Original Fiction Caustic

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 1

“Come on Graham, we’ll be late to the Elder’s campfire stories!” Sigrid called out to her best friend.

“I’ve got to finish these arrows up first,” The apprentice Fletcher replied. “You know that we have to finish our responsibilities first.”

“Alright,” the girl sighed. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Can you grab the bag of feathers in the next room over and bring them to me?” the boy asked. “I’ve still got a dozen of these to finish for the hunters.”

“Alright,” Sigrid said, her red hair flowing behind her as she went inside the storeroom of the Fletcher’s house. “This bag?” She asked as she brought out a bag that had many white feathers in it.

“That’s the one,” Graham said with a nod as he stood up from where he was melting beeswax and getting the finishing touches on six arrows. “Thanks, Sigrid.”

“You’re not going to make it to the Elder’s house in time for the story today, are you?” Sigrid asked.

“Sorry, Sigrid, but I’ve got responsibilities that I’ve got to see to first,” Graham replied as he stopped talking to stick his tongue out while he worked on precisely fletching an arrow, sealing the feathers in with a mixture of beeswax and silk. “I’ll join you if I can, but I don’t want to make you a promise if I can’t keep it.”


“That’s alright,” the young girl said cheerfully. “I’ll just stay and help you. Who cares if we miss a story or two?”

“Alright then,” Graham replied as he began to show her how to heat the bellows for the small forge that was kept in the Fletcher’s workshop. “You’ve got to be strong to do this,” he told Sigrid. “It’s not exactly like the training that you’re doing to be a Valkyrie, it’s a different kind of strength.”

“I can see that,” Sigrid said with a roll of her eyes as she pumped the bellows just enough to keep the beeswax and other mixtures used in the correct state without burning or scorching them.


“Graham, Sigrid,” Charles, the Fletcher that Graham was apprenticed to greeted the two inseparable children as he entered his workshop. “Let’s see what kind of progress you’ve made today.”

“Graham, these look good,” Charles said as he picked up each of the arrows out of the pile that Graham had already finished. “You should be mindful about this slight bend though,” he pointed out where one of the feathers wasn’t quite set into the seal straight and where it had curved. “This will fly decently straight for one of our hunters, but for any sort of long-range practice this could spell disaster.”

“Can you show me how to do it better?” Graham asked as he continued working under both the eyes of Charles and Sigrid.

“Maybe later,” Charles chuckled. “You’ve been hard at work all day, why don’t you and Sigrid get over to the Elder’s house before you miss his story, eh?” Charles patted the young boy on the back. “If I remember correctly, tonight’s story is about the War in the Heavens, and you don’t want to miss that.”

“Come on!” Sigrid pulled at Graham. “I don’t want to miss the story!”


“I’ve got to put my tools away first,” Graham said as he took off the apron and gloves along with the small set of apprentice tools and began putting them away. “My family needs this apprenticeship, so I need to do things right.”

“I know,” Sigrid said as she helped Graham take the heavy gloves off.

“Thanks for the help,” Graham pulled Sigrid in for a hug before giving her a gentle shove. “Race you to the Elder’s house!”

“Oh no, you don’t!” Sigrid said as she burst into a sprint, quickly catching up to Graham and maintaining an even pace with him.

Reaching the Elder’s house, they burst in through the door just as the Elder had begun his story.

“You almost missed it,” Graham’s little sister whispered to him as he and Sigrid sat down next to her.

“Sorry sis, I had work to finish,” Graham whispered to Brenda as he pulled her into his lap so she could see the Elder’s shadows better.

“Shh,” Sigrid hushed the siblings. “He’s starting.”

“Long ago, the world was a vastly different place,” the Elder began his story by drawing the door closed for effect, casting shadows over his house and causing the children to immediately stop whatever conversations they were having so they could listen to the Elder.

“Cities and towns, villages, all of it was in the sky, for that was the domain of us all, the magic that drove the world was inset into our cities, and we lived peacefully in the heavens with no need for war or strife.” The Elder paused for a second to breathe as he looked around at the children. “The gods were pleased with us then, and we had plenty of everything to eat and were all satisfied. But then, a man named Alexander who ruled one of the cities began to dream of ruling all of the Heavens. And so he prepared his weapons of war, made ready his armies, and began to take over the Heavens, city by city he moved, establishing his rule and authority on them, until one day the other cities were finally ready to strike back and to take what he had stolen. And they did so. Retaking much of the cities in the Heavens that Alexander had taken. And this continued for generations. Until one day, Alexander set forth a challenge to his opponents. They would meet on the field of battle, and whichever one of them was the victor would be the Ruler of the Heavens. But on the day that the two armies clashed, the gods were angered and the cities fell from the sky. The magic of the world ceased to provide except for in a few locations, and the cities lay scattered and in ruins, waiting for an intelligent and noble adventurer to find what secrets lie within.” The Elder ended the story and began lighting candles for light.

