Shards of the Past - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Dragon Roared

Free Will granted power to Dragon. With Free Will the power of Dragon spread. The others were lesser before Free Will. Free Will spread and was used by many. Andor raised Dragon high.

Roar to a whimper

In the shattering Dragon banished Free Will. Free Will burned.

Free Will had extended the focus further than any other. Dragon holds onto focus and does not let go.

Dragon Hordes

* * * * *

It had been a year and a half previously when Duke Lewis had started to prepare an expedition into the Great Forest, to the west of the known realms. As with any unusual activity the other Duchies were taking an interest.

The Forest was known to be vast and forbidding, known to be the home of wolves, bears and other wild animals. There were also myths of other beasts. All that was known for certain was that it was dangerous, and people who entered often failed to return.

The Silu were the most notorious of the myths, they were told to appear and disappear without warning; supposed to be almost human in appearance, but not quite. Of those that claim to have seen them, no two seem to be able to agree as to their precise appearance.

Despite the hazards and dangers Duke Lewis was organising an expedition into the forest. This was a matter of great concern to the other Duchies in the area. Jak had been directed to be included by his employer and lord, Duke Gian. A curious coincidence Jak thought, idlywondering what Duke Lewis might make of his inclusion.

Jak had paused a while on the side of the valley, watching the town from the copse where his life had changed. The lands were still untouched by agriculture.

He didn't know what had led Duke Lewis to mount an expedition into the Forest. Normally the Duchies were highly conservative in their attitude to risk, and this plan must certainly involve risk, and great expense if the rumours were true. Duke Gian told him that people had been recruited from across the Duchies, selected to provide a range of skills. Jak had been ordered to join the expedition by Duke Gian, but was not sure what role he was expected to play, apart from that of spy. He got the impression that even Duke Gian had little idea as to the purpose of the expedition, except that there was the promise of great wealth and power if it succeeded.

He watched the town while the sun was moving below the horizon as he had all those years ago. Finally, before the light faded completely he picked up his pack, checked his weapons and headed down to town.

He arrived in the last light of day, just as the gates were being closed for the evening. He entered and made his way to the Duke's house as ordered. Standing by the door were a pair of guards.

“Good evening, I was told to make my self known Duke Lewis when I arrived. I am a representative of Duke Gian.” Jak said, watching the guards for any trace of familiarity. He saw none.

“You are expected. Go to the Inn. The Duke will send for you when he's ready.” One of the guards directed.

Jak collected his pack onto his shoulders, then went as directed to the Inn. Lewis had not changed that much, there was just the one inn, mostly a bar for the locals with with a few beds for the occasional traders and other travellers.

He entered the common room and approached the bar. “I need a room for the night, and an ale for now” Jak said.

“All our rooms are taken, there is a shared attic room if you want a space to stop. It's clean, but you'll be sharing it with others. Will that do?” the inn keeper responded.

“OK, if that's what you have, it'll do. Just give me an ale for now.”

Jak took his drink and went to sit in a corner. He was watching people he hadn't seen since he had been away. They had no idea who he was. When he left he was a gangly youth, with short brown hair. He had never made much impression on the other townsfolk, having been an expert at avoiding work and people. The only time he had ever made any effort was in the lessons given by Father Mikhal. Only recently, the priests had started giving lessons in letters and in writing. Most people were sceptical about these lessons but Jak had been happy.

Since he left he had filled out. He was now solidly built, fit and strong. He had trained with the guards regularly while working with Duke Gian. He had also spent a few years as a travelling agent. His hair had darkened and he now had a distinctive beard some inches long and braided.

He sat there observing the other patrons. He recognised a number of people from times past and spent a while assessing them and thinking about those he had known viewing them afresh with adult eyes. The population seemed younger than he remembered it. After allowing himself a few minutes deep in memory he moved to looking at those he didn't recognise.

There were a few strangers in the bar. Jak centred himself back to his professional stance and started to contemplate the other patrons. He could see several unfamiliar faces, more than he would have expected.

