The Adventures of Brandar Odaron
Book 1: The Hidden Continent
Chapter 15 Through The Jungle Lands
In days of old a trek through the Jungles would have been arduous and very dangerous. But the Sereghran had long since killed off all of the monsters and most fearsome of beasts, and had built roads connecting all of the villages and towns, and fortresses and outposts, and the two great cities on the coasts. And they kept growths chopped away from the roads and pathways and bridges, so that all of the Jungle Lands were now quite habitable. But the proud Sereghran had also built Towers of stone along the Frontiers, and which rose to magnificent heights above the canopied trees for keeping watch, and serving as havens in wartime. Thus, as the Borderlands time and again expanded westwards, the older lines of Towers became little more than relics, placed along meandering curves from north to south in the heart of the Jungle, while the later Towers were the most grand, with the greatest yet upon the present-day Borders. And as the Jungle was now heavily peopled, the older Towers were yet kept up and put to use as warehouses for the King’s Army, or as lodgings, typically with stables nearby or attached. And in the Frontier country, the Dukes were responsible for keeping growths cleared from the roads, while elsewhere villagers were hired to do the work; as the Jungle growth is forever trying to reclaim the roads, and everything else.
This practice had been in place for hundreds of years, and proved a way for the Sereghran’s poor to earn a living, so that none went hungry. This involved the hiring of Tower Wardens who dwelt within the Towers, and were given the task of paying for the roadwork with silver coin provided by the Kings, and of overseeing the work. Thus, while the night of Brandar’s going was rainy, his Company, carrying oil-burning lanterns, had no trouble seeing the road in the downpour, though the going was slow.
That road followed the River Livereiwos upon its southern banks, and is called the Low River Road, while the road following the northern banks was called the High River Road. The two were joined by the First Bridge of Livereiwos, but that was their only connection, for there flowed two smaller rivers into Livereiwos, one each from north and south, which divided the lands further west; meaning, more roads and bridges. But the Warlord’s Company were to take the First Bridge then proceed upon the High River Road. That night, and all the next day, they rode without rest but for brief periods for eating and relieving themselves, and it rained all the while. But the rain ceased with the coming of night, as they crossed the First Bridge and continued west upon the High River Road, but soon made a cold camp in wet Jungle nigh upon a farmer’s clearing, but well away from the road. Now, as this was farming country, those roads were often heavily traveled. But due to the rain, there had been few travelers by day, and none in the night, so the Company had not been marked as they entered the Jungle Lands. So, the Company had been quite miserable until at last they had setup their tents and changed into dry clothes. Neither were they comforted by a fog which appeared in the night and gave it an eeriness wrought by a trick of moonlight that made for wraith-like wisps of haze on the nearby field. These reminded the Northrons of the ghosts they had seen in the Graveyard of Ships within the Enchanted Mists, but they thought not much about it, and settled down to sleep after a supper of bread and dried meat, but thankfully also some tasty mead, though they did not overindulge themselves upon the mead. “An ill omen, this weather,” said Tomas as he and Brandar settled down to get some sleep in one tent. “The Gods have drowned us with rain, and now blind us with fog as thick as the Mists.” “Nay, ‘tis a blessing they send,” said Brandar. “For, the rain has kept curious folk from marking our passage, and the fog blinds the eyes of watchers in the woods.” “Riddles you have spoken for a week now,” said Tomas. “And I, for my part, have not pressed you. But when will you speak more plainly? Why be so closed? Are we on a scouting trip for the King? I have heard that a war is brewing on the Borders. Will you not tell me something at least?” “Not yet,” said Brandar. “But soon. Give me another day, and then shall you know all that you desire, and mayhap more than you want. Until then, you must take me on faith, my friend. But how often have you done so before?” “Many times,” said Tomas. “A great many times.” And he spoke of it no more. But a little later, he said: “Still, I do not like this fog.”
The next day was bright and clear, and soon warm and dry. So the Company was glad of the favorable weather and thus of good cheer, though the road had become heavily traveled by mid-day. And while all in the Company wore cloaks to hide their armor and rank insignias, together with wrappings to conceal the priceless nature of their swords, they did not appear in the least a normal troupe of soldiers. They were battle-hard warriors, some well-known by the locals, and caused many a wide eye and raised brow among passers-by, where Brandar and Tomas, at Brandar’s behest, quietly led the pack-horses at the rear, as if they were the lowliest of Soldiers, serving the rest.
