CH 8
Eric immediately came awake and shot to his feet. He stood in the back of the wagon, which was now stopped from one of the riders holding the horse's reins. Eyeing the men around him, who were smirking. He noticed not one was drawing a weapon of making an aggressive move. Taking in the style and symbols on their armor, he figured them for Sir Mondar's men.
"Morning, Sir, we didn't mean to startle your Lady," one of the armored men said. "I am Sir Reginald. May I ask where you are heading?"
Eric nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Pete Jackson's the name. This here is Abigail Jackson," he said, motioning to Abby who was gapping at him from her prone position at his feet. "We were heading up to Castle Mondar to trade with Sir Mondar."
"Sir Mondar is expecting you then?"
"Could be. I was by last year, we had a good trade," Eric told him.
Sir Reginald looked around and said, "These woods aren't the safest place to be, Mr. Jackson, but you are on the right road. It will take you past an old keep, and right on to Castle Mondar. We're finished with our patrol. We'll escort you."
"Thank you. It's appreciated," Eric replied.
.
Standing at a table that showed a model of the area, complete with mountains and valleys, with roads , woods, towns and farms painted on them, Sir Mondar pointed out items as he told Tanthalas, "This road splits off just north of Solace, this one just south. They meet in this valley here to pass through a checkpoint, then follow the valley to right down here just north of the castle. Most of the road is overgrown, with tree canopy over it to hide it from dragons. I'd suggest you take your men around Solace. It reduces the risk of being seen. Over here, I've got a crew working at finding a hidden path to Gateway. If we can get close, we can catch them with the gates open."
Tanthalas nodded, "What are the Black Knights doing?"
"Guarding their territory, preparing to recieve an attack," Sir Mondar said. "They patrol and send out scouts, but are smart enough to stay away from armed contact. We know where they have built fortifications and blocks. I am sure we can get around them, and go straight to Gateway."
Tanthalas noted the layout of where Black Knight positions were marked. "If the town is attacked directly, from these places, they can come in from behind and trap an attacker against the town walls. I want to surround and take these checkpoints and fortifications first. Clear our backs," he said.
"And Gateway will know we're coming. It will not be a surprise." Sir Mondar stated.
"What are the chances of hitting them all at once?"
"Very poor. That would take more men than we have combined," Sir Mondar stated. "Don't forget, there are still dragons about. Three red dragons that we know of. They are not going to lay around and do nothing."
"Then maybe we need to find the dragons first," Tanthalas mussed. "We put up mountaintop watch posts, and figure out where they are coming from. Laurana should be here with men in a couple weeks. I'll send out a messenger totell her about this road north of Solace. Let's find out all we can about our enemy before then."
.
Eric drove the wagon behind the six lead riders of Sir Reginald's patrol. In pairs, riders peeled off and returned, investigating off to the sides. Coming to an old, run down fort, they stopped for the night. Mostly intact, the structure was a half acre of land surrounded by a ten foot stone wall with a wooden riser on the inside. The gate was a simple lift gate that when lowered, spanned the trench around the outer wall. After the crossed the ditch to enter, the bridge was lifted up. The building within had an old but intact roof with one large fireplace in the center. Stalls for the horses lined the doorway, Deeper in the building were a dozen walled off areas. The horses were let loose to roam the enclosure.
At the back of his wagon, Eric looked around the fort, studying the defenses and lack thereof. Sir Reginald noted his interest.
"This is a calm area, no real threats to speak of, so this is fort is plenty secure enough for the night." Sir Reginald said confidently.
"No standing garrison?" Eric asked.
"No need. This is a stopover post. We have them all along this road," Sir Reginald said, then with a smirk, added, "And every now and then, I think black knights use them on their patrols also. We've come in more than once, needing to only re-kindle the hot coals in the fireplace. Whoever it is picked up after themselves and refilled the wood box before they left, just as we do."
"Never understood that," Eric mussed. Seeing Sir Reginald eye him, he added, "This whole thing with 'white' and 'black' knights. No matter what, all knights seem to hold onto strict codes of honor and treat people at least as decently as people treat them. Never saw a true knight yet who did not hold his code of honor at least as important as his own life. So why don't all of you get together and stop all this conflict?"
Sir Reginald frowned at Eric and said, "You don't understand, Mr. Jackson. We serve Paladine, the black knights serve Takasis. We serve the holy God, they serve Evil. It is our sworn duty to drive them from the face of our world."
"And of course, their duty is to remove your kind as well," Eric concluded.
