‘Leave my friend alone!’ shouted Red. The beast moved toward Red, howling and snorting as it prepared to pounce once again. Red, wide eyed with horror, gazed up at the monster. He swung the stick again. The muckron stamped its feet like a bull preparing to charge.
Eben struggled to his feet and stumbled across to where his backpack and sword had fallen to the ground. He grabbed the sword and drew it forth. The light of day flashed against the polished blade, and for a moment the gloom of the forest seemed to retreat. The beast turned and glared at Eben. Eben raised the sword, ready to fight, and felt courage flow through his veins. The muckron stumbled backward and was clearly bewildered. It stared at Eben in silence. The monster flung its head back and howled skyward before turning and dashing away through the woods. A moment later the beast was gone. Red sat down on a rock, catching his breath.
‘Thank goodness that’s over,’ gasped Red, who was visibly shaking.
‘You saved my life,’ said Eben gratefully.
‘We are even,’ said Red. Eben nodded in agreement.
‘We should probably move on from here just in case the muckron decides to return.’
A few minutes later they set out eastward and away from the direction the monster had fled.
CHAPTER TWO
In a grassy glade, deep in the forest, a gentle flickering light from a small campfire lit up the surrounding trees. Eben and Red had found a clearing that was well protected from the weather by a circle of shrubs and trees. It was a nice place to set up camp for the night. Red warmed his hands by the small fire.
‘We are about two days walk from Ancora,’ said Red as he took a stick and stoked up the fire.
‘Can you tell me about Ancora?’
Red cringed at the thought. ‘It’s a dangerous place. A few years ago Ancora was a thriving seaport and mostly a peaceful and safe town. Slowly over the last two of three years it has changed to become a haven of thieves and cutthroats. King Ignis is mostly to blame. He doesn’t care much about the people anymore. All the good men of the town were sent away three years ago to a distant fortress called Galdir in the far west of Ortaria. King Ignis told the people that the men were required to guard the Iron Gate Pass against a possible invasion. About three years ago King Ignis employed groups of vagrants and vagabonds to maintain law and order in Ancora. The problem is these new guardsmen are only interested in lining their pockets with gold and silver. The townsfolk quickly learned it wasn’t safe on the streets. Everyone who had the means to leave moved to the safety of the villages around Ancora, but now the villages are very dangerous with all the groups of bandits and monsters wandering around the wilderness.’
‘What about you? Are you from Ancora?’
‘Me, no; I’m from Talis in the Kingdom of Silvor,’ replied Red, snorting at the suggestion that he may be Ortarian. ‘Don’t take it the wrong way; I like Ortarian people, and I’ve spent a long time in your country, but at heart I’m a proud Silvorian. We’re a little more relaxed than the average Ortarian and probably less money hungry.’
‘I see,’ said Eben. ‘So what brought you to Ortaria?’
‘Work and money,’ replied Red, seeing the contradiction in his own words and laughing at it. ‘I took a job on a trading ship out of the port of Talis about two years ago. Soon after I found the sea was not the place for me. I sailed as far south as Ateria and as far north as Scaldonia. I’ve probably seen a lot more of the world than the average man, but I knew when it was time to move on. I then took another job working for a small circus troupe operating around the docks of Ancora. At first I was helping mostly with setting up the stage and guarding the tent. Later I started to help out with the acts, and I learned a lot about circus performing. Unfortunately my stint in the circus didn’t last all that long. About six months later a gang of local thugs burned down our circus tent in the middle of the night; that was the end of the circus.’
‘So what did you do after the circus burned down?’
‘I looked for a job in the town. It quickly became clear that the employment situation was constantly getting worse. Just before I had spent every last coin, I took a job working for an overland trader. I like to call him Olack the Terrible. He’s a nasty individual who operates a small group of wagons. He trades with villagers all over Ortaria. Olack didn’t like me from the beginning and only employed me because few people are desperate enough to work on the dangerous highways around Ortaria.’
‘This Olack must be brave to take the risk?’ suggested Eben.
