The Adventures of Brandar Odaron
Book 1: The Hidden Continent
Chapter 16 Farus Meets Flaven
Brandar and Tomas followed at the rear of the Company in their usual manner, though the Company numbered now but fifteen. And when they had reached four leagues from Trabus, a day and a half ahead the Herald Farus with his key-bearing Soldier and their hardy Band of Guardsmen were suddenly surrounded by a great throng of the Outlaws, at which Farus was thrown from his horse when it reared in surprise. And naturally, this angered the Herald greatly, who stood quickly upon his feet, fuming.
The Outlaws were dirty and unkempt, yet some of their garments were of fine make, though worn and frazzled. Nor did they seem the ruffianly sort, but were ordinary men forced into living in the wild. Neither did they hold what should have been weapons of criminals. Many held farming tools or staves, or the kinds of long knives used for clearing growth from the roads, though some had hunting bows which were now knocked and drawn, and pointing at the Herald and his fellows.
One of the Outlaws stood forth, seeming the leader, and said: “Good day to you, gentlemen.” And he bowed in mock humility. “A messenger of the King, I see. And with soldiery as well. Perhaps you are on your way to see the Duke and are laden with coins of tribute, or bribery. Pray tell, what do you bring that requires such guarding?” “The Duke is a pig!” shouted one of the Outlaws, instantly bringing about a great deal of laughter from his friends. But Farus and his companions said nothing. “Come now,” said the Outlaw leader. “What reason would you have to travel this road so heavily arrayed? Perhaps you bear coinage in your saddlebags.” Of course, the robber believed Farus must be carrying a bag or two of gold or silver coins, at the least; else why is he accompanied by five Royal Guardsmen, and a Soldier from Sunthakis. Yet, he and many Guardsmen recognized each other, as they had known each other in the past, though none of them spoke of it just now. “We have no gold,” said Farus, angrily. “Neither do we have anything of worth to the likes of you. Begone, and trouble us not! I am Farus of Sunthakis, a Herald of High King Strabos. Delay me not, or you shall answer to the High King himself.” But the Outlaws only laughed once more, which made Farus even more angry. “Well met,” said the Outlaw leader, stepping closer as his men came up to inspect the saddlebags on Farus’ horse. “But we have already acquired the wrath of the King, as it is in the King’s name that Vastus has set a price upon our heads. So, you see, such threats mean little to we Men of the Jungle. We are condemned, one and all, by order of the Duke, whom the far-away King upholds. Outlaws, we are, they say. And if the King’s law is to keep one such as Vastus in power, then Outlaws we shall remain." Then there was a pause, when no one spoke, and Farus continued to seath.
"I am Flaven, son of Taridus," said the Outlaw Leader, "and one-time Baron of Kombros, ere the evil Duke had a mind to take my land and house. But come now, enough of this bantor. We shall see what it is you guard so jealously.” And Flaven signaled for his men to begin their looting. But here the Soldier, whose name is Brugjo, drew his sword and would hack the arm off the Outlaw that was taking the lock-box from Farus’ saddlebag, except that the Knight in command rode in and stopped him; deeming that the Soldier would be slain, and maybe the rest of them, ere they should be given a chance to break free.
Wise, therefore, was that Knight, whose name is Bhraghar. And he saved himself and his fellows with that act, for the Outlaws were indeed out for blood. Bhraghar was one who remembered Flaven as soon as the Outlaw spoke his true name. But now he said: “We shall not fight you, Lord Flaven. And as you were once a Lord of the Lands, you know that death you earn for what you do to us, and for speaking ill of the King. Thus, an Outlaw you are in truth. And little mercy shall you be shown whence comes the reckoning for your crimes." But Flaven ignored the Knight for the moment, waiting to see what valuables may turn up. And when only the lock-box seemed worthy, he received it from the man who had taken it, then bent to one knee, drawing a knife with which to pry open its lid.