"Yes. So you see, Mr. Jackson, we must prevail," Sir Reginald said firmly.
"All I see is constant warfare with no end in sight," Eric mussed.
"Do you have a solution to propose?" Sir Reginald asked.
Eric nodded and explained, "Sir Reginald, I've been to this land where there are no knights, no Gods that rule, no kings or monarchs. One law rules the land. The will of the people. It's a land where people watch out for each other. They got fights, yeah. They got crime, they got greedy folk, and if there's a sin, I bet they've done it. They got holy folks and preachers, and good folk too." Eric told him, then added, "But if trouble comes, they stick together and stand side by side, saint and sinner, and you're in for a real fight."
"It sounds like anarchy," Sir Reginald noted. "I take it this place is a lawless land."
"The opposite, they have too many damn laws," Eric said with a snort. "I can't say I like slavery, but to each his own. It was a real heated topic there not long ago. The whole country took a stand, one way or the other. They had a big war over it. They called it the Civil War, and it left bodies in thick piles all over the country. Hundreds of thousands dead. In the end though, they settled the question. No more slavery, that's the law now."
"I fail to see how that is any different than our striving to rid the land of evil," Sir Reginald said.
"You never settle anything," Eric told him. "They had a big war, yeah. But now it's over, the question of slavery is settled. No slavery ever again. Here, every time you get up enough men to fight, you run out, kill off fields of good men in the name of a god until hardly anyone is left, then go back home and wait for more kids to grow up so they can train for war to add their bodies to the piles. It's gone on for hundreds of years, and there is no end in sight."
"And what would your answer be?" Sir Reginald asked, irritated at him.
"Screw the gods! They don't live in the towns, or on the farms," Eric stated. "The men in charge look out for the people, and answer TO the people. All knights stick together to upholding the law and protecting the land."
Sir Reginald blinked. "Are you saying we should abandon our gods?" he asked in shock. "The very beings who gave us life, who we owe our very existence to?"
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying," Eric stated. "Stop letting the gods rule your lives. Live and work for each other. Someone wants to worship a god, fine. Have at it so long as he doesn't mess with anyone else. Instead of fighting those black knights, work with them to keep order and build better, safer roads. Don't know about you, but I don't want my son to die in some war that had no purpose and will settle nothing."
Sir Reginald clenched his jaw, flushed in anger. "We have a purpose, and I am offended by your lack of faith, Sir!" he said caustically. Stepping back, Sir Reginald gripped the handle of his sword. "Sir, if you were a knight, I would call you to duel for such ... blasphemy!"
"You'd loose," Eric said evenly.
Beside himself in anger, Sir Reginald said, "You should thank Paladine you do not even have a sword. We will speak no more!" He turned and stomped away.
Abby tugged on Eric's sleeve. "I think we should go," she said quietly.
Eric noted the camp was set for the night. "No, we'll stay for the night," he mussed. "Just don't wander too far away from me."
.
Despite Sir Reginald's anger at Eric, he held to his promise and in three days they were at the walls of Castle Mondar. Winding back and forth through the streets, gate by gate, they made their way to the inner walls. Sir Reginald sent a rider on ahead so when they entered the inner sanctuary, the stables were ready to receive and care for their tired horses.
Upon entering the inner walls, Eric drove over to the stables. He helped Abby down as Sir Reginald strode stiffly over to them.
"Mr. Jackson, Sir Mondar will not be back until late tomorrow, however, accommodations for yourself and your lady have been arraigned." Sir Reginald said stiffly.
"Thank you, sir knight," Eric said with a nod. "Is the finance scribe available? I'd like to get the deal started."
"I shall have someone visit you. Will you be in your quarters?"
Eric tapped his finger on the top edge of the wagon rail. "I'll be right here until I meet with someone," Eric stated.
Turning to Abby, Sir Reginald asked, "May I show you to your quarters, M'lady?"
"Thank you sir, but I will wait with Mr. Jackson," Abby said.
"Very well." Sir Reginald said, and marched off.
Eric eyed Abby. "You call your husband Mr. Jackson?" he asked with a crooked grin.
Flustered at him, she hissed, "I forgot what you said your name was!"
"Peter. Peter Jackson. You're Abigail Jackson."
Abby eyed him curiously and asked, "Do you have a real name, or do you just keep making them up as you go along?"
"While we're here, just call me Peter."
Abby stared at him and shook her head. In a tone of exasperation, she said, "I think you forgot who you really are."
