The Adventures of Brandar Odaron
Book 1: The Hidden Continent
Chapter 18 Healing The Wounds
Brandar took command at Baertunas and did his best to begin healing the hurts done to the People by the vile Duke Vastus, now called the “Demon Duke”, and the “mad traitor Vastus”. But the Duke’s death was later named “The Fall of Vastus”.
Brandar’s first official act was to send Scouts into the Forest to spy upon the enemy amassing therein. Then Tomas, with one surviving Band, he sent to make assessment of the Army at Vortunas, due west, while Jesan was asked to seek out and arrest any remaining henchmen and other traitors at Baertunas and bring them to be judged by Brandar in the presence of any faithful Warriors who wished to attend. But for Flaven, the Baron of Kombros, Brandar had in mind a special assignment, and great reward, for it was Flaven, after all, who had felled the Demon Duke.
“The Duke was not always evil,” Flaven said, as he and Brandar sat watching workmen repair the roof of the Great Hall. “Sure, he was always fat and odious. But once he was a great Warrior, a Hero, who truly won for himself the Duchy.”
Three days since the demise of Vastus, the evil Mage Striglis, whom Flaven had frozen in ice, was thawed out and bound with ropes and chains and also thoroughly gagged so that he could not voice his spells or speak words of sorcery, and was placed in the deepest part of the dungeons beneath the Palace, from which were set free many a victim of the Demon Duke’s malice. But Striglis was fed twice a day by a Soldier who must plug up his ears with cotton, to keep from being ensorcelled by the Mage’s voice, though the Mage himself was forbidden to speak upon pain of death at the hands of another Soldier standing nearby, with ears likewise plugged up, but with a sword at the ready, and under orders to strike should the Mage so much as mumble. And Striglis was informed of the Soldier’s orders, so that he would know to keep his tongue, which he did. But he was also informed that he was soon to be taken to Sunthakis; there to answer to King Strabos for the charge of treason. And ever as Striglis might think of ways to escape, he was never given the chance. And at length he was taken -- chains, gag, and all -- to Sunthakis, and was imprisoned by the King; placed alone in a cell so deep that even his shouting at the top of his lungs could not be heard.
Of course, all of the Duke’s living prisoners were set free, and fed and healed, as they had each been tortured and starved. And Brandar saw to it that all of the former holdings of previously wealthy victims were restored to them, for many had been Lords and Ladies of Great Houses whose estates Vastus had stolen for himself. But even to the many poor who were set free Brandar gave a share of the Duke’s treasure, found in the topmost room of the High Tower of the Castle, so that they could start new lives. And to other people, especially Outlaws, who were pardoned by a Worlord’s Decree, Brandar also gave a share, and likewise restored to some, such as Flaven, their former holdings and status. But for any of the People who came to him with valid claims against the Duke, which were many, Brandar attempted to make recompense.
“Many a year did Vastus hold this Duchy in peace,” said Flaven to Brandar, “and brooked no wrong upon his folk. But he took into his service this Sriglis, who filled the Duke’s head with visions of wealth and power. So the Duke began to grow selfish and ever more greedy until laying himself open to the Demon, whom I am sure Striglis summoned for his own dastardly purposes. I even remember the change in the Duke when that happened. The very day it occurred. For I was among those who sensed the arrival of the Demon, and made the first, though vain, attempt at exorcism. But the thing had entered so deep ere we could prevent it, there was nothing we could do. Many of my friends were slain while trying to expel the Demon from Vastus.
“Then people began to go missing. And while some you let out of the dungeons, many shall never be seen again.” Then Flaven paused, looking sad. “Alas, the beloved mother of my children, my Mlinda, was among them.” And he fell silent for another moment, quelling his sorrows.
“Cruelly would Vastus move” continued Flaven angrily, “to quash any and all resistance to his will. And ever he sought to destroy those he deemed his greatest threats; most especially my own secret order, the Veiled Wizards, of whom I am the last, for he eventually found and slew all but myself. But I escaped only by the grace of the Gods, who allowed me to flee, and still conceal my identity, while he stole my estate for himself.