“Know then, Flaven,” said Bhraghar, “that this box contains but parchment writ upon by the hand of the King. Yet, the words thereupon are meant for the Duke’s ears only, and no other.” Thus did Bhraghar speak, kenning that Brandar’s plan would be spoiled. “Open this box, Flaven, and you may find that the price on the head of an Outlaw seems but light burden when we arrest you for treason, for arrest you we shall.” And with that, Bhraghar drew his magical sword, which was the signal for his fellows to do the same. And by the magic in those swords they flashed with light as they were drawn. But Flaven, startled, fell backwards as the lid of the box was pried open, and the Outlaws averted their eyes from the sudden flashings, though the light had no effect upon the eyes of the Guardsmen or their horses. And only a few Outlaws were blinded by the flash, thus revealing evil intent.
Bhraghar and his men formed a ring about Farus and the Soldier, who were also surprised at the flashing of the swords, for they had not yet been told of the presence of such weapons. So, the Band of Guardsmen held forth their swords, which were emitting silvery auras; and were ready one and all to fight to the death. But alas, they had no hope of escape. Thus did Outlaw Flaven, recovering himself, discover that the Knight had spoken truth, for there were naught but parchment scrolls that spilled from the box, and no treasure at all.
Nonetheless, somewhat irritated, as he had once indeed been a Lord Baron ,and was now in need of food and arms for his men, and his rebellion against the Duke, he bade his men to surround the Warriors, but not to attack, while he made to read what was written upon the scrolls. “You cannot do that,” shouted Farus. “By command of the King!” “Arrest me if you can,” said Flaven. “But I shall see what the King has to say to the traitor Vastus, like it or no.” And Flaven began to examine the scrolls.
Then Bhraghar was torn between trying to capture or kill the exiled Baron, ere the Baron spoke openly of what was written upon the scrolls. But something prevented him from charging upon the Outlaw; a feeling that he must hold back. Thus, he stayed his wrath, as Flaven silently read what was written. Then did Flaven’s eyes grow quite wide, and his expression changed altogether. Thereupon he looked at Bhraghar in wonder, with a small smile upon his lips, but relief upon his face. And when a nearby Outlaw reached to take a scroll, Flaven pushed him back, saying: “No! This is not for you, Margos. Nay, ‘tis not for any of us.” Then Flaven returned the scrolls to the box, though its lock was now broken, and he handed it to Farus, who then took it so dumbfounded at the change that had come over Flaven that he knew not what next to say.
Flaven turned to Bhraghar again and said: “Pardon, I beg, good Knight. Hard times set men at odds who should otherwise be friends. And these are hard times, to be sure. None the worse.” Then Flaven told the Outlaws to put away their weapons, and to clear off the road. But when they did not respond as quickly as he desired he berated them harshly, saying: “These are friends, I tell you! Pull off, and go back to camp. I shall deal with this. Do as you are told. Go!” Then most of them complied, though some were obviously disappointed, and unhappy with this turn. And the blinded ones had to be led away, though their sight would return within hours.
With that, Flaven turned once more to Bhraghar, saying: “Do I not guess rightly that your Lord comes soon to take command at Baertunas?” Now, of course, Farus and Brugjo were even more surprised, and kenned that here were things not yet meant to be spoken openly. But they could not help themselves from being intrigued. “Those words were best unsaid,” replied the Knight Bhraghar. “And by this alone have you earned a place in the King’s dungeon.” Bhraghar and his men stood their ground, and kept their swords unsheathed. And Bhraghar said nothing else in response to Flaven’s question; waiting to see what the Baron would say next. “You have no need to arrest me, Knight of the Realm,” said Flaven. “You see, your secret is as safe with me as none other. Indeed, better it is to have met me here than if the Duke’s henchmen had found you first. But, as it is clear that your Herald and this Soldier had not known this secret, perhaps it is time you told them, as they will not find the Fortress as they may have expected. Many things have changed of late, and in many ways; none of which have been good for the Realm. Nay, they signal its doom. But if you are here for the purpose I deem, then you should thank the Gods that you have been met here by the Outlaws of the Jungles. We are on your side in this matter. What is more, I shall aid you in your task, though in such a manner that I must keep as my own little secret. Yet, you must be made aware that, in these Lands, we Outlaws are your only true friends. We alone are keeping the Jungles free. Go then, and conduct your Herald to Baertunas, bereft of his ignorance. And fear not we Outlaws upon the roads, for we only remain loyal to the Realm. And when you see this Lord Brandar once more, tell him likewise. But this also you must say, that were it not for the Outlaws of the Jungles, long ago would the borders of this duchy have been overrun by Durwolc, for the Duke is a traitor. And his Captains act as if they are in league with Modeus himself! Go now. And may the Gods be with you.” Then Farus and all the remaining Outlaws disappeared into the trees.
