~~~~
6
Assard
With their prior disagreement not forgotten but accepted, the Annabels and Alundi were doing more than just getting on. Every night he dined with them and most of the time he also ate at the Inn. Not wanting to look greedy or consume more of the Annabels' food he thought this was the best way. He had already paid for his meals at the Inn in any case and it kept Meredith happy. He spent a number of evenings just walking around the fields of Mountain Rise with Little Annabel. She would ask questions about the world around her. One of the evenings just as the sun was setting Little Annabel asked the perfect question.
‘Why are we here?’
Alundi said nothing for a long while. They came to one of the fields that Garaff had lined with a high hedge, keeping the horses from seeing much outside. He squatted and Little Annabel did the same. Alundi grasped a handful of recently broken off leaves.
‘What do you see, young Little Annabel?’
She looked intently at the collection of foliage in Alundi’s hand.
‘Here.’ Alundi grasped her hand and pushed his sight into to hers.
‘This is what I see.’ Echoed in Little Annabel mind. For a moment what she looked at did not change. Then an explosion of bright burning colours enveloped her sight. Each leaf blazed a different potency of yellows and greens.
‘Look deeper.’ Alundi instructed. The sight pushed it way deep into the leaves. The colours were stronger and more vibrant. Little Annabel took her eyes from leaves and glanced up towards the large hedge. The colours were red and orange and shockingly bright. Alundi removed his influence and her sight continued.
‘What you see is life young Little Annabel. Who knows why we are here. Maybe the storyteller in Four Points is right. Or maybe there are no gods. There are no supreme beings that control the land, the sun and the moon. We are just simply here. I do not have the answer for that question young Little Annabel but what you see is what magic is.’
For the rest of the evening Little Annabel continued to question Alundi thankfully staying well away from the subjects Alundi and Annabel had spoken about. Alundi, upon her request would show her plants and animals, telling her of their properties, of their history and their abilities. He continued teaching her how to control her magic. It was basic tutorage but necessary. Little Annabel had learned how to summon water from the moisture that was in the air. The first time she succeeded she cried with laughter. The most important thing that she wanted to learn however was the ability to summon fire. At first Alundi refused outright, however he understood almost the following day as the temperature had plummeted. No one left any dwelling without at the very least, four layers of thick clothing on. Alundi, instead of teaching Little Annabel the ability to summon fire, he chose to teach her how to summon heat. It was actually a more difficult skill to learn but if she failed or lost control the damage would be minimal. She succeeded quickly which Alundi did not find surprising though a little disconcerting. He did not think on it however. If any were going to hunt for her they had only two days before Mountain Rise would be inaccessible for the winter. Alundi had spoken to Assard and they were both confident that he would arrive before this isolation.
Knorrest had taken to shoeing the horses as early as possible and finishing any task sometimes before Alundi ever arrived. Then he would spend the whole day learning, watching and doing what Alundi did. Knorrest had forged a number of blades himself, as did Conner. It turned out that Conner had taken the sword he repaired from the highwaymen to Four Points to sell but Knorrest had refused to sell it.
In between forging and spending many hours with the Annabels, Knorrest was getting Alundi to teach Conner swordsmanship. Conner was strong and able. Alundi did not use Excalibur for this he just used one of the swords he had forged. It did not take long for Conner to pick up the basics and it also did not take long before others wanted swords and lessons of their own. Little Annabel was no exception; however Alundi told her that sword skill though most-definitely important did in no way overshadow her magical education. She accepted his reasoning grudgingly but this did not stop her from coming out in the cold of the day to watch. Conner, Samuel, Knorrest, Brigan and Garaff’s daughter Millie were all taking lessons at the same time. Alundi had commandeered Brisclim’s barn to train his new students. It did not take long for everyone in Mountain Rise to know what was going on. It seemed that no one had any objections; in fact many were encouraging it. Alundi had heard a number of stories from Knorrest and Brisclim about when they had ridden to Stone Bay to protect the villages from pirates. They were often late but the last time they had arrived in the nick of time. Knorrest had said that they had not returned in over two years but he also knew that they would, it was only a matter of time.
Conner walked into the forge shaking with the bitter cold. The hot meal he had just eaten from the Inn had done nothing to warm him up. Ignoring Knorrest he walked straight over to Alundi.
