The Adventures of Brandar Odaron
Book 1: The Hidden Continent
Chapter 17 The Fall Of Vastus
The scrolls Brandar passed around contained his name and Tomas his Second, their new offices, and the names and ranks of the members of his Company. And the scrolls were to be posted on the doors of houses and barracks and stalls, and any other building in or around the Fortress, as Brandar guessed that Vastus would not announce to his Soldiers the coming of a Warlord to the Frontiers, though Vastus knew not that Brandar was drawing nigh. In this way, Brandar intended that his station should be known to all of the Soldiery thereabouts ere he sought to confront the Duke.
Needless to say, this would be a critical part of the plan, as the scrolls must be posted so suddenly that the Duke would have no time to interfere. And the news must be spread so swiftly that confusion alone may keep the Soldiery from following crooked orders against the Warlord and his companions.
Entering the outer grounds of the Fortress, Brandar called the Company to a halt so that they could observe the comings and goings of the Soldiers there. And Brandar had the Knights throw back their cloaks to reveal their insignias, and the hilts of their swords. Then he ordered that the scrolls must be posted upon doors nearby, and this was done by Guardsmen whom the Knights had chosen for the task beforehand. And at length, one of the scrolls was given to a Soldier who stood guard beside the Gate, for that one would not let the scroll be posted upon the Gate, which was closed. And the Soldier, surprised at what was written thereupon, gave it to another who took it inside, which was opened only to let him in. Then the Guardsman who had delivered it returned to the Company. But Brandar waited until all of the Guardsmen had returned, at which he led the Company towards the Gate, which was northwards of the road, as the Fortress had been built longwise upon a line north to south, so that the Main Gate was in the southernmost wall, and there was a broad paved causeway from the road to the gate. There were also small guard-houses to either side of the causeway, and to either side of the Gate, with many Soldiers standing by them and also round about. But the Soldiers were merely curious about the two Northrons and their Company, many of whom were known thereabouts. And so, the Soldiers were not expecting to have to fight them.
Tomas rode to Brandar’s right, and Jeson to his left, with a few Soldiers giving them suspicious looks while one ran off to enter a door in the east wall.
Arriving at the Gate, Brandar noticed an officer who stood atop a tower to the left of the gate, opposite another tower to the right. But along the sharp parapets of both towers were archers looking warily upon the Company.
Baertunas was a mighty fortress, having eight lengths of outer wall, with four facing the directions of the winds, but the others at angles between. And at each meeting of those walls were towers rising well above. But atop both wall and tower were pointed stones, like shark’s teeth, between which archers could loose their arrows.
Of course, there were catapults and ballistas, and places where pots of boiling oil could be poured upon besiegers. And the Gate was of two sets of double iron doors which swung outwards, while a like Gate was at the northern end of the Fortress, but it was not so well used, as the only road to it was that which ran about the Fortress. But two other Gates there were, one in the eastern wall and one in the western, though these were much smaller, and had no separate towers. And there was a door in each of the angled walls, all around, but large enough only for one man to enter at a time.
Against and all around the inside of the Outer Walls were barracks and stables, although secondary structures had also been built against the outside, as well. But there were other barracks and stables to the east, and across the road, but many tents upon a great clearing to the west, north of the road. And on the Inner Grounds were three Compounds, arranged north to south, with walls of their own, but which had only smoothly topped parapets and no towers. These likewise had large Gates, north and south, not as great as the Main Gate, while there were man-sized doors in the walls east and west. But all of these ways were now closed, and heavily guarded.
Within the Compounds were houses for the Duke’s Counselors and Generals, and his Captains and important guests, with much more modest dwellings for his servants. But midmost in the central Compound was the Duke’s own Palace, which took the form of a castle with many spires and bell-towers, and a great pointed tower in its center; taller than any others of Baertunas. And all the Compounds shared their adjoining walls, built straight, east to west, in which large doubled doors of dense wood allowed for the only passage between without going outside to use side doors. And the Palace itself had great doubled doors to the north and south, so that one, if allowed, could walk a straight path through the Fortress, from the Main Gate to the North Gate, passing through the Duke’s Great Hall in the center of it all, should every Gate and door north to south be opened.
These were the ways into and out of the Fortress known to the Company. Yet, there were secret ways by passages and tunnels, and other escapes known to the Duke and his Generals, and to a few trusted Captains, but also to High King Strabos. But Strabos had given Brandar a map of those ways, which Brandar had not shown to his fellows, even Tomas, hoping that it would not be needed, and may remain hidden until Vastus and his minions were brought down and then safely imprisoned in Sunthakis.
Of course, some of the Warlord’s Company knew the Fortress well, as they had served there, or nearby, in times past. Among them, Bhraghar had been stationed at the Tower of Vordurus, due west of Baertunas, while Jesan had been a Sergeant at Arms at the Fortress itself. And Jesan had said, while the Company were on the road, that Vastus was never a likeable fellow, but was in the past no traitor to the Realm.