There were a few solid looking soldier types that the didn't recognise, but two individuals caught his eye. One was quiet and separate, alone at a corner of the bar, reading a book. As Jak observed him he realised that the other individuals attention was less on the book and more on the other patrons. The other had a look of a hunter about him. It was a look that Jak had seen on few individuals in the last 15 years. At his side lay a large dog of a type Jak hadn't seen before. It was a black haired animal, with patches of brown visible on the underside, where it was lying. The body of the dog looked to be about three feet long, with a further couple of feet of tail. Jak guessed that when standing, the dog would be maybe six feet from nose to tip of the tail. Looking at it Jak decided that the dog would be a serious threat to life and limb if roused, however for the moment it was laid at its masters feet appearing to doze, until people came too close when it fixed them with a glare.

The man himself was slender built with a very thin face, his clothing was made from a mish-mash of furs and hides, from quite a number of different beasts going by appearances. The hides had been inexpertly preserved and the clothing was well worn.

The fur clothed man was sat alone at a table, with a platter of meats and vegetables in front of him. He looked very uncomfortable in and amongst people, and had a slight tendency to flinch as people walked past.

Jak sat there for a while, nursing his drink and observing the interactions between people in the Inn when one of the guards from the Dukes house entered. The guard looked around the bar and started approaching people in turn; one of the soldier types, the man with his hunting dog, the quiet man, and then himself.

“Jak is it?” the guard asked quietly.

“Yes, is the Duke ready for me now?” Jak said in response.

“Yes. Go to the manor house, and someone will direct you to the Dukes hall.” The guard responded.

Jak stood up, paused for a moment, then picked up his pack and went to innkeeper. “Keep this here for me. I'll be back later to collect it and take up my lodgings.”. There was nothing particularly menacing or threatening about the tone Jak used, but it brooked no argument.

The innkeeper took the pack. “Yes sir. Will you be eating when you return?”

“Probably.” Jak said as he headed out.

Jak noticed the guard moving to talk to the innkeeper as he left to the Dukes residence.

It was dark outside by this time, but lanterns had been hung along the street leading to the central square. Lanterns were not a normal sight in Lewis, only normally being displayed for new years celebrations and the like. Jak followed the lights to the Dukes house where he was met at the door by the other guard. “Enter and go through the open door.” The guard said.

Jak entered the house. It appeared unchanged since last time he was there. He went into the meeting hall an looked around. He saw that a table had been arranged, with four others sat at it, the two Jak had noticed in the pub, a large man Jak had not seen before and a fairly nondescript man sat wearing a hooded cloak with a longbow unstrung, propped at his side.

He pulled up a seat and joined the others at the table. After a moment a woman entered the room, she was fairly tall and had a number of talismans and pieces of jewellery about her person. She glanced at the others, then sat joining them.

Moments later the Duke, accompanied by Father Mikhal entered the room through a door at the back of the hall. Father Mikhal was, as ever hooded and robed. He walked silently along the edge of the hall and exited through the main door, glancing at the table and making eye contact with Jak as he did so. Duke Lewis approached the table and stood by the head of it. He paused until Father Mikhal had left, then said “Good, I see we are all here now.”

“I know that some of you know why you are here but I hope you will forgive me if I start from the beginning.”

Duke Lewis drew up the final chair at the head of the table and sat.

“I am sure that you have all heard stories of the Forest to the west of here, a dangerous and unknown realm.

“In recent years rumours have been circulating of great and fabulous wealth on the far side of the forest, many hundreds of miles distant. I will confess that I was intrigued. One year ago I sent an expedition into the Forest to investigate. I found and hired six rangers that all claimed to have experience travelling within the forest. They were given free reign to obtain whatever materials and equipment they thought they might need. As I said, a year ago they entered to forest. Nine months later I had given the expedition up for dead.

“Six weeks ago one of the rangers emerged from the forest and was met by a local. Apparently he was quite mad, gibbering and making no sense. The ranger lost conciousness before he could be brought to town, and even with the care of Father Mikhal he died soon afterward. His clothing was ruined and he had no supplies on him, he was however carrying these.” Duke Lewis passed a couple of items down the table.