‘There is a Man standing in the middle of the road. He is not of Mountain Rise.’ Alundi tried to cover his shock but he failed. He said nothing. Walking out the back of the forge where the horses are shod Alundi was able to get a good look at the Man. He was tall, jet skinned and well built. Unlike most, his head was not covered to shield from the cold. His head was shaven and his hands also uncovered. Alundi could not help but grin. He turned back into the forge and grabbed himself one of the many swords he had forged.
‘Stay here, both of you.’ He said seriously.
Alundi strolled out of the forge. A small crowd had started gathering. At the entrance of the Inn the Annabels were standing at the door as well as Knorrest and Conner who stayed just within the forge. Alundi took calm and collected steps. He stopped ten paces in front of the stranger. Nothing was said for a short while. Alundi held his sword loosely in his left hand the tip pointing to the floor. The stranger’s sword was visible on his belt with his right hand rested on its pommel. Without warning the stranger grasped the hilt of his sword and drew it with lighting speed. The ring of the sword vibrated through Alundi and he was certain that Little Annabel would have felt it too. A roar from the stranger echoed through them all and he ran towards Alundi. Alundi grasped his sword with both hands and held it high. Both swung their blades and the swords made a deafening clang, as the strength behind each blade was equal. Alundi pushed hard but could only match the Man in strength. They disengaged. Alundi advanced. Each strike was met and counter struck. Alundi guarded high and pulled the Man closer by locking their blades together. Alundi struck the Man with his right elbow into his chest and snapped up his fist striking him in the face. Alundi using his locked blade pulled the stranger's sword out of his hand. He swung his blade towards the Man's neck but stopped the blade just shy. The shocking white teeth became visible against the stranger's dark skin as he smiled. Alundi dropped the blade.
‘Ha Ha!’ He shouted and the two of them embraced. Alundi held the Man tight and received just as much in return. Confusion was spreading throughout everyone who had been watching. They parted smacking each other on the back and side. Alundi picked up his blade and that of the Man and handed it back, he took it and sheathed it instantly. Putting his arm around the stranger Alundi walked him over to the Annabels. As they got within earshot Little Annabel heard the Man say.
‘I saw that coming.’
‘You have never been able to counter that manoeuvre don’t give me any of that rubbish, Nasel even warned you.’ The two of them were laughing.
‘Young Annabel, young Little Annabel allow me to introduce my son, Assard.’
Annabel stretched out her hand and Assard took it warmly. A large grin spread across Little Annabel’s face. Assard took a knee and looked Little Annabel in the eye. He grinned and ignored her outstretched hand and embraced her. Annabel seemed anxious but Alundi glanced at her to soothe her worry.
‘I have learned a great deal about you young one.’ He said in a normal voice.
He leaned closer and quieter he muttered.
‘I pledge my life to protect yours, Little Annabel.’
She bowed her head slightly and Assard stood.
‘Can I bring Assard to dinner this evening?’
Annabel nodded.
‘Well let us get you a room and you can meet the rest of these fine folks.’
Alundi wrapped his right arm around Assard and headed for the Inn. Meredith more than welcomed the extra custom. Assard stowed his bags, keeping Nasel on his hip and refusing outright to rest. He assured Alundi that he was well and wanted to meet and explore. His first visit was the forge. Knorrest seemed to understand Assard’s greeting on arrival as a joke but Conner was not convinced.
‘Knorrest, Conner…’ Alundi gestured towards Assard,
‘…my son Assard.’
Knorrest placed his hot sword back in the fire and outstretched his hand. Assard shook it firmly. Conner nodded at him but did not move from his anvil. Assard grinned broadly.
‘No matter how much I try I still cannot drive the blacksmith out of you can I?’
Alundi laughed.
‘Knorrest I trust my father has not been showing you up? If he does just give him a swift jab in the ribs, that’s what I do.’ Assard said leaning closer to Conner. That got a grin from the young Man.
‘Ha Ha that’s better, lighten up my young friend. I am no hot iron worker. A warrior for certain but my other talents are far away from the forge. Give me a fine lady and she will be mine by nightfall, give me a barrel or two of mead and it will be drunk by nightfall. Give me a wild and strong stallion and by nightfall it will be as tame as the lady, or as drunk as me.’