“Things must greatly have changed,” Jesan said to Brandar, “since I served the Duke at Baertunas. It is difficult to imagine what has occurred.” The officer Brandar had seen on the Tower above the Main Gate was the Gatekeeper, whose name was Darnus. And he called to the Company when they came to a halt before the Gate. “Who goes there, and what is your business?” But of course, he had read the scroll which had been left at the Gate not an hour before. Yet, he was reluctant to let the Company through, as his lord Vastus had ordered all of the ways into the Fortress closed to strangers. And it was not until Jesan, whom he knew, had given his own appointment notice to a Soldier to carry up to Darnus that he had the Gate opened, though he immediately sent word to Vastus that the newly announced Warlord had arrived with a full company of Royal Guardsmen, and was entering the Fortress through the Main Gate.
Naturally, the Duke would have preferred to keep the news about Brandar as quiet as possible, and would have posted nothing of it. But the words on the scrolls had run rampant throughout the Fortress, and thereabouts, like gossip among wives at a ball, and here suddenly was the self-same Warlord with a company of high ranking Officers at his back, soon to set foot upon the Duke’s very doorstep.
Many in the Soldiery were uplifted by the news of the coming of a Warlord, but there were those who were made fearful, for these had profited from the corruption by being allowed to lord it over the villagers, and rob them, and engage in wicked behavior.
When the Gate was opened, Brandar did not yet go inside but sent a Band, led by Bhraghar, to post scrolls in the common areas of the Fortress, though they were not allowed to enter the Inner Compounds. And the other two Bands he sent to inspect the surrounding areas; one to the campground west, and the other upon the road that encircled the Fortress. But Jesan’s Band he kept there with him.
Brandar instructed the Gatekeeper to keep the Gate open until further notice. And when the Gatekeeper protested, mentioning the Duke’s orders, Brandar grew livid, saying: “I am the Dunjilar King, Brandar Odaron, Warlord over all of these Frontier Lands! And if I say this Gate is to remain upon, then so shall it be, or I shall drag you in chains back to Sunthakis to answer to the High King himself! Is that clear?” And all nearby but for Tomas were taken aback by Brandar’s words, as such strength of will was thus revealed therein that none could deny Brandar’s resolve.
The Gatekeeper saluted, then bowed, saying: “It shall be done, my Lord.” But grave fear of the Duke was written upon his face. And when Brandar next called Darnus down from his perch for questioning, so intimidated was he at the thought of the Duke’s displeasure that he would not speak up, despite more threats. Therefore, Brandar began to question the Soldiers who had begun to gather 'round, and that is how he learned that the vile Duke was now likely seated in the Great Hall of his Palace with all of his Generals and Captains, and his Counselors and Mages, and numerous well-to-do guests.
“Forsooth,” said Tomas. “We have the birds in one cage.” “Aye,” said Jesan. “The plan goes well, my Lord.” “Well enough,” said Brandar. “And may the Gods be with us to its end.” But as he spoke, a clamor arose from the crowd gathered eastwards, for the Outlaws had arrived, marching upon the road three-hundred strong, with Flaven and Margos in the lead. And while it was plain that the Outlaws had not come to fight, many Soldiers there drew forth and would assail the intruders. But Brandar rode out to put himself between the two groups, shouting at the Soldiers; ordering them to put away their weapons. And he rebuked the Soldiers there, saying: “These are the loyal ones, and not you! Lies you believe! Falsehoods have you embraced! You allowed the Duke to prey upon your very own people, dishonoring all of your forebears. It is you who have let the Frontier go to waste, leaving the Borderlands defenseless but for the grace of men whom you unjustly name Outlaws. Shame upon you all!” And by the power of the warrior spirit which Brandar displayed, nigh all among the Soldiers who heard him speak harkened to his words, and felt remorse for unkind deeds they had done, or for standing by, dong nothing to oppose the wrongdoing. Then to some it seemed as if a cloud had passed to let the light of day shine upon them, and they kenned that an enchantment must have ensnared them, causing them to believe in the Duke, and in his promises of reward, and of power and glory. Yet, three there were who slipped away, as Tomas and Jesan rode up to join Brandar. These were one Lieutenant and two Soldiers who had secretly benefited from the collection of taxes, and who slinked around and entered by a westward door, to stand soon before Vastus, saying: “The young foreigner now proclaiming himself Warlord orders men against your will. And he sides with the Outlaws, who have come in large numbers. But many of your Soldiers, by speaking words against you, he has put under a spell of awakening!” Meanwhile, Brandar had finished his speech and turned to address the leader of the Outlaws, saying: “Hail Flaven, Baron of Kombros! It seems that I am indebted to you for saving the King’s Herald from an untimely death. I thank you, in the name of the King. For Strabos shall be pleased to see Farus return alive to Sunthakis.” “Well met you are, Lord Odaron,” said Flaven. “And welcome also is the King’s Warlord, if he comes to depose the traitor Vastus, for only thus shall the debt you speak of be forgiven.”