Now, Farus and his fellows left that place, and came soon enough to the gates of Baertunas. Yet, Bhraghar, upon the way, realizing that he must heed Flaven’s advice, told Farus all that he knew of Brandar’s appointment as Warlord, and of his coming west in secret. Thus, Farus and Brugjo entered the Fortress full knowing that they may be meeting their end. But even so, inside they went, courageously resolute. And Farus called for an audience with the Duke in the name of King Strabos.
As Farus and Brugjo passed the gates of Baertunas, Bhraghar and his men turned about and rode east upon the way they had come. But they encountered no more Outlaws. And so, Farus and Brugjo were taken into the Fortress and conducted to the entryway of the Main Hall, where they were disarmed and left to wait hours without refreshments, nor chairs to sit upon.
Late in the evening, the Duke called for the two to be brought before him, where he sat surrounded by a number of his Captains and Soldiers, and Noblemen, and other cohorts. Thus did the traitor hear for the first time of the coming of a new Warlord to take command of the Armies of both North and South Frontiers. But the Duke was a nasty and unpleasant man, being extremely fat and ugly, and not in the least bit polite. And he could not hide his surprise when learning of a Warlord coming west, but could guess that Brandar was coming to depose him. He also kenned that his corruption was found out, so he plied Farus and Brugjo with questions well into the night, wanting to know the identities of the five Guardsmen who rode from the gate, and when the Warlord’s appointment had been made, and when the Warlord may be expected to arrive at Baertunas, and so on. Yet, despite their peril, the two said no more than that which was written, and what was commonly known about the Northrons. But of the men who had ridden from the gate, they said only that they were "Warriors whom we met in Trabus, saying that they were seeking ways for new roads, and who agreed to ride with us, as people spoke of robbers upon the roads.” And the two said nothing of their meeting with Flaven and his men. Seeing, at last, that he would get no more from them, though believing them liars, the Duke had one of his Captains show them to their rooms. And that one, with many soldiers, led Farus and Brugjo to nearby chambers in which they were locked from the outside, much like prisoners, and given no food nor water. Then did the two believe that they would never again see their city by the sea.
In the late morning, the two were again taken roughly before the despicable Vastus by the same Captain and Soldiers. And so very harshly were they treated that they feared they may be beaten at any moment. Then Vastus questioned them once more, but the two said nothing new, at which the Duke ordered them out, as if they were free to go. But their weapons were not returned to them, and they were escorted by that Captain and his Soldiers, even upon horseback, and far down the road. And when Farus asked them why the Soldiers were there, the Captain, a thin but wicked looking sort, did but grin at the Herald, saying: “We are here to protect you from Outlaws.” Yet, after that he would say no more. Then Farus and Brugjo believed that they would be murdered, and that there was no-one to save them. And they could not speak together of escaping without being overheard, as they rode surrounded upon all sides by the Soldiers, with the evil Captain in the lead, conversing quietly at times with his Second.
Vastus, behaving before his followers as if he was concerned for his position as Duke, set a plot by which no-one may imply that he had anything to do with the fall of the King’s Herald. So here, he ordered others of his Soldiers to dress as the Outlaws, follow the Herald, and slay him. Thus did these ride off and came soon upon the men who were escorting Farus and Brugjo nigh to the place at which Flaven had waylaid Farus and his fellows the day before. But the Captain and his Soldiers pulled aside; allowing Farus and Brugjo to be captured, where the Captain said to his Second: “What a shame. The Outlaws attacked us at unawares and slew the Herald ere we could stop them.” And loudly they laughed, yet were caught in mid-mirth as fully three-hundred Outlaws suddenly emerged from the trees and surrounded the Duke’s men all at once, and with many more bowmen than had come the day before. But Flaven was now mounted, and rode up and then set his sword towards the throat of the corrupt Captain, whom he knew and spoke to by name, ordering him to release the Herald and the Soldier of Sunthakis. And when that was done, all of the traitors were unhorsed and disarmed, and placed in bonds, then strung along a rope and led northwards through the Jungle.
