The Adventures of Brandar Odaron
Book 1: The Hidden Continent
Chapter 14 The Secret Warlord
When next Brandar spoke with Strabos, he asked that he and the Volunteers be given posts on the Frontiers, saying: “We Seven are warriors by tradition and calling, and we must do our part to make our own way. And we wish to repay the kindness of the Sereghran. Thus do we ask for postings upon your Borders.” “Warriors and more than warriors,” said Strabos, “if you would go to war after all you have been through. Verily, I am glad of the offer, but would you not rather take wives for yourselves, and have peace for a few years. Have you not seen how the High Houses put their maidens before you? That you have come through the Mists is reason enough for us to honor you, and to assure you a place among the High Born of Arzultaur. Rest assured, you shall never want for a means of life. Why, your bloodlines alone are worth a king’s ransom to the People. Will you not stay and consider this course? Why be in such a hurry to risk yourselves in war?” “By your leave,” said Brandar, “we made a decision. Grateful we are that your People are so eager to take us in. But to do battle with Durwolc is part of our being; the blood in our veins, which you value so highly. Yet, we are loyal to friends, and mindful of the word of kings. Honor demands that we take your wishes into account. We shall stay, if you so decree. Otherwise, we seek leave to attach ourselves with Warriors in the west, and there earn names for ourselves as Champions of the Realm. But if a Lord you name me, then I shall declare you my liege, and go with my men to the Borderlands. Such is the way of my heart.” Strabos was quiet for a moment, studying Brandar. Then smiled, and said: “You have my leave, to come and go as you please, for verily do I consider you my equal, and a brother king. But your men I consider the equals or betters even of my finest Captains. Sorely indeed do we need you to fight upon the Borderlands. But sorely also do we need you to become fathers. You have no idea how my Counselors are pestering me in this matter. Will you not perhaps wait one year only, then think again about your decision? Give yourselves a year, then make your final choice. Who knows? By then you may have obtained a different way of thinking.”
Brandar agreed to take the King’s request to his men, who then assented to stay in the city for one full year. But they were all persuaded in this by Alak and Erek, who had met women whom they desired to keep seeing. So, Brandar took the news to King Strabos, who was greatly relieved. And while Brandar would have rather gone to war, he stayed in Sunthakis, feeling that he owed as much to his men; that he should support them in whatever they desired. But of his Quest he spoke no more, for he was much aggrieved that the Gods could not be found, unless the Gods themselves willed it so. Yet, legend has it that the Gods often came to Brandar in his dreams, and watched over him.
*****
So it was that the Northrons were the center of attention and gossip for all the next year; attending many gatherings, official and otherwise, all but Brandar, who spent most of his time attending the King’s Court, or offering advice to the Counselors and Generals, or engrossing himself in study in the quiet of the King’s Library. And he avoided socializing as much as possible; holding the situation a bothersome nuisance. And while Strabos many times encouraged Brandar to take a wife, or more than one, Brandar refrained until some years later, after he had indeed gone off to the Frontiers.
Now, the Volunteers became enamored with the city, and with the women of Arzultaur. And they took part in the yearly Grand Wargames, a festival with sporting and martial contests held in Sunthakis. And all six entered the games, competing strongly, with Tomas and Erek winning Champion status in the martial contests. Brandar attended every game in which one of the Six was competing, though he declined to enter himself, saying that he had grown too far out of practice. However, Brandar admitted to me, many generations later, that he joined not in the games as he deemed he could win any contest he desired, but did not wish to be seen as a braggart had he done so. And I doubt not that this was truth.
Now, it must also be said that the Seven wore ever as keepsakes beneath their garments those magical necklaces which I gave them, though they believed that their magicks, which had been used up, would never return. And some of the Volunteers also enjoyed showing their gems when telling their stories, after being asked, which was often. But none thought to test the gems in those days, ere at length they rode off to the Frontiers, although the Seven would much later discover that the magic of the gems was gradually being restored.