Eric noted Sir Reginald talking to an old elf and pointing over to him. "Seems we got someone coming. Lets get your things off the wagon." He moved to the back and dropped the gate.
"My things?" Abby asked suspiciously. "Why just my things?"
"I told you before. You're staying here while I go make sure it's safe to take you to Gateway," Eric reminded her, then hoisted himself up in the wagon. He got her bag and dropped back down. Abby grabbed her bag from him and threw it back on.
"I am not staying here without you," she stated.
"Yes, you are," Eric said firmly. He reached in and pulled her bag out, and threw into her.
"No, I am not!" Abby snapped, and threw the bag back on.
"Yeah, you are. Clothes or not," Eric said glaring at her.
"You're not leaving me here," Abby warned.
"Watch me!" Eric snapped back.
"Excuse me?" a meek voice asked.
Both Eric and Abby snapped their heads to the man to ask a harsh, "What?"
The old elf stared at them as his jaw slowly dropped. He stumbled back, and was caught by Sir Reginald. At first, Eric had no idea why the old elf looked so stunned. Then he noted the elf's face. He was old now, but Eric still recognized him. "Eldarin?" he asked.
Eldarin nodded. Before Eldarin could speak, Eric stepped up and grabbed his hand, pumping in in a shake. "It is so good to meet you, Sir!"
Turning to Abby, Eric made a point of saying, "Abigail, this man here is Eldarin, a very old and honorable elf. Mr. Eldarin, this is my wife, Abigail. I'm Peter Jackson, sir. I feel very honored to meet you."
Eldarin stared at Eric. "You are ..."
"Peter Jackson, Sir," Eric said with a nod.
"I see," Eldarin said slowly. "And you have something to trade, Mr ..."
"Jackson," Eric reinforced. "Yes, just like last year. Steel for gold, even weight. I take it you will make the arrangements?"
"If that is your wish," Eldarin said as he stared at the impossible. Eric and Elanza, here and together. He didn't know how it was possible, but he was sure Eric had somehow rescued Elanza back from the land of the dead. "I.. it is good to see both of you here," he said sincerely.
"If I could impose upon you, Mr. Eldarin," Eric said, noting Sir Reginald was eyeing him warily. "Mrs. Jackson will be staying to monitor the trade. I must visit someone in town."
"That will be fine. Perhaps later you might bring me up to date on your ... adventures?" Eldarin asked.
"Yes, when I return. Until then, please treat this wagon and all the goods on it as Mrs. Jackson's personal property, and guard it well," Eric said, trying to sound pleasant.
"Of course, Mr. Jackson," Eldarin replied. To Elanza, he said, "Please, allow me to be of service to you, M'Lady."
Abby eyed Eric and said, "You better be back by dinner time."
"I'll be as quick as possible," Eric assured her. He tipped his head and made his escape.
Abby watched Eric go, not happy at all with him. Turning to the old elf, she asked, "I suppose I should let you show me my quarters."
"Yes, of course, M'Lady. I must say, it is a joy to see you again. I will take great care with your belongings," Eldarin said sincerely.
"So, you do know us?" she asked.
"Yes, M'lady. And let me say it is an honor to serve you once again." Eldarin said, then called for servants to assist her.
This old man was the answer to Abby's prayers. "Excuse me," she said, and waved him close. In his ear, she whispered, "We have been so many places, and much of my life has been ... confusing. Do you know what my real name is?"
"Of course I do, Lady Elanza," Eldarin replied.
.
On her way to her quarters (which were three nicely appointed rooms including a bedroom with a HUGE bed,) Abby asked Eldarin about the dreams she's been having all her life. The log house was no dream, Eldarin had been there with her and Eric. The town, the music they used to play together, it all really happened!
Eldarin filled in details she hadn't been aware of. Eric wasn't her husband, but her lover. Her husband had been an elven Noble. There had been a raid that she and Eldarin had survived, but her husband had not. Thinking she had lost her husband and her lover, Elanza had suffered through pregnancy to die right after she gave birth to her son, Tanthalas.
"Eric has forbidden me to tell Tanthalas anything," Eldarin explained. "He doesn't know Eric is his father, and even I didn't know until now, that Eric managed somehow to bring you back. I would ask that at least until Eric returns, you do not say anything to Tanthalas either."
Abby eyed. Eldarin. "Is my son here?"
"He will be returning with Sir Mondar. As far as he knows, his mother died one hundred twenty years ago,"Eldarin explained.