Some nearby were amazed to hear the Outlaw speak so haughtily to the new Warlord, where a few named Flaven “scoundrel” and “slovenly” out loud. But Brandar ignored them, giving a long-needed laugh, then saying: “Well met are you, Outlaw of the Jungle.” And in an aside to Tomas he said loudly enough for the grumblers to hear: “Now has come one who speaks his mind even to the King’s own Warlord. That is what I like; unfettered honesty.”
Suddenly, a great ringing of bells pealed from the Palace bell-towers, soon joined by the loud winding of horns from the Inner Compounds. Then the Soldiers broke into confusion, where the Officers shouted incoherent orders, and men ran amok while yet other men spun about, not knowing what to do. But calm amidst the chaos, Brandar and Tomas, and Jesan and his Band, and all of the Outlaws, wondered what devilry was afoot, that could bring about such foolishness, as it seemed some evil spell-magic had been loosed. Then Brandar noticed that some of the Soldiers in the campground were preparing for battle while approaching the Gate, and must therefore be planning to seize control of it.
“The Duke is rousing the Army!” said Jesan, knowing the purpose of the bells and horns. “He means to send them against you, my Lord. We should enter the Fortress, else hard pressed shall we be to keep the Gate free of the Duke’s henchmen.” And that is when they heard the Gatekeeper shouting at men on the towers, as the Gate was being closed without his command, for those Soldiers within had arrived and begun to close the Gate; thus meaning to strand Brandar outside. “To the Gate!” shouted Brandar, urging his horse through the maelstrom. “They must not shut us out! To the Gate, at once!”
Brandar alone made it through, ere the Gate was shut, while the Gatekeeper himself was locked out, much to his dismay. And turning his mount, Brandar found that two Soldiers had barred the outer doors, and were hurrying to close the inner doors as six more, armor clad, rushed to stand between Brandar and the Gate, while the ordinary Soldiers whose normal duty was to attend to the inner doors were backing away in surprise.
“Open those doors!” shouted Brandar, as the inner doors were being barred. “Open them, I say! I am the Warlord Odaron! And you shall open those doors!” “Open them yourself,” said one of the henchmen, at which the others chuckled. But they did not know their peril, as the jest angered Brandar so much that he lost all patience. Swiftly he drew Beliscaertos. And as it was drawn it flashed brilliantly, with also the sound of a thunderclap. Then did those of evil intent who beheld the flash become blinded, while Brandar and his mount, and some of the ordinary Soldiers, were not affected by the flash. But all those upon the ground near the Gate fell back in dread, while some of the crossbowmen atop the walls let loose of their bolts upon being blinded, and one bolt flew straight at Brandar’s chest, with another at his arm. But lo, both bounced away as if they had struck the very stone of the Fortress, for the magic of Beliscaertos allowed no harm to come to Brandar while its grip is held firm.
The blade of Beliscaertos shone with a shimmering, silvery glow ,as Brandar held it high. But the henchmen who had laughed could not now see it, for they were blinded and had dropped their weapons, and then went groping about with one hand to their eyes but the other reaching out before them. Next they took to moaning and crying, and bumbling into one another, as they felt their way around. But Brandar was not in the least bit amused.
Lowering his weapon and pointing it at the Gate, he uttered but a word of command, at which a great bolt of lightning shot from the blade, impacting the inner doors with a crashing explosion and deafening boom. And while the blast knocked the nearest henchmen unconscious to the ground, as the regular Soldiers ran away, none were killed. Then Brandar, in like fashion, destroyed the outer doors, which sent some of the Soldiers outside stunned to the ground, living but breathless, as both doors flew off their hinges and landed upon the causeway near to the road.
Upon hearing the first blast, Tomas drew his own sword, which likewise flashed, and then shone with a silvery aura. But he was loath to use its power against the Gate, not knowing who may be standing within. Yet, guessing Brandar’s next move, he began shouting for Soldiers there to get themselves clear of the Gate.
Too late was that done. And many men were thrown down when Brandar burst open the outer Gate. Then all the Outlaws cheered and clapped their hands. But not one among the Soldiers who witnessed this event, or who got caught in the blast, ever after questioned Brandar’s new office or authority, nor his ability to enforce his commands.
Here, Bhraghar and his men came up behind Brandar, having completed their task within the Fortress, and hurrying to the Gate upon hearing the first explosion. Thus, they witnessed Brandar destroying the outer doors from within, and were amazed at the strength of the magic of Beliscaertos. But Brandar, becoming aware of them, bid them remain within the Fortress. Then he rode through the smoking and charred ruins of the Gate and bid Jesan’s Band and the Outlaws to enter. But outside, quite dazed and bewildered, sat the Gatekeeper nearby; wondering what sort of work he could do now, without a Gate to oversee. And he yet remained in mortal fear of the Duke.
