As he was poring over his map sketch of his route out east, he heard the door swing open and his parents walk in. He went downstairs to greet them, only to find them quite inebriated but jolly too.
“We weren’t expecting you home so soon! Did you finally finish up training?” his mother blurted out.
“Yes ma, we got off early and have our week of leave now! I’m going on a hunting trip tomorrow for a few days, just going to enjoy it while I can before my first tour of duty.” Naurus carefully recited.
“Oh, that’s great my boy. Need your old man to come with you and show you how it’s done?” His father slurred out, plopping down on a chair.
“No pops, it’s fine. I can handle myself! I’ll head out first thing tomorrow morning. You don’t usually go out during the day to drink, what’s the occasion?”
It was at this point they pulled out a hefty-looking leather sack and plopped it down on the table, gold and silver coins spilling out with a few small gems and some jewelry mixed in as well.
"It was such a performance that this was my tips for the night! I'll be able to retire soon enough my boy, then we can travel the seas and do whatever we want...to do..." His father said, beginning to doze off in his chair. It had been a while since Naurus had seen his father in such spirits and with such luck as to get that much of a payment. He made his way up to his bedroom and made his final preparations that evening. He noted that the Barthwick Path seemed to be the easiest way to get to the village of Kaladore. He went to sleep with a smile on his face, knowing soon that his father would be able to enjoy life without worry, and hopefully without drinking himself silly so much either.
The Call
The dawn eventually broke, awakening Naurus with the sun rising in the west blazing through his window. He got up, making sure that everything he needed was packed. He strapped on his baldric and sword and packed an extra change of clothes just in case. He hooked his small crossbow onto his backpack and with his water bladder slung over his shoulder, the journey had finally begun. Making his way downstairs, his mother and Mokhey were cozied up on a chair as she enjoyed her morning tea. His father wasn't there, probably still asleep in his room. He grabbed some puff pastries out of the larder for breakfast and made his way out.
"Be careful honey! Don't go too far out in wilderness now, I love you too much for anything bad to happen to you." His mother said.
"I know Ma, don’t worry I'm only going to be gone for a couple days. I love you too." He said as he walked out into the cool morning air. A gentle fog had settled in, but soon that would be burned off by the sun. He made his way over to the Hunter's Run Stables on the edge of the Lowlands. It was a simple place run to sell or rent horses to farmers and hunters mainly, as these certainly weren't champion stock. He decided to spend the coin to save his feet and rented a horse for two gold pieces, one for each day he planned to have it. All saddled up on his palomino stallion simply named Muffin, he set off into the east, the distant mountains beckoning him ever closer. Soon the sun was overhead, and the beautiful rolling hillocks and fields were in plain view. Farmers bustled about their day, herds of livestock roamed the fields, and traffic on the Barthwick Path started picking up. He noticed the carts full of ores suddenly start appearing, the mountain miners making their way into the town. Turning around, the foundry's black smoke was still pouring from its stacks, a seemingly never-ending monster of industry that would eat all the ores that the mines could feed it.
The great stone aqueducts that fed fresh mountain water into the city became more prominent as the hills flattened out and he came closer to the mountain. Indeed, these structures were said to be as old as the kingdom itself and were absolutely vital to provide water to the city as most of the rivers were irrigated into the farmlands and settlements that peppered the area between the city and the mountains called the Crowned Fields. Water and windmills dotted the landscape. Naurus had forgotten how peaceful the countryside was as his father hadn't been able to take him out here hunting in years. He started munching on his pemmican as the midday sun drew past high noon, soon finding that his half pound of rations was gone. He knew he should be able to make it to Kaladore by dusk though. The scenic countryside was shrinking away in the face of the great Unscaled Slopes looming ever larger before him as the sun started hiding behind the peaks.