Red laughed and shook his head. ‘No, no, he doesn’t do the work; he sends other people to do it and then takes the profits.’
‘So how did you end up tied to that oak tree?’
‘I was the leader of three wagons and eight men working for Olack. We traded our goods on a five week journey all the way out west, almost as far as the Endless Wall Mountains. We were on our way back to Ancora with the profits. The men I was leading decided to rob all the money from the expedition. They chained me to the tree when I tried to stop them. Luckily you came along. I could have died in that place. Hopefully we don’t bump into Olack in Ancora. He won’t be happy with me.’
‘Surely you can explain what happened to Olack.’
‘Olack, no, he won’t understand. I was the leader, and he’ll blame me for the loss. It’s probably best to stay away from him and hide out in Ancora.’
‘I see,’ said Eben.
‘What about you? Why do you want to go to Ancora?’
‘I was not born in Clemensdale; I was adopted by a huntsman. I never knew my real parents. I thought the best place to look for answers about my past would be Ancora.’
‘Why would a hunter adopt a child? That seems strange to me.’
‘I guess that’s true. It’s just the way it happened. I don’t really know much of the world outside the hills around Clemensdale. The village is still a safe place and is mostly unaffected by the troubles elsewhere. Although, we have suffered over the last two winters and have had some poor crops.’
‘Poor crops are better than none. Most Ortarian farmers brought in next to nothing last year. I think this whole land is cursed,’ said Red as his eyes drifted to look at the dark edges of the glade. ‘I don’t know what’s happening, but it seems to be getting worse as time goes on. Once I get some money together I’m going to sail back to Silvor and leave this cursed land behind forever.’
**
Eben and Red walked east for two days. The forest eventually gave way to grass covered hills that gradually descended toward the coast. They stood on a hill about two miles from the western gate of Ancora. The entire town was set around the edge of a small bay. The sea stretched out into the distance beyond. Eben was mesmerised by the subtle light of the sun shimmering on the water.
He had never seen the sea before and he marvelled at it for some time; he felt something in his heart grow warm at the sight. High above the town several large vultures circled ominously. Smoke rose from many chimneys, clouding the sky directly above the city. Red started moving down the grassy slope that extended all the way to the main gate. The gate was arched and set in a poorly maintained grey stone wall. Eben followed after Red.
‘We will have to be careful,’ said Red. ‘There are a lot of thugs who try to take advantage of unsuspecting folk coming to town. Keep your eyes open at all times.’
They approached the gate together and several brutish guards looked up as they walked through. For a few moments Eben thought they were going to be stopped, but they passed by the guardsmen without incident. Inside the gate a cobblestone street wound its way eastward and turned north through the town. The road led up a gradually rising slope toward a large palace which was set atop the headland at the northern edge of the bay. The Palace was a magnificent building and dominated the skyline. Three large towers rose from its highest point, and they stood like sentinels watching over the town below.
Many beggars scurried about. They were dressed in rags and the s
ight of such poverty shocked Eben. Further along a group of mangy dogs rummaged through the rubbish filled streets. A stench like nothing Eben had ever experienced rose from the streets and permeated the whole town. Red led the way quickly away from the gate, and apart from a few grim looks from strange men they were not bothered by anyone.
‘A good friend of mine lives down by the docks. She may be able to provide us with some safe rooms for the night,’ said Red. ‘Do you have much money?’
‘A little, how much will it cost?’ asked Eben.
‘Probably a few copper coins a night.’
‘I have some silver coins,’ said Eben.
‘That’s plenty.’
**
They arrived at the docks several minutes later. There were about five or six ships harboured in the bay. Many smaller boats were tied to a network of docks that were situated toward the southern side of the bay covering an area about two hundred yards in length. The docks were busy and bustling with fishmongers, sailors, and seafaring folk.