By the end of the agreed-upon year, only Brandar and Tomas had not married, while Brandar had not even taken a mistress, much to many a maiden’s distress, though Tomas had done so, visiting with one of the more vain of the Queen’s Handmaids, but taking no other lover. Yet, both Alak and Erek had taken to wife those women who had persuaded them to stay the year, but no others, while Daram had taken three wives, but Khalen five, and several concubines, though he was the eldest of the Emissaries. And upon the day of Khalen’s fifth marriage, Erek teased him, saying: “It is always the old stallion that gets all the mares.” But Khalen replied: “’Tis the racehorse allowed no fun while he is young that must make up for it when finally put to pasture.” And this would become a saying among the Sereghran.
At the appointed time Brandar called the Volunteers to gather in their meeting-room, where all but Tomas repented of their given promise to stay but one year in the city; the others now begging Brandar to let them have more time. Yet, Brandar had been expecting this turn, as many of the men’s wives were heavy with child, or had already given birth. So, he released them of their vows, saying: “Great happiness you have earned, one and all, and many times over. Your joy I would not take from you, nor do I expect you to follow me further. Go, and make loving homes for yourselves among the Sereghran. They want you, and for good reason. You deserve this boon, and more. I wish you well. And may you father many a strong child for the People. But as for me, I shall go to the Frontiers, and there aid the Sereghran in their efforts to extend the borders into the Forest.”
Try as they might, the Volunteers could not dissuade Brandar from this course. And they swore to go with him, but he forbid them, all but Tomas, who had not yet married. And with that, he called for his servants to bring more food and drink.
The married Northrons had been given houses by the families of their wives, as all of those were from wealthy clans. But these five did not go home that night, preferring to sit and drink with their fellows one last time; for this marked the first breaking up of the Emissaries as a Company. So, they gave toast after toast to each other, and to themselves, and to the Sereghran, and even to the Moons and the Suns, and to anything else they could think of, and therefore got roaring drunk. Then they argued in jest, and wrestled for fun, and sang the songs they had sung aboard Wingaron. And not a few times did they say their goodbyes, and tearfully hug Brandar and Tomas. But they had all fallen asleep by morning, and snored much of the next day away.
Brandar would be the first to rise, and he went to bid his friends Coachmen to make ready to depart. Then he went about rousing the Six, and one by one embraced them, and saluted them, and put them in their coaches, and sent them to their families. And there was not one dry eye at this parting.
Thus was come what is called “The First Sundering of the Seven Northron Emissaries.” And none of the Seven believed then that they would ever again be as once they were; adventurers on a quest, bound for the open sea in search of the unknown. But neither could they have foreseen what awaited them henceforth, since their greatest deeds were yet to come, and which were to be among the most marvelous of the adventures of Men.
Tomas stood by Brandar as the last coach drove away. And he, as Brandar, had dwelt the whole year in chambers which had been given them when first arriving in Sunthakis, so that their rooms were nearby. Then Brandar asked Tomas to collect all their gear, and arrange for horses and pack-ponies and supplies for a long journey through the Jungle Lands, for Brandar hoped to leave without fanfare nor announcement. Meanwhile, he would see King Strabos about obtaining posts for the two of them in service to the Realm. And he found the King in his library, where were all of the official scrolls and tablets, and maps and books, and the artifacts of his royal office. But of course, he and Brandar had become good friends. So, the King could very well guess what Brandar had resolved to do. But he also knew that many of Brandar’s men had now infants at home, or wives expecting children, or both. And when Brandar thus requested a posting, Strabos said to him: “This much I have foreseen; that you would go to the Frontiers, though I could not know which of your men would go with you. I hoped none at all, but that is not for me to decide.
“As I said a year apast, you are my equal and brother. And you have my leave to go where-ever you will, and do whatever work you wish that does no harm to the People. Thus, I shall not insult your station by taking you into my service. Rather, let us be as allies, and make a pact which seem mutually rewarding. A royal agreement. And we shall do each other … favors.
“If to the West you will go I shall aid you in all ways I am able. What is more, any post which seems fit to you is yours for the asking. But I already have one in mind which perhaps you have not considered, though you have learned much of the lore of the Sereghran. Indeed, my Generals tell me that you have taught them many things from your own store of wisdom, which none had kenned before. So now, let me ask of you a favor, by your leave, and mayhap you can serve the Realm in this way. And thus may I serve you in a way that befits your station.” “Speak, sire,” said Brandar. “What would you have of me?”