Abby nodded. "So I died, then somehow, I came back," she mussed. "Well, if this is a new life for me, then I guess he is no longer truly my son."
Eldarin frowned, "I suppose that logic is ... reasonable."
Abby found she liked this life. Not just the finery. Eldarin, the old elf knew who she was. Her man, who although seemed a bit strange, he did love and care for her and they had once before had a good life. The son she had in her previous life with Eric, she could finally see and get to know. It felt like she had finally come home.
Abby and Eldarin got the steel and gold weighed and documented, then spent the evening discussing Abby's missing man. Eric didn't come back, even after it was getting late and the entire castle was turning in for the night. Having followed the exploits of Tanthalas, Eldarin filled Abby in on his life, and that of Laurana, the golden general. Again, he knew more than just rumor, he had facts.
In the morning, Abby met Eldarin at breakfast, and made sure everyone was on the lookout for 'Mr. Jackson' to return. He did not return, but in the afternoon, Sir Mondar returned with his men and Lord Tanthalas.
.
The horse Eric managed to buy was old, and the gear worn, but he didn't care as long as it got him to Gateway. Eric followed the roads until he saw checkpoints up ahead, then veered off into the woods. Following animal trails and his own sense of direction, Eric went slowly, dodging patrols and a a couple forts until he saw his town in the distance.
Gateway had grown in size. The original walls were now in the middle of town, with new thick stone walls surrounding the city. He also noted plenty of guards on the walls and around the gate he could see. The stream had been diverted to form a moat around the lower part of the city, with barrier thickets running up both sides along the hill. Outside the city, he saw a group of workers on the road with a few guards around them.
Eric let out a sigh and guided is horse down to the road. A wagon of minstrels passed ahead of him. He followed them until they got to a checkpoint. There they were stopped by a pair of spear toting guards and a pole across the road. As Eric approached, the minstrels were herded out of the wagon to play something to prove they were minstrels.
Eric stopped behind the group and watched them set up. The boy with the lyre was either too nervous, or he'd just picked the thing up. He tried strumming a simple tune, and couldn't even keep up with the beat. The guards winced as he tried to play. It was then Eric saw his way in.
"Damn, boy you play for shit!" Eric announced and got off his horse. He led his horse over to a rail and hitched him, then went over to the startle boy and took the Lyre away from him. "Sit your ass down and watch," Eric said firmly.
"And who are you?" one of the guards asked.
"Name's Eric," Eric said as he began plucking at the strings. "Lost my lyre when my horse stumbled a few days back, Damn this thing is out of tune," he grumbled, and adjusted it.
"You think you can play that, huh?" the other guard asked, sizing Eric up. "I'd take you for more of a brigand than some minstrel. Looks like you'd be more suited to fight people than entertain them."
Eric glanced up at him. "I hate hecklers," he stated. Both guards laughed.
Seeing the flutist and a guy with a horn, Eric said, "I'll set the rhythm. Try to keep up."
Sitting down, Eric worked his fingers to exercise them, then started with a strum. As he fell back into his playing style, he made it more complicated with timed plucks and string slides to make the notes waver. The boy stared at his fingers, all but a blur on the strings as the guards looked on and the others fell in time. He played for a while until his fingers got sore, then wound down, ending with a waving high note.
"Now THAT was good!" one of the guards exclaimed.
"How did you do that?" the boy asked.
Eric bowed to the guards, then held out his hand. "Glad you liked it. Some appreciation in coin would be acceptable."
The guards chuckled. "You want us to pay you?"one asked.
"I don't buy that story you just lose your lyre," the other guard said evenly.
Eric looked him in the eye and said, "You're right. Made that up. Truth is, I played for these guys and they refused any appreciation of my skills for their behalf. One decided to get violent instead. I busted my lyre on his face, then shoved his sword up his ass. Couldn't catch the other fellas."
The guards faces dropped. Eric stood motionless, staring at them. After a moment, one guard smiled. "You got guts, fella, and you did play damn good." He reached into his belt purse and took out two coppers. "Tell ya what, take these now, and if you come by Rip-Joe's place, I'll see ya get to play for the night. Deal?"
Eric took the coppers and gave him a nod. "We'd be happy to."
"We?" the man with the flute asked.
Eric turned to glare at him. "Yeah, got a problem with taking a gig with me?" he asked.
"No, it's just ... OK, count us in, but we'll need to practice."
"Then we best get moving," Eric told him. He tossed the lyre back to the boy and retrieved his horse.
