Warrior Troubles – by Karr
Author Note: Yes, this one is revised too. Yay.
Disclaimer: Come back at a better time.
Chapter Eight: New Recruits
~**~
"Myles? Where are you?" Jonathan of Conte asked as he searched for his dear friend and scholar.
"Right here your Majesty!" yelled a voice from the back room of the Library. "Please come, I have found something!"
Jonathan smiled and quickened his pace. Reaching the doorway where he presumed Myles would be, the King peaked inside. Myles, who was always cheerful, smiled and stood up and bowed. Jonathan returned the smiled and said, "Please Myles, it's just me. No need to go all formal. With the Yamani Ladies here, that's all I get!" he said with a grin.
"Jon, did Thayet talk to you yet?" Myles asked, concern in his eyes.
"Yes." Jon said dryly. "Except she didn't quite talk." He added with a wince. Myles chuckled quietly. "It seems everyone knew they were leaving except me!" The King growled as he threw up his hands and plumped down in a wooden chair padded with silk.
Myles tried to ignore the Kings comment and Jonathan looked at him suspiciously. "You knew too!" he protested.
Myles looked the King over and then replied dryly, "Of course I knew. You are talking about my daughter leaving, your majesty."
The King bushed crimson and then replied with a simple "Oh."
"Do you know who else knew Myles?" Jonathan asked, curiosity filling him.
Myles looked up at the King again and grinned. "Well now that you mentioned it, Duke Baird knew. Lets see—ah, Raoul knew, and oh yes---the entire court." He answered quite plainly.
The King starred at him. "Are you trying to tell me that not even one of my conservatives were willing to tell me?"
"Especially not them, sire." Started Myles. "Wlydon threatened to send bandits on them while they were asleep and steal the clothes of their very backs." He answered.
Jonathan smiled and shook his head. "Wlydon of all people." He said, astonishment filling his voice.
"He's changed very much, sir. But to my surprise, I believe it's because of our Kel." Myles said.
"Yes, our Kel is very popular lately isn't she?" Jonathan asked.
"What else did you expect sire? The first day I met her, I saw a look of determination that I have only once seen before." Myles stated.
The King raised his eyebrow in question.
"My daughter, Majesty. My daughter."
The Kind sighed. "I figured that. There skills are quite different and they themselves are not much alike, but yet there both unique and wonderful warriors. They're so different but yet so much the same." He said as he fingered his wedding ring.
Myles nodded in agreement. "Aye, they are that." He said. "Two of many to come. Hopefully."
Silently, the King prayed to all the listening gods, that more Kel's and Alanna's and Daine's and Buri's would come, because, if his feeling was correct, Tortall was in need of them.
Remembering his initial intent of his meeting with Myles, he asked Myles what he had found.
"Its quite remarkable actually." Myles replied with a smile. "The first thing I think you should know is that this legend of ours is not even ours completely. In fact after researching the legend itself I found it recorded in three different relations."
The king raised an eyebrow. "What are you saying Myles? This legend didn't originate in Tortall?"
Myles sighed deeply. "Yes and No. See the legend you and Wlydon were thinking of, that's ours, but if you didn't stop your research there you would find that there are similar recordings in two other history books unassociated with ours."
"Are you saying that there are other versions of the legend in different histories of ancient civilizations?" Jonathan asked, getting more confused by the second.
Myles nodded. "Precisely, Your Majesty. Besides ours, legends extremely similar have been recorded in the histories of the Bazhir and The Yamani Islands. Which means many things."
Jonathan, now extremely interested moved closer. "Please explain Myles." He said, trying to hold back his curiosity.
"Well sir, it will take awhile, but its not even noon so we shall start." Myles said as he pulled out a book from the shelf next to him. The book was a pale green with gold binding down the side. For its age, the book was in fair condition. No missing pages, only little smudges here and there. As Myles slowly turned the thin papyrus pages he smiled as he reached his destined spot.
"Your Majesty, this book is our first ever recorded history. This was when King Aden took the throne after the Bazhir Wars. As our first King and our founding father, he was wise enough to make small alliances with most of the Bazhir giving him In Kingdom allies. This book isn't considered our first recorded history because it's not just ours." Myles said as he smiled.