A chorus of laughter exploded from them all. Assard took a long look around the forge. Assard quickly glanced at Alundi.
‘Knorrest, the grandson?’
Alundi simply nodded. Assard returned a nod in acknowledgement and continued looking around the forge. He grasped one of the many swords that all of them had been forging. Spinning it within his grasp Assard starting pacing through his early teachings of swordplay, Alundi recognised it immediately. Assard replaced the sword and took another. And then another following the same pattern of swordplay. Assard finally settled for one of the long knives blade. It was broad at the guard and curved to a point on one cutting edge the other edge was straight to the point. The guard was straight, the perfect width for a large hand. A blue stone graced the centre of the guard. It was a volcanic sapphire glass that Alundi had carried with him just in case on his journey he needed to barter with a Dwarf. The pommel was smaller as the weight did not need counter balancing. Assard put the blade through its pacing. He liked it.
‘Who and how much?’ He muttered.
Conner straightened.
‘Mine, and twelve coins.’
Assard put his hand in his pocket, placed the coins on Conner's anvil and continued to admire the blade.
‘A sheath?’
Conner hesitated.
‘I haven’t made one.’
‘I’m afraid I haven't taught Conner that skill yet.’ Assard bowed his head and slid the large knife into his belt. Assard continued to study the assorted swords. Alundi recommenced forging a long broad sword he had started the previous day. Assard watched for an hour and then went for some food. Alundi continued his work.
After high sun Conner who obviously had been holding back for so long asked
‘Why did you do that? That fight, why?’
He seemed afraid.
‘Assard is someone who likes to make a grand entrance. And every time we meet up again I test his swordplay. Just to see if he has forgotten his lessons. After all, I was the one who taught him.’
This did not satisfy Conner but he did not ask any more. Alundi did not see Assard for the rest of the daytime. The large broadsword was close to being finished.
When twilight finally fell Alundi, who was now the only one in the forge, dowsed the fires and cleared the working area. He was on his way to the Inn when Garaff walked out of the door with Assard.
‘Father, Garaff has a wild stallion in need of breaking. I am going to check the horse, do not worry I will not miss our dinner date with the Annabels.’ Assard added as he noticed Alundi changed expression. Alundi simply nodded and stepped out of the way.
He went to his room and washed taking longer than normal and using magic to soothe his aching muscles then went downstairs for whatever Meredith had cooked. Alundi helped himself to several heavily laden spoonfuls of mutton stew and half a dozen roast potatoes. He wanted more but knew that he would be well fed at the Annabels in a short while. Brisclim wandered over just as Alundi was polishing off the last of his stew having already consumed all the potatoes.
‘Word is Alundi that that Assard is your son.’ It did not seem like a question.
‘Adopted son, I thought the skin gave it away.’
Brisclim chuckled, as did others. For the first time since Alundi had been in Mountain Rise he noticed Paulk and what seemed to be all his family.
‘I could not have had a greater birthday gift then Assard, Alundi. He has shared his memories and stories of my, of our, ancestral home.’
Alundi stood and walked over to the group. He was certain that Assard had not shared all his memories of the southern lands.
‘I am pleased. It is not often Assard has the chance to talk of his homeland. Very few wish to hear stories from that region.’
Paulk nodded in agreement.
‘Sit, drink.’
Alundi shook his head.
‘I am afraid I cannot, I have a dinner to go to. Forgive me.’
Paulk did.
Alundi arrived at the Annabels door just as Little Annabel opened it. There was a booming but familiar voice sounding from the kitchen, Alundi could not help grinning. Little Annabel turned and skipped her way back to the kitchen. As Alundi entered he found Assard sitting at the end of the table with Annabel leaning heavily on the other side trying desperately to breathe in between laughing. Little Annabel had taken her seat and was also laughing out loud. Alundi removed his coat.
‘…then this large Man easily twice the size of me entered shaking the wall as the door swung open and growled. “Who the hell and what the hell are you doing here?” Well I calmly slid out from under the bedcover making sure I brushed her inner thigh as I did, and completely and utterly naked took several steps towards the monster of a Man and whispered…’ Assard paused until both of the Annabels had stopped laughing.
