Chapter 10
Getting Acquainted
Sebastian told Thaddeus, "I will do as you command," as he bowed to his King one final time before Thaddeus departed on his journey.
Thaddeus and his new comrades were mounted on their horses at the outskirts of Galdarath.
“I know you will, my old friend. That is why I have chosen to leave you in charge. You have my full authority to act as you see fit to secure the safety of our kingdom. You have lead Galdarath once before, and I am confident that you can do so again,” said Thaddeus.
“Thank you, my King. I will not disappoint you,” Sebastian replied.
“We must take leave. Take care, Sebastian. Remember, Galdarath must not fall. The future of our kingdom rides on your shoulders for now. I will send word to you when I can,” said the King.
“Thaddeus,” Sebastian muttered as the King began to turn and ride off, “I do not know if I can bear this burden.”
“Sebastian, you were born to lead. It will be no different than leading an army into battle. The people of Galdarath trust and respect you, as do I. You will rise to greatness in my absence.”
“Your faith in me lifts my spirits, my King. Thank you,” Sebastian replied.
The King gave Sebastian a short, final nod. He turned his horse and goaded it forward by squeezing his heels and hips into its side. The group of riders tore off into the setting sun with the wind on their backs. They had much ground to cover and time was slowly fading away.
They had only traveled a league outside of Galdarath when the sun began to slowly sink out of sight behind the low lying clouds. They were at the intersection where the main roads met. One road led to Lasticall, the other toward Morgorath and Mt. Pizenchaffe. Locmire stopped his horse and waited for his party to assemble around him.
“We should stop and make camp for the night. It looks as if there is a large cave on our left. It should serve as satisfactory lodging,” Locmire said.
“I agree. We should not be traveling at night. I fear these lands are not safe anymore,” Thaddeus replied.
Locmire and Thaddeus veered off of the main road and made their way to the cave. The rest of the group had no disagreements with their decision. Next to Locmire, Thaddeus was the unspoken leader of the group. Although some of the heroes, Lot in particular, did not like the idea of Thaddeus being in charge, no objections were made, as he was a proven warrior with many great victories under his belt. Most of his victories he accomplished at a very young age, making his conquests all the more impressive. No one could argue the decisions of a modern day legend.
The crackling campfire emitted a warm rush of heat which slowly replaced the cold, damp air in the cave; its orange glow illuminated the entire dwelling. The travelers all huddled around the fire. Rest came easy to them, especially since Locmire had added protective spells at the mouth of the cave to keep out any unwanted visitors. It had been a long day, and a good night’s sleep would be welcomed by all.
“Thaddeus and Lot, you two worked very well together in bringing down the Everafter. During the Great War, it often took as many as ten men to stop their endless barrage of attacks. It is a blessing that they are not plentiful,” Locmire said as they casually sat around the fire speaking of the events that had taken place earlier that day.
“I have never, in all of my days, faced anything such as that. The rotting hunk of flesh just would not die,” said Lot, shuffling his feet on the hard earth.
“It was a formidable enemy, until it met my axe,” boasted Thaddeus.
“You mean, until its legs met the edge of my swords,” said Lot.
River interjected quickly, “It does not matter whose weapon did the most damage. Neither of you would have been successful without the other. You both did very well,” River said as she sat down beside Lot.
The orange glow from the fire really brings out her beauty, thought Lot.
“Thank you, River. Too bad the rest of you were not there to help us,” Lot said.
“Harrrrr! But we wuddn't thar to help! We be layin on da groun wit are eyes rollin to da back of are heads like a bunch of lil girls. Some nasty spell dat thar man did, blowin up like dat. Me head still achin like me been to port for a few nights,” Red said as he took a big swig of grog.
River laughed, “I have not the slightest clue as to what you just said.”
This brought about laughter to the group, a reaction that had been sorely missed. The best thing about laughter was that it was contagious, and it did much good for weary souls.
“Today was a good day for us. There were no casualties in our group, we stopped the attack on Ravendale, and an Everafter was destroyed. Let us hope the future is as kind,” said the Wizard as he added more wood to the fire.
Caleb finally asked, “Locmire?”
“Yes, Caleb,” the Wizard answered.
“Why am I here? I know you told me about the prophecy and all, but why me? Why was I chosen for this?” the Shifter asked.
“I haven't the slightest idea, Caleb. I suppose it has something to do with your unique abilities. No one ever knows their complete destiny before it happens. Often, we do not know why it happens. We must accept that which we do not understand. From what we witnessed today, I am certain you are in the place destiny has willed you to be,” said Locmire.
“Do you really believe if the Dark Wizard overtakes this land, he has a chance to do the same to mine?” Caleb questioned Locmire once more.
“I am not certain, but I feel that no world would be safe from him,” said Locmire.