Jonathan, still confused, came out of his shadow and grinned when he finally realized Myles discoveries. "Countess Tamiqua?" he asked quietly.
Myles nodded in agreement. "That's what I believe your Majesty. Now let me go into a bit more detail." Myles said. The King and his scholar talked on the subject for another hour before calling it quits.
"Myles?" The King asked before leaving for an early lunch.
"Yes sire?"
"Now that Keladry has been traced, do you think I—well no—someone should tell her of her families past? Or that we are—uh—slightly related?"
Myles inhaled and let go, sighing heavily. "Yes she should know. But now's not the time. I doubt she would want it to go public. I doubt greatly that she will want it at all. I'm sure though that Roald will be pleased to learn that he has---ahh—'slight' cousin—a few times removed." He said with a small smile. "At least it's not enough to be considered royalty." He commented as he left.
"Yes, that at least, is some good news. Should I tell Roald?" The King asked while Myles walked out the door.
"Mithros, It wouldn't hurt. It would lighten his mood a little bit and make him not so stiff about getting married in 10 moons."
Jonathan laughed whole-heartedly. He hadn't done so in weeks. "Mithros guide us. This gets stranger every minute." He said with a smile. He placed "their" history back on its shelf and walked out to meet with the Queen and children for lunch.
~**~
Keladry, Commander of Company Traitor Hill [Named by the ambitious Rider's after hearing the story of Jon and Delia.] sat back against a large boulder, trying not to smother in the heat. Hot weather and not even June! Kel sighed. Dom hadn't returned yet and neither did their "guest."
"When do you think they'll get here, Kel? Dom's been gone a few good hours and its lunchtime. We have to be packed and out of here in two hours to make our schedule at Iron Town, if they're not here what will we do?" Neal asked, slightly nervous.
"Don't worry Meathead. Would I ever fail you?" said a voice from behind Kel. Neal glared while Kel turned to see her lover standing there. Dom smiled.
"Don't be smart cousin, and what did I tell you? Its sir Meathead." Neal said with false dignity.
A small figure stifled a gag from behind Dom. Neal raised an eyebrow. "I seems you have a shadow, cousin." Neal said suspiciously.
Taryn walked out from behind Dom glaring at Neal. "I ain't any shadow, you obnoxious and rude man. Your cousin was right. Meathead should be your legal name." She said.
Kel eyed the girl. Liking what she saw, a small smile creased her lips and she held back a laugh. Neal was a little taken back.
His eyes shifted from his cousin to the girl. "Pert little thing." He said loudly, trying to show Taryn she's not the only one who can play that game. "Actually the names Neal, ice princess."
Taryn bubbled in anger. "You little—"
"Angel." Dom cut in, giving Taryn a look.
Facing Kel, Dom smiled. " Commander Keladry, may I introduce you to Taryn Bass." Dom said. Turning toward Taryn he shoved her forward a bit. Kel tried to read the girls face, but couldn't read it very well. It looked like the Yamanis had trained her. It was possible, but not likely.
Kel held out her hand. The girl hesitated for only a moment and took it. Nice. Taryn's hands were callused. She had a strong grip too which meant she was worthy of actual labor. Kel smiled. "Taryn Bass, its nice to meet you."
The girl looked up from her feet and starred into Kel's hazel eyes, trying to read her face. Again, a good tactic. Even though they had accepted her, she was still testing them. Something useful. "Commander Keladry." Taryn said quietly. She looked at Kel was an amount of awe that even Dom and Neal couldn't help but grin like clowns.
"Please just Keladry or Kel. No need to be formal with me." Kel said as she studied the girl further. Yes, she was definitely going to be worth caring for. Something though made Kel tense. Something about this girl seemed different. It was obvious she was a commoner, but the way her eyes followed didn't agree with that. There was something—noble about her. Kel decided it was a question to be asked later on.
"How old are you, Taryn?" Kel asked curiously.
"Thirteen—well almost fourteen---on the nineteenth of July." Taryn said, relaxing a bit.