One thing he noticed that he didn’t remember from his childhood ventures out here was the increasingly rough roads, poorly maintained structures and houses, and rotting directional signs that could barely be read if at all. It was as if those close to the mountains weren't getting the same infrastructure updates and maintenance that the city dwellers were. The people looked more shaggy, unkempt, and dirty out here too. Dusk drew near, and there was a somber mood that took over Naurus as he saw Kaladore off in the distance. He was out of water and food, and really hoped to be able to find what he needed in this town. This village was situated on the edge of a covert in the shadow of the mountains. It wasn't a particularly attractive village either, with its half rotten rooftops, dark wooden walls and broken roads, Kaladore had a morbid atmosphere. Naurus rode into the center of the town and looked around for a place to hitch his horse and find an inn. In the dim light given by the few torches in the street he finally made out a weathered wooden sign that looked promising: Broken Sword Inn. He hitched his horse to the post outside and made sure that Muffin had some hay to eat next to the water trough as well. From the outside the inn looked unfriendly, uncomfortable and ugly. Timber and wooden pillars made up most of the building's outer structure.
It was hard to see through the curtained windows, but the lack of joy from within could be felt outside. Naurus made his way into the inn, the loudly creaking rusted hinges announcing his presence to all the dozen or so denizens inside. A blast of warm and stuffy air greeted him, the fireplace roaring at full capacity. It was almost as gloomy inside as it was outside. Rounded, stone beams supported the upper floor and the candles attached to them. The walls were decorated with old paintings covered in dust. The innkeeper sat behind the bar, smoking his pipe and making no effort to acknowledge his new patron. All the eyes that were suddenly trained on him made him a bit nervous, so he decided to make a bee line to the bar top. The old innkeeper had a prominent, droopy red mustache. He cocked his bushy eyebrow at the new patron now sitting in front of him.
"Yer a strange lookin' feller, definitely ain't from around here. The names Dolgin, what can I do ya fer?" The barkeep asked.
"Uh...well I just need a room for the night first." Naurus replied with a bit of nerves, feeling eyes still staring at him.
"That'll be three gold fer the night. Yer room will be upstairs on the left. Anythin' else ye need?"
"Well yeah some food and a tankard of whatever is cheapest, please."
Dolgin scratched his mustache, mulling for a few seconds. "Well all I got fer food is some bread and lustle to go with it. We got a nice strong brew that the likes of you could afford. Ten coppers for all that lad." Naurus pulled out his coin pouch, emptying out all his copper and gold pieces. Dolgin produced an overflowing tankard of frothy brew and a plate with a few slices of thick, crusty bread and a bowl of lustle. The bowl was full of a brown, greasy, cheese-like substance that was earthy and a bit salty, but Naurus ate it all up in no time. The tankard was full of a corn and metallic tasting brew that wasn’t anything worth writing home about, but it would do for now. Feeling better after a belly full of food, he looked around at everyone else in the room around him. Off in the corner some shady looking figures, faces shadowed under cloaks, were deep into a game of five finger fillet. At another table, hushed conversations were had between some men who looked like local hunters and trappers.
Naurus started to feel very warm and began to sweat, but he figured it would be cooler up in his room, so he started to finish his tankard and get himself ready to head upstairs. Suddenly a haggard, scarred man plopped down on the seat to his right and slapped the bar top, getting his attention He looke
d over but couldn’t make out much of the man’s features from under his worn leather hood.
"Well it's hotter than two rats fuckin' in some wolves hide in here ain't it boy? I'm sweatin' too!"
"Yeah it is pretty warm in here." Naurus replied with a sidelong glance.
"You look like a feller who could use a little coin! How 'bout a nice lil' game of dice poker with me and my crew?" The cloaked man motioned over to the table of men who were now staring at them from under their hoods instead of playing five finger fillet.
"I uh...I'm all out of money! Just spent it all here. It's a shame, but maybe next time!" He quickly sputtered out, feeling uncomfortable now.
"You sure 'bout that? We'll let you take a line o’ credit from my friends to get started. You'll be walking away with a pouch full of coin in no time!" The man insisted.
