Stolen Treasures – Chapter Two

"Father, wake up! We have to go home! Mother is in danger!" Connor tugging on his right arm awakened Conan from a sound sleep.

Conan sat up and put his arm around Connor drawing him close. "What's troubling you son? Calm down and tell me what's wrong."

"We have to go home now, father. I had a bad dream about mother. Someone has taken her away. She didn't want to leave but a strange man forced her to go with him". Connor was visibly shaken. "You have to save her! You have to bring mother home! I'll show you my dream father. Mother and I share our dreams this way." Connor put his right hand on the side of Conan's forehead. The image that came into Conan's mind was sharp and clear. Amarisa was sitting on a horse, her hands were tied and she was being lead away by a soldier. Connor removed his hand and the picture faded. Conan was amazed and proud of the insight that Connor had inherited from Amarisa. It showed plainly on his face. Connor smiled at his father. "Momma and I share dreams all the time. That's how I knew you were my father."

"Does Corin have this gift, Connor?"

"Yes father. His visions are not as strong as mine but we play dream sharing games all the time."

Conan gave his son a warm hug. "Connor you put out the fire and gather up the blankets. I'll strap the stag we culled to the packhorse and we'll ride for home. We'll be home in no time." Conan was sedate for Connor's sake but a searing hot rage expanded in his chest at the thought of anyone abducting his wife. Anyone standing between Amarisa and myself is a dead man. I don't need the gift of sight to know that.

Godrick and Carla were waiting outside when Conan and Connor as they rode up to the house. Conan could tell by their faces that Connor's dream was real. Godrick motioned Conan to his side. They walked away from Carla and Connor. "Where's Amarisa?'

Godrick spoke quietly to Conan. "I'll take Connor and the stag into the barn. Carla will tell you what has happened. What do you want me to tell Connor and Corin?"

"Let me talk to Carla and then I'll tell Connor that his vision was true. Keep the boys busy for a few moments. I'll be out just as soon as I'm ready to leave. If you would, saddle me a fresh horse." Conan turned and followed Carla into the house. "Tell me everything Carla."

"A company of soldiers in the service of King Savan came looking for Amarisa. Their leader was the Captain of the Guard. His name was…."

"Talon" Conan finished Carla's sentence. "I've heard of him. Why were they seeking my wife?"

"King Savan's son Vander suffered bites from poisonous spiders. His physicians weren't able to cure the prince. The king heard of Amarisa's skill as a healer and sent his men to fetch her. She offered Talon curatives but the king insisted Amarisa heal the boy. She refused to go. One of Talon's men held a knife to my throat and threatened to kill me if she declined the king's command. She went quietly so they wouldn't harm me. I lied to the Captain and told him Amarisa had gone to town with Godrick that morning but he knew her by sight. He had a spy dressed as a beggar come to the house. Remember the man who asked for food and Amarisa invited him in for breakfast?"

Conan put his hand on Carla's shoulder. "You're a brave woman Carla. Did you hear where they were taking Amarisa?"

"She told me they were going to King Savan's summerhouse, two days ride from here. They were trying to bring the prince here but he was too weak to make the trip."

Conan nodded. "I know the location. I also know a shorter route. I don't want to follow the main road in case Talon has left men in place to slow me down." He looked at his attire. "I'm going to have to change first. When I field dressed the stag, I got blood on my clothes. I don't want Talon to smell me before he sees me."

"Wait here for a moment Conan. I think this is the perfect time for the gift Amarisa had me sew for you. I'll be right back." Carla walked out the door and to her cottage. She returned a few minutes later with a large package wrapped in canvas. Conan laid the bundle on the kitchen table and untied the string that held the fabric closed. Inside was a pair of sepia brown leather pants, a belt, a scabbard for his sword, and a sheath for his knife. Conan picked up the pants and ran his hand down one of the legs. The leather was soft. A sign of valuable trade goods. The belt, scabbard, and sheath all matched. "Amarisa traded some of her healing balms for the leather and with the leathersmith to make the scabbard, belt, and sheath. She asked me to sew the pants after she measured you. I've never worked with so fine a skin before." Conan could tell Carla was proud of her fine needlework.

Conan looked puzzled. "I don't remember Amarisa measuring me."