“Do you think that the story is real?” Brenda asked as Graham stood his sister up in front of him so that he could get to his feet.

“I don’t rightly know,” Graham responded after a moment of thought. “But I suppose that if it is true then one day we could see about trying to locate some of those ruins.”

“Aye,” Sigrid said as she helped Graham to his feet. “Maybe one day we’ll be able to go see the ruins. But for now, we’ve got to get back to our homes. We’ve a long day tomorrow after all.”

“We’ll walk you home,” Graham said as he hoisted Brenda up and onto his shoulders to her squeals of delight. “Onward my steed!” Brenda pointed towards Sigrid’s house.

Graham just laughed and began walking beside Sigrid toward her house. Playing with his sister and best friend the entire time.

“Night Sigrid,” Graham said as Sigrid walked into her home. “I’ll see you on the morrow.”

“Aye,” Sigrid said. “Night Graham, Brenda.”

“Thanks, Graham,” Ødger, Sigrid’s father nodded at me.

“Aye,” Graham replied.

“Let’s go home,” Brenda yawned from her place atop Graham’s shoulders. “I’m tired.”

“As am I,” Graham said as he yawned in tune. “Let’s get you home and into bed,” he said as they walked into their home. “Mother, we’re home!” he called out as they entered the front door.

“You’re just in time,” Cathrène, their mother said as she set the table with a couple of bowls of soup. “I managed to bargain one of the hunters down enough for us to afford a couple of hares.”

“Mother, are we sure that we can afford this?” Graham asked as he helped get Brenda to a place where she could properly eat at the small table.

“Yes dear,” Cathrène replied. “The fees you’ve been earning from your apprenticeship have made our meager funds stretch much further than normal and so I was able to afford some meat.”

“Alright then,” Graham said as he dug into the stew that his mother had made. “I’ll take care of the chickens and the garden come morning, and I’ll have Brenda work on the stitching so that you can get some rest.”

“I’m fine,” Cathrène said with a soft smile. “I feel better now that I’ve gotten some rest.”

“Mother,” Graham said bluntly as he met her eyes. “You have just recovered from that sickness, and should not be out of bed. Now, please try and go get some more rest, I’ll take care of the rest of dinner and the cleanup.”

“I am capable,” his mother said as she nearly fumbled with her own bowl of stew.

“Mother,” Graham pleaded, his eyes making his case clear. “You need to continue to rest. Once you have recovered your full strength then you’ll be able to help again, but until then allow Brenda and I to take over your duties.”

“Fine,” Cathrène gave in finally as she began to eat some of her own stew. “But I will at least help with the stitching, Brenda will not work on it alone, she still needs to be taught many things about how to properly stitch some of the clothing that gets commissioned by the merchants from out of town.”

“If I need to I can remain home,” Graham told his mother. “Master Charles knows that you are not well, and will grant me some leave to tend to you until you are well enough.”

“Nay,” Cathrène shook her head. “That will not be necessary. I shall rest until my body has recovered from this ailment.”

The family ate in silence after Cathrène had stated that. The warm stew filled their bellies as it settled. Once they had finished eating, Graham stood up and collected the wooden bowls and spoons to wash them while Brenda and Cathrène began to change their clothes for bed.

Walking outside the small house on the outskirts of their village, Graham took the dishes over to the barrel of water that had been collecting rainwater over the past few weeks. Removing the lid of the wooden barrel, he took a sip of the fresh clean water before dipping a pitcher into it to collect some and began clearing the dishes of the remnants of the stew. Once the bowls were clean, he spread some sand over them and scrubbed the sand off with a rough piece of cloth, thus removing any of the water or sand that might have been left over. Then, taking the dishes inside, he kindled the fire again, keeping it low so that the embers would keep the rest of the stew warm for a breakfast in the morning.

Graham, now that his chores had been completed, checked on his mother and sister to find them both asleep in the room that used to solely belong to both of his parents, and looking at the sword and shield that hung over the fireplace turned and walked out of the door to look at the stars.