“In all of our conversations together,” said Strabos, “I have said much of a private nature, but little of the affairs of state. Now, however, I deem that it is past time to be more open, as you are bound for the Frontiers, and shall soon see what is afoot. I must admit that things are not as I would have them. You now know our tongue, and most of our customs, and the lay of the lands on the maps, and about the Bay. So then, you know that we have two Kingdoms, and a number of Duchies and Baronies, with seats at fortresses here and there, while our People dwell mostly in the villages and townships scattered about. But they are dependent upon those Lords to defend them from creatures of the Forest, or those of the Southlands, or those waiting in the sea; for monsters are an ever present threat on this continent. Therefore, it is quite hard when any of our Lords behaves oppressively; when one or another imposes unjust taxes, or engages in other unlawful acts.
“This has happened to the People of the North Frontier, whose Lord is the Duke Vastus; once a brave and loyal Warrior. And he holds the Duchy at Baertunas, our Fortress on the northern-most Borderland, which is rather a prominent seat. So too is this Lord Vastus a powerful duke. Not a king, nor a prince, but nigh as mighty.” Strabos moved to a large map spread out upon a great table in the midst of the Library. And he pointed out the location of Baertunas. “I see,” said Brandar. “And some of your Generals are in league with this Vastus, are they not? Likely in some plot to gather wealth to themselves?” “That they are,” said Strabos. “Yet, I am loath to believe that they mean to bring treachery upon the Crown. Rather, I suspect Vastus of desiring to gather ever more power to himself, on the backs of the people under his dominion, using corrupt Generals and Captains who follow him out of greed. They have begun taxing beyond reason, and also forcibly binding peasants to the land, contrary to the laws of the Realm. And I was not quite sure of what to do, until now.
“Vastus controls the formidable armies of the North Frontier. And consequently, even the Lord Aetas and I together have not the strength to oppose him without causing bloodshed. Neither do we relish being the first Kings in Arzultaur to be engulfed in civil war, the first in our long history. Such a conflict must be avoided entirely.” “A hard problem,” said Brandar. “You have not forces both at Sunthakis and Baerakis to send against Vastus without exposing yourselves here, perhaps from those who oppose your kingship. And if you move forces from the South Frontier, then the Borderlands there will be too poorly guarded, thus vulnerable to attack from the west.” “Exactly,” said Strabos. “What is more, except for normal squabbles common to all good folk, Sereghran have never fought Sereghran in our wars. Such a thing would be unthinkable to many upon all sides. So, this cannot be. It cannot be allowed.” “That is where I come in,” said Brandar. “You need someone to go and clean up the mess before it gets out of hand. And you believe I am a likely agent of change, as I can go where you cannot, for fear of the consequences.” “Yes,” said Strabos. “But it must be done soon, and decisively.” Strabos then pointed to the location of the Demon Lord’s Castle in the far northwest territory, which, as told, Brandar and Alak had seen from a hill nigh to that coast. “Vastus must be deposed,” said Strabos, “then the armies there made ready for war as soon as possible. For, while Vastus attempted to keep this news from me, I have learned that the cruel Demon Modeus is gathering hordes of Durwolc in the Forest; swelling the forces of the Dragon thereby. Surely, they plan an attack. But with the Duchy so corrupt, an invasion would mean the loss of many guiltless Warriors, and countless villagers. A terrible loss. So, that too cannot be.”
Brandar shook his head slowly, brooding, then said evenly: “Evil tidings, my Lord. Certainly, I will do anything to aid you in this. But what would you have of me, in such a situation? I have not an army of my own to ally with you. And without forces sufficient to oppose Vastus, enough to cause him to surrender, I can see no way forward. Furthermore, if he is as corrupt as you say, what is to prevent him from allying himself with Modeus?” “That is just where I come in,” said Strabos. “As High King, I have some rights which no other Lord may hold. And one of these is the power to appoint a Warlord over all of the Frontiers; north, south, and also westwards. Only a Warlord, other than a King, may counter the authority of a Duke, by our laws. For the rank of a Warlord is a singular office, second only to the Kings and Queens of Arzultaur. Only a Warlord, with the support of the Kings, can challenge the Duke and put a stop to his machinations, even without an army.