Jak was sat near the head of the table and as such was first to receive the items. There was a coin of gold, about six ounces with strange lettering and symbols. He turned over and studied it for a moment but could make nothing of the imagery, then he turned his attention to the other item, a knife with a blade about nine inches long and maybe an inch wide. Initially he assumed that it was a polished iron blade, but as he examined it more carefully he saw that the knife was much smoother and had a finer luster than any iron he had seen. He looked at it again and wondered if the blade might be silver so he took a knife from his belt. He looked to the Duke for permission. The Duke had repressed smile and lifted a hand slightly in ascent. Jak attempted to scratch the metal of the blade to no affect. He made a more determined effort, but the only effect was to blunt the tip of his own knife. Puzzled by the blade he looked at the handle. The handle looked to be very worn bone or ivory but as he studied the handle he could see that the handle had worn completely through to the point the metal haft was visible. He could also see evidence that there had at some stage in the past leather had been wrapped around the handle as remains of pins were present. Jak realised with shock that the knife was not only made of a finer metal than any he had ever seen but it was probably the oldest thing he had ever seen.

He picked up the knife and felt the weight. Allowing for the wear to the handle it was perfectly balanced and he was confident it would be accurate thrown. As he handled it and felt the quality of the blade his mind was racing, considering the effect that even a small number of blades like this might make to the balance of power between duchies. Much of the metal worked in Kalmath was bronze, iron blades like the ones he had were relatively rare. He now better understood why such a risk was being undertaken by the duchies involved.

He looked back at the coin, then felt its weight. If that was pure gold as it appeared to be then it would be enough to support a family for several years.

The hunter coughed quietly, looking uncomfortable and Jak shook his head, slightly dazed. He had been studying the items for several minutes, and looking around the table he saw his reaction was being keenly observed by others.

He passed the items on and looked at the others reactions while he worked to get his thoughts in order. The man in furs was not apparently impressed, the large man was very brief as if he had seen them before. The book reader spent a time looking at both objects. The longbow man looked with interest at the knife but showed little interest in the coin. The lady with the pendants however spent a long time studying the coin. She seemed fascinated by it as much as he had been by the knife.

“I assume that you can all see value in the objects obtained” the Duke said once everyone had had a chance to look.

The Duke continued, “A number of Duchies, on seeing the artefacts, have pledged support to an expedition in force through the Forest. A force of porters and guards will be going. A further six rangers will be accompanying you. Those should be able to handle the wild hazards. What we don't know is what else is out there.

“The Ranger that returned was apparently, in his most lucid moments, babbling about dead men walking, lights and of a great city in the plains containing great treasures. I don't know what he encountered. As I said, he died soon after he returned so we have limited details.

“Pioter Lewis here is the caravan master” indicating to the large man. “Pioter will maintain the logistics of travel.

“The plan is that you will travel through the North edge of the Forest keeping the mountain ridge in sight. Once you have travelled for about a month you are to set up a camp that can be used for further expeditions deeper into the Forest. There should be time choose a site and send for more men and materials before winter. By setting up a series of camps it is hoped that the far side of the forest can be reached, and more to the point, that communications can be maintained and artefacts recovered. Even a few such objects returned would more than justify the expedition, and in the lucid moments the Ranger talked of vast treasures.

“Anyway, as to the rest of you, as I said, Pioter handles the logistics, Arran Alderton will be in charge of the rangers and guards, responsible for co-ordinating the safety and scouting.” at this the Duke indicated to the man with the longbow. “Clarissa Kalmath will be accompanying you and providing the skills you might expect.” At this he identified the woman. In accordance with convention people received a given name, followed by the name of their home duchy. Mystics and priests as a rule were given the home name of Kalmath indicating their allegiance to the people as a whole rather than to a given place.

“The rest of you, Jak Gian, Barnabas Aldition and Maran Kirrin have all been recommended to me with excellent references and having broad varieties of skills.” The Duke indicate Jak, the hunter in furs, and the man with the book in turn.

“Anyway, do you have any questions?”

After a few moments Clarissa responded, “This coin, has anyone examined it to determine the significance of the markings?” The serene young woman who had joined them at the table was barely able to contain herself. The inquiry had been made in the tone of a demand, rather than a simple question.