“I see. Well then, I willingly offer you my services, and I hope we succeed for the sake of your world . . . and mine,” Caleb said with a slight look of despair in his eyes.
Thaddeus, who was now dressed in a pair of black breeches and a white tunic, lay sprawled out by the fire. He rested his head on his dirty leather carry bag. He looked up to Caleb and said, “Tell me of your land, Caleb. Do all of your people have the ability to turn themselves as you do?”
Caleb came closer to the fire and plopped down on his backside. Thaddeus noticed that River was sitting very close to his long lost brother. There was something about River that Thaddeus did not quite trust. What can it be? I do not like seeing Lot being so friendly toward her. Why should I care, though? Am I jealous? No, not jealous, he thought. Maybe, deep down, he was looking out for the well-being of his brother, criminal or not. Something about the beautiful Mage made him a slight bit uneasy. Yes, there was no doubt that Thaddeus thought she was beautiful, for he was not blind. He knew he must keep his eyes on this situation, but he noticed that Locmire was well ahead of him. Locmire and Thaddeus directed their attention back toward Caleb.
“I am the only one of my kind that I have ever met. My world is nothing like this. I am a rarity. The world I come from is dominated by Humans. There are no Engeniums, Brazurkins, or any of these things we killed earlier today. The worst threat to my people is themselves,” Caleb said as he warmed his hands by the fire. “I do believe that Red is from the same world as me. I have heard of pirates before, just never saw one,” he added.
“Arr, we be from da same world we are. Probably never seen a pirate bafore cause me be's da last of dem. Last pirate dat I know of went to Davy Jones' Locker nearly five years go. We be's a dyin breed.”
“Thank goodness,” said River as they all joined her in laughter once more.
Once the laughter subsided, Thaddeus addressed Caleb again.
“Your talents were very impressive on the battlefield today. Although I am taken aback by your gift, I was impressed nonetheless. Tell me of your Civil War and the part you played in it,” said the King as he came to a seated position.
“Not much to tell really. Our country became divided between the northern and southern halves. The war was very bloody and very brutal, pitting families against one another. I joined the fight thinking it was the noble thing to do,” Caleb paused.
“Was it?” asked the King.
“
No, it wasn't. Once the generals of the South got wind of my ability, they came to me. Said they had me some very special missions, the kind of missions that only a man with my skill could perform. You know, a duty to my country. It started out small. Ambush a few traveling troops from the North, trying to thin their ranks. I would stalk their armies in the form of a panther. When an unlucky soldier would stray from the group, I would strike. Rumors quickly spread about the panther that stalked the North. I had to change my form when they placed a large bounty on panthers.” Caleb stopped again as Lot spoke this time.
“And what form did you take next?” asked Lot.
“Many. The wolf, eagle, bear, snake, or any creature that I could turn into and be lethal. When I shift into a certain form, I take on the beast’s properties. Eventually, my missions became more important. I began to assassinate the generals of the North. One general I took as he went to relieve himself behind his tent. My fangs tore his jugular vein and he was dead instantly. Another one I took in his tent as he slept. I slithered in and placed a well-aimed bite to his neck. My venom worked quickly. He was dead in a blink of an eye. No one even noticed that he had died until dawn,” Caleb paused to get a sip of water.
Everyone was now listening intently to this grim bedtime story that Caleb was telling.
“What next?” asked River as she laid her head on Lot's shoulder.
Thaddeus snarled at this.
“Well, this went on for a few months. The South was coming close to winning the war. Even with all the extra protection and security measures, I was still able to infiltrate their camps and take out their important persons. Finally, the day came that I most feared. I got called to kill a general stationed just over the hill from us. He was my father. At first, I actually considered killing him. I knew that if he fell, the war would be over and all of my family would be safe. In the end, I just couldn't do it. I fled south and stayed hidden in a cave, disguised as a bear, for the remainder of the war. The war finally ended and the North had won. I went back to my old home and it immediately became evident that I was not welcome. My family shunned me for siding with the South. They never became aware of my special talent. After that, I spent several months in the forest living off of the land. That is when I discovered the cave which led to my arrival here. And here I sit, in a cave once more,” Caleb finished.
Everyone let out a slight chuckle at his closing statement.
How sad, River thought to herself. This man was torn from his home by his country, and now he is in a strange world with no one. No one except the people he sits with now.
“War is like that. Even wars that are won sometimes feel lost. This is a new war you fight in, Caleb Hawks. A war not against fellow humanity, but against the darkest forces ever known. I ask that you put your past transgressions behind you. Do not hold back, do not tame your abilities. I feel that we will need them,” said Thaddeus.
Caleb nodded.
Out of curiosity, the Cap'n asked, “What be da bigges critter ye ever go an look like.”
Lot added, “And the smallest.”
