Chapter 21. Penitence Glade
The following morning Thor, Orln and Neth’Gore left upon the road into the east. Nobody stood with them to see them depart; they had said their farewells the evening before. When asked about her plans Solin had said that she intended to stay in the city for a while, look up old friends and reawaken some old memories. The party of three strode through a city just awakening from the nights slumber. The only acknowledgment they received was from the guards at the gate who saluted Thor’s newfound rank.
Their planned route would take them directly east through the thick, lush arboreal forests that covered most of the western half of Dahl’Ambronis. This was still a region that the T’Iea included within the great wood, Gel’Te’Ertenya. But the T’Iea had no towns or villages to the east of Ter’Hadsnefel. Human kind populated the north-eastern parts through which they travelled. The human population was thought to have spread into these lands from the east in ancient times. They had come across the Tolle’Fornosse’Veetri once the way had become open due to the changes in climate and the lessening of the height of the great range of mountains that had once formed an impassable barrier between the western forests and the moorlands on the eastern side. The humans that had settled in the region knew the area under different names mainly associated with the geographical features of the country or the names of intrepid hero’s or founders of those places. As a result the human townships and outposts that had sprung up in the region had names like. ‘Clear Lake’, Haven Shore’, ‘Martha’s Rise’, ‘Raeburn’s Roost’, ‘Bear Landing’ and other rather romantic names, names that suggested a story behind their choosing. But all these places had started out as a clearing in the forest strewn with the tents of the inhabitants, but if the population grew and the economy thrived then the market stalls and Inns moved in and established more permanent dwellings made of wood and stone. A political structure arose and in came the families who built permanent habitation. As soon as this happened then the township grew very quickly.
These towns were strung out along the main trade routes through the region, nestled into small river valleys protecting them against the full force of the weather that could still be very harsh in winter as the cold winds howled down from the mountain heights. Most of the townships had stockades protecting them, for these even now were wild lands. Even the T’Iea had not tamed vast portions of Gel’Te’Ertenya, but then that was not the nature of T’Iea, for those peoples sort to live in total harmony with their surroundings.
Along with the steadfast townsfolk other more nomadic humans had taken advantage of the region to. But some of these were of a less than savoury nature. Bands of brigands and outlaws also found safe haven in the wilds, well out of the reach of the law and the township authorities, for the lands were vast, heavily forested and sparsely populated making for a region where the potential hiding places were many. From time to time the human authorities tried to keep a modicum of control over these lawless criminal elements, to assist in this they sometimes hired T’Iea rangers to track and even to capture, or kill, individuals known to them who had overstepped the mark in their activities. Many times T’Iea rangers had been conscripted in this way. At first they were welcomed, but this feeling sometimes changed. Certain places held the criminal element in high regard; generally this was an unintended offshoot of the criminal activity, for they provided some form of safety for the inhabitants, even a black market income. Sometimes the human criminal elements were romantically viewed as folk heroes. The net result was that certain of the human townships inhabitants had developed a certain level of mistrust over the years for T’Iea rangers and soldiers. Especially as the T’Iea element were renowned for their abundant successes in their activities of tracking down and bringing to justice those wanted by the law. Not all however, looked upon the T’Iea as enemies, for in certain places the T’Iea were held in high regard as peacekeepers and representatives of the law. It seemed that these attitudes differed widely dependant of course on the circumstances of the T’Iea activity and how it was historically perceived in relation to the human population.
Thus it was the three T’Iea didn’t stay long anywhere, preferring to keep on the move and they avoided all the smaller townships altogether, especially the ones formed from collections of tents and other makeshift shelters. The T’Iea had no quarrel with human kind in general, but experience showed them that humans were often subject to bouts of suspicion and easily influenced by hearsay and gossip. Mankind, it seemed to the T’Iea, are quick to formulate opinions and will almost always levy prejudgement on what they had heard through stories in bars and other places rather than believe the results of their own individual discoveries and experiences. The larger the gathering of humans, the more likely this to be the case. A couple of townships Orln and Neth’Gore would not enter at all, giving the excuse that they would probably not be welcomed again if recognised. When Thor asked why this should be the case, they just shrugged and said that their exit from those townships the last time they visited was rather hurried and not something they viewed with pride. Thor thought better than to pry further, rather he just accepted their advice and the three bypassed those townships keeping well hidden amongst the dense forest and pressed swiftly onwards to the next town.