The High King had divided the twenty Guardsmen into four Bands of five men each, where each Band included a Knight of the Realm as its leader, then a Captain as his second, then Commanders in assigned ranking order, but else-wise equal in rank. Thus was there no mistaking the Company as an ordinary group of Warriors on their way to the Frontiers, despite their best efforts at hiding their arms and armor.
Now, as curious as the Guardsmen were about the task laid before them, not one inquired of Brandar what was in store, as the King had instructed them against it, saying that Brandar and Tomas were to be regarded as High Lords, and that they must be obeyed in all ways. The Guardsmen had else been told only that they were to conduct the two safely to Baertunas, but then what was to be done, or upon the road, the Dunjilarian King, Brandar, was to order them at need. And being loyal and true, the Guards obeyed the King, and faithfully did their duty. Of course, as these men also had the King’s favor, and were privy to much, they had kenned that they were going to arrest Duke Vastus. But as to why these Newcomers had been chosen to lead the Company none could say, for the two were yet considered by many much too young for such authority. Nevertheless, they loved their King and would never counter him, and so, none spoke ill of Brandar nor Tomas, and the two were indeed treated as royals.
Here, the Northrons were concealing their own swords as well, even from the Guardsmen themselves, for Brandar deemed that any news of the going abroad of such weapons would serve only to alert the Duke of their coming.
Riding long past sundown the Company came to the Tower of Berdihn. And this was an ancient Tower used as a warehouse, with stables upon its northern side. Arriving at the Tower, however, Brandar bid the Knights to act as if they were solely in command, and to ignore himself and Tomas, as if the Northrons were there merely to tend the animals. Thus did the Guards knock upon the door and were let in by a very surprised Warden, while Brandar and Tomas led the horses to a nearby corral, removed saddles and packs, made sure there was water and fetched feed-hey from a nearby shed. Then the Northrons entered without knocking.
The Tower Warden was, at first, of a mind to berate whoever it may be that had roused him from bed, pounding upon his door. But his voice caught in his throat as he opened to such a Company, and they all knew each other. So he stumbled all over himself to be of service; biding the Company to enter and seat themselves at table while he prepared food and drink as quickly as he could manage. But the Knights asked only for wine, and cots to sleep upon, which the Warden supplied to them promptly, though he soon also brought bread and cheese with the wine. Then the Northrons entered, were greeted kindly and seated, and had some of the wine and cheese. Then the entire company settled down to sleep although the two, and a few others, must make do with blankets upon the floor, as the Warden had not enough cots for them all. And when the Warden had gone back to bed, some of the Guardsmen made to give up their cots to the Northrons, but Brandar quietly said no.
“Far be it from me to complain,” said Tomas, as they settled in. “And secrets you will reveal in your own good time. But why forego soft cots in favor of hard stony floors? Are we not in command of these men?” “If play at being servants is what must be done,” said Brandar, “then so shall it be, though we are Lords of the Lands. And the deepest secrets are kept by those who are yet themselves secret.” Then he smiled, and said: “But for one who has spent so many nights upon the deck of a ship at sea, I now marvel that you scoff at a bit of padded floor in such a noble place as this.” But Tomas just shook his head in consternation. “Have patience a little while longer,” said Brandar. “Just a little while.”
The Tower of Berdihn was among the oldest Towers in the Lands, as it was built upon the First Frontier. And while it had long ceased to be a citadel of war, it was in such a good location that it was maintained as a storehouse, and as a watering-place, with a well close to hand and a clear stream not far away. But there was also livestock, such as goats and rabbits and chickens, and also cellars for keeping food for the Warden and for the King and his Warriors should they come there, which they would do, at times, to go hunting for dear and boar thereabouts.
Now, this Warden viewed himself as quite the early riser, compared to most. But in the morning, getting up reluctantly, expecting that he must provide breakfast for twenty-two men, he was startled to see from his bedroom window the entire Company riding away westwards down the road. And he stood for a moment scratching his head, wondering what the fuss was all about, with so many high-ranking Warriors all traveling together and not staying to go hunting. Yet, by the time he had finished his breakfast, stowed away the cots and blankets, and returned to his everyday duties, he had forgotten all about them. Nor did he realize that this was in truth the new Warlord’s Company upon the day he heard the pronouncement that the King of the Northron Newcomers had been appointed as a Warlord of the Sereghran by High King Strabos. Neither did he remember Brandar until many years later, when Brandar came there once more. indeed to go hunting, and spoke of it to the amazement of the Warden.