Kel nodded, still deep in concentration. "Well Taryn, welcome to the company." Kel said, trying to think of a way to break the news easily to the girl. "But I'm afraid before you accept there are some things you should know." Kel locked her eyes on the girl. She gave a friendly look but one that told the girl that what she was about to say was serious.
"I understand, lady knight." Taryn said confidently, locking her own eyes on Kel.
Keladry, seeing determination grinned. "Well then, let me start by saying this company is completely made of women and that—" Neal interrupted the rest.
"All women?" he said, pulling off an offended tone.
Kel glared at him. She was trying to introduce Taryn to the important factors of their trip and Meathead is pulling a stupid joke in the middle of her speech!
Taryn, also realizing this, spoke, obviously annoyed with Neal. "Didn't your father teach you some manners? We have all heard well of him, but I can't say the same for you. Commander Keladry was giving me important information on your travels and you so rudely interrupted her. I'd would appreciate it if you could shut your contraption of yours for a few moments why she explains the rest to me."
Kel smiled. Kel might not have been that forward with Neal, but she sure wished she could have been then. Taryn was a handful, already, that part was obvious.
Neal snorted at Taryn, a little shocked at her fresh remark. Dom just smiled, having a great silent laughing fit. Too think that this young girl had told Neal off so quickly with out a second glance. It was quite hilarious!
Taryn further annoyed at Neal's snort, decided to answer his initial question. "How many men are there in this camp, Sir Nealan?"
Neal answered, thinking nothing of it. "Three. Kel's third, Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle, Evin Larse, 2nd in command of the Riders, and myself, Nealan of Queenscove, official healer and Knight of the Realm." He said, voice high with praise for himself.
Taryn gagged, Neal was far too annoying for her liking. Though, she had to admit, it was fun retorting back and forth with him. She also figured that he rarely acted like he was so full of himself. He was probably just trying to piss her off. Taryn looked him over from head to toe, and then replied. "Funny. I only sense two." She said as dryly as possible.
Dom, who was drinking water from his bottle, chocked and spit out the liquid. After catching his breath, he dried his streaming eyes and let out a small laugh, along with a shake of the head. Neal glared at Dom as well as Taryn, who stood there quietly. With a silent growl, Neal walked off, with no comment of retort.
Taryn turned her attention back to Keladry, who raised an eyebrow. Taryn was going to be some entertainment. But along with that, she might be hazardous. Kel didn't want the girl to refuse orders from people she didn't care for. The next moment cleared that thought up and relieved Kel. Taryn blushed a deep crimson. "My apologies, lady knight. I had no right to address him. And commander, please, don't think that I would act like that in serious situations. I only say what's on my mind when I'm at leisure."
Kel smiled. "No apology needed. Meathead—I mean Nealan of Queenscove, deserved that. You just saved me the breath."
Taryn grinned. "I see that 'Meathead' is used commonly. A friend of yours commander?" she asked, curiously.
Kel shook her head. Neal was going to get hell from her, and he would blame it on his command. "The best." Kel replied simply as Dom gave her a hand, helping her to gain balance as she stood up.
Taryn made a noise similar to a grunt. "Well Commander, I guess it's true."
"What is?" Kel asked as they walked over to a large boulder where they planned to sit.
"Opposites definitely attract." She said simply.
Kel and Dom looked at each other a grinned. Dom locked his eyes on hers and gave her one of those "looks."
Taryn saw the look and shook her head. Lovers.
When they reached the boulder, all of them jumped up and sat down, taking only a second to find a comfortable spot.
"Now." Kel started. "The first thing you should know is that I am no longer technically a knight." Taryn looked up, confusion playing her face.
Kel described how the war had started and how they had to go on probation. Then she explained that they weren't going with the King's wishes. By this time however, Taryn was furious. For the last third of Kel's explanation, Taryn couldn't stay seated. She bounced right up and shook furious fists, calling the King every name in the book.
Hearing this Kel held up a hand. Taryn sat back down and tried a calming exercise taught in the Yamani Islands and by Shang followers. This girl must have had actual training, even with her natural ability.