“I asked our local Priest, Father Mikhal Kalmath a man of learning, to study the coin. He has examined it, and requested clarification and information from experts within the church. As yet he has drawn no conclusions except that the coin is exceptionally old. He has suggested that the coin might be a part of a set, and if he had more pieces of the set, he might be able to make sense of it.” the Duke said and looked at the group. Clarissa nodded slightly at the response, returning her attention to the coin, pulling out charcoal and parchment to copy the symbols.

Jak now took his turn to interrogate the duke about the object that held his attention since he first saw it “Do you have any idea what the knife is made of? It is not like any metal that I have ever seen, and it is a very fine blade.”

“No. The metal is very tough and has resisted most attempts to affect it. I did scratch it with a small diamond, but that is the only thing I have seen that did scratch it. It is not totally impervious to damage, but it is a finer metal than anything I have seen before.” the Duke said.

Most of the people round the table were now looking at one another wanting to talk to each other, eager to begin the expedition. Despite the obvious dangers, there was a sense of expectancy and fascination that had been released by these mysterious objects. Barnabas, the hunter was looking awkward, focussing on the table.

Jak observed that while Barnabas was doing his best to avoid contact with the others, Arran was studying him intently. Given the history of their respective home duchies this was not a surprise. Lewis was a duchy in the north west corner of the inhabited centre and up until recently it had been bordered by only one other duchy, Alderton. Ten years ago the Duke of that realm had died, leaving two sons. Normally it would be expected that the older son would take the rule, however in this case the sons had been twins, and neither wanted to let the other be accepted as the older son. As a result the duchy split into Alderton and Aldition, two separate duchies both bordering Lewis. Since that time relationships between the schismed duchies had been tense, both looking to get the upper hand over the other.

Jak looked between the pair of them, then shared a look with Duke Lewis. The expression on the Dukes face made Jak look back at Barnabas and Arran. He suddenly realised that the antagonism ran only one way. Barnabas looked uncomfortable around people regardless of who they were. He was doing his best to avoid having any contact with all the people, not just Arran.

As Jak cast his eyes around the group again he decided that it appeared that Barnabas was not comfortable in the company of others. Thinking back to the the Inn he realised that Barnabas was doing his best to ignore people there too. He appeared as someone who would always be alone in a crowd, but with his dog as company he would never be alone anywhere.

Knowing a little more about the people included in this expedition Jak started to realise just how political the whole thing had been, and started to better understand his inclusion. Duke Gian was a major rival to Duke Lewis in the production of Copper, a vital trade resource for both of them. Relations between Gian and Lewis tended toward strained as both tried to gain the upper hand in dominating the market in Copper, however neither wanted to take direct action for fear of intervention by trading partners. Kirrin was a wealthy duchy that had trade links with both, and had privately made it clear that outright conflict, particularly anything that disrupted copper, and therefore bronze supplies, would be dealt with.

Direct armed conflict within Kalmath was exceptionally rare, as no duchy maintained a significant armed force beyond a few guards. On occasion a Duke would get ambitious and raise a force to dominate their neighbours, however the rest of the duchies would stand and oppose such a move. Normal politics was much more indirect and covert. There were reputed to be 1000 duchies and no direct approach had managed to rule more than a couple of dozen before the neighbours intervened.

In recent years both Duke Gian and Duke Lewis had been forging political links with their neighbours to ensure support if, or when, their conflict escalated. The placement of Jak in the employ of Duke Gian had been one of Duke Lewis's most successful political moves.

If the expedition provided any of the anticipated returns then the balance of power in the north west of Kalmath would be permanently altered. A few swords of the silvery metal would seriously influence any armed conflict. Bronze would just not stand against it, even the expensive iron blades would be unable to resist. This was before considering the effect of an influx wealth on the balance of power.

None of the others had any questions for the Duke and they also appeared to have withdrawn into thought, observing each other, and probably considering the same things that preyed on Jak's mind.

“The resources of my Duchy are at your disposal. All equipment that we have already anticipated you will need is to be carried by the porters. However your personal skills and equipment are your concern. If there is anything you need, or can think that you might want, please discuss that with Pioter. He knows what there is already arranged. There is a porter reserved for any equipment you would like carried.” said the Duke

“Please go and rest tonight. Tomorrow you will join the expedition where the final preparations are taking place. You leave in the morning of the next day. The bulk of the expedition is already based a mile from the forest.” The Duke paused a moment, looking to each of them in turn.