Jesan and his Band, followed by a group of Outlaws led forth by Flaven, entered the Fortress and gathered upon grassy places to either side of the Throughway, together with Bhragar’s Band. And the blinded henchmen were taken off to the side, but not harmed. Then Brandar and Tomas entered, followed soon by the rest of the Warlords’ Company, their having ridden quickly upon suddenly hearing the destruction of the Gate, and were surprised indeed upon beholding its ruin. And all thereabouts then waited anxiously for Brandar to speak, for they knew not what to do, imagining that the Warlord’s plan had gone astray. But Brandar said nothing just then, and merely dismounted, with his sword yet unsheathed, at which everyone else knew nothing else but to follow his lead, and therefore drew their swords and dismounted.
Brandar asked Flaven to take possession of the Gate, such as it is, though not to oppose the authority of the Gatekeeper. Rather, he was to keep the way open, even should the whole of the Army wish to pass through. But to any who may wish to enter, so as to speak with the new Warlord, Flaven was to say: “The Warlord Odaron is at audience with the Duke, and shall not brook lightly some trivial interruption.” But Flaven was there only to prevent the blocking of the gateway, while hindering none from coming or going. And so, the Outlaws held the demolished Gate and its towers, and the walls upon either side; taking up stations beside the ordinary Soldiers stationed there who had not been rendered unconscious or blinded. But Darnus continued to sit outside of the ruined gate, mumbling to himself: “All of these years; all of these long, lonesome years, for nothing. What shall I do? What now shall I do?”
“The story is not finished,” said Brandar to Tomas and Jesan, as they next trod upon the Throughway followed by their comrades. “Nay, it comes only to its apex.” Of course, after all the Outlaws were in place the blinded crossbow-men began to see again, as did the blinded henchmen. But seeing that the Outlaws had now taken charge, the crossbowmen became afraid, though they were quickly reassured, and informed of what had transpired, and that the Warlord was now in command of the Fortress. Yet, the evil henchmen, kenning that Vastus had been found out, made to get away, at which the Outlaws took hold of them, and bound them with ropes, then led them to nearby barracks wherein they were to await judgment under heavy guard.
Brandar, with Tomas and Jesan by his side, led his Company on to the closed doors of the First Compound, within which were all the houses in which dwelt the Duke’s Generals and local Landsmen, and which were provided to traveling Merchants and also others having business in the Duchy. And here too were lowly houses for the Duke’s servants. But the Duke’s trusted cohorts and all his fellow conspirators were now with him in the Great Hall, each of them expecting to be protected from arrest. And the sounds of Brandar’s magicks at the Gate had struck fear in their hearts, so that they took to wringing their hands, and gnashing their teeth, and arguing with one another in hissing whispers.
The Compounds themselves were numbered from south to north, with the First much like the Third, but the Second, midmost, the Duke’s Compound, larger than the others, and which contained his Palace, wherein the Great Hall took up a large portion of the ground floor, and above which arose the Duke’s High Tower. And the houses of the Third Compound had been given over to the Duke’s Captains and other trusted Officers, and to his Mages and Counselors, and to privileged Soldiers assigned to various guard duties and other tasks within the Fortress.
The South Doors of the First Compound were of ornately carved wood, studded with small iron spikes. And when Brandar tried them, finding them locked, he took to pounding upon them with the butt of Beliscaertos, and shouted: “Open these doors in the name of the King!” But the two henchmen inside dared not open them for fear of the Duke, though they had been terrified at the sound of the demise of the Main Gate.
Suddenly, the doors blew in upon them, knocking the two men violently aside, as Brandar had used a lightning-bolt from the amazing Beliscaertos, just as he had done with the Main Gate; sending the doors flying far into the Compound, splintered and broken. Then the two henchmen, barely escaping harm, fled from Baertunas by way of the East Gate, and ran then headlong into the Jungle, never to be seen again in the Borderlands.
Now, some of the Outlaws had followed behind the Warlord’s Company, seeking ways joining the Throughway to other parts of the Fortress. And, being made curious by Brandar’s pounding, came closer to then see Brandar using his magical sword to blast those doors, at which the Outlaws laughed out loud, and clapped each other on their backs, and cheered Brandar, saying: “Now has come the doom of Vastus!” “Thus are the Lands made free once more!” “Hail the new Warlord! Hero of the Mists!"
The Throughway was a wide road that ran the entire length of the Fortress, except within the Palace, and was thus open to the sky, while the two doubled doors through which it passed, north and south, were beneath high stone arches. And the houses within the Compounds rose upon either side of the Throughway, each having its own walkway leading up to its entrance. But on those walkways were all of the Duke’s servants; many bowing low, with others upon one knee; some silent, but others begging for mercy, while still others were saying: “Thank you, Lord. Thank you so much.” And among them was an elderly woman who said: “At last are we freed of bondage. Bless you, Lord. You are salvation. Bless you. Bless you.” Yet, she stood out, as most Sereghran showed not such agedness. And in truth she was not old, but had suffered so greatly at the hands of the Duke and his wicked henchmen that she appeared now as a crone, bent with age.
All of those houses Brandar ignored, though he felt sympathy for the servants, as he made his way through the First Compound to come at length to the doors upon its northern end; the doors to the Second Compound, containing the Palace. These were much like to those of the First Compound, but when Brandar made to open them, this time without knocking, Tomas stayed his hand, asking: “Allow me, my Lord.” Then Brandar bowed to Tomas and stepped aside, saying: “By all means, good sir."