“You, Brandar. You must become my Warlord. The very first in Arzultaur for over a thousand years. I shall appoint you Warlord. And you shall lead a small army into the North to arrest Vastus on the charge of treason.” Natuarally, Brandar was surprised, and it took him a moment to respond, for he was not at all prepared for such a posting. “That is indeed a high office,” said he. “You startle me, Strabos. Second only to the Kings? Are you sure? Do you trust me that much?” Here Strabos smiled, reassuringly. “I am sure,” said he. “Quite sure. You alone can do this. But I will make this bargain with you. Go and arrest Vastus, and save us from the coming attack, and I will grant to you any free portion of the Lands to be yours, save the Seaports, to rule as King, and to establish the Third Kingdom of the Sereghran upon Arzultaur.”
“A generous offer,“ said Brandar. “This I shall do. And I am very honored that you choose me for this task. But you could have appointed a Regent or a Steward and done this deed yourself. Why declare a Warlord after all this time? And why me? Surely there are Sereghran who could take up this burden; one of your loyal Generals, mayhap, else the Lord Aetas. I am a Newcomer. Will the People accept me as a Warlord? It may be better to appoint a Sereghran to the office, and let me serve under him. Certainly there is one who could fill that role.” “Yes,” Strabos said, “there is that. And then we make for divisions among the People, between those who follow Vastus and those loyal to the Crown. But such action amounts to starting a civil war. So, you see, you have come to me at the most opportune time. We need an outsider. You, my great Northron, were not born a Sereghran. And that is the point! You can do what needs be done without dividing the People. You are a Newcomer, and already have the People on your side. A Hero of the Mists, who can do no wrong. Hence, you are perfect for the task; like a gift from the Gods.”
“I see,” said Brandar. “Rather a good plan, and bold. But how do you know that I am up to it, my Lord? You have not seen me in battle, nor my fellows. Our tale could be a lie. How do you know we did not come through the Mists sniveling like cowards?” Then Strabos laughed, and said: “Because I have been there myself! No man may come through the Mists who trembles from fear. I know the difference, and trust your arm better than my own, and your mind, and your heart. Indeed, I would myself have done just so, was about to, until you came to Sunthakis and voiced your tale before my throne, the truth of which I have never doubted. Nor ever hence shall I doubt it. That very day I beheld in you a great spirit. In you I see one who is now as once was I. But now I am old, and careworn. The world outside took more from me than the vigor of my youth. It took away part of my being. The brightest part of my light; the one part most needed at this time.
“You yet have that light. You have strength of mind and body which I foresee shall be required, ere the end. You would thus succeed, where I would fail. You would win out, where I must surrender. You would live on, where I may fall, though all of my Knights were there as my Champions. Dire conflicts call for bold actions, and a bold adventurer to accomplish them. And I say to you, Brandar Odaron, that you are the boldest adventurer in all the wide world. More stout and trustworthy than any other man in these Lands. If there is anyone upon Arzultaur who can do this thing, it is you. You, and you alone, must be my Warlord. Else, why did you come to Arzultaur at this time?"
There was a moment of silence, as the two regarded each other. “I am touched,” said Brandar. “And surprised. This is not exactly the posting I had in mind.” And the two chuckled a bit. “Yet, verily have I kenned somewhat the truth of these things from my meetings with your Generals; some of whom I suspect of being dishonest with me, but felt that it was not my place to intrude. There are those who oppose your will. But they knew not which way I and my fellows would lean.” Then Strabos gave out yet another quick laugh, saying: “Already do you prove that my faith in you has not been misplaced. Even with high level intrigues are you adept.” Then the two sat and talked much longer. And this, in brief, is what was said.