At dusk, the Company passed through River Town, so named because the river could be seen through the trees just to the south of town. And ramparts ran from the High River Road by many ways to great docks on the bank, for this was a very busy marketing center where goods arrived from or would be sent east and west. Thus was it full of people all year round, and the Company were hardly noticed as they made their way upon the crowded road straight through the heart of town. But the name of that road changed there, and was called the Westward Way should one be coming from the east or leaving town westwards, or else the Eastern Way if arriving from the west.
Here were inns and lodges for housing wayfarers upon the roads or the river. But Brandar had ordered that the Company must not stay there and must ride instead far upon the Westward Way, into the night, and make another cold camp in the Jungle well away from the road. And hours later, when no travelers could be seen ahead or behind, Brandar ordered the Company into the Jungle north to make camp. But here he set watchmen, two at a time, at two-hour spells. And the watchmen kept the time using small hour-glasses Brandar gave to them, which he had been keeping, among other things, with his belongings carried in his saddlebags. But he carried also his Elven rod-of-far-seeing, of which the Sereghran made similar devices, which they called spy-tubes, and he had still the magical pointer which he had used aboard Wingaron.
In the morning, as the Company were saddling-up, Tomas felt he could wait no longer and insisted that Brandar tell them what they were about. And after looking upon Tomas and the faces of the Guardsmen he called them together, saying: “Now is the time to learn of our mission. I am sorry you have had to remain in the dark for so long, but you shall now know the reason for secrecy.” Then he removed his own lock-box from his saddlebags, opened it with a key he kept in a shirt pocket, and from it he gave to each of the Knights a small scroll, but also a somewhat longer one to Tomas.
Each scroll was bound by a ribbon affixed with a spot of wax impressed by the High King’s seal, showing that none but Strabos and Brandar had seen what was writ upon them, until now. And some of the Knights were surprised by the seals, as only the most important documents were ever so bound.
“This will explain everything,” said Brandar. “Break now the seals and read each your own scroll. Then all shall be made clear, and you shall ken the need for the charade. I had, at first, designed to wait until we were farther along ere revealing this matter, but something tells me that the time has come, though no danger is present. A foreboding has come over me, spurred by the words of my friend Tomas last night, who was suspicious of the fog. We have seen evil fogs before, though we were not troubled here. Yet, I have changed my mind, and believe that the truth should be laid plainly before you all. Behold now the King’s words, and judge for yourselves.”
When Tomas had read his scroll, he gave out a laugh and clapped Brandar upon his back, saying: “You old buzzard! You should have told me! But who am I to question a Warlord? Warlord, no less! A high station indeed. You said it was an important posting. And now I see the reason for your closeness.” And he gave out another laugh, then stowed his scroll in his own saddlebag. But when the Captains and Commanders heard the word “Warlord”, they looked upon one another in wonder. “Now do I know the secret,” said Tomas. “Wise it was for you to wait until there was no chance of spies hearing us.”
The scroll given to Tomas contained the royal decree of Brandar’s appointment as Warlord, and also Tomas as his second, at the rank of Commander General, second only to Brandar, who was second only to the Kings. Likewise, the Knight’s scrolls contained the same pronouncement, along with each of the Guardsmen’s new assignments, including the names of all, and their orders, writ by the King’s own hand, and signed by him, with yet another seal at the bottom of each. So it was that the Knights were convinced of the righteousness of their orders, and glad indeed to know now the full plan.
When the Knights had read their scrolls they passed them to their men, but none knew what to say. Then the foremost of Knights, whose name is Jesan, knelt before Brandar, placing a hand to the grip of his sword and bowing his head, saying: “Lord Odaron,” at which all of the other Guardsmen went to their knees, as Jesan was doing. “Pardon I beg, my Lord. For we have done you ill, treating you as lowly. Command us now as you will. To fulfill your desire is our most solemn duty.” “Rise, Sir Knight,” said Brandar, reaching out to take Jesan by the arm and raise him up. “I am a Warrior such as you, and brook not that you, nor any others, should kneel down before me.” Then all of the other men rose to their feet. “Until now you have been charged only with guardianship, though I doubt not that you suspected a greater purpose for men such as yourselves having been sent with me. The secret you now know, but what I say here must you keep close a while yet. It is my suspicion, a feeling, that you must be informed of everything, lest our Company be scattered somehow, so that at least one or another of us may return to give report to the King in Sunthakis.