Tomas blew open the doors with a lightning-bolt and deafening thunderclap from his own magic sword, Bheleuwal, then stood with his glowing sword held upright, saying: “Just wanted to know how it feels.” And Bandar laughed hardily.
Next, Brandar led the way into the Second Compound, and in short order came to the doubled doors in the southern wall of the Palace. And these were of intricately-carved wood, banded with silver, and studded with precious gems. But high within the midst of each was the emblem of a shield, bearing the ancient coat of arms of some long-dead Lord. But beneath each shield was a great silver knocker.
Loath was Brandar to destroy such doors, so he used the knocker upon his right, then called out: “Open these doors in the name of the King!” But unknown to Brandar and his fellows, Soldiers who had been posted within had fled, upon hearing the terrible thunderclap that had issued from Bheleuwal. Thus was there no one inside to open the doors. Then Brandar bid both Tomas and Jesan to join him in opening the doors, and together they utterly destroyed them, so that they had not merely been sent sailing inwards, but were shattered to pieces. And the sound of those blasts was like the roaring of an ocean wave crashing upon the rockiest of shores.
With that, the three led the Company triumphantly through the doorway, and then to the doors of the Palace itself, though these had been opened wide by servants therein, while Soldiers who had been manning them had long since fled far away. And one of the servants said: “Praise you, Sire. By the Gods themselves have you been sent to us.”
A wide hall ran through the midst of the Palace, with yet another set of doors at its far end, which were opened likewise by yet others of the Duke’s servants, who bowed as Brandar and all his companions passed through. And within was an open courtyard, beyond which lay the Great Hall itself, with doors much greater and more ornate than any others. But no guards were there, nor anywhere else to be seen, so that Brandar expected these doors also to be destroyed. Yet lo, they were opened from within by Soldiers in Palace livery, who then stood aside to let the Warlord enter, though these men bowed not.
Coming from daylight outside, Brandar’s eyes could not easily pierce the darkness inside, though he discerned a large man sitting upon a raised throne at the end of a long, high-roofed hall. And around the dais stood men of various sorts. But along either side of the floor, between the entrance and the throne, stood tall and fiery lamps spouting large red flames, and from which issued much black smoke.
Here, Brandar sheathed his sword, at which his follows did the same. And calling Bhraghar to him said: “You, Knight of the Realm, be my Herald. Go before me, and make it known to the Duke who I am, and whence we have come. Then step away, but be watch-full of movement from the side. Yet, do not strike any assalailant unless I myself have drawn steel.” Then Bhraghar went ahead, marching bravely into the gloomy Hall.
Brandar then ordered the two Palace Soldiers who had opened the doors to stand well back, while Bhraghar’s Band he ordered to man the doors and keep them open, so as to let the light of day enter unhindered. And he arranged his men so that he would follow Bhraghar, but was himself followed by Tomas and Jesan, side-by-side, followed by the rest of the Company. But ere he entered, he bid them all to keep a hand to their swords.
While striding steadily forth, Brandar asked Jesan to have ready that list of grievances from the people of Trabus, but Tomas he asked to watch his back. And at length he came to a halt behind Bhraghar, standing before Vastus, who was attended upon either side by his Generals and Captains, and Counselors and Mages, and Lords and Ladies, with some smirking at Brandar, but others scowling, while others had dire looks of fear written upon their faces. Then did Brandar notice that many Soldiers were standing in the shadows along the walls all around. And the Great Hall was so quiet that one could hear the fluttering of flames in the tall lamps, while their stinking smokes were filling the place nigh so densely as to make everyone nearly choke.
The Duke was a gross and unlovely fellow. And he looked upon Brandar with a mixture of disgust and intrigue. But he was upset that King Strabos would take this tack, the sending of a Warlord to arrest him. And he was amazed at how young was Brandar. Yet, the old Duke thought Brandar a fool for coming into his Hall so lightly arrayed, and with so few men to protect him. And he smiled in his mind, deeming he could easily squash this upstart and foil the King’s plan, as he feared not the Company’s magicks, for he was a mighty Lord of the Lands, with magicks of his own. "Then may Raeden reward me," thought Vastus, "making me the Warlord whence the Prince has finally slain Strabos and seized the Throne in Sunthakis." Or so was he imagining his fate.
To the Duke’s right stood two Generals with a group of very hard-looking, well-armed Soldiers behind them, along with many of his Counselors and other folk. But to his left stood four rather dour Captains with other Officers, and a Soldiery compliment of their own, together with several Mages, among whom was one quite different from the rest, for he had a nasty look about him; more loathsome even than the fat Duke himself.