Carla smiled. "It was the night you and Godrick had a little too much mead. Cannon fire wouldn't have fazed you. Amarisa measured you that night. She was so pleased with her bartering. She wanted to surprise you…Oh, I forgot the boots. Amarisa made a special potion for the cobbler's wife. She was infertile and they wanted children. In lieu of payment he agreed to craft the boots. Let me get them." Carla went into Amarisa's pantry and returned with them. They were knee high with a cuff around the top made from the same leather as the pants. Carla could see on Conan's face how much he loved Amarisa. "Hurry and change Conan. Bring me your garb and I'll wash them for you."

"Thank you Carla. The day is slipping away and I've a long ride ahead of me." Conan disappeared in the bedroom to put on his new clothes. When he returned to the kitchen Carla couldn't help but admire his appearance. He is a very striking and virile man. No wonder Amarisa's face gleams with pride when he comes home from his travels.

"You are accomplished with a needle Carla. They fit well. My wife is a clever woman to do all this without my knowledge." He handed Carla his bloodstained garments and put his hands on her shoulders." Don't fret Carla. I'll bring Amarisa home. I give you my word. There is no one who will separate my wife from me or my son's mother from them." He kissed Carla on the cheek. "Please take care of Connor and Corin until we return. I know you and Godrick love them as if they were your own children. I need to go and talk to them and then be on my way." Conan walked out the door and headed for the barn. "Connor! Corin! Come here. I need to speak to you." The boys ran out of the barn followed by Godrick leading a fresh horse. Conan knelt down and put his arms around the boys. Connor your dream was fact so I need you two to be strong while I'm gone. I want you to help Godrick defend our home while I go for your mother. I won't be away long."

Connor's eyes met Conan's. "Father, please let me come with you. I want to help you rescue mother. Please, father, please."

"Connor, I need to go alone. I have to move quickly and if anything happened to you I couldn't forgive myself. Keep your bow with you and shoot to kill if necessary. Don't hesitate to protect Corin, your Aunt Carla, or your Uncle Godrick. I'm depending on you Connor."

"I'll be brave father." Conan could see a budding warrior in Connor's face.

Conan kissed the boys and took the reins from Godrick. "I'm putting my sons in your care Godrick. Just in case we don't…I'm not able…"

Godrick patted Conan on the arm. "I keep an eye on them until you and Amarisa return."

As Conan mounted the horse, Connor touched him on the leg. 'Father I know you'll bring mother home. It was part of my dream. Watch out for the soldier with the fair hair. He is cunning with a sword but he doesn't possess your skill or strength."

Conan put his hand on Connor's head and smoothed his hair. "I'll do as you say son. I'll keep my wits at the ready. Remember that I love you both." He gave the horse a quick kick in the flanks and galloped up the road. He glanced over his shoulder for one more look at his boys. I have two fine sons. I vow they won't be without their mother for very long.

The sun rode high in the sky when King Savan's summerhouse came into view. Amarisa was impressed by the grandeur of the dwelling. "If this is a summerhouse, the king's castle must be a magnificent structure." It was a rambling building. More of a stronghold than a home. They passed between two watchtowers at the beginning of the lane leading to the house. Talon signaled to the guards and continued on through a stone arch into a courtyard. A stonewall framed the lawns and gardens. The manor house was beautifully constructed of river rock and dark wood. Amarisa stared in amazement at her surroundings. Grooms were waiting to tend the horses. Talon untied Amarisa's hands and helped her dismount. He handed her the haversack and wineskin. She noticed two soldiers were absent from the group. "Captain where are the rest of your men?"

"They stayed behind to intercept anyone who might be following us. Come my lady, I know the king is anxious to meet you." Talon led Amarisa up the steps through carved oak doors.

"Your men don't stand a chance against Conan. I hope they're right with their Gods because you've sealed their fate Captain."

Talon glowered at Amarisa. "My men are trained soldiers. Conan is nothing more than a savage and a fool. You may become a widow this day."

"My husband is no fool Captain. Many men have underestimated his abilities. They're all dead. Conan can be a savage but only when he makes love to me. He's wild and free in our bedroom. A provocative smile came to Amarisa's lips as thoughts of Conan driving her to madness came to mind.