“Strabos has made me his Warlord. And Tomas is my Second. His word you must obey as if I myself have spoken. But these are the tasks for which you men were chosen.” Then Brandar explained the problem with the traitor Vastus, and the building up of enemy forces in the Forest west, and the machinations of Prince Raeden. And from his saddlebags he removed a large drawing of the Fortress of Baertunas, then spread it upon the ground before the Knights, and with it put forth the full plan which he and Strabos had devised. And when he was finished giving them instructions, the Suns were high in the sky and he was anxious to be gone. So, they rode satisfied, but in silence. Yet, as before, by Brandar’s order, the Northrons again rode at the rear.
*****
Here now are descriptions of the magicks held by the Northron’s brands, and those of the Guardsmen’s swords, which bear on the Tell, as the deeds that were done by these Heroes could not have been accomplished without those weapons.
The swords of Brandar and Tomas were those which the two had brought with them from Andaria, but which Strabos had remade for them, so that each had inscribed the name of its owner and the name of the sword upon both sides of the blade, and it was also covered with runes and symbols from tip to button. And these were the first of the seven blades of the Emissaries to be re-forged, and imbued with magic, though all would later be done so, and came to be named The Magic Seven of the Palaklar.
Each was a hand-and-half-hand longsword of Andarian steel, with a straight double-edged blade and overlarge pommel, but simple cross-guard. Their magicks were the most powerful of the Palaklar until the finding of the Crystal Four nigh to the end of the Final Invasion in Andaria. No magic of the swords could be thwarted by any sort of magic, and the swords could not be broken, would never rust, and would remain forever sharp. A lightning-bolt may be sent from the blade upon voicing of a word of command, and a lance made of lightening may be extended to nine feet from the cross-guard, using yet another word of command, though either power requires the wielder’s touch upon the grip as he speaks. And there is yet another word for canceling the lance. But each blade always emits a flash when drawn from its scabbard, and always glows with a silvery light. And the flash for a time blinds the eyes of any man or creature with evil intent. Also, the flash may be activated by a spoken command at any time while the wielder is grasping the sword. What is more, any evil person or creature, or any evil spirit entity, who as much as touches any part of the sword receives death-dealing pain, and is eventually slain within but a few minutes on constant touch of the sword, either by themselves or if it is held against them.
Called “The Northron’s Brands” by the Sereghran, The Magic Seven also included very special magicks for each, with Brandar’s sword the most powerful.
Among the common magicks is that which makes the wielder indestructible; constantly active as long as he holds fast the grip. And all of the swords were partly weightless, where their weight is reduced by two-thirds of normal. Additionally, each sword came with their original scabbards but which has also each been remade, with silver wrapping and decorations inscribed just as the blade it holds, and which keeps the magicks of the brands from being activated accidentally, and to protect the wielder from injury while the sword is being carried upon a belt. Furthermore, the scabbards cannot be broken as well, and their magic powers of cannot be thwarted by any means. Also, their magic and that of the swords were such that they could not be deteccted by a Mate or other user of magic, nor any magical creature, while the swords remained sheathed.
The magicks of the Guardsmen’s swords and scabbards were the same, except that they do not make their wielders indestructible, and those swords were all identical in fashion to each other, though very similar in design to the Northron’s Brands, yet of Sereghran steel, and only the names of the swords themselves were engraved upon the blades. And the magical scabbards are of leather, instead of silver, though they are wrought with silver decorations at the mouth and the tip. Each activated power of any given one of those sword was initiated by a word unique to that power, and only while the wielder is touching or holding the grip. But, as was said, there is only one word to cancel the magic lance, also while touching the hilt.