“By my magic I was able to escape ere his henchmen came to arrest me. And he knew not that I was a member of the Secret Order; believing simply that I had fled into the Jungle, which was true. But there I befriended others who had run away, and in time they made me their leader, for I was the Baron of Kombros and there were none who had lost as much as I. And I employed my wisdom for their benefit.
“No trifling task was that, of finding the Veiled Wizards. And many an innocent soul was tortured to death in attempts to obtain the identities of my fellows. But I also suspect that Striglis slaughtered numerous folk in sacrifice to the UnderLords, which was how he was able to summon the Demon that entered into Vastus.
“So, you see, Vastus and Striglis were already guilty of murder. Many of us tried to expel the Demon, only to be numbered among its victims. But Vastus eventually discovered them all except for me. And while he knew me as the Baron of Kombros, he never knew that I was a Wizard.
“Barely did I escape alive with my children and a few servants. Then did I become the leader of the Outlaws, though ever must I keep them from robbing innocent people. And letters I sent to Strabos, informing him of our struggles, and of the danger we discovered in the West. Yet, through it all, I kept my magic a secret, and also the true nature of the change in Vastus, even from the Outlaws; hoping beyond hope.
“Alas, my hope grew weaker the longer I waited for the Gods to help us, then you came, friend Brandar; wielding the authority of a Warlord, no less, unannounced and unheralded beforehand. Then was my hope renewed. Verily, your own plan was just what I needed. And it almost worked perfectly.” “Then you were spying for the King,” said Brandar, “but told him not your true purpose, nor that the Duke had been possessed.” Flaven loudly laughed, then said: “Strabos did well to send you. But I am pleased that you also had not discovered my secret life until the time was ripe. The Demon could read minds, you know. He most certainly would have learned of me from you and your men the moment you entered this Hall. Glad you should be that you knew not my true nature, and distracted the Demon long enough for me to arrive and strike him at unawares.
“Yes, I spied upon the Duke, and did my part thwarting his wicked henchmen at whatever dastardly deeds they were up to. But he retained control of the Armies of the Northern Frontier, through lies and bribery, and dark sorceries. So, I did what I could, often sending reports to Strabos, and praying all the while that he may solve the problem, which he did by sending you, of all men, as a Frontier Warlord; come to arrest Vastus and to take command at Baertunas. And just in time did you appear.
“We owe it to you, Brandar, standing before the traitor with so few men around you, though powerful enough to demand his attention. It was just the distraction I needed. And the plans we both made came to fruition, though in ways neither one of us could have foreseen. It was essential that none knew my true identity, not even Strabos. He knew me only as the leader of the Outlaws, condemned by the Duke, and as the former Baron of Kombros; not as the last of a secret order. And I wrote to Strabos saying that the Outlaws were loyal to the Realm, here to assist him when needed, for I had previously expected him to send an entire army to take the Fortress. But I could not let Strabos know that the Duke was possessed, as he would likely have come here himself, which could have heaped disaster upon the Realm.
“That was the Demon’s intent, no doubt, to slay Strabos as he was besieging the Fortress; leaving Raeden free to usurp the throne in Sunthakis, as he was secretly in league with Vastus. Foul indeed would Raeden’s rule have been, as anyone could foretell without magic. And surely Raeden would likewise have fallen to sorceries of Striglis, and gotten himself possessed. Then turmoil would have engulfed the Lands, opening us up for an invasion from the forces of Modeus mustering in the Forest. And the enemy’s plan nearly succeeded, my friend. But ours succeeded first.”
“This Modeus,” said Brandar, “dwells in a castle upon the far northern shores. And from there he sends Durwolc to muster in the Forest due west of this Fortress, apparently preparing for war. And I understand that they form no small army.” “Right you are,” said Flaven. “Long has the Demon Lord been building up those forces. And they are ready now to strike. Yet, we have dealt him a blow with the slaying of Vastus, and the capture of Striglis. And let us pray that this gives us more time.
“A powerful Lord of Demons is Modeus the Cruel. And to find a sure means of destroying him was the highest goal of the Veiled Wizards. But that is not his true name. It is only the name we Sereghran have given him. Neither shall we learn the name of the Demon who entered Vastus, like as not. Indeed, the song-spell I used to drive that one out would have forced it to give up its name, which would allow me to control it, though I would have ordered it back to the UnderRealm from whence it came. Yet, it could not know what I would do with it; fearing perhaps that I would use it against Modeus, its master. So, it chose to give up its flesh rather than giving me its name, which resulted in its return to the UnderRealm, regardless, as I intended.”