‘Three years ago the harbour had a hundred anchored ships in it. Most sea merchants try to avoid Ancora these days,’ said Red as they walked along the edge of the docks. Red then suddenly veered to the right and led Eben down a narrow laneway. At the far end was a small door. Above the door was an old painted sign that Eben could scarcely read. He strained his eyes and made out the words: The Sea Dragon.
‘I used to drink at this place, but it closed down about a year ago. It’s an old tavern that doubles as an inn,’ said Red as he knocked on the door. He waited for a few moments. ‘The King kept taxing places like this until they went out of business,’ he added, continuing to knock loudly.
‘Who’s there?’ asked a woman’s voice from the other side.
‘It’s me, Red.’
There was a long pause. Red shuffled nervously.
‘What do you want?’ she asked warily.
‘Stella, I know you probably don’t want to see me, but I’m really in a bit of trouble. I need a room for a few nights. My friend can pay for both of us,’ said Red, his voice becoming more urgent.
‘You owe me a fortune, Red!’ she shouted. ‘Stay somewhere else!’
Red rubbed the back of his neck. He nervously looked at the door for a few seconds. ‘Come on, Stella, just a few nights. Then I’ll never bother you again.’ There was only silence. He knocked again a little harder.
‘Go away, Red!’ she shouted.
‘Oh, come on. Please, Stella, I really need your help this time. Remember the good old days when we worked in the circus together. Come on, just a night...or two. Please, Stella. You know I’ll pay you everything I owe you when I can.’
There was a silence that lasted about half a minute. The door opened a few inches. Eben could see the face of an attractive young woman with dark hair cut to her shoulders, a fair complexion, and large green eyes. She stared out at the two of them unsympathetically. Her eyes narrowed as she looked Red up and down. She then gave a bemused smile.
‘Red! What happened to your clothes, and why are you wearing those ridiculous rags?’ she asked as she opened the door wider. Red smiled widely and stepped into the large common room of the tavern.
‘Great to see you again, Stella,’ he said, hugging her. She gave Eben a slightly suspicious glance as he stepped through the door. She then closed the large oak door and bolted it with a big iron latch.
‘Only two nights, Red,’ she said firmly.
‘Sure, I get the picture. We won’t bother you at all. You won’t even notice us.’
‘Good. You can stay in rooms four and five upstairs,’ she said. ‘Don’t forget to make the beds when you leave and change the sheets,’ she added. ‘And just one last thing: you’re not hiding from anyone here are you?’ she asked, giving Red a doubting look.
Red took a step back. ‘Hiding from someone? What? Why would I be hiding from anyone? Whatever gave you that idea?’ He winked at Eben.
‘If I find out you’re taking advantage of my hospitality I’ll throw you to the streets where you belong,’ said Stella in a hardened voice.
Red laughed from his belly, ‘I really would like to see you try to throw me.’
Stella turned on her heel and marched out of the common room, slamming the door as she exited. Red looked over at Eben with a wide smile.
‘She’s your friend?’ asked Eben.
‘Yeah,’ answered Red. Eben realised there was some history between them and thought it best not to ask any more questions. He took his backpack up to room five, which had a small window with metal bars and a narrow bed. It was a simple but comfortable room. He set his backpack against the wall and lay down to rest.
**
Eben awoke to the smell of eggs and onions cooking. He got up, put on his clothes, and then walked down the stairwell to the common room where Red was chatting to Stella who seemed much more relaxed than she had been the night before.
‘Would you like some eggs, Eben?’ asked Stella as he approached the bar.
‘Thanks, that sounds great,’ he replied, taking a seat beside Red.
Red had some new clean clothes and had trimmed his shaggy beard into a neat style, but he had left his hair long.
‘What’s your plan for the day?’ asked Stella, looking to Eben.
‘I’m actually in Ancora to find answers about my heritage.’
‘Red did say something about that,’ said Stella, handing him a plate of fried eggs and onions.
The taste of eggs was delicious compared to the salted meat that he and Red had been eating for the last few days.
‘Do you have any idea where you would start looking?’ asked Stella.
‘I am searching for a woman by the name of Lady Kaloren, I think she would probably know where I could find my parents.’