Brandar’s sword was named Beliscaertos, which means "Mighty Sword", but which Brandar later called the “Sword of the Quest,” and it has the ability to transport its wielder to anywhere within the wielder’s line of sight, and may also release a mystical blast of force which is the most powerful magic of all of these blades. What is more, it holds the strongest of all the said magicks, can cut all ordingary metals, and cannot be dropped or forced from the hand of the wielder with any strike by any weapon or other blow from an opponent. Tomas’ sword was named Bheleuwal, which is “Blast of Burning Might”. In addition to the lightning-bolt and lightening-lance it may send a fireball that explodes with great force to a distance of a full furlong. Its blade also cleaves all other metals, and the wielder cannot be made to drop the sword by any strike from an opponent. The rest of the brands of the Northrons are described later in this tome, for the other five come not into the tale until the next Frontier war was begun.
*****
The Warlord’s Company made another cold camp north of the road, at the same time a travel-worn Herald and two Soldiers acquired rooms at Blackfield’s Inn in Trabus, two day’s ride up ahead. And again Brandar set watchmen in the night, although they observed only the passing of the Moons.
In the morning the Company crossed the Maeland Stream Bridge, which was far on the way to the Tower of Bergereh, much like to that of Berdihn, though larger. And its Warden was a family man. However, it also had horse stables attached to its westward wall, and much livestock within nearby fences. And there was a tool-shed and a large workshop. And here again Brandar and Tomas cared for the horses, but when finally they went in they found cots aplenty, whereas the Knights were at table with the Warden, while his portly wife served them, and his several young beautiful daughters served the other men at their cots set all around the main room, first bringing washbowls and towels, then food and ale, and many a flirtatious wink.
Brandar took a cot by the door to the dining-room, to hear what was being said. And Tomas sat upon the cot next to it, saying: “Finally, a decent place to sleep out of the cold night air.” Then he stretched himself out while Brandar leaned back and took a mug from one of the Warden’s daughters, who did not wink but gazed longingly upon the Northron. Yet, Brandar merely nodded his thanks, trying not to appear as if he were listening through the doorway.
Jesan alone spoke for the Knights, as he was of highest rank. But he would say only that the Company were there to scout ways for new roads, and to inspect all the Towers and Forts along the way. Thus, when the Warden kenned that he would get no real gossip from the Knights, he went on to complain about his lot; assuming that the Knights had the ear of the King, for he knew these men, and also many others in the Company. But his talk was of how dangerous it was keeping wolves and bears away from the sheep and cattle, and how bravely he fights them off, which was likely true, and how difficult it is to find reliable workers to keep the roads clear of growths, and how hard he and his family work to care for the Tower, and on, and on. And while the Knights were polite to the Warden, they cared little about his troubles. But then the Warden touched upon the Company’s mission, though he knew it not, speaking of the Duke, saying: “He has grown greedy and mean, sending Captains to take more than their due. And there are ruffians upon the roads from here to Vordurus. Robbers and thieves, it is said, taking purses from folk as cannot defend themselves. Although, I dare say, they will shrink from bothering you fellows. I have not seen them myself, mind you. But people have spoken of them, those going this way and that. And I believe them.” The Warden took a big gulp from his mug, then continued: “Yup, the Duke has named the ruffians outlaws, and has put a price on their heads. But some folk here say they are but herdsmen and farmers who have refused to be serfs of the Duke, and who steal only from the rich. And well-to-do folk coming this way have told me that they were robbed. So, there is something to it, after all.” After another swig, and then wiping his mouth on his sleeve, he said: “Bad times have come to the Lands. Bad times indeed, by all accounts. But it was not always like this. Not in all my days. I hope the King can do something about it.”
Naturally, Jesan could not reply without giving too much away, saying only: “Doubt not that the King knows what goes on in his realm. But of these things we shall remind him, whence we have returned to Sunthakis. Take heart, my friend. Take heart.” Then the Warden nodded, somewhat comforted, but kept drinking and talking, though he said nothing more of great importance.
Brandar was quite surprised to hear of outlaws on the road, and wondered why the King had said nothing of it. Or had he not? Did Strabos have spies among the outlaws?
At length, when everyone had eaten, and downed one more mug of ale, the Knights excused themselves, and all the Company took to their cots and went to sleep. And they were gone when the Warden awoke the next morning, saying to his wife: “There is more to them than they would admit.” Then, a few days later, a Royal Herald came there, making pronouncement of Brandar, at which the Warden said to his wife: “You see? I told you. That was the Warlord’s very Company. And they stayed in my Tower!” And he became prouder than ever he had been before.