“Let me see. The smallest would have to have been a snake. The biggest would be the bear. It really hurts when I try and become too small or too large. Anything bigger, or smaller, makes me feel like I am being ripped apart. I can't handle it,” the Shifter informed the group.
“An what happens to yer clothes? How come when ye shift back into a person, ye ain't runnin around stark neck-ud?” Red asked.
“I am not sure. They just transform with me. I have often wondered this myself,” Caleb replied.
“How did you first learn of your talent?” Locmire asked.
“To tell you the truth, it was by accident. When I was eight years old, I was playing out in the woods alone. My favorite place to play was by the cliffs that overlooked the lake. One day I got too close to the edge of the cliff and I fell. As I was falling, a thought came into my mind. How nice it would be if I were a bird so I could fly. The next thing I know, I was soaring up into the clouds. When I finally overcame the fear of what was happening to me, I spent the rest of the day flying all over the countryside. Till this day, that remains my happiest memory.”
They spent the next several minutes discussing Caleb’s unique talent and his adventures in the animal kingdom. When conversation started to die down, Locmire addressed Lot.
“Lot, share with us your story. We have heard so very little from you. If you do not mind?” asked Locmire.
Lot sat upright, “It is the classic tale of a prince who was abandoned by his royal family and forced into a life of crime-.” He was interrupted before he could finish his statement.
Thaddeus rose to his feet and his hands flashed to his swords, “You will watch your tongue when you speak of my family,” said the King as he advanced on Lot.
Lot was on his feet in an instant, unsheathing his own steel.
“Do you not mean our family?” asked Lot.
“That is enough!” roared the Wizard.
The two brothers hesitated for a moment, sheathed their weapons and took their seats once more.
“You two really must learn to coexist,” Locmire barked.
Thaddeus and Lot did not say a word. They sat motionless, eyes locked upon one another.
“Carry on with your story, Lot,” Locmire said.
Thaddeus glared at Lot with a look of hate on his face. Lot returned the look with a smile.
“Anyway, I was brought up on the streets. My family was not wealthy, but we were not poor either. Although my parents did not work, we always seemed to have a little extra gold lying around to get us by. But the rest of my friends and extended family were not as fortunate,” said Lot, pausing for a moment carefully thinking of his next words, not wanting to start another Civil War in the cave.
“When I was about fourteen, a stranger approached me on the street. He asked me if I wanted to make some money. I said sure. For my first job I was asked to steal a single apple from a nearby fruit stand, without being caught. I plotted my course of action for a few moments, and it came to me. As I approached the fruit stand I fell into it, sending produce rolling down the street. As the vendor scurried along picking up his goods and yelling profanities, I took a single apple. I returned it to the strange man, and my life was forever changed.”
Caleb asked, “Did you not wonder why this man approached you? I mean, it is kind of strange that this man just showed up and offered you a job.”
“Fools such as him do not take the time to think out such things,” Thaddeus added.
“Maybe you are right, Brother,” said Lot.
The look on Thaddeus's face when called brother was an easy expression to read; disgust.
“I was initiated into the local Thieves Guild. A man by the name of Caleus was my counselor. He trained me in the ways of the thief. He taught me the art of stealth, concealment, illusion, lock picking, pickpocketing and combat. I caught on rather quickly. Once out on my own, I began to steal from the wealthy. I would then fence my items for gold and distribute it amongst the slums where I lived. After a while, my loving brother put a bounty out on my head. So what did I do?" Lot gave Thaddeus a big, toothy grin. "I looted his castle.”
At this turn of events, laughter erupted around the fire once more. Thaddeus, however, did not laugh. He gave Lot a despising look and wrenched the hilt of his sword in his thick hand.
Lot continued, “That was a very big score. The slums ate well for months. Eventually, I was apprehended. There were just too many people looking to cash in on the insanely large bounty that my head carried. Three months later, a Wizard and my brother show up to rescue me. And we all lived happily ever after.”
River said, “Well, say what they want, but I think what you were doing was very noble. You did not rob for personal gain but to help those less fortunate. That is very admirable.”
“ADMIRABLE!” Thaddeus exclaimed loudly. “NOBLE! How can you sit here and condone such behavior? I guess I could not expect much
more from a little girl playing Wizard, could I?”
Rivers expression of happiness faded from her face and was replaced with that of fear. Her stomach jumped; it felt like she had just missed a step while walking down a flight of stairs. She had seen Thaddeus angry before, and she did not want to relive this horror again. Lot began to speak in her defense, but Locmire was already in motion. He quickly stepped in and diffused the situation. Thaddeus had heard enough for one night. He gathered his belongings and without saying a word, he turned, and went deeper back into the cave.
The others sat silently around the crackling campfire. The mood in the air had become very uncomfortable. Not even the Wizard seemed to find the right words to ease the tension. Luckily for them, Red never seemed to run out of things to say.