So it was that Brandar learned that the plan he and Strabos had devised was but part of a larger plan made by Flaven the Wizard. And while Flaven said that Brandar was the reason for his plan’s success, it was Flaven’s magic which had brought down the Duke. Thus, Brandar was determined to reward Flaven greatly. Not only were his status and holdings restored, but Brandar gave to him the Duchy at Baertunas, deeming that none would serve there more justly, nor more humbly, nor more faithfully than the last of the Veiled Wizards. But Brandar had also been burdened with the handling of the duties of a Duke along with being the Warlord, and gladly handed the Fortress to Flaven. Thus was Brandar made more free to prepare his Armies for war.
Now Flaven, by the authority of his new office, gathered up all of the treasure and goods and livestock, and everything else the Duke and the henchmen had taken from the People, and gave it back, and then some; for he sent Jesan to seize the holdings of anyone within the Duchy who had knowingly profited from the corruption and to arrest them, bringing them to be judged by Flaven. But those who conspired with the Duke to do evil deeds, or who otherwise engaged in treacherous acts, or were traitors, or aided the traitors, and all those guilty of murder were sent to be imprisoned in Sunthakis, along with the wicked Mage, Striglis, now called “Striglis the Foul”. And there also was Prince Raeden named a traitor and locked in a dungeon with all of his followers. Thus was the Realm united in time to make ready for the coming invasion. But barely was that enough to keep the enemy from conquering the Kingdom. On the other hand, any in the Army who unknowingly participated in treason, or were forced to do so, or were otherwise not guilty of murder, were given the chance to repent, and renew their vows of fealty to the King. And these were allowed to go free, unharmed, or remain in the Army, if they wished, as Flaven and Jesan went to great pains to ensure that no guiltless person was punished. But so proficient were the new Duke and the Royal Knight at the task of healing the damage caused by Vastus that Brandar asked Jesan to remain as the new Duke’s Commanding General, in charge of the Army at Baertunas. Yet, Brandar also instructed them to make ready that Army as soon as could be, for the enemy was known to be mustering in great numbers.
Flaven, to keep from reducing the People’s returns, which he himself had decreed, gave of his own renewed wealth to repair the hurts done by the Demon Duke, and for the upkeep of the Fortress. But he also declared that no taxes were to be paid by his People for the same number of years in which Vastus had been imposing them unjustly. What is more, he promised that any taxes collected thereafter must be small and fair, according to the laws of the Realm, which had never before been onerous. And by the swift manner in which the People were restored to their former prosperity they took to the new Duke as else they may not have done. Indeed, they came to love him dearly, as he was most kind and generous, and one of the wisest of Lords.
Flaven and Jesan, and Brandar and Tomas, and the Survivors of the Company dwelt in the Palace at Baertunas after it had been cleansed of the defilements of the Demon, and while the Armies of the Frontiers were being put into proper order. Then Brandar gave to all the Survivors higher ranks, with an increase in pay, and additional rewards in silver coin paid by King Strabos. But also he gave them the choice of whether to retire with full benefits and go to their homes in peace, or remain as Warriors of the Realm, which all of them chose to do. And according to their new ranks, they were given the choice as well to serve upon the Frontiers or anywhere else they wished to be posted. But seven of those who remained as Warriors chose to remain in the Borderlands under Brandar’s charge. And Flaven gave to each of them further reward in gold and silver coin, from his vast renewed wealth, though they in turn gave it to kinfolk in need.
The fallen of the Company were sent to their families, to be buried according to family customs. And Flaven sent offerings in coin to them, though he knew that no treasure, no matter how great, would relieve them of their grief. Yet, some truly needed the gifts, and that was a comfort to them, and to Flaven, and also to Brandar and Tomas, and survivors of the Company.