As soon as Taryn had settled down, Kel pointed a finger. "We cannot blame this all on the King. Yes, his strategy was wrong, but his motive was right. He was trying his hardest for his people. He thought that probation would be the easiest way. Unfortunately, that was probably the worst possible choice."
Taryn thought about what she had just said. The silence only lasted for a moment, for Taryn turned a bright shade of angry red and whined, "But you are his allies! His most important allies at that! You gave an oath to serve his people and he gave an oath to you! He broke his, but then he believes you to follow his example? Just because he decides to screw over your pledge, he expects you to do the same? I would have done just that, if my allegiance were to him. But it's not is it? It's to the people. And that's why you're here, to protect the people." She whispered, frustration filling her eyes.
Kel beamed inside. Taryn new the true reasons for being a fighter. It wasn't for money or glory or fame, but it was for the ones that stood next to you in battle and for the village down the street. It was for them. "You're right." Kel answered, momentarily speechless.
"But that doesn't undo what we did. Just like you said, it's for the people. Keladry, Neal, the Riders, the Lioness, and myself are here for the people. That's right down to the basic idea, Taryn. You hit target." Dom said with a grin. "Just like you hit my throat." He said, adding to his already terrific smile.
Taryn blushed. "I could pull that off one in twenty times. Besides, if you knew I was an enemy you would have never taken your attention of me." She replied, wincing at the thought.
Dom smiled. "Even if you had turned out to be a enemy I would have fallen for your act." He said with a slight shrug.
Taryn, in turn, shrugged it off as well. Kel smiled. Dom and Taryn were getting along better than two peas in a pod.
"Well then, lets go eat lunch and get underway. We hope to hit Iron Town late tonight, so we should be riding until almost dawn with a quick break for dinner." Kel said as she pushed herself off the rock and slid to the ground. They other too soon followed her example. "The King's Champion and the Wild Mage will greet us soon." She replied as an after thought.
Taryn's expression made up Kel's mind. Today was going to be a great one.
~**~
"Hadyn! Get yer self ove' here!" Yelled a man as he sat at his wooden desk. "Haydn! Now! We'z best be getting un ready 'cause tomorro' we be levin before Mithros wakes up! I need thosa' papers!"
A plump bucktoothed man came from out of the neighboring room in a rush. "Yes, your majesty. The papers are right here, sire." Hayden stuttered.
The older man grumbled and tore the papers out of his hands. "Aye." The man said with a small smile. " Laszlo decided to join us I see, and with him recruits. That makes how many Haydn?" he asked, eyes sharp.
"Fifty-nine sire." Hayden answered, keeping his own eyes glued to the ground.
"Fifty-nine you say? Well the former majesty will be glad to hear that!" He peeped joyfully. "Maybe a few extras in it for us, aye Haydn?"
"Aye sir." Haydn said, finally meeting his master's usually strict glare. Today though, a pleased expression played his face. More men and more people satisfied meant more money for him.
A loud knock came from the main door of the cabin. "Who'z it be then?" Hadyn's master hollered. Haydn jumped back, frightened at his masters yell. Shaking furiously, he waited from an answer.
Moments after, his answer boomed from the other side of the door. "It's Laszlo you idiot! Open up! I need to speak to you immediately! I have an extra!" Laszlo panted. However loud, Laszlo's voice was friendly. "Cadmus, hurry please. I haven't got all day."
Cadmus, Haydn's master, raised an eyebrow and signaled Haydn to open the door. Haydn did as he was commanded. A commanding but yet friendly man stood in the doorway. Laszlo, being only 5' 8, smiled up at the 6'1 giant with a smile. "Why hullo Haydn, fancy meeting you here. Growing taller have you?" Laszlo asked curiously.
Hadyn grinned. Laszlo had always been friendly to him. Haydn had also learned that he could be pert with Laszlo, as long as his master didn't hear. As Laszlo walked in, Hadyn whispered directly down at him. "No, my friend. I believe it is you who has been getting shorter." Hearing this, Laszlo grunted humorously.