“Wizard,” Red asked as he stood up. “Do ye tinks dis here armor me gots will make me looks outta place?”
Locmire chuckled and said, “I do not think it is the armor that makes you seem out of place, my friend.”
The tension left the air and was replaced by that of mirth. Red fell back to the ground and let out a big sigh as he made himself comfortable, in typical Red fashion, by taking a ravenous swig of grog.
“Tell us about yourself, Red. I am sure you have plenty of tales,” River said as she scooted closer to Lot. “I am very interested in you and your world.”
“Hear dat,” Red said as he pointed toward Lot. “She be inturested in me. Come on over eer an sit wit me,” he said as he patted the ground beside of him.
River gave Lot a flirtatious grin and strode over to Red, sitting down beside him. He draped his arm around her and said, “So, ye wants ta hear a lil about me,” he whipped his head back, flinging his ratty hair out of his eyes, “Whur ta begin?”
“How about telling us where you come from,” River said.
“And you could tell us what a pirate is, exactly,” Locmire added.
“Whur does me come from. Me hails from Englan. Thar be many bodies of land whur me an Caleb come from. Many different lands, and me traveled to em all. Me went as far as Africa to Norf America, to da Red Sea. Dat trip was calt da Pirate Round, and it twere very grueling. But me got lots of good booty,” Red said as he took another swig of grog and let out a loud belch.
“Loot?” asked Locmire.
“Ye know what loot be’s. Kinda like what Lot does, but pirates not be so sneaky about it. We just goes and takes what we wants. We sailed da seas in big ole ships. Offen, we got in battles on da sea wiff udder pirates, military, and trade ships dat we whur tryin ta pillage,” Red said, taking another gulp of grog.
“So, pirates are actually thieves?” River asked.
“Ye could say dat. Or ye could call us opportunists. Me likes da sound of da ladder option bedder,” Red replied.
“So you were very wealthy then?” Lot asked.
“Ha! Tweren’t but a few pirates rich. Most of us cashed in are loot and went ta port. Spent all are gold on women, drink, an cards. Me had a little bit of gold stashed away, not much ta brag about doe,” Red said as he shook his head. “Anyways, me sailed da seas many years. Me looted many ships, an plundered many villages. All dat earned me quite da reputation. A while back, da lands started crackin down on pirates. Places hung every pirate dey caught. Most of da udder pirates went inta hidin, but not me. Tweren’t no ship, nor city, safe from me and me crew. After Blackbeard, one of da most famous pirates ever, got keel hauled, most pirates stopped plunderin and started livin like common folk. Loot was ripe for da pickin,” Red paused for a moment, noticing that everyone was staring at him with a look of confusion on their faces.
“What did you do next?” asked Lot.
Red decided to have a little fun with his new friends.
“Well, afta a while me decided it was da time for me to become an elephant. I walked around in da desert most of me days. One day me decided ta turn inta a sloop and return to da sea. Me had fifty pirates ridin on me back, and thousands of barnacles on me belly. We were sailin in da sea off of Norf America when we gots caught in a bad storm and ended up on dis new land,” Red stopped to see all of his new friends, except for Caleb, had a bewildered look upon their faces. Caleb was holding back a smile.
After a few seconds of silence, Locmire spoke. “I think we have gotten to know each other well enough for one night. I suggest we all turn in. We rise with the dawn. I will take first watch tonight. It has been a very wonderful evening.”
“Aye aye,” said Red.
The rest of the group got to their feet and went to their respected areas of the cave and readied themselves for bed. Red hung back for a moment. Thinking to himself, Red wondered, how can Locmire keep da watch? Blimey, how can he even see to gets aroun wiff dat hood always maskin his eyes? Red approached Locmire quietly as possible and slowly waved his hand in front of Locmire's face.
The Master Wizard smiled and said, “Red, may I help you?”
Red jumped back a step, startled, and said, “Nah, juss seein if, if uh . . . seein if uh . . . night.”
Red hurried off to his quarters of the cave and began to get ready for bed.
Locmire sat at the mouth of the cave with a small grin on his face. As the time slowly passed, he started thinking about the trials that lay before them. His gut instinct was telling him that this was the group with which destiny had meant for him to push forward. The cave grew still, and the only sound audible enough to hear was the crackling of the dying fire. Well, the fire, and the loud honking snores coming from Red. There was still so much to be done. Locmire, however, could not wait until the next time they shared stories together. He thoroughly enjoyed this night and the opportunity to get to know his fellow travelers. This was the first time he had ever had the opportunity to sit down and speak with so many different personalities. It saddened him to know that it would be some time before they had the chance to do so again. He decided that the next time they were all together, he would share with them one of his own tales. Locmire was really enjoying his time spent with his new companions, no. . . . not companions, friends.