Of the nine Survivors of the Company, two chose to return to Sunthakis to serve at the pleasure of the High King, and six desired to remain in Baertunas under Jesan’s command. But one there was, a Knight Hero named Baeren, who begged to remain in the Warlord’s Company, which was yet to be restored, or else to serve in some other station under Brandar’s direct command. So, Brandar promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant General, making him the highest-ranking officer of Brandar’s New Company.
Among all the Survivors, three were Knights of the Realm; Jesan and Baeren, and one who returned to Sunthakis, while the fourth had been slain in the fight with the Duke’s henchmen. And though Brandar kept Baeren in his Company just then, he was later placed in command of the army of Vordurus.
The other Survivors were all then granted Knighthood and were counted as Heroes by the Sereghran. But each of them went on to do mighty deeds sung about in taverns and at fairs and at the festivals of the Sereghran for many years thereafter.
Seven days after the Fall of Vastus, Brandar held a feast in honor of the Warlord’s original Company. And during the feast he conducted a ceremony commemorating those who had fallen in the Great Hall. The next day he ordered eleven statues to be made in the likenesses of the fallen, and placed in the Hall. But Strabos himself attended each of the funerals for those whose bodies had been sent to Sunthakis. Yet, to all of the families of the fallen he gave gifts of gold and silver, and grants of land, and high stations in his Court. Then he had monuments built upon all the gravesites, not only in Sunthakis, and which had these words engraved upon them: “… who fell Bravely as the Mightiest of Heroes in Service to the Realm and to the People.”
To the two survivors who returned to Sunthakis, Strabos gave important positions in his Royal Guard. And soon did they find even greater favor in his eyes, for they showed increased wisdom which they said they had learned from Brandar and Tomas. But shortly after their return, the Northrons in Sunthakis obtained from them the full tale of The Fall of Vastus. Then did all five of the Northrons there wish that they had gone west with their countrymen. And they made a pact that, whence all of their newborn offspring had reached one year of age, the five of them would go then to the Frontiers.
Three weeks after the old Duke’s demise, Brandar asked Flaven and Jesan to choose for him a new Company from among the loyal Officers at Baertunas, though the new men need not be as high in rank as those in the original Company. And while Flaven would have Brandar go about with two-hundred Warriors, Brandar agreed only to double the former number, plus four Captains, with each in command of a Band of ten men. But Baeren was over all of them, so there were forty-five in the Warlord’s New Company; none having been counted among the Demon Duke’s henchmen. Then did Flaven provide to those Captains mighty magical swords of their own, and lesser though great brands to their men, all of which blades the Wizard enchanted by his secretive magicks. And thus were those in the Warlord’s Company honored greatly by all of the Soldiery at Baertunas, with the Company viewed as a most formidable of all detachments.
When, at length, Tomas had returned and made report to Brandar about the Army at the Tower of Vordurus, which was not encouraging, Brandar set out upon the westward way with Tomas and Baeren at his side, and his new Company behind, riding two-by-two in their Bands, and with each Band led by their Captain. And those men, good fighters all, counted it the highest of postings to be attached to the new Company, as there had been no Warlord upon the Borders for centuries.
Brandar’s coming to Baertunas was his first official assignment. But now he went to the Fortress of Baerhesperos; a journey of a few day’s of easy riding along a road that branched off to the southwest one day from Baertunas. And there he met the loyal Duke Medhyos, who had a larger army than was kept at Baertunas, for Baerhesperos was hard upon the border, so that the eves of the Forest itself could be seen from its watchtowers across cleared fields west. But Duke Medhyos was a mighty Lord, being the only remaining adventurer who had twice braved the Mists with Strabos, long ago. Indeed, he had been Duke at Baerhesperos longer than Vastus had been the Duke of Baertunas, and he was wise beyond measure.
At once he kenned in Brandar what Strabos had discerned in the Northron, and gave to Brandar and Company all due respect. But as he had earlier received a letter from Strabos regarding Brandar’s station, and had learned, by a letter from Flaven of The Fall of Vastsu, he offered an oath of fealty both to Brandar and Tomas; admitting the two as his very own liege lords, though he was not obliged to do so.