As none of the Duke’s attendees spoke, Brandar touched brave Bhraghar upon the shoulder, at which Bhraghar held forth his scroll and began to address Vastus, though he spoke without actually reading, saying: “Duke Vastus of Baertunas, I am Bhraghar, son of Dhelhion, and Knight of High King Strabos.” But, of course, the two were known to each other. Yet, proper forms must be observed in such instances, and thus Bhraghar continued: “I am come to present the High King’s right and honored Warlord, Brandar Odaron, King and High Chieftain of the Northron Dunjilarians, from far Andaria, and Hero of the Mists. By the King’s decree this Royal, Lord Odaron, is now Warlord over all of the Frontiers of the Sereghran, both in the North and in the South. Therefore, none but the Kings may hinder his will therein. And thus, I give you the Warlord Odaron.”
With that good Bhraghar stepped aside and Brandar strode forth, setting a foot on the lowest step of the dais, but saying nothing, while intensely locking eyes with the incredulous Duke. And the two studied each other for a very long moment. Then fat Vastus broke the silence, saying: “So, you are the new Warlord.” And he made no attempt to hide his irreverence. “I would have expected a much older man, and a Sereghran.” But by this he meant to insult to Brandar, as Vastus was very old, even as counted among the Sereghran, and had long ago lost respect for younger men.
“You have no authority here,” said Vastus, “whether Hero of the Mist or even a Warlord; despite the King’s decrees. I am the Lord of these Lands. This is my throne, and no others’.” But Brandar was not about to bandy words with this person, saying then only: “Duke Vastus, you are charged with treason against the Realm, and with plotting against King and country. Hear now other charges against you.” With that Brandar signaled Jesan to read from the list of the People’s grievances. And as Jesan began to read the Duke’s eyes blazed with anger at the brazenness of his former Sergeant-at-Arms.
This took some time, as the list was long. And when Jesan had finished reading Brandar said to Vastus: “These are complaints from your very own people. And each shall be added to the charges of conspirator and traitor, and oppressor of your people. Have you anything to say in your defense?”
Naturally, Brandar had quite enough evidence, and authority, to arrest Vastus, and he meant to, come what may, regardless of what the Duke may say. But then Vastus surprised Brandar with his answer, for the charges were not denied.
“What answer shall I give?” said Vastus, calmly. “It is all true, and I shall not contest the charges. Indeed, if you must know, I intend to gather to myself as much wealth and power as any man may gather to himself in this world, and shall do anything to get what I want, slaying anyone who gets in my way.” With that, the huge Duke leaned forward, smiling wickedly at Brandar, and said: “Even you, Warlord.” And the two again locked eyes for a moment. Then Vastus leaned back, saying: “Besides, I fail to see how such a youngling as yourself may hinder me; meddling in affairs that do not concern you. Yet, should you now bow down before me, and do obeisance to me, then go away to wait upon my commands, like a dog that knows its place, I may allow you to live, for a time.” Then he clapped his hands, at which Brandar and Company were surrounded by Soldiers who suddenly came from the shadows, even as Bhraghar’s Band at the doors were also surrounded by Soldiers who had come ‘round from a door in the eastern wall of the Palace.
All in the Company but Brandar drew their swords, where those of Tomas and the Knight’s flashed and boomed, and then glowed brightly in the darkness of the smoke-filled hall. Yet, somehow, these Soldier’s eyes were not blinded, and they held their ground, undaunted, awaiting further orders from the Duke. And with this, the evil-looking Mage grinned, then quietly laughed to himself.
Brandar alone had not drawn his sword. Neither did he seem terribly put out, but merely said to Vastus: “By your own words are you condemned. I hereby place you under arrest in the name of the King. You shall be taken to Sunthakis, and there made to answer for the charges laid against you. I hereby also assume command of this stronghold. And you are to surrender at once.”
The Duke simply smirked at Brandar, then gave a throaty laugh of his own. But Brandar next spoke in a tone which even this wicked Duke must take into account. “Beware, Vastus,” said Brandar with a wild gleam in his eyes. “You know not your peril. Surrender to me now, lest you cause Sereghran to shed Sereghran blood upon the floor of this Hall, and hence be liable for the first kin-slaying in the long and honored history of Arzultaur.” And Brandar held fast the gaze of the fuming Duke until Vastus broke away and shouted: “Seize them!” Then battle was joined, at which Vastus stood up from his throne, seething with anger. “Kill them!” he shouted, slavering in rage. “Kill them all!” And he took up a staff that had been leaning against the throne.
The Duke’s Counselors and Guests, and all but the one evil Mage, fled at the first ring of steel in the Hall. And they ran off, seeking places to hide, though every one were later found and arrested, then carried in chains to Sunthakis.
Terrible was that fight, as all of the Generals and their Guards had formidable magical weapons of their own. And the Duke had given his four Captains powerful runkas. But the foul-looking Mage cast spells of bursting into flames, and of instilling fear in the hearts of men, so that the Company were beset with troubles, though not one of the enemy had as yet attacked Brandar.
Then Brandar drew forth with a thunderous flash, and would slay the Duke with a lightning-bolt. But Vastus had about his wrist a bracelet that gave to him invisible armor, and it threw off the bolt. Then, with his magical staff Vastus he assaulted Brandar, at which the two engaged in a frightful duel.