Two days later, the Company arrived in the town of Trabus just at sundown, and went to Blackfield’s Inn, a large establishment, and the last on the west side of the town and to the Company’s right as they reached it on the main road. And here, the innkeeper, a younger Blackfield, was at first hard pressed to find rooms for all twenty-two men, in addition to his current guests. But at length he found places for them all, and had servants take care of the horses, so Brandar and Tomas could enter with the rest of the Company, where, after settling into their room, one for the two of them, they joined the others in the inn’s common room, which was a rather huge tavern, as the innkeeper, quite pleased with having so many guests, had invited all in the Company to have food and drink therein. But as large as the tavern might be, it was also a favorite of the locals, and was therefore always busy, so, with Brandar’s Company, the place was overflowing. And there were minstrels in a corner, which made the night enjoyable for everyone, though some of the locals soon departed due to the extra large crowd.
Now, the Herald and his two Soldiers were also there, and thus marked the Company as the Guardsmen came in, and who sat together. But the Herald and Soldiers were noticed as well, and all nodded or waved a greeting, for they were all known to one another, and some of them were cousins. Then the locals who remained, made curious about the Company, after inquiring of them, took at his word Jesan’s story about the scouting for new roads. But the locals took then to questioning the Company ever more intently, for the Knights only would speak up, and were answering curtly, always with the same story; thus saying little in the way of news or events from the Coast. Thus, to waylay more of this questioning, one of the Knights went to the minstrels with requests for tunes, and when the desired music began, he broke into song, at which many of his fellows joined in; encouraging all in the tavern to sing along. And this they kept up for a while, at times singing so loudly that the sound of their revelry wafted its way throughout the sleepy little town, and lasted long into the night; likely much to nearby sleepers’ consternation. But it also brought an end to the unwanted questioning. And even the Herald, who had drunk much of the inn’s best ale, would join in with all the songs that he knew.
Upon the second occasion at which the Herald weaved his way out back to relieve himself, Brandar and Tomas, after a minute, and acting as if they too had drunk too much, followed him. And when the tipsy Herald had done his business, the two approached him, at which Brandar said: “You are a Herald of the King, are you not?” “Aye, that I am,” said the man. “Farus, son of Jordin, is my name.” And he bowed somewhat, afraid to bow too low due to his condition. “Glad to meet you,” said he, smiling. But he already suspected that the Lord he was to meet was among the Company of Guardsmen, though he had not noted Brandar well, as Brandar and Tomas had taken seats on the other side of their group. Then he recognized Brandar, for he had seen him many times in Sunthakis. “You are the Newcomer King! Have you come at last to fight for us? That would be very happy news, to see the Newcomers on the Frontiers with our troupes. We are desperate for land.” “Verily,” said Brandar. “That is why I am here, for I am the Eagle of the North.”
Hearing the secret words, Farus was momentarily astonished that the Lord he was to meet was this very Northron. But he went to one knee, bowing his head. “Forgive me, Lord” said Farus. “I have been rude. I was told only to await one who spoke those words. I was given no name to go with them. But I am at your service.” “Get up,” said Brandar, taking Farus by the forearm and raising him up. “You are not to bow before me, though they call me a Lord. And there is no forgiveness, for you have done well.” Then Brandar instructed Farus as to what was needed with respect to the box to be opened in the presence of the Duke at Baertunas, though he did not reveal that Farus now spoke to a Warlord; letting the Herald continue to believe that the two Northrons had come to join with the Army upon the Borderlands. Meanwhile, the Herald’s two Soldiers had by now become aware that Farus was taking too long, and came outside to find him. Then Brandar addressed them, saying: “Fear not, my friends. Farus is as safe as any can be these days, for I am the Eagle of the North.” And with that, the Soldiers themselves knelt before Brandar, both saying: “Lord.” Then Brandar turned to Tomas, saying: “Must I always be raising these men up?” But Tomas only shrugged. “Get up,” said Brandar. “And do not kneel before me, ever. I am not your King, but serve him as do you.” Then Brandar explained to them their part in the plan, and they both took his words to heart, despite their surprise at how young was this Northron. So it was that the Herald and his Soldiers were prepared for the great affairs of the day, and they proved faithful to the very end, though tested to their limits. Yet, Brandar had them swear not to reveal that any Newcomers were abroad in the Lands. And if they were asked about the Knight’s Company, they were to give Jesan’s tale about the search for new roads. Yet, neither the Herald nor the Soldiers were told that Brandar was a Warlord. And they would not learn of that until several days later.