The last township before the foothills of the Tolle’Fornosse’Veetri was a place called Penitence Glade. This town proved refreshingly different, for here they were welcomed with nods and grunted acknowledgement, a refreshing change from the lowered gazes and suspicious sneers of some of the populations of other such places. Here it seemed the humans were more tolerant. They seemed better acquainted with T’Iea kind, for it transpired that several T’Iea rangers and their families lived in the area and had done so for a long time. It was refreshing to see other T’Iea faces amongst the people walking the streets in complete immunity and without prejudicial suffering. Even the tall T’Iea featured half-elves, the result of the union of an elf and a human were free it seemed to walk the streets of Penitence glade. Thor was reminded once again or Orln’s possible heritage, but he declined to ask the question, for he did not feel that they had known each other long enough to pry into such personal circumstance.
To their surprise they also encountered many Grûndén in the town, whether emissaries from Gwéldølĩn the Grûndén city under the mountains or others with independent ‘commercial’ interests in the area they did not know. It did not pay to ask too many questions, there was a risk that in doing so you could attract the wrong kind of attention. But after enjoying a meal one evening a chatty bar tender in a pub in the town told how the Grûndén in this region around Penitence Glade were known to regularly cross the mountains of the Tolle’ Ambrunista from their home to the north, many acted as guides or body guards against the dangers of robbery and worse upon the open road.
The elderly barmen said with a wink of his eye, “there be nothin’ like a Grûndén to put ye off robbin’ some traveller. Ye be likely to end up wit’ yer nadgers hangin’ from a tree, or ye’s head a mile down t’ road from ye’s neck. Once t’ Grûndén ‘ad finished playin’ footy wit’ it that be.” He smiled a toothless grin.
It seemed that the battle hardy Grûndén mercenaries could charge a handsome price for their renowned expertise with their famed great battle axes in protecting merchant travellers and the like. In deed not all the Grûndén in the bar were laughing and singing in their own language whilst getting progressively drunk on the strong local ales. Thor noticed at least two Grûndén in the shadows smoking quietly, the glow from the embers of a clay pipe reflecting in their bright eyes, alert for any suspicious activity as they kept a watchful eye over the secret activities and negotiations of their current employer.
A scuffle broke out once, an argument of some kind erupted at a table near to where the three T’Iea sat. A well to do human in rich robes stared at another human; a slightly amused smile dressed the corners of his mouth. The latter mentioned human had been forced to drop a dagger he h
eld as the keen edge of a Grûndén battle axe lifted his chin upwards and threatened to remove more than the shadowy beard he sported. At a nod from the richly dressed human the Grûndén lowered his axe and hinted to the other human that he should make himself scarce. Once the man had gone from the pub the richly dressed human tossed a large bag of what sounded like coin towards the Grûndén who caught the bag and opening a leather satchel deposited it inside where perhaps it joined many other bags of gold. Quickly three more Grûndén gathered around the human and together this company then left the pub. Thor noticed at least four other Grûndén stand from where they sat around the bar scrutinizing the scene before them, a rear guard he suspected as after about five minutes had passed and no other had left the pub, these Grûndén also followed the richly dressed human and his Grûndén bank manager.
The three T’Iea stayed in Penitence Glade for a number of days. It was a good place to rest a while and to also gather what they needed for the remainder of the journey. This would be their last stop in civilisation before the wild mountains. One evening back in the pub, the three sat drinking ale after eating a simple meal of bread and cheese. As usual a number of Grûndén sat at other tables, but these were obviously off duty for some were becoming increasingly rowdy as the evening wore on and the amount of ale in their bellies increased. A stout Grûndén sat at a table with another figure, this second figure kept the hood of his long robe over his head hiding his features. But the pair Neth’Gore noticed had been glancing towards the three T’Iea all evening. Eventually the hooded figure stood and left the pub by the front entrance. The Grûndén also stood and after draining his tankard and drying his beard on the sleeve of his jacket. He approached the table where the three T’Iea sat. He came up to them and grunting a greeting he bowed low, then with a broad and friendly smile on his features he asked if he and his companion might join them for a drink.