Prince Raeden, whom Brandar has often met, was the oldest son of the former King, Raedas. And it was no secret that Raeden bore deep animosity towards Strabos; as Raeden would now be King were it not for Strabos wining favor with Raedas, and with the People. Yet, Sereghran kingships were never meant to be a birthright. The Kings had the right to appoint anyone they please as heir to their Thrones, although it is their tradition to follow the will of the People, in such matters. Nevertheless, Raeden had been undermining Strabos's rule ever since the man had been crowned. “I kenned,” Brandar was saying, “that Raeden intends to challenge your rule by claiming hereditary right to the Throne, should some unrest come about.” “You guessed rightly,” said Strabos. “Long has Raeden hated me. And now does he openly oppose my decrees. Powerful followers and supporters does he have. Royals who are discontent with my rulings, and who often demand that I name Raeden as my own heir. But that I will never do, and believe they do this expecting a boon from Raeden.
“My spies tell me that Raeden has allied himself with Vastus. But what greater mischief they have in mind I have not discovered. Vastus, so far away, I do not fear as an immediate threat. But Raeden is another matter. Should I perchance meet my end upon marching against Vastus, as I was about to do, then Raeden would be free to usurp my throne in Sunthakis. And perhaps that is their plan.” “The pieces of the game have now been set,” said Brandar. “Should you go and depose the Duke was likely this vile Raeden’s greatest wish, as that would allow him to cause strife in Sunthakis. So much the better if you were slain while you are away. Raeden’s crowning would follow upon the very heals of your funeral procession.” “What is more,” said Strabos, “should I go after Raeden now, even in secret, then do I appear the unjust ruler, moving ever to quash my opponents. Nor can I choose a loyal Lord to do him in, for that is unlawful, and is as if I had done it myself.” “Which is why you need an outsider,” said Brandar. “An agent whom the People see as impartial, and who is also favored in their eyes. A Newcomer. Indeed, a Hero of the Mists. In short, you need someone like me. But I had not thought of the office of Warlord as my posting. That will greatly expedite the effort, such authority, and shall thus help bring the affair to a swift conclusion. Provided we live to tell of it. But you say you fear no danger directly from Vastus. How can that be if he and Raeden are conspiring against you? Are you not too trusting of this Duke?” “Things have changed,” said Strabos. “The arrival of you Emissaries has brought about many changes, though I doubt that my enemies have expected me to appoint a new Warlord from amongst you. They await another opportunity; else they expose themselves too soon. Nay, their plan has been spoiled by your coming. Now, I guess, Vastus bides his time, contenting himself with robbing poor villagers while disruptions occupy the High Houses here in the East. He waits, in hopes of striking a bargain with the victor. But this have I determined according to what my spies are telling me. Raeden, therefore, is the nearer threat. He seeks the power of the Throne, not riches, for he is already quite wealthy. It is upon Raeden that I cannot turn my back, and why I need you to go and arrest Vastus in my stead. You are my hope, Brandar, and the salvation of the Realm. Only an outsider can accomplish this thing. I need you to arrest Vastus and bring him here to face justice.”
Now, Strabos had been envisioning an elaborate ceremony in which he meant to announce Brandar’s appointment. And that would have been fitting at any other time, owing that the proud Sereghran had not seen a Warlord for over a thousand years of the Suns. Thus, it would be an extraordinary event. But Brandar persuaded Strabos to be subtle, so as to catch the conspirators at unawares. And together they devised a plan whereby Brandar would go in secret with but a select group of the King’s faithful Guards, quietly, and plainly clad. But upon the day that Brandar should reach the gate of Baertunas, the royal pronouncement would be made by a Herald who has gone ahead to stand before Vastus. Then here would be the new Warlord upon the Duke’s very doorstep. Thus, neither he nor Raeden would know to send assassins to stop the Warlord, ere the Duke is arrested. None even of the most trusted Generals or Counselors, nor anyone else, would be told of Brandar’s appointment until it was time.
With Brandar would go Tomas, as the Warlord’s Second, with the rank of Commander General. But even Tomas was not to be told anything until they were well on their way to Baertunas. For now, he was told only that the two had been given “high stations” in the armies of the Frontier. Neither were the Guards who were to go with them to be told until Brandar sees fit.