Talon watched as desire brought a glow to her face. His loins tensed at the image of this woman naked in his bed. "Any man who'd leave you for weeks at a time is a fool."

"It's Conan's way. He always comes home to his sons and me. As Captain of the Guard, I'm sure you spend many nights away from home with your men patrolling King Savan's domain."

"For the right woman, I'd resign my post and become an advisor to the king's army. I didn't think that woman existed until now…Amarisa."

"Captain, Seek a woman who's interested. I have a husband and children and that's where my heart lies. We are wasting valuable time here. I have a child who is barely clinging to life to attend and I believe you said the king is waiting."

Talon took Amarisa's hand. "Come with me my lady."

Conan rode until dusk overtook the sky. He followed a different road to King Savan's province. His instincts told him that Talon would station soldiers along the main road to waylay him. Conan shook his head. If Talon thought like a warrior and not like a soldier he would have placed men on all the roads that lead to King Savan's summerhouse. Connor could have planned a strategic ambush better and predicted all of Talon's efforts to slow me down. Conan decided to stop and refresh himself and his horse. Amarisa was not in mortal danger and he needed to be completely rested before he reached his destination. He stopped at a tavern he'd frequented before. He'd get a room for the night and ride out first thing in the morning. He stabled his horse and entered the tavern. Two men sitting at a corner table shouted his name. "Conan! Come sit with us!"

Conan recognized Renard and Danton two friends he had been riding with just two weeks earlier. He walked to their table, sat down and shook their hands. "I'm surprised to see you here. When we parted the two of you were headed to the coast to sail with Giles."

Renard signaled the tavern maid for a cup for Conan and more mead. "Giles sent word that he had to do some repairs to his ship and won't sail for three more weeks."

Conan grinned at Renard. "Giles must have been in his cups or with a woman and run aground again."

Danton slapped Conan on the back and laughed. "You look well Conan. I'd never thought I see the day when one woman would tame you, having a wife seems to suit you."

Renard leaned his chair against the wall. "You've heard Conan brag about her Danton. Amarisa is a unique woman. She gives Conan love, two fine sons, and his freedom. I hear she is one of the most beautiful women in all the land. What she sees in this scoundrel is beyond me."

Conan punched Renard in the arm. "I'm pleased to see you both. I need your help. Amarisa has been abducted by Talon, the Captain of King Savan's guard. She is at Savan's summerhouse. I intend to bring her home. A summerhouse will be easier to breach than a castle don't you think?"

Renard took a drink of his mead. "I heard that the King's son is seriously ill. Ah, that's why Talon commandeered your wife. They needed a healer. Danton, Did I tell you the story of how Conan met his fair wife? Conan was ambushed by four men coming to meet Giles and myself…"

Conan looked past Renard and his thoughts focused on Amarisa. She was probably frightened and worried about the boys but no one would see her fear. They would only see her courage. Amarisa had a gentle demeanor but threaten her family and a lioness emerged. He imagined his mother and father would have approved of the woman he took to be his wife. Stay strong Amarisa. I'm coming for you. Conan yawned and stretched just as Renard finished his story.

The three men drained their cups of mead. "Danton and I would be honored to ride with you Conan. It'll be just like old times. I wonder if there is any gold or jewels at this summerhouse. I understand that Amarisa comes first but you don't mind if I pick up any trinkets I may find along the way do you Conan?"

"If there are women at this summerhouse, I'm sure jewels will be in abundance Renard."

Danton gave Renard's shoulder a playful shove.

Conan smiled at his comrades. "The only treasure I seek is my wife. You two are welcome to any plunder you find. Do what you will to any of the soldiers you encounter but Talon is mine. I want to deal with him my way. I'm going to get some sleep. I'll meet you at the stables after sunrise." The three men rose from their chairs and shook hands. Renard and Danton watched as Conan walked toward the stairs. One of the tavern maids stopped Conan, put her hand on his chest, and whispered an invitation in his ear. Conan removed her hand, shook his head, and started up the stairs. The woman stormed away, angry at being rejected. Renard put his hand on Danton shoulder. "And I never thought I'd see the day when Conan the Cimmerian would turn down a woman's proposition. He is truly in love with Amarisa. I doubt Talon knows that a dangerous storm is about to break over his head. The seas of Talon's life are about to get very turbulent. He's about to drown in his own blood."