Finding that Medhyos had been preparing his forces for some time, having learned from his own Scouts of Durwolc mustering in the Forest, Brandar remained but three days at Baerhesperos then rode north to the Tower of Angust, a day and a half upon a road that skirted the edge of the Jungle Lands to his right, and wide grassy plains to his left, across which the Forest could be seen far in the distance west. Yet, finding also that his forces at Angust were also well prepared, as Medhyos had ensured that this was being done, Brandar rested there but one night only then led his Company north, once again, upon a three-day ride; making for the Tower of Vodurus, about which Tomas had reported that its Army was undisciplined and wholly umprepared for war. And as they rode, the trees of the Forest west receded from their view, so that the grasslands seemed to stretch away to the horizon. But on the second day of that journey, Brandar had seen in the distance upon the plains but one Patrol of Soldiery from Vodurus. Yet, he did not attempt to contact them; riding on to make camp at nightfall then thereafter reaching the Tower late in the afternoon of the following day.
Upon arriving at the Tower, Brandar called for the Officer in command, who was a Captain Major by rank; tall, hulking, and haughty of demeanor. Then Brandar berated the man severely for the lack of a sufficient number of Patrols upon the plains west. But he already knew that the General who had formerly been in command of that Tower was one whose hand Jesan had cut off, and was now imprisoned in Sunthakis. Thus, Brandar relieved that Officer of command and arrested him, then placed Baeren in command of the Tower and its Army, charging him with finding and arresting all disloyal Soldiers there, and sending them off to be judged by Flaven and Jesan in Baertunas. But, in a letter he sent with them to Flaven he also called for reinforcements to be sent from Baertunas as soon as may be, while he remained at the Tower for two days more, reordering its defenses; being displeased with the condition of its Army. And upon making ready that force as best he could, and convinced that Baeren could well take over and continue to set things right, Brandar meant to set out the next morning to make for the Tower of Geranost upon the coast, many day’s ride to the north. But that very night, three weary riders from Kombros came to him, saying: “A Scout arrived in Kombros barely alive, who spoke of a great army of Durwolc gathering upon the Grasslands west of the Bay. But he died of a poisoned wound. And we fear that the enemy there may soon reach full muster and come to the Borders within but a few days from now. We beg the Warlord to send forces quickly to Kombros, as the Officers there are unfit but for one only, though he is powerless against the others. And we ourselves have come without orders, fearing that word of this danger may have reached you too late. So, we dare not return for fear that we have been counted deserters. Yet, we are loyal to the King and have brought you this warning ere the enemy has had time to attack the Garrison.”
Dread now fell upon Brandar, owing that the enemy was rising sooner than he had hoped, likely due to the thwarting of the Demon Lord’s intent, what with the felling of Vastus and the imprisonment of Striglis and Raeden by High King Strabos. Thus, he sent Heralds into the Jungle Lands, even in the night, to go about recruiting all able-bodied Sereghran who were willing to come to Kombros or north to Geranost to aid in the defense of the Borderlands. And after ensuring that the three riders had been given a meal and places to rest for the night, Brandar spent the night without sleep, along with Tomas, working to form as large a contingent of Soldiers he deemed he could afford to send to Kombros. But that Garrison was five days away, and he must obtain sufficient provisions for those men. Yet, this was not done by the break of day. So, he ordered that the contingent, nigh one-hundred strong, must ride as soon as may be. But Brandar, packing enough for he and Tomas and his Company and three more men, set out for Kombros, bringing with him also the three Soldiers who had brought him the warning. Yet, after three days, Brandar grew upset, for in the last two days he noted not a single Patrol in the territory of the Garrison at Garenost.
Arriving in the dark of night, Brandar ordered that the cookfires at the western edge of the compound must be built to roaring heights. Then he called for all of the Officers to be brought to him. And these were roused from their beds and taken from their tents by the Company and then arrayed before Brandar in the light betwixt two of the bonfires.
In the blazing light Brandar chastised the Officers and questioned them as to why there were no Patrols on the Borderlands. But try as he might, ordering them to speak, none gave clear answers, saying: “Well, this …”, and “Well, that…”, with the one in command, a dour-looking Major, the most closed-lipped of them all. Then Brandar grew wrathful, deeming that he was being lied to. So he threatened them with arrest and then with prison in Sunthakis under the charge of treason. With that, one broke down, falling to his knees, crying: “Mercy, Lord! The Major has long been stealing from the Villagers, but has threatened us with beheading should we reveal it to any, least of all to the Warlord whence we learned of your arrival at Baertunas and the felling of Duke Vastus, who had been protecting the Major.” Then the Major, seeing that he was caught, drew his sword and fought his way free, slaying one of the Company and wounding another ere fleeing into the darkness westward.