"No...no thank you. I'm quite alright. I must be on my way. If you'll excuse me now." Naurus chugged down the rest of his tankard and abruptly got up from his stool. He made his way up the creaky half rotted staircase and found the room on the left quite easily, being literally the only other room besides the one on the right. Swinging the old and scarred wooden door open, he was welcomed into a dusty room that was sparsely furnished. He struggled to get the misaligned lock to latch, but it finally did. A stained old throw rug covered up most of the grimy wooden floor, with the walls not in much better shape. In the corner was a straw bed with a sad excuse for a hay stuffed pillow. Next to it was a small nightstand having little more than a half-burned candle and a nice dusty covering. At least there was a window in the room. Naurus wiped of some of the grime and dust with his sleeve and saw the view of the nearby mountains, his destination first thing tomorrow morning. He made his best effort to get comfortable in the bed as it certainly wasn't all that supportive. As the moonlight spilled into his room, he tried to doze off but had some trouble due to the creaking noises from people walking about on the floor below him and some raucous yelling about whatever it was the now drunk patrons were riled up about too. Naurus was glad he would only have to spend a night here, the locals here were definitely not the crowd for him. The buzz of the alcohol suddenly washed over him as he lay in bed, helping relax him to sleep.
He awoke at the break of dawn the next morning, not very well rested but it would have to do. He didn’t want to spend any more time here than he needed. He got himself dressed back up and headed downstairs to find the main room empty, except for Dolgin just smoking on his pipe and scribbling on some paperwork. Naurus was suddenly hungry but realized he didn't have any more rations to spare. He approached the bar top making Dolgin look up from what he was doing.
"Ya needing somethin', laddie?" He inquired.
"Yes, I uh...was wondering if you had any breakfast perhaps?" Naurus asked in return.
Dolgin stroked his mustache and thought for a moment. "Well, nay nothing hot and fresh for ye. However, I can spare you a loaf o' day old bread for a silver."
Naurus plunked down the coin and took the bread. He was barely able to stuff the stiff crusted loaf into his backpack. It wasn't luxurious but it would have to do given his poor planning at this point. He made his way outside into the muggy morning air, clouds blocking most of the sunlight. He went over to Muffin and unhitched him from his post. He took the reins and guided his horse back out in to the sad excuse for a main street. CLICK-CLACK! Naurus heard an ominous noise behind him and wheeled around to find the hooded man from the bar last night standing there. This time, he had a large folding hunting knife in his hands which is what made the noise as it locked into place. His partner was standing beside him as well, arms crossed with a dagger tucked into his belt.
"Well, that’s a purdy horsy you got there son. How much ya pay fer it?" The thug growled, running his leather gloved hands along his blade.
"It-It's not mine. I rented it. I've got to be on my way now!" Naurus nervously replied. The two men slowly started walking towards him and were soon were within swords reach. "Let me tell you how this is gonna work, freak. You give us the horse and yer coin, and nobody gets hurt. If you don't, then yer gonna be getting a nice permanent smile on ye freakish face!" The man barked, continuing to move forward with his knife now pointing straight at Naurus. A surge of fear and anger welled up in Naurus, and he drew his sword and slashed at the man in an upward arc. His sword and the knife glanced off each other, and the two thugs took several steps back. Naurus swung wildly at them, forcing them back even further. He stopped and started back stepping towards Muffin, and the thugs advanced again trying to circle around him. "I can't wait to count out your coin!" one threatened. Naurus mounted Muffin as fast as he could, but suddenly felt a hand grab his scabbard and try to pull him off. Naurus jammed his boots into Muffin's sides as hard as he could, spurring the horse on but the man held on to the scabbard for life, being dragged along as Naurus struggled to stay upright, clutching the saddle horn for all it was worth. In a moment of clarity, an idea came to him. He switched his sword into his left hand and grabbed the reigns with his right. He leaned his body to the left, twisted towards the thug, and swung his sword down. It hit with a solid thwack, embedding deep into the thug's arm as he released his grip with a painful yelp. The thug dropped to ground like a bag of potatoes as his partner ran up to him and stared at Naurus as he sped off into the distance. He flogged his horse like it owed him money, finally slowing down when the town was well behind him in the distance.