“Well if there are no more questions I suggest you return to the inn and rest for the night.” the Duke dismissed them.

They took their leave and returned to the Inn, Barnabas hanging back and Marran leading the way. Clarissa went straight upstairs to a private room. The rest of them settled down in the bar area, taking a table that had been cleared for them by the barman.

“So what do you think of our Dukes little plan?” asked Pioter in a jovial voice.

Arran, Maran and Jak looked to one another and then together at Barnabas. Barnabas almost visibly withered under their combined gaze. In response his dog raised it's head from Barnabas's lap baring its teeth to the rest of the table.

Ignoring the dog and turning his attention back to Pioter, Maran said “It sounds like a fairly determined effort. I know that the forest is supposed to be dangerous, but this seems a little over the top. Setting up camps at regular intervals. It almost sounds like the Duke is intending to set up trade routes through the forest.”

Arran responded “I agree that this does seem a little excessive, but the Forest is certainly dangerous. I would rather be over prepared if we are going in, than under prepared.” He paused a moment looking at Maran. “Kirrin is quite a long way to the south east of here if I remember rightly. Have you ever seen the Forest up close?”

“No, but it is just an oversized set of woods isn't it? I mean, I am sure there are wild animals and such but tales of bogeymen are just for children.” Maran said, obviously sceptical.

“You wait till the Silu come,” muttered Barnabas looking into the eyes of his dog, avoiding looking at those he was addressing “then you will be glad of the guards.”

Arran looked at Barnabas. “You have been in the Forest? How far in? I've hunted along the edge but never more than a mile in.”

“Huh. It's dark and dangerous, but the best game is deeper in. I've been in with Arrow here. A couple of days in there are deer like you would not believe.” For a moment Barnabas looked up at Arran, but rapidly looked back to Arrow.

“So you two have both been in. The Duke said you both came highly recommended. It is good o know we have experts with us. Is there any advice on what we should take in there?” Pioter Lewis asked.

Arran looked to Barnabas, but Barnabas showed no indication of responding. “Well the guards are should all carry short bows, short blades and Boar spears. The last may be awkward while travelling but if we encounter any large beasts they should be able to stop 'em”

“Sorry, Boar spear?” Maran asked.

“Yes, a spear with a broad blade and a crosspiece about 18 inches down. If a Boar is coming at you you plant the butt of the spear into the ground and ensure the boar runs onto the spear. The crosspiece stops the beast from reaching you when it is stuck.” Arran said.

“Huh. Don't they die if you stick holes in them then? They sound nasty” Maran said.

“Not really. Boars and bears are stubborn beasts and not a little thick. They don't always know when to lay down and die. You have to convince them.”

“Well that should be easy enough to sort out. Are there any other supplies we might not have thought of? We have axes, saws, rope, tents and spare canvas, flints and steels, hurricane lanterns and miscellaneous camping supplies. We'll carry a couple of weeks worth of dried meats and other rations, but we are counting on hunting food as we travel. We'll also be carrying a fair supply of spare arrowheads.” Pioter said.

“Fishing hooks and line.” Barnabas muttered. “There can be good fishing in t' rivers.”

“Huh. We thought hunting, but fishing you say. I'll sort that out.” Pioter said. “Maran, you are here to map the way as I understand it. Is there anything you need?”

“No, I don't think so. I have most of my equipment. Mostly, I'll be plotting way points if we can see them. I was planning on using peaks from mountain ridges as markers. If the Forest is a dense as you say, that job may be somewhat challenging.” Maran said. “I am sure I'll find some way to earn my keep in that case. Hey, do we have a moral officer?”

“Moral officer?” said Jak.

“Yeah, someone to keep peoples spirits up. And speaking of spirits, Kirrin is responsible for the manufacture of the finest firewater this side of the Ocean.” said Maran pulling a bottle from his jacket. “The finest whisky produced in the finest still in the finest Duchy in the whole of Kalmath.”