“Stand aside,” called Brandar, as the Company made to chase down the fugitive. Then Brandar drew Beliscaertos, which flashed and boomed, blinding many there who were not of the Company, and who went to their knees bringing their hands to their eyes and wailing in anguish while the blade of Beliscaertos glowed with silver light as Brandar leveled it and pointed it at the Major who could yet be seen at the edge of the firelight.
With a word of power Brandar commanded Beliscaertos to shoot out a great bolt of lightening which smote upon the Major’s back as he ran, blowing a large hole through his middle and thrusting him forward to land face-first dead upon the ground, with his outpouring blood soaking quickly into the dirt of the Grasslands. Then those of the remaining Officers who had not been blinded, and many among the Soldiers who had gathered near, dropped to their own knees bowing in fear, or even prostrating themselves before Brandar; expecting now to be executed as traitors. But Brandar sheathed his sword, extinguishing its light, saying loudly: “I cannot abide traitors, nor thieves.” And before anyone there could dwell long on what he had done, he took to barking orders, assigning to one of his Captains command of the Garrison, while another was ordered to arrest the Garrison’s Officers and confine them to their tents, where Brandar said: “These shall I deal with in the morning.” Then yet another of his Captains he ordered to have the Major’s body dragged far out, to be left unburied upon the Grasslands. And when that one protested, Brandar gave him such a scowl that the man shut his mouth, saluted, and did what he was told.
Better would it have been if Brandar had listened to the words of that Captain, for the tale of the night’s events spread throughout the Northern Frontier, and became a source of division among the ranks; showing how the devious and corrupting influence of Striglis the Mage, servant of Modeus, was yet at work among the Sereghran. And while most believed the slaying was just, many accused the Warlord of cruelty. Yet, these were all men who had preferred things the way they were, as they were lording it over the Villagers and profiting from the lawlessness that had been taking place under the rule of Duke Vastus. On the other hand, such disloyal ones were eventually found out and brought to judgment before Flaven and Jesan in Baertunas, to whom Brandar had sent letters relating for each of them the crimes they had committed according to the words of loyal Soldiers who had witnessed the crimes, and of Villagers who had been done wrong.
Here now, Brandar turned to the three Soldiers who had come to him in Vordurus, saying: “It is well what you have done. Yet, rest assured that these others shall not be treated as harshly as your Major. Go now, and take up your stations among the Soldiery. We have your names and rank and shall provide you with rewards for your service to the Realm.” And sure enough, Brandar soon promoted them to much higher ranks, and gave to them special permission to make report to him on whatever matters may concern them.
Mounting up with Tomas and the remaining Company, Brandar rode to a meadow a short distance from the Garrison’s fence and there ordered his men to make camp. And as the tents were being set, and small campfires lit, he took his bedroll and, forbidding anyone to come with him, walked off with the intention of sleeping under the stars -- feeling as if the weight of the world had been placed upon his shoulders.
Here he rested with a hand to the hilt of Beliscaertos. But he had a fitful sleep, dreaming that he beheld a great stone tower by the sea being thrown down by a giant waterspout, and frightful whirlwinds carrying Sereghran high into the sky, only to fling them haplessly far and wide. Then there was a man-shaped Demon, laughing wickedly in his face, after which he envisioned the Lands clothed in a darkness which caused countless Sereghran to fall dead from an horrible pestilence. But worst of all, he beheld some of his very own Northron Volunteers magically turned into cold stone statues.
This made him wake so that he started in fright, crying out “No!”, where he found that he had drawn Beliscaertos and struck at nothing. Then Tomas and his Captains came to him, thinking that he was being attacked by stealthy Durwolc. But he admitted that it had been but an unwholesome dream. Yet, he followed Tomas’ advice to remove himself to the comfort of his tent.