The staff was of silver, intricately carved, and contained powers that Brandar found difficult to counter, though he could not be killed while holding Beliscaertos. Yet, the old Duke moved more swiftly than could be believed for one so large. And he often confounded the Northron in many ways.
Tomas fought against the Captains and slew two before the foul-looking Mage surrounded him with an invisible box from which he could not break out, though he activated the most powerful magicks of his sword. His bolts of lightning and blasts of fire would go not through its unseen walls, and bounced about inside until their range was spent. So, there he remained, trapped and helpless, crying out madly to be set free, though neither could he be attacked from outside of the box.
Here, Bhraghar and Jesan fought against the Generals, who had magic swords scarce less potent than the Knight’s own brands, while the General’s Guards used magical axes and halberds. Yet, so fast and furious were the Knights that the Guards were soon put down. However, with the felling of the last Guard, where Bhraghar plunged his sword deep into the man’s chest, one of the Generals sent a fireball which burst open Bhraghar’s skull and set the Knight’s whole head ablaze. So ended the good Bhraghar of Vordurus, a right honored Knight of the Realm.
Horrified and angered by Bhraghar’s fall, Jesan cut off the sword-hand of that General, then knocked the sword from the grasp of another, even as that one attempted to parry the Knight’s blow. But so wrathful was Jesan that he severed also even the empty hand of that General, then took up the dropped sword. And with that sword in one hand but his own in the other, Jesan did battle, and none could withstand him. Yet, true to his oath, he slew not his opponents, wounding them only, though they tried many times to slay him. Then did he regret his oath to slay not his enemies there.
After Bhraghar had fellen, another Knight was slain, with all of his Band. Then two men from Bhraghar’s Band manning the doors were killed. And long did the survivors of the Company later on mourn those losses. Then did Jesan afterwards blame Brandar for each death. But that was as it should have been, as Brandar had agreed to assume that guilt upon himself, as part of his bargain with Strabos. Yet, of that pact, Jesan knew naught until many a year had passed. Thus, even in the heat of this battle, none in the Warlord’s Company violated their oaths, and sought ever only to wound and not slay.
Sorely did they rue the day on which they swore to the Warlord, as more than half of their fellows lay dead ere the fighting was done, while all of the Duke’s men yet lived, although many would go without a hand from that day forth.
At the height of the battle, it seemed that Brandar's Warriors may ultimately fail, despite the valor of Jesan the Knight. And so great were the blasts of magical energies exchanged between Brandar and Vastus that they blew away a huge portion of the roof of the Hall. Yet, neither were able to gain the upper hand. And they strove against one another as much will-against-will as with their magicks. Finally, however, while Brandar and Vastus struggled, and other fighting continued, the evil Mage who had imprisoned Tomas had yet to be wounded or captured. And, as Brandar was so engaged, the Mage, whose name was Striglis, meant to do him as he had done Tomas. But Brandar was unaware of his danger, despite desperate calls from the captive Tomas. Then would Brandar have been caught. But unexpectedly there came from the doorway a great ball of ice-cold frost, which smote upon the Mage Striglis; sending him flying back to hit hard against the wall near the throne. And there Striglis stood, stunned and altogether bewildered, with his back against the wall. Then yet another ball struck him once more, slamming him again into the wall. But this one encased him entirely within a solid block of ice, wherein he was instantly frozen, stiff as stone.
Next, with a gigantic flash of light and a large puff of smoke, the invisible box holding Tomas went away, and so Tomas was free to join the fray. And that turned the tide, so that the evil Vastus and the righteous Brandar soon remained the only two combatants.
In the doorway stood Flaven. And behind him the Outlaws were hog-tying all of the henchmen who had come around to assail Bhraghar’s Band. And while two of that Band lay dead, the other two stood by Flaven, bleeding but alive, and ready to fight on.
Flaven it was who had saved the last of the Warlord’s Company, it now being evident that he was a Wizard; one indeed of a sect of High Adepts who kept their skills a secret. Now, however, Flaven had revealed himself openly, and came forth to confront Vastus, his nemesis. And as he strode upon the blood-spattered floor the two bleeding Guardsmen followed him, but were themselves followed by Outlaws who entered so as to begin binding the defeated henchmen, and staunch the henchmen’s wounds, so that these would not die, but rather would ultimately live to face the judgment of the High King.
Now the fighting was done, and there came a pause in the contest between Vastus and Brandar, who stood facing one another, breathing heavily.
Vastus, seeing his doom approach, with his staff shot a blast of fire towards Brandar then leapt upon his throne, readying himself for one last attack. Yet, while the blast had blown Brandar down, he was unhurt, and rose quickly, and was joined by Flaven and Tomas, and then Jesan, with the survivors of his own Company.
“Well met, Outlaw of the Jungle,” said Brandar to Flaven. “It now seems that you have a few tricks up your sleeve, after all. Hence shall I forgive you leaving your post at the Gate.” “And I shall forgive you for leaving me there,” said Flaven. “But my art is no trick. It is magic learned by long and secret study, and is not to be taken lightly.”