‘…apologies, I was just looking for a warm place to sleep.’
The laughing exploded, Alundi could not help joining in. Tonight was going to be a damn good night Alundi could tell.
The light from the moon was struggling to penetrate the clouds that were forming above. Nix hated riding this road. Unlike the main road between Stone Bay and Four Points this road was not maintained. Unlike the road between Kolpan and Four Points it was not open. And most importantly unlike both of those roads it was not well known. Only a few traders ever used this road. A treacherous road it was. Dark woods to one side, long unkempt grass to the other. But it was also a very good trading route. It was never frozen over, it was never impassable and as it was the quickest route to Stone Bay from Kolpan it was a very, very profitable road. Stories of ghosts, ghouls and demons had kept the highwaymen at bay. If they were to use this road to spring a trap it would be easy for them. No matter how much noise one could possibly hope to make no one, unless they were already on this road, would hear them. The very danger of this road made it the safest road to take. Nix still did not have to like it. His older brother Travis was asleep in the back of the carriage. He had promised to ride back but Nix knew that once business was concluded in Stone Bay his brother, the keen businessman and womaniser, would be rum drunk and unable to even stand let alone control two horses. Nix did not care however. The coin he earned ferrying his brother to Stone Bay and back wa
s substantial. And it also gave him the chance to see Bella. Just thinking of her was intoxicating and calming at the same moment. So lost in his thoughts was he that he did not notice the small shape approaching. One of the horses sniffed which awakened Nix from his waking dream. He squinted to see what it was. After a moment he noticed it was a boy. He whipped the reins to make the horse move faster towards the boy. He pulled back just as the boy fell in front of them a number of paces away. He jumped down and ran to the boy's side collapsing to one knee next to him. His cloth was stained with blood and torn to shreds. He must have been walking for days.
‘What’s going on Nix?’ Travis' tired voice called from the carriage.
‘It’s a boy. In fact I think he is the son of Grant.’
Travis jumped down from the carriage and ran to them both. Nix picked up the boy who was no older than seven and cradled him. A quick nod from Travis confirmed Nix’s suspicions that it was Grant’s son, Nash. He carried him to the carriage and gave the boy water. After a minute or two the boy awakened, only partially, mind.
‘Young Nash what has happened to you?’
He coughed and spluttered spraying the older brother with blood. Just as Nash slipped back into unconsciousness he whimpered.
‘Pirates.’
The stunned looks on both of their faces lasted only a second then they sprang into action.
‘I will take the boy to Mountain Rise you…’
Nix cut him off.
‘I am the faster rider Travis. I will take the boy. You need to rally who you can in Kolpan and ride them to Four Points. I’m sure Knorrest the blacksmith of Mountain Rise will ride as soon as I get there.’
For the first time in as long as Nix could remember his brother did not argue.
‘Ride fast and safe brother.’ Travis grasped Nix’s shoulders and embraced him. It took them barely a minute to untie Nix’s horse and mount him. Travis handed Nix the boy and with a swift nod his horse sprang into a gallop. Travis did not hang around; he turned the carriage and started back towards Kolpan as fast as he could without destroying the carriage or harming his mare.
Alundi was polishing the broadsword as a loud neigh from a young stallion was heard from the front of the forge. He walked out to find Assard mounted. Alundi could not help a grin.
‘Before nightfall I see.’
Assard laughed.
‘He had been broken before but treated badly. He knows that he will not be treated badly any more. I may even keep him myself. He will not cost much. And I already know someone who will shoe him for me.’
Alundi rolled his eyes and re-entered the forge.
‘Have you a name for him?’ Alundi asked as he turned.
‘I was thinking Arthur, what do you think?’
Alundi chuckled.
‘He would have to earn that name.’
Assard laughed, spurred the horse and galloped away. This was the first time Assard would spend a whole season in one place in his eventful life. He had made friends quickly. Not taking anything away from Assard but these people seemed more than willing to accept outsiders. Alundi had recently become aware that there could have been no better place for Little Annabel to grow up. These people were more than decent or even caring, they were loving. So many years in peace and these people, these Men had become more civilised than early Elves. There were dangers of course, but they were met united. A smile grew across Alundi's face and did not fade for the rest of the day.