Flaven then spoke with Farus and Brugjo, who both thanked him gratefully. But when they inquired of the fate of the Duke’s men, he said: “Do not worry, they shall not be slain, though I believe they are murderers, and do not merely follow orders to do so. Nay, they shall be put to work in the fields, to repay the People from whom they have taken so much. But never again shall even one of them be set free. They shall spend the rest of their lives serving the People, growing food for them, but they shall not be mistreated, and shall be fed and housed, and then buried whence they have fallen of agedness. Go now, my friends. Ride safely upon this road, for my men guard it from here to Trabus. And when you meet your Lord, tell him what has occurred this day.”
Thus were Farus and Brugjo saved by the Outlaws. And they told Brandar all that had happened when they met him on the road not two leagues east of that place. But Brandar had met Bhraghar and his Band on the night before, which was the day Farus had entered Baertunas. Yet, Brandar was disturbed by the words of the Outlaw Flaven. And while he had planned to wait then for the Herald to come back, he departed the next morning, and soon met Farus and Brugjo, who begged forgiveness for allowing the lock-box to be broken. But Brandar said: “You have done well. And all is for the best. You came back alive while braving sure peril. You have done well.” Then Brandar had Jesan make a copy of that list of grievances from the people of Trabus and give it to Farus, with instructions to present it to Strabos as soon as he and Brugjo should arrive in Sunthakis. But upon their long return journey they were to make pronouncement of Brandar’s new station in all of the towns and villages upon the way. And this they did, until meeting another Herald, whom they knew, and who had come from Sunthakis with the same pronouncements. Then they all went back to the city and reported everything they knew to King Strabos, who was pleased with them, but was himself also troubled by the words of Flaven, the right Baron of Kombros.
Brandar and Tomas rode now at the head of the Company, and none hid their insignias, nor their magical weapons. And Brandar said to Tomas: “It shall be known that Vastus and his followers are traitors to the Realm. Yet, allies we have found here, quite unlooked for. Or so it seems. And mayhap they shall be of real service, if they can continue without slaying their enemies. It is hoped that Sereghran blood shall not be shed by this Company, lest it taint us with evil in this task, and turn our allies against us.”
Here, the Company were soon to reach Baertunas, and had not at all been troubled by Outlaws, nor anyone else, since meeting with Farus the day before. “The People will side with you, my friend,” said Tomas. “Once they know of your new station and purpose. And all loyal Soldiers will rally to your standard. Do not all the People say that the Frontier Warriors long for new leadership? Surely, that is you.” “And they say also,” said Brandar, “that among the Outlaws are Soldiers who would not turn their swords upon their own folk, as the Duke had commanded them. And so, there may be are others who serve him unknowing, believing in his lies, but for lack of another Lord to tell them different. Such ailments we shall remedy.”
Brandar had previously instructed the Company that, should any of them be forced to defend themselves, then they should strike no vitals of their opponents, even should they or their fellows be slain. And he made them swear to this, saying then: “Thusly, any deaths among us shall be at the hands of the traitors, and deaths of them shall be by we Northrons only. We cannot risk divisions, whatever betide.” And while the Guardsmen wondered how they may keep from slaying those who would slay them, they solemnly swore, and honored that oath to the end of the mission.
Now Brandar obtained from his saddlebags large scrolls that announced his appointment as Warlord, and gave them out to the Company, saying: “To be posted about in the Fortress, and also its surroundings, so that all of the Soldiery may know of my station, as we discussed beforehand.” Then to Tomas and the Knights he gave new insignias to be pinned upon their breasts, indicating that they were each at the rank of Captain General. Brandar, however, pinned upon himself one that showed him to be a Warlord. And this emblem had not been worn by any Lord of the Sereghrran for more than a thousand years.
Proud indeed was Brandar, and honored, to be wearing that emblem. And here, Brandar reminded the Knights that, while they had become Generals in the field, they were yet to obey Tomas, his Second, in all things. Thus, Tomas was now their High General. And after the Duke was deposed, and the Fortress freed of all traitors, they must report to Tomas any problems they may encounter should Brandar not be available at the moment.
So did Brandar command it, and so was it done.