Cadmus, growing impatient growled. "For someone who had urgent information, you sure do pace yourself." Laszlo smiled at his friend.
"Cadmus, It's not urgent, but it is important. How would you like to have one more trained recruit?" Laszlo asked, locking his eyes on his friends.
Cadmus glared at Laszlo, "We have many trained recruits."
"Not like this one, friend. He's been trained by nobles from Scanra and knows countless things about their strategy." Laszlo said softly.
Cadmus raised a brow. "We wouldn't have anything to do with this war if his former majesty hadn't asked us to help his Lioness. When can I meet him?"
Laszlo, pointed to the door. "Landon, Cadmus would like to meet you." He called.
A handsome young man stood in the doorway and entered the room. At 6 feet, he towered over everyone except Haydn. His hair was jet black and he had magnificent stormy blue eyes that were close to being gray. He looked nothing like the blonde haired Scanrans. He blended in perfectly with the Tortallan crowd. His tone was excellent and his skin would have been flawless if you removed all the scars. Even with them, he matched with some of the finest men in Tortall. Cadmus felt a tinge of jealousy; Landon could probably have any girl he wanted, taken or no.
Cadmus greeted the young man. " Welcome Landon. You are a new recruit from Scanra?"
Landon nodded. "I left my country five years ago in hopes of finding something more to my liking, sir."
Cadmus studied him closely. "You are a traitor then? Not a spy for any of those bloodhounds are ye now?"
Again Landon nodded, hatred filling his eyes. "I'm a traitor, but not before I myself was betrayed. They have no true values. They are all barbarians wishing to seek money and fame. They'll do anything for power, even if it means losing ones honor. They don't care of virtues. Am I a spy? No. I would die before I stepped on to their border, looking to help them."
Cadmus studied his expression closely, like George had taught him to when he was just a lad. Everything fit perfectly. Landon was not an enemy to Tortall. Cadmus shook his head. "How old are ye?"
"Twenty-one sir. I'll be turning twenty-two next month. I have the same birthday as my sister." Landon answered.
"Aye." Cadmus started. He looked to be about that age. "And what of your sister?"
"Lost." Landon said quietly. "She was taken away from me sir."
"Well hopefully you'll see her again, aye son?" Cadmus said, keeping the sympathy he felt out of his voice.
"Aye, sir. Someday I shall."
Laszlo cleared his throat. Cadmus looked over at him, glaring at him yet again. "What?" Cadmus started. "What is it?"
Laszlo looked at him eagerly. "Well, is he in, Cadmus?"
"Well, I'm certainly not turning him down. He's in all right, but in one condition."
Laszlo and Landon traded looks and then both turned their attention to Cadmus.
"Landon, have you had any experience in commanding?" Cadmus asked.
Laszlo's eyes bulged. He then relaxed and smiled. "Yes, sir, I do." Answered Landon.
Cadmus nodded happily. For the first time today, Cadmus looked friendly. "Well then my young recruit, your Laszlo's second, understood?"
"Yes, sir." Landon replied, a smile enveloping his face.
Cadmus turned to face Laszlo. "You will introduce him to the recruits. Do not mention Scanra at all, make up a story, I don't care. Make sure you tell the Lioness the truth. We wouldn't want her to find out the truth from anyone but us. Get him ready with his supplies and show him who he commands and what specific jobs he has." To Landon, he added, "You have a horse, sprout?"
Landon grinned. "As pretty as you please, sir. Have had her since I could ride."
"Good. We don't have any decent mounts to spare. We shall be leaving late tonight, early tomorrow at latest. Make sure your both ready by then."
Both men agreed. "Well then, get going, commanders." Cadmus said with a grin. Laszlo and Landon walked out and were off checking all that was necessary.
Landon was pleased. He could finally fight for something he believed in and be treated equally. Back home, at the Methaven fief, he would get no such treatment. But now, he was ready to deliver his revenge fully, and find his sister, hopefully.
~**~
I'm so tired. So this note will be short and sweet and to the point. Thanks. Bye Now. ~Karr
"The Last Name"
Email: LadyKnight36@aol.com
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