‘The nobles don’t tend to mix with the commoners in Ancora, especially these days,’ said Stella. ‘Lady Kaloren, I don’t know the name, perhaps she’s the wife of a knight or lord.’
‘You could try the Royal Library,’ suggested Red. ‘They probably won’t let you in, but if you pay one of the scholars they might be able to point you in the right direction.’
‘I’ll give it a try,’ said Eben.
He looked to Stella and she smiled back at him warmly.
‘So you and Red worked together in the circus?’ asked Eben.
‘I was an acrobat,’ replied Stella. ‘Unfortunately the circus burned to the ground a long time ago. I do miss those days; seeing you dressed up as a clown was always amusing,’ she said to Red, a playful grin crossing her face. Red shot a nervous glance at Eben before uncomfortably looking away.
‘You never said you were a clown,’ said Eben, smiling at Red. Red twitched in his seat.
‘I was only a clown for a little while; it was more like filling in really,’ he said defensively.
‘Filling in!’ Stella laughed. ‘Don’t believe a word he says, Eben. He was employed as a clown from the very beginning.
‘No! I wasn’t!’ he cried, blushing crimson red.
‘Come on, Red. You’re a wonderful clown,’ she said, trying to reassure him, but still laughing.
‘It’s true, I was a clown,’ confessed Red, glancing awkwardly up at Eben.
‘You are the first clown I’ve ever met,’ said Eben, smiling.
Red nodded and his usual smile crossed his face. He was happy to hear the sound of their laughter, even though it was at his expense.
**
Dozens of vultures slowly circled high in the sky above Ancora. They peered downward through the hazy smoke cloud to the dank and filthy streets below. To the town folk their arrival was a sign of the dark times they were living in. Never before had vultures circled the skies above their town. They were a constant symbolic reminder of the ever growing oppression that filled the Kingdom of Ortaria.
Eben walked through the streets and up the main cobblestone road that led toward the palace. A deep depression and despair pervaded the entire tow
n. Stella had given basic directions to the library and he walked along quickly, not wanting to catch the attention of any of the unsavoury looking characters he saw along the way.
The main road ascended gradually toward the palace. At the top of the rise was a large town square, and across the square were several wide stone steps that led up to a mighty arched entrance gate that was set in a gatehouse. A stone wall stood about fifteen yards high and encircled the entire palace. Ten fully armoured guards with long spears stood at the gate. It seemed like the gate was the only way in or out of the palace. He passed by unnoticed and followed the lane that edged along the outer wall on the western side of the palace.
Just down from the wall on the northwest side was a large building with a set of stone steps that led up to a solid bronze door. At first glance the library looked closed. He walked up the steps. There was a big bronze doorknocker with the face of a dragon. Eben knocked three times. There was no reply. After a minute he knocked again, but still there was no answer.
After waiting several minutes he decided to push on the door. The hinge creaked as the door slowly opened revealing a dark hall beyond. Many bookshelves had been cast down and those that were still standing were completely empty. The library had been ransacked. A dim light drifted down from several smashed windows set high in the walls. There was no one around and the abandoned library had a spooky feeling about it.
‘Hello,’ called Eben as he walked forward into the gloom. His voice echoed off the stone walls.
He heard someone approaching and looked to his right and saw an old man with crazy dishevelled white hair and piercing blue eyes. He was carrying a large wooden staff. The man jumped over a broken bookcase with surprising agility and started to spring forward toward Eben.
‘Who said you could come in here?’ he shouted as he prepared to swing his staff. ‘Damn young ragamuffins coming round here looking for something to steal! Can’t you see the King closed the library and burned all the books? There is no money here! I’ll teach you a lesson, thief!’
‘Excuse me, Sir, you’re mistaken. I was looking for a librarian or scholar,’ replied Eben, having to jump back to avoid being struck.
‘Nonsense!’ shouted the old man, swinging the staff again. Eben ducked easily out of the way and stepped backward toward the door.