Winter had a firm grasp upon Mountain Rise. Even at high sun the temperature did not raise much over freezing. Assard had taken to sleeping at the stable as many of Garaff’s mares were birthing. And it was a great deal warmer than the Inn. Alundi had made a special journey to Paulk’s and purchased two sheepskins from him. After putting in a lot of effort Alundi was left with two thick furry coats. One he wore when he slept, the other he wore all the rest of the time. The heat from the forge did little to warm him.
Alundi woke early and with a start. His first reaction was to reach for Excalibur but his memory stopped him. Rarely had Alundi had trouble sleeping. His dream had been vivid but it was fading fast. The more he thought of it the harder it became to remember anything. After trying and failing to get any more sleep Alundi arose. He dressed and left the Inn. Even Meredith was not awake. It was still dark but winter it seemed had loosened its hold on Mountain Rise slightly as the temperature was easily bearable. Feeling the need to stretch his legs Alundi stretched a few of his muscles and sprang into a run. His strides were large, not far from the stride of a horse. At full speed Alundi could easily outrun the strongest stallion. He was not running that fast however. He kept his speed at a manageable pace, which was still at the very least ten times faster than any other Man's. It took only a few minutes for Alundi to be at the base of the Harana Mountains. He climbed. By the time the sun had finally risen Alundi stood on Watchman Point. The first of the many mountain peaks of the Harana Mountains. He felt free up here. For whatever time he could spare he forgot everything, absolutely everything. All he concentrated on was his breath. The air was thin, sharp and clear. The moisture in the air was soothing. Calm was the centre of Alundi. Alundi was the centre of calm. This was going to be a very fine day. A bliss-filled day.
Alundi was tying a piece of cloth to his belt as he walked into the forge and was shocked when he looked up to find a crowd standing in front of him. Knorrest and Conner were not a surprise. Assard, Annabel, Little Annabel, Meredith, Brigan, Samuel and Paulk were. It took a few moments for Alundi to register everyone who was here.
‘OK, what’s going on?’ It was the obvious question but the answer was the greatest shock.
‘Father, do you not know what day it is? It is your birthday!’
Many laughed. Alundi's shocked expression only made them laugh harder. Assard walked over and embraced him. He then placed a small pouch into his hand. Alundi opened it, a small emerald stone no bigger than a coin sat within it. Alundi flipped it over and a great smile appeared. The other side had an eagle carved on to it. It was exactly the same as the eagle Alundi wore when he was a Knight of the Round Table.
‘Thank you, my son.’
‘Thank you, my son.’ Alundi echoed towards Assard. His brilliant smile split his face revealing his perfectly white teeth. They embraced again and then Assard stepped aside. Annabel and Little Annabel stepped forward. Little Annabel was eager and almost threw her gift at him. It was a small book. Alundi eagerly flipped through the pages. It was full of recipes. Alundi laughed.
‘Thank you both.’
Annabel grinned broadly but it seemed Little Annabel could not contain herself one moment more and leaped towards Alundi and embraced his waist. Alundi pulled her off took a knee and they hugged again.
They also stepped aside. Knorrest handed Alundi his Selec-Heo chisel. Alundi tried and failed to refuse it. Conner handed Alundi one of his many long knives he had forged. This one was probably the most beautiful of the lot and again Alundi failed to refuse it. He had commented after Conner had finished it that the balance was perfect and the hilt was fantastic. The guard swooped up slightly similar to a stretched out eagle's wings. The pommel was small which Alundi always favoured. The handle was wrapped with a bright green woven lace which Alundi learned Conner had bartered off Catherine. The others did not have gifts for Alundi but all shook his hand and told him that they had planned an outdoor feast for his birthday celebrations. They also mentioned that everyone would be there. Low and behold by high sun there was a mass of activity outside the Inn. Meredith seemed to be getting some of her guests to help with the preparations. They were not lying either when they said everyone was coming. By late afternoon Knorrest had almost kicked Alundi out of the forge and told him to get cleaned and ready. He did. As it darkened outside Alundi who was now cleaned and dressed in one of his best tunics walked downstairs. The bar of the Inn was completely empty. Alundi braced himself but as he stepped towards the door s
omeone called.
‘Alundi.’