“The War of the Heavens huh?” He said as his mind churned over the story that the Elder had told him and the rest of the children in the village. “I wonder what that was like,” Graham mused to himself as he lay down in some of the grass that was outside of their fenced-in garden while he continued to look at the stars.

Graham did this for a little while before making his way into the house, closing and barring the door before moving to the table, and unrolling a blanket, he prepared to sleep in front of the stove, wanting to make sure that breakfast would be ready for both his mother and his sister come morning.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 2


“Sigrid, up with you girl,” Ødger said as he splashed some water into his daughter’s face. “It’s time to train.”

“Aye, father,” Sigrid said as she woke up and stumbled into her training gear, grabbing her small recurve bow and the sling and stones that she had been training with over the last few years before walking over to the training yard.

“You won’t need those,” Ødger said as he stabbed a spear into the ground. “Today we cover something different. But first, we’ll begin with stretching, flexibility is one of the keys to survival in battle. Especially for a Valkyrie or shieldmaiden. Can you tell me why that is?”

“Because as I grow older I will begin to be physically outmatched by men of the same size or even smaller than I will grow to be,” Sigrid said with a shrug. “I’ve already noticed that Graham has little to no trouble moving me if I am in his way while he is working at the Fletchers.”

“Aye,” Ødger replied with a smile. “It’s not enough for you to be strong anymore, you have to begin to outwit your opponents as well. That is where we begin today.” Ødger began to lead her in a series of stretches designed to maximize flexibility throughout her life as long as she maintained them. “Now, do you know why I started your martial training with first the sling and stone, and then on to the bow?”

“Because it’s helpful to any army that I would be a part of,” Sigrid replied. “Good archers and stone slingers are few, and it is also a valuable survival skill that will allow me to provide meat for my family if we are going through lean times.”

“That’s important too,” Ødger replied with a grin. “But that’s not why I taught you those arts. The reason I taught you the art of distance shooting was to teach you how to be patient. Sigrid, the gods know that I love you, but you have a tendency to become easily distracted and lose focus. These arts helped to keep you grounded, and made your mother able to instruct you in how to repair clothes. Your stitching improved nearly overnight after you began to learn archery.”

“Then what are we learning today?” Sigrid asked as she sprung to her feet, the last of her stretching completed.

“Today I begin your instruction in the way of the spear,” Ødger said as he grabbed the two spears that he had thrust into the ground of the training yard. “The spear is the most common weapon used by soldiers in this era, it is an easy weapon to learn the basics of, and is essential to countering both cavalry and most enemy shield walls. Mastering the spear takes a lifetime of dedication, and once you begin to learn it then I won’t be letting you stop until you have shown me your mastery of it.”

“Why not on a sword and shield instead?” Sigrid asked curiously. “Shouldn’t I also focus on learning those martial skills as well?”

“Nay,” Ødger replied. “While you learn the spear you will also be maintaining your skills with both the Sling and the bow. The Sword and shield will be the last of the weapons that I teach you to wield.”

–
–

“Again,” Ødger called out as Sigrid thrust the spear forward at the target as it moved out of the way. “You must move faster than that,” he said as he knocked her spear to the side and hip-checked her into the ground. “Maintain proper balance and I won’t be able to do that to you, now, again.”

The two of them continued training until noon when they finally broke their fast with a mixture of fresh bread, cheese, and meat from last night’s meal.

“Now, go see to whatever chores your mother has for you before you go and visit with Graham and his family,” Ødger smiled at the blush that appeared on his daughter’s face at the mention of her friend.

“Yes father,” Sigrid responded sheepishly.

“Come here you,” he pulled the young woman in for a hug before mussing up her hair and placing a kiss on her forehead. “Now get on home, I’m certain that your mother has something for you to do.”

The young girl ran off, heading for their home. Eager to get whatever her mother needed to be done finished with so that she could go and pester Graham at the Fletcher’s once again.

“Slow down,” Edda, Sigrid’s mother called out as she ran through the front door of their house. “And take off your shoes, they’re muddy and need to be cleaned before you start on your chores.”

“Yes ma’am,” Sigrid replied as she backed up, took off her leather sandals, and began to wash her feet off. “What am I to do today?”

“We’ve washing to do and a dinner to cook,” Edda replied. “Graham’s mother has not completely recovered from taking ill, and despite her best efforts has not been able to sell her usual amount of homespun clothing. They’re hungry and will need some food for the night.”