The Grûndén said, “’tis nat that often t’ Grûndén abe adrinkin’ wit’ t’ fair folk these days eh? What say ye t’ ‘onourin’ old times, adrinkin’ t’ old alliances eh?” In t’ old days when t’ T’Iea and t’ Grûndén armies be afightin’ as one eh? When we stood side b’ side on a field o’ battle an’ kicked some ognod ass back up t’ thee Grughanååven?”
Thor smiled amused at the Grûndén’s invitation, but also not wanting to give the Grûndén cause for an argument, he raised his glass and nodded his approval.
Orln noted as he stood and moved aside to allow the two Grûndén to pull up their chairs that the elderly human innkeeper was staring their way, a cold calculating expression upon his face. When he noticed Orln looking at him he diverted his gaze downwards on whatever activity he was engaged in. Thor noticed that each Grûndén wore a heavy outer cloak, they kept these fastened up, but when the second of the Grûndén bent forward to grasp his hand in greeting a glint of shining metal armour could be seen beneath the cloak. The Grûndén looked up and Thor drew his gaze quickly from the armour and looked at the Grûndén, “another ale for you master Grûndén?”
The Grûndén smiled, “aye laddie, ye be areadin’ m’ mind it seems, fill’em up, fo’ the night she be a pretty young’an ripe for a’ embrace full o’ passion like’n t’ a bride on ‘er weddin’ night an’ m’ thirst can bare little patience be it like’n t’ groom alookin’ fo’ward t’ ‘is pleasure.” They all laughed. Only Neth’Gore seemed not to take delight in the colourful Grûndén way of speaking, but rather kept a watchful and somewhat reproachful gaze on each of the Grûndén as they drank and laughed.
As the evening progressed, the more ale the Grûndén drank, the looser his tongues seemed to become. Eventually Thor was able to establish that he was part of a company of Grûndén mercenaries. Thor was not surprised. The Grûndén told how he and his companions plied their trade throughout the region working for whoever would pay their fee. The Grûndén boasted about how they were in great demand and hardly ever out of work. He claimed that no rascal or brigand would dare attack a merchant’s caravan if even but one Grûndén could be seen guarding it. Thor was interested in who they worked for.
At this point Neth’Gore interrupted. “Perhaps the hooded figure you drank with earlier?”
The Grûndén just laughed , he just tapped the side of his nose with a finger, belched loudly and said, “nay m’ friends, I nat be atellin’ ye m’ secrets now, y’use three I dun’t wanna be ahavin’ as competiti’n ye gets m’ drift?” Then his eye brightened as he said, “aye but laddie, should ye see fit t’ join wit’ us then we’d be in fine fettle. T’ strong arm o’ t’ Grûndén wit’ t’ fightin’ skill o’ t’ T’Iea, why laddie we’d be unstoppable.” The Grûndén then looked at Neth’Gore with a suspicious shine in his eyes, he nodded in Neth’Gore’s direction and leaned closer towards Thor, he then said, “‘specially wit ye’s grim reaper friend there.” He again made an indication towards the still form of Neth’Gore with a thrust of his tankard, ale splashed onto the table in front of Neth’Gore who lifted his head and gazed piercingly at the Grûndén with those blue-within-blue eyes.
The Grûndén just stared back a kind of sneer upon his features. But eventually he could hold Neth’Gore’s stare no longer and dropped his gaze. He took a swig of ale and then uttered whilst looking into his tankard, “aye truly, a grim one. What be yur p’ticular bag o’ tricks laddie eh? Ice? Wind? Earth?” The Grûndén sniggered to himself, he lifted his tankard to his lips, but before he took another swig of ale he said quietly, “nay I’d wager me next year’s salary ye’d be a fire mage. How many hapless saps have ye burnt t’ a cinder laddie eh?” The tankard was then tilted and the Grûndén drank heartily until he emptied the last of his beer down his throat. He then slammed the tankard down hard upon the table.
Neth’Gore straightened his back and with a twist of his wrist uncovered his hand from within the sleeve of his robe. A red ruby ring on his finger began to glow like a glob of molten steel on a smithies anvil.