Then Strabos took the Andarian swords from Brandar and Tomas, and had his smiths reforge them, and his mages imbue them with the most powerful of magicks, so that the Northron’s task would be less daunting. And when he gave the two their new swords he said: “No living creature shall easily defeat the wielders of these blades, be it Dragon or Drake, or Devil or Demon, or the most evil monsters from the heart of the UnderRealm. The blades have magic that cannot be denied, the greatest in the Lands, for I deem such shall be needed in the coming days. But the Warlord of the Sereghran deserves no less.”
And when Brandar and Tomas were instructed in the use of the sword’s powers, they found that the magicks surpassed those of the mightiest of the Palalkar of Andaria. Then did they ken that these were great and kingly weapons; blendings of the works of Andarians and Sereghran. And lo, there were few weapons in the world to compare with these swords, as only the High Lords of Arzultaur possessed such arms, though the Guards assigned to accompany Brandar were given worthy magical swords of their own, for use in carrying out the Warlord’s commands.
Twenty men were to go with Brandar and Tomas, and of very high rank; singled out and instructed by Strabos himself. And these were Knights and Commanders and Captains of renown in the Realm, chosen from the King’s most worthy Royal Guards. Thus, one and all were absolutely loyal to Strabos, and he knew them well, for they had served him on the Frontiers ere he was made King. Yet, none were told the true nature of their assignments; only that they were to guide and protect Brandar and Tomas upon the road to Baertunas, where the two were to be attached to the Army there. But Strabos said to those men: “You are to obey these Northrons as if they were both Lords of the Lands. But the very word of the King of the Northrons, the good Lord Brandar, you are to observe as though I myself have spoken, or delivered my word by decree. This I command you.” And he bade each of them swear to obey this order without fail. And so did they swear.
Upon a rainy night, while the People slept, Brandar and company rode west along the riverside road, south of the river. And none but the King marked their passage. Many Heralds had indeed been sent into the lands, each accompanied by two proven and well-armed Soldiers of Sunthakis. And each Herald carried a small locked box, to which one Soldier held the only key. But they were not to open the boxes nor make pronouncements until the morning of an appointed day, at which the Soldier was to give up his key, and with it each Herald must open his box and then read aloud the proclamations contained therein, and then also everywhere upon their return journey.
Before the given day, no Herald was to open the box, and thus would not know the nature of the pronouncements ere comes the proper time, on pain of death at the hands of the Soldiers. Naturally, therefore, though no one doubted their loyalty, not one Herald opened his box ere the very day in question. The exception, however, was the Herald who was sent to Baertunas. He and his Soldiers had been given different orders. These were to wait in a town upon the way, near to the Fortress, and look for the coming of a certain Lord of the Lands known only to them by his speaking of a secret phrase. That was the town of Trabus, east of Baertunas. And when that Lord had arrived, then they were to go to Baertunas, where the Herald must open his lock-box in the presence of the Duke, and read his pronouncements. But should said Lord not arrive after a certain time, then the Herald and his Soldiers were to return to Sunthakis, with the box unopened. Thus would Strabos know that something had gone wrong.
The Heralds and Soldiers were to avoid speaking with the People on the roads until the appointed time, excepting only those who were sent to Baertunas. Those were forbidden from meeting with anyone at all, and were to camp in the wilds, well off the roads, until they had reached the town of Trabus, where they must remain silent about their mission until the Lord with the secret words arrived and gave to them an order to proceed to the Fortress, still without speaking to anyone until after they had appeared before the Duke to whom the Herald must voice his pronouncements.
Spies served Strabos in the North, and reported on the activities of the Duke and his followers. Yet, Brandar was not told who were these spies, lest he himself should be waylaid on the road. And to this Brandar agreed, assuming they were soldiers of high rank in the Army at Baertunas. But it was just such information that was prized by the new Warlord, so Strabos told him all that he safely could, saying: “From here to Trabus, beware of travelers on the roads, and of any folk in the Jungles. But once you have passed Trabus, look to the Jungle for comfort, and for aid in times of need.” But when Brandar inquired as to the meaning of this riddle, Srabos said only: “The Jungles there are the safest place to be, or so my spies tell me. But those I shall instruct to contact you, and to give to you all of the aid of which they are able. Then shall you learn their names.”