There the Duke stood, howling and cursing; grasping his staff with both hands, eying Flaven vehemently. But he was wholly surrounded now by some of the most valiant Men ever to have trod upon the face of the world.
The Duke began to tremble and shake, slowly at first, then more violently. And his fat pale skin began to bubble and to split and peel. And as everyone looked on in horror, even his henchmen, the Duke’s flesh began to pull away and fall off, as though some inhuman thing were inside of him, growing; soon to be freed. Then there emerged from the gory mass which was once Duke Vastus not a mere creature of evil, but a Great Demon of the UnderRealm itself; dark and slimy, and menacing. And then it stretched out its long and thewed arms, and wickedly clawed hands, howling in a voice more terrifying than ever any man has heard, as the Duke’s bloody hulk sloughed unceremoniously to the floor about its hoofed and cloven feet.
With red blood dripping, and bits of the Duke’s skin sliding from its scaly hide, the Demon held aloft the magic staff and screamed defiantly towards the hole in the roof, daring the Gods to strike him down, while the fading daylight streamed into the Hall. And all but Flaven stared in amazement, for is seemed as if Flaven had expected this turn of events.
With an end to his howling, and the light from outside dimming, the red flames of the lamps that had not been thrown down, and the fires strewn upon the floor from the lamps which had fallen, grew brighter and hotter, and spewed even more black smoke. But the stench of that cruel spawn of the UnderLords began to permeate the Hall, the redolence so revolting that few even of the strongest men there could withstand it. And the odor made many of the Outlaws, and some of the Company, and all of the henchmen, regardless of their bindings, clamor to get outside for a gulp of fresh air; glad indeed to leave such creatures to hardier souls than they. But many who were coming out lurched forth, vomiting uncontrollably, while others swooning, fell unconscious to the ground. And a few who swooned, all of them henchmen, vomited convulsively into their mouths so that they choked to death upon their very own bile.
Now, the Demon pointed its silver staff at Flaven, and said in the harshest of nightmare voices: “You! You have crossed me for the last time!” And the sound of the Demon’s voice struck loathing and dread in the hearts of those who heard it, and all but those who stood by Flaven flinched because of it, though none now fled the Hall.
There beside Flaven stood Brandar and Tomas, and also Jesan the Knight. And these steeled themselves in expectation of a contest with the Demon. “Now shall I drag you down to the Pits,” said the Demon to Flaven, “and there shall I gnaw your bones to the marrow! Die, mortal Man. And be damned!” Then the Demon sent such a blast of force from the staff that all who stood with Flaven were thrown down. Yet Flaven withstood the blast, and countered by stretching out his hand with his fingers in strange positions. And he spoke an arcane word of power, at which the Demon was tossed backwards over the throne, and impacted against the wall behind, dropping the staff form its claw; as if the Demon had been smitten by the giant but invisible fist of a God. Then the Demon howled as never before, and made to climb over the throne so as to come at Flaven with a mind to tear the man apart by bare tooth and claw. And nigh any other man would have fled. But Flaven merely stood undaunted, with his hand yet outstretched, and began to sing.
Soft was that song, and beautiful, in some long-lost language of a deep and forgotten magic. But the Demon, upon hearing the first of it, quailed in fear and stayed his assault, then trembling clung to the throne, growling insanely, full of rabid hate. And there was Flaven, as utterly calm as the Demon was mad.
Long had Flaven sought that elegy, penned so far in the past that even the Eld would deem it venerable. But with years of faithful searching in the dark, and in secret among tomes which even the Founders themselves had brought with them through the Mists, he discovered it, and learned its script, and had kenned its holiest of purposes. Thus, holding forth his oddly-bent fingers, Flaven sang his song of power.
The Demon fell to the side in anquish and despair, howling in gut-wrenching agony while clasping its claws to its ears. “No! Noo! Nooo!” screamed the Demon, getting weakly to its knees in an attempt to rise up. “No! I shall not give you my name!” Then did it attempt to crawl through a doorway which lay behind draperies to its left. But Flaven sang more loudly, though never once repeating a single word of his song. And with that, the Demon doubled over, as if stabbed through its middle with a sharpened steel rod. “Nooo!” cried the Demon. “I…will…not…give…you…my…name!”
It rose at last, lifting its arms and hideous voice to the darkened sky above in one final effort at resistance. But Flaven finished his song, and performed briefly a new gesture with his outstretched hand, at which the Demon burst into flames, giving a long wail of desperation. And at length, it crumbled into a burning, smoking heap of foul greasy ash -- never again to return into flesh to the world of living men. Then all of the flames in the Hall went out. And the smoke was no more.
In bright moonlight coming now through the hole in the roof, Flaven went over and spit into the ashes, then said: “Well, that is that!” And he turned to his fellows, still on the floor staring up at him in astonishment. Here he took Brandar’s hand and lifted the Northron up, saying: “Thank you, my friends. I could not have done it without you. A knife in the back from an unlooked-for henchman can slay even the mightiest of Wizards.”