The Grûndén stood slowly with his eyes held upon Neth’Gore’s hand and the ring. His hand was moving his cloak to one side; the glint of metal could be seen.
Thor smiled and wanting to defuse a potentially dangerous situation stood and raised his glass and struck the side of the other Grûndén’s tankard with his own, “RuugNug” he said in the old tradition of the Grûndén.
The other Grûndén stood shakily and lifting his own tankard shouted in return, “RUUGNUG!” They all laughed and drank heartily once again draining their tankards in one gulp and shouting behind them for a refill as they slammed the tankards down upon the table.
The Grûndén that had been doing all the talking took his eyes from Neth’Gore’s hand and slowly sat down, then addressing Thor once more asked, “so then laddie, w’at be ye three adoin’ in this forsaken place eh?”
Thor shrugged and said that they were just returning back to their regiment across the mountains after a period of leave.
The Grûndén raised one eyebrow, having suddenly seemed to have sobered up, he nodded and then said, “aye, then laddie I be ‘avin’ a small proposition for ye if ye’d be alistenin’?”
Thor nodded his interest. Although he didn’t think that the Grûndén would have anything to offer that they may be interested in, but he also didn’t want to find himself back in a position where the slightest remark may erupt into a full blown confrontation. He did not want to be forced to fight these Grûndén, even if they were drunk. He remembered what an old man had told him in a previous township,
“Aye Laddie. Best yeez be makin’ friends wit’ any Grûndén m’lad, even if t’ liddle bugger be stone cold dead.”
Thor was somewhat relieved as he watched Neth’Gore relax and lean back in his chair and take up his drink.
If the Grûndén took further offence they did not show it. Instead the Grûndén explained that he and his compatriot were currently tasked to escort some customers with luggage across to the east. He said that if they would aid them as part of the escort it may be of some
advantage to them.
When Thor enquired as to the nature of this advantage, the Grûndén lowered his voice and moved closer towards Thor, he held his hand in front of his mouth and told them of an old mine that the Grûndén had exploited many years ago and had now dried up. But this mine was a deep and long one apparently and led underground beneath the mountains of the Tolle’Fornosse’Veetri and came out upon the eastern side. It saved a lot of time and a lot of discomfort as it negated the need to cross the high snowfields and treacherous glaciers of the higher mountains.
Thor indeed welcomed the thought of the easier path to travel, he looked at both Orln who shrugged and nodded.
The Grûndén stood and standing behind his chair said, “we’ll be agiv’n ye some time t’ think on it laddie, I’ll be over by t’ bar when ye comes t’ a decision.” He winked at Thor and smiled, but Thor couldn’t help noticing that when the Grûndén turned away, his smile turned to a slight frown and his eyes glowed with some inner emotion. But he strode over to the bar and started a conversation with the old innkeeper.
The three T’Iea sat and discussed the matter. Although they each had reservations about travelling with these two Grûndén whom they did not know, they also had no real reason to suspect them of any ill intent. Anyway three T’Iea, all competent with their own weaponry, one a battle mage, should be able then at least be able to account for a good fight with this Grûndén if it came to it.
Neth’Gore said, “be cautious, we do not yet know this company, he admitted he and his company were mercenaries, we do not yet know their true interests in all this, neither do we know what form of alliance they currently hold and with whom. I have heard rumoured talk of a Grûndén path beneath the mountains; I have also heard rumoured that many who have taken this route have never been seen again.”
Thor shrugged this off, maybe the ale was getting to him and he spoke a little lightly, but he said, “they are Grûndén, long have our people allied with the people of Gwéldølĩn, they just grasped a chance to increase their odds of survival out there is all. An alliance with seasoned T’Iea fighters at no reduction to their profits. I to would welcome this.”
Orln gave one final glance at the Grûndén, he was still in conversation with the innkeeper and did not look towards the T’Iea or give any other sign that he may be harbouring secret intent. So the three T’Iea finished their ale and strode over to the Grûndén. Thor said that they would gladly accompany the Grûndén on the journey and give any aid they may. The Grûndén nodded and expressed their thanks, they toasted the T’Iea enthusiastically as Thor and his companions left the bar to retire for the evening.