He then proceeded to extract a half dozen small glasses from the myriad of pockets and pouches in his jacket and pour out a generous slug for each of them. “And such a fine drink should never be drunk from metal or wood. Only the best for this great spirit”.

Jak had never seen a glass drinking vessel before. The worth of those must be incredible and this chap was just casually carrying them around in his jacket. Maran would bear watching carefully, but in the meantime, what an opportunity to try a taste of luxury.

“Here is to our health, the success of our endeavour, and to new friends just met.” Maran said and raised his glass.

The rest of the table looked somewhat bemused, but taking his lead from Maran, Jak raised his glass. The others followed suit, even Barnabas, though he did remain focussed on the glass avoiding the eye of his companions.

Maran then led the toast, draining his glass and the rest followed his lead. Maran refilled the glasses in turn. “Now take your time and enjoy what is the smoothest spirit you will ever taste.”

This time Jak sipped at the drink. While it might not be quite as great as Maran suggested, it was certainly the best Jak had tried to date.

After the toast, they started to relax and chat amongst themselves. Barnabas remained distant, but he stayed with the group and after obtaining a bowl of ale for Arrow, began to look at people if not make eye contact.

Maran proved to be as chatty and personable as he had appeared. Pioter remained very businesslike, and while not disapproving exactly, didn't start to relax as the others did. Arran also relaxed somewhat and came across as pleasant however he only sipped at his drink and kept a weather eye on the rest of the room.

Jak talked to the others whilst attempting to keep a clear head, sipping the ale, He intended to find out more about them and how they saw their roles on the expedition. Mostly he found them somewhat bemused by the whole thing and uncertain as to exactly what was expected.

After a couple of hours he saw Arran catch his eye and nod very slightly to a far corner of the bar. Jak moved himself ostensibly to talk to Maran, such that he could clearly see the area that Arran was indicating.

In the corner of the bar he saw a group of town youths, by the look of things quite a long way into their cups. They appeared worked up and agitated. As he watched a couple of the youths stood up and started to move toward the table at which they were sat.

Jak stood too and moved to meet them. In passing he brushed against Barnabas motioning with his fingers while they were hidden from the youths. The motion evoked a growl from Arrow, Barnabas looked briefly at Jak and nodded.

The bar fell silent in anticipation of trouble. The youths approached, clearly drunk and clearly aggressive. Jak stood in front of the group. “You OK there? Can I help you?”

“You, what are you doing here. You, stealing from us. You, stealing from the Duchy. You... “ The youth was obviously drunk and angry, if not entirely coherent.

“Get out of our town. Now. Leave us and stop taking jobs and money from us.” the lead youth continued approaching until he was practically nose to nose with Jak.

Jak stood there and faced the youth straight in the eye. “Just go home. Now!” At that Barnabas, Pioter and Maran stood. Arrow was at Barnabas's side and growling exposing his fearsome teeth. When stood Arrow was almost three feet tall and extremely menacing.

The youth faltered and stepped back, his mates standing behind. “Yeah, you leave town. Stop stealing from us. Get yourselves out of here.”

Arrow growled louder, and as one Pioter, Maran and Jak stepped forward. The youths stumbled backward and out of the bar at speed shouting insults behind them. The rest of the customers paused to look at the group for a moment, then returned to their drinks grumbling about the arrogance of youths unable to hold their drink. Jak approached the bar.

“Sorry about that. Please could you ensure that the rest of the customers have a good time for the rest of the evening.” Jak handed some money to the barman. “I will settle the bill in the morning. Let people have whatever then want. Is there anyone else staying in here in the shared room tonight?”

“Only people from your table sir.” replied the barman

Jak went back to then table. “Thanks for the warning. I don't think they will bother us tonight while we are here. Once they sober up we should be all right. The rest of the customers seem happy.

Who is sharing the attic tonight, we should probably keep a watch until we leave there.”

Maran and Barnabas both nodded. “Arrow will warn us if we are disturbed in the night.” Barnabas said.

“Well that has put a bit of a downer on the evening. Probably best if we call it a night there then.” Maran suggested.

The others agreed. “Tomorrow will be a busy day by the sounds of it.” said Jak.

They headed off their separate ways, Pioter back home, and the rest of them up to the shared attic space. This night passed undisturbed.