Naurus' heart was pounding and he was sweating for quite some time after. His mind raced about all the trouble he might get into yet didn't want to turn around and face the wrath of any more denizens of Kaladore who were probably now looking to spill his blood. He finally managed to calm himself down knowing that nobody in that town knew who he was anyway. He had heard rumors of spies and scrying spells the King had all about, but he suspected that was all hearsay and embellishment. For now, he became more focused on the task at hand of passing through The Unscaled Slopes and into the lands beyond.
As he climbed the gentle grade upwards into a rocky pass, the air became noticeably thinner and cooler. He grabbed a fistful of bread to snack on as he made his way higher and higher. This old pass was called the Iron Valley given its historical purpose of being mainly used to transport ores and miners back and forth between both sides of the mountain. The mines had long since been abandoned. The pass remained in use, although very rarely for any legitimate ventures these days. As the midday sun came close to its peak, Naurus saw what he hoped to not see in the distance as he came over a small hill. A wooden palisade gate flanked by two small watch towers, bearing tattered Astranian flags. Apparently, the Royal Border Guards were still a standing force, although he didn’t know to what extent they were actually utilized anymore. Now Naurus had to approach them and see if they would allow him free passage in any case. As he drew closer, he realized he couldn’t see any guards standing in front of or on top of the watch towers. He though this to be rather odd but continued his approach. As he drew within a stone's throw of the palisade, he saw the door of one of the towers swing open and a guard start shuffling towards him. The guard was clad in in a chainmail suit wearing a tattered green tunic bearing the Immortal King's standard. His iron full helm covered most of his face. Naurus hopped off his horse to go greet the guard, who stumbled a bit then abruptly stopped.
"Hello sirrah! I had a—" Naurus started but was cut off.
"Awww, what's wrong? Did somebody steal your sweet roll?" The guard slurred a bit. Naurus could smell the cheap spirits on his breath from several feet away.
"No not at all. I uh...was wondering if the pass was open?" He asked.
"It isn't to the likes of you. Did you even know you have to pay the toll to pass?"
"Toll? Uh yeah sure I knew about that! How much is it?" Naurus mustered with some confidence.
"Yeah well you know the price then huh? Gimmie your coin pouch and let's see if you got any business here!" The guard growled, aggressively gesturing with his hand to com
e hither.
"Uh...here you go sir!" Naurus tossed over his coin pouch. The guard quickly examined it, a scowl coming over his face.
"You think this paltry bit of silver is what gets you past me do ya boy? Is this some sort of a joke?"
"N-no sir! I just wanted to see the lands beyond, I've never been there before you see. I'm just a curious adventurer is all, I swear!" He pleaded.
The guard looked at the coins again, then back at Naurus. His expression softened up. “Well, I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I took an arrow in the knee.” The guard somberly said.
“I’m…sorry?” Naurus replied, stifling an eye roll as he had heard similar laments from other guards in town before.
“No, it’s ok. You may pass. But just know that you will be splitting any loot with me on your way back! It’s the uh…Kings Royal Toll Tax!” The guard sputtered out. He walked over back into the guard tower and unlocked the gate from the other side, swinging it open to let Naurus through. Once he passed through, he sped up to a trot to get away from any additional drunken border guards that might get any more funny ideas. Now Naurus was completely broke, but at least he was on the home stretch and making good progress through this rocky ravine. He munched on some more bread to pass the time and stave off his hunger. Suddenly, the path changed into a downward winding slope. It widened out, but the sides were full of scree, rubble, and loose boulders. Naurus navigated through this as best as he could, when suddenly Muffin brayed and bucked up onto his hind legs. Naurus grabbed on for dear life, managing to calm the horse down. He then looked up and saw someone else on a horse coming up the path towards them.
Shadow Kingdom Page 4