He spun round to find Meredith standing behind him. She carried a small book; similar to the one the Annabels had given him. There was a measure of pain in her voice.
‘This is not for you. It is for Annabel. And I want you to give it to her when, not if but when, she realises that she will never see me again. It was her mother’s journal. She has suspected that I have had it but that is all she has done. I will put it in your room.’ Instantly Meredith lightened up and she said now quite joyously.
‘Get going or they will break my door down.’
Alundi grinned broadly and stepped through.
The roar from the crowd would have easily scared off the most vicious dragon. At that moment it looked like Knorrest had exploded something in the great fire that he had started in the middle of the road going through Mountain Rise. Assard stood on the back of a carriage. His fiddle in hand, next to him sat one of the Brisclim girls with a flute ready. Moments later the music started. The harmony between them was fantastic. Though Alundi’s musical ability was not as honed and perfected as his skills in cooking he was able to appreciate the sound. People started dancing and cheering, the ones that did not were walking up to Alundi and grasping his hand. Knorrest set of a few more explosions. The bonfire was large and was generating a great amount of heat. Annabel asked for a dance. Alundi agreed. With night finally enveloping them all food was served. Everyone grabbed what they could and ate whilst still talking and drinking. Assard had stopped playing. Only a few things could do that, food, and mead were amongst them. Drink was flowing as quickly as air. Alundi could not help feeling sad though he did not show it. Knowing he would have to leave these fantastic people. But it had to be done, to protect Little Annabel and them all. Knorrest stood on the back of the carriage and shouted to get everyone's attention. He got it.
‘Alundi, come say some words.’
Alundi knew that it would be pointless to argue. He climbed up on to the carriage. Just as he did Knorrest jumped down starting the applause. It took a moment for it to die down.
‘I am one hundred and fifty three years old today.’
There were a few hushed gasps but mostly what he said sparked little reaction.
‘Yeah right.’ Assard’s voice broke into Alundi’s mind and he could not help a glance towards his son.
‘And I can safely say that this is the best birthday I have ever had.’
Many cheered triggered by Knorrest.
‘It has been an honour to be accepted by you all. Now Assard, start playing, this is a party after all.’
Another cheer and the music started again.
The party was in full swing. Drink was disappearing fast. Many laughs and cheers could be heard. Alundi was swapping stories with Paulk and Brisclim. Assard was still playing the fiddle whilst quite skilfully participating in a long kiss with Francine, Paulk’s daughter. Annabel was enjoying a dance with Knorrest. Even Meredith had finally stopped serving and started dancing. It was in this moment that a sting of magic struck Alundi. Assard must have felt it too as he stopped playing and kissing. Some were confused. Alundi using magic found Little Annabel standing twenty paces away from the crowd staring directly down the west road that headed to Four Points. Alundi ran over. He could see what she was seeing. A horse being ridden at speed, the silhouette of a sleek Man became visible only to them and Assard who had joined them.
‘We will wait, young Little Annabel, do not fear.’
The rider eventually became visible to all. Everyone had stopped and was now looking. In what seemed like an eternity the rider finally got to them. It was only then that they noticed a boy was wrapped up within the Man’s cloak. Alundi quickly helped the boy down. Assard assisted the rider. Both were ill but the boy more so.
‘Young Little Annabel.’ Alundi said outstretching his hand. She took it instantly. Alundi placed his right hand on the boy’s chest. It took ten minutes to heal the boy’s wounds. Assard had taken care of the rider and he was now being fed by Meredith.
‘That’s the Marshal of Stone Bay, Grant’s boy, err Nash I think.’ Knorrest muttered over Alundi’s shoulder. Upon hearing his name the boy’s eyes flickered open.
‘What is in Stone Bay, young one?’ Alundi asked slowly.
The boy coughed then mouthed, 'Pirates.'
Alundi quickly forced more healing magic into the youngster. He awakened more.
‘What banner did they fly? Just picture it in your mind.’
Hatred and anger swelled within Alundi as the image formed in Nash’s mind. He tried to shield the feelings from Little Annabel but failed. A flaming Skull with its mouth slightly opened and a lightning bolt impaled through the top of the skull and escaping though the mouth.
‘The Strem.’ Alundi whispered.