watched Carolina walk away and was irritated Edmonson was coming towards him. If Perry decided to start a fight then Tanner would have to worry about Carolina’s jinx flinger. Tanner bit his lip as both men came over at the same time. Before he let any of them speak, Tanner decided to open his mouth first. If he was the first one talking then Edmonson could read the conversation and prepare himself.
“If it isn’t the lucky bastard himself,” Tanner said smiling. “Got you a Queen do you? Some lad’s just have all the luck. Not only are you the first three bolt swordmaster, you have a pretty lady to boot. At least with you off the market it leaves some women for the rest of us.”
“What?” Perry said surprised.
“Don’t you act all surprised,” Tanner said. “You are going to be a king and you still have a duchy. I don’t know how it would work but I wish I had those kinds of problems. Now about the payment your father promised.”
“You threatened my father oaf!” Perry said loud enough for the room to hear. Tanner noticed everyone stopped talking and were now focused on Tanner’s conversation. That is how they were going to do it. Perry would challenge him, knowing he wouldn’t back down. It would all be legal and Tanner would die. Tanner thought the plan was a sound one but once again he had been underestimated. He hated the old king but at least the man took him as a serious opponent.
“Calm down, it was just a disagreement,” Tanner said waving him away.
“It was no disagreement, I demand satisfaction!” Perry said loudly as he drew his hand back. Tanner knew a slap was coming and decided to surprise Perry by stepping just out of his reach. Perry was not augmented yet and the slap missed Tanner by inches.
“You are getting married today, you don’t need this,” Tanner said looking at Perry. “Now go find your woman, you are making a scene.”
“So you refuse to fight me?” Perry said. “After that beating I put on you I don’t blame you. I want you to take off your boots and leave my home or face my wrath.”
“I’ll leave your home but I am not taking off my boots,” Tanner said. “Are you insane?”
“You will take off your boots coward or I will take them off you!” Perry screamed.
“Just calm down,” Edmonson said unsure of what was happening.
Tanner watched as Perry then focused his attention on Edmonson. Perry hated Edmonson for the same reasons Golden and Tanner were hated, he was a commoner. Tanner had been throwing Perry off his plan by being nice to him but that time had ended. It ended when Perry narrowed his eyes and went to strike Edmonson. Perry kept himself in good shape but was not augmented. Perry had also learned to fight with a sword but had no experience throwing hands like commoners did. Edmonson on the other hand was a short country boy who knew his way around an ale filled brawl. Edmonson reacted as Perry brought his hand down, Edmonson ducked the blow and gave Perry a headbutt to the mouth. Perry stumbled backwards and Tanner could see one of the mages had just used his magic on Perry’s bracer. Tanner moved Edmonson back behind him and stood in front of Perry.
“I told you to go back to your bride,” Tanner said loud enough for everyone to hear. “Now you are bleeding like a stuck pig on feastday. Now run off little Perry.”
Tanner saw Perry heal up quickly and knew he was going to attempt to fight Edmonson. Tanner braced himself and caught Perry full in the chest with a big boot. Perry flew backwards and hit the ground hard. When Perry got back up Tanner knew he must have had every mage he brought with him augmenting him. The sneer across Perry’s face let Tanner know he was ready to fight. Tanner looked around and could see Duke Wayne had a slight smile on his lips, it wouldn’t be there for long.
“We take this outside you little shit” Tanner said loudly. “If your Da gives the okay for you to die we can handle this now. I know you both were behind the kidnapping of the Princess and I want all here to know about it, traitor!”
“I will not stand for these accusations!” Duke Wayne said. “I demand satisfaction!”
“You want to have a go with me?” Tanner asked laughing. “Of course you don’t, so shut up old man.”
“Let’s take this outside,” Perry said and drew his blade.
“I don’t want to be accused of murder for fighting this idiot,” Tanner said and looked at Golden. “This boy and his father has given consent for us to fight. I haven’t asked you for much in twenty years, but I do ask this of you now. I want your blessing to fight and kill this idiot. I want everyone here to know that Tanner from Kol is not a man to be taken lightly.”
“Are you sure you want to fight Earl Tox?” Golden said as he looked at Perry. Perry gave him a smile then nodded.
Tanner listened to Perry toss insult after insult. Perry went into his sword forms and had the crowd whispering in shock. Not only were they lightning fast, he had cut straight through a table like it was nothing. Tanner took out the sword and looked a little nervous as he slowly went through his own forms. When Perry finally dropped the point of his sword towards the ground Tanner looked over at him and tried to give him his best nervous voice.
“Are you sure you don’t want to back out?” Tanner asked.
“Hurry up and call the start of the match!” Perry screamed.
Tanner nodded at Golden who gave the command. Tanner let his anti-magic field take over the entire room and could see the moment when Perry realized his augmentation was gone. Tanner flew across the room and ended it quickly. Perry wasn’t even able to get his sword up before the Sword of Ages took him in the neck. Moments later Perry’s head rolled across the floor, the look of surprise still in his eyes. Tanner kicked the head hard into the wall, people gasped as Perry’s body hit the floor. Tanner retracted his anti-magic field and instead started draining heavily from a few of the mages he suspected was on Duke Wayne’s payroll. Tanner went to speak as a crossbolt bolt took him in the back. Tanner could feel the sharpness of the bolt and knew the crossbow that fired it had to be a decent size to penetrate some of his armor. Tanner also knew that it was only a scratch as he looked over and saw the man holding it. Tanner flew at the man then, the guard tried to reload but was too slow as Tanner took him in the chest with the sword.
“Attack!” Duke Wayne yelled.
All around Tanner there was pandemonium. Men advanced on Golden but Tanner did not pay them any attention. He hated his old friend but Golden was a prodigy at everything. He had the best magic in the kingdom and was a prodigy with the blade. This the people coming after him found out as Golden started launching spells and pulled out a long dagger Tanner knew he was hiding. Tanner locked eyes with Duke Wayne though, it was a look that Tanner was waiting for. It was a look a fear. It was the look a doe gave a wolf that had just caught her, the look a rich man gives a bandit. Duke Wayne knew he was prey and Tanner was predator. It was to be expected Tanner thought, that he would not get a chance to close Wayne’s mouth. No one had paid any attention to Carolina who stalked over to the Duke and took him in the chest. It was hard to follow after that. Some of the men who were fighting for Duke Wayne turned on their allies. The story later on would be that they saw men attacking the king and went to help, that they were not part of any traitorous actions.