Here therefore is that portion of the Warlord’s mission involving the Herald. Farus was to go west with his lock-box and the key-bearing Soldier. But with them would go a Band of Guardsmen, to protect them from outlaws on the road, for it was imperative that the box was not opened but in the presence of Duke Vastus, to whom Farus was to read directly from the scroll he alone must take from the box. And to set aside curiosity, Brandar said that the scroll merely held the King’s order to post the two Northrons at Baertunas, which was true, as Brandar indeed intended to take command of the Fortress. But the Band of Guardsmen were to return to Brandar after seeing that the Herald and the Soldier with the key had come safely to appear before the Duke, with the other Soldier being sent back to Sunthakis to report to the King that the two Northrons had arrived safely at Blackfield’s Inn. And this was simple enough for the Herald and his key-bearer, nor did they have fear due to rumors of outlaws on the road. Brandar himself could not have foreseen what was to occur, though he harbored a deep uneasiness. Then he asked Tomas to choose which Band was to accompany the Herald to Baertunas, while Brandar intended to remain but one day in Trabus, ere heading for the Fortress, though the remaining three Bands were not to sit idle, as Brandar indeed sent them to scout about, pretending to be in search of new ways through the Jungles. Yet, here the Warriors must speak discretely with the People, to obtain details of the troubles there, while Brandar and Tomas nosed about the town. Thus did they learn that Vastus had become an oppressive Lord, with some folk openly calling him a traitor. But the Duke’s Captains they called henchmen and bullies, and other names not so kind, while the Outlaws they spoke of as heroic and faithful. And not a few townsfolk treated the Northrons with suspicion, even wrath, being wary, thinking: “Here be more henchmen to take away our prosperity.” And one of them, an old woman, said as much outright to the Northrons, scowling at them.
Consequently, the inn’s common room was packed full of locals that evening, including the Mayor, asking the Company what was afoot, though the Mayor was as polite as he could be, knowing many of these men personally, and that they were not Warriors to be pestered overmuch. And as the Company had just come west, the people were asking if the Company supported or hated the Duke, and would they take a list of grievances to the King. Then Jesan, wishing to waylay suspicion, called for pen and parchment with which to write down the people’s complaints, saying: “This list shall be taken to the King, whence we return to Sunthakis.” And he spent the evening scribing what was said, which was a long and tedious affair, for it seems everyone had something to say. Then the Company rode west the next morning, well before sunrise, so that few of the townsfolk marked their going. Yet, the inn’s common room was filled to overflowing by mid-morning, with people talking about them. And not all the talk was friendly, as many people were bitter about the Duke, and suspicious of the Company, thinking them spies of Vastus. But some there were, known to be supporters of the Outlaws, who said they believed that if the Company were spies, then they were sent by the King, not the Duke, and that quelled much of the fear in the room.
Even so, the talk went on all of that day and well into the night, where many were intent on discussing the new roads. and where they should be cut. And they were excited at the prospect; for many of the Guardsmen were known there, and were trusted, having close kin in the town, even with a few having served on the Borderlands two day’s ride to the west.
The people of Trabus knew not the truth of the odd Company until some days later, when Farus returned and throughout the town made pronouncement that the Newcomer King was now a Warlord. Then, after making his pronouncement at the common room in Blackfield’s Inn, he sat down to get drunk and was soon assailed with many questions from the locals, which he was glad to answer, being proud to have been part of the great deeds of the day. But many were disappointed to learn that the Knight’s claim to be scouting for new roads was a ruse, and this for a time made them bitter, even towards the King. Yet, upon a later time, Brandar would ensure that new roads were indeed constructed thereabouts, to turn the lie into truth. And then were the people of Trabus assuaged, and ever after did they think better of the King; for much discontent had been stirred up by the spies and allies of the Duke. What is more, after the evil Duke was brought down, Brandar brought an end to the corruption and to undue taxes, and other evils that the Duke had wrought upon the Lands under his sway. And this thereafter resulted in the town having, for many years, greater prosperity than ever before.