“Yes’m,” Sigrid said as she moved to help her little sister Frida with gathering up the laundry and washing the clothes. “I’ll make sure to clean the floor after I’m done with the washing.”

“Yes, you will,” Edda replied as she met her eldest’s gaze. “Especially after tracking the mud from the training field in after ye.”

“Hep,” Siegmund, the youngest said as he reached up for his oldest sister to pick him up. “I hepping!” he cheered as Sigrid put him up on her shoulders and allowed him to wash some of the clothes.

“Yes, yes you are helping,” Edda smiled at the boy as he cheerfully made a mess of the clothing that they were working on.

“Mother, Father’s clothes need to be patched again,” Frida said as she pulled a pair of torn breeches out of the laundry bin.

“How bad off are they?” Edda asked from the hearth where she was working on food.

“I’m not sure that we can patch this,” Frida said. “Mrs. Cathrène would be able to tell you more.”

“We can afford to pay her for new breeches if they cannot be repaired,” Edda stated. “They need the income anyway. The small fees that Graham brings in on top of the small stipend that they draw from the Duke are barely able to feed the three of them without her also working.”

“How many pairs are in need of repair?” Edda asked as she left the food she was tending to so she could take a look at the breeches in need of repair.

“All of them,” Sigrid said as she pulled out more pairs of breeches that were in need of repair or were beyond damaged. “Father’s been having to train some new guards for the palisade, and he says that they’re none too bright.”

“Aye,” Edda agreed. “I’ve also had the displeasure of meeting the newest members of the watch, I am not impressed.”

“Father said that Graham was a better student before he was apprenticed to the Fletcher,” Sigrid said as she began to scrub one of her tunics in the tub of sudsy water.

“Graham is the sole man remaining of his family line,” Edda reminded her daughter. “And is one of the few men in the village to own a sword and shield forged entirely of steel. It’s expected that he trains and becomes skilled in the use of it, even while he is learning his trade. That sword and shield have been passed down for generations after all.”

“It was given to his family by the king,” Sigrid said as she tried to recall the village’s history. “On the condition that as long as the family had possession of the sword they were to rally to his call should it be given.”

“His family is still held to that promise,” Edda stated. “It is part of the reason why Graham is only able to spend a fraction of the time that he desires learning his trade. For if the call to war comes, he is expected to be among the first to arrive at the capital, just as his father and grandfather did before him.”

“How did they earn such a sword?” Frida asked, this being the first time she had ever heard of such a thing.

“The story changed every time the old man told it,” Edda said with a wan smile. “But whatever it was that he did, it doesn’t really matter all that much to us. Now get back to washing the laundry, it won’t clean itself after all.”

“Yes ma’am,” both of the girls replied as they began to finish up the laundry, the two of them quietly chatting as they finished it up and hung the clothes out to dry in the mid-afternoon sun.

“Sigrid, come help with this food,” Edda told the girl before she got carried away. “If you help me then we should be finished by the time Cathrène and Brenda are getting ready to eat.”

“Coming mother,” Sigrid said as she finished hanging up the last of the clothes. “What do you need me to do?”

“Peel those and add them to the pot on the hearth,” Edda instructed. “Then chop up the last of the hares that are left in the icebox. They’ll need the meat if Cathrène is to regain her full strength.”

Sigrid began working as instructed, and soon enough the pot hanging over the hearth began to bubble, releasing an appetite-inducing smell that only began to grow as they added a small handful of spices that they had painstakingly grown in the small herb garden that they possessed.

“Go wash up,” Edda told Sigrid. “Then go collect Cathrène and Brenda and bring them here, they’ll sup with us tonight.”

“Yes mother,” Sigrid said as she went over to the tub of soapy water that had been refilled after they had washed the clothing. “Do I need to fetch Graham as well?”

“Nay,” Edda said with a small smile. “Your father will be doing that.”

–
–

“Well, the breeches can be saved,” Cathrène told Sigrid’s mother. “But I’m not sure that it would be worth it.” She showed the family that the pair of pants were worn thin in more than just the usual places. “Better off to just make a new pair and use these for rags.”

“Brenda,” Cathrène called her daughter. “Run and fetch me my patch kit, we might as well earn the meal that we’re about to partake in.”

“Yes ma’am,” Brenda said as she left the house and went to go grab the sewing kit that they had put together over the years.

“Now that the listening ears have left,” Cathrène said to Edda. “Care to tell me what is going on?”

“Graham and Ødger are in negotiations today,” Edda confided in her long-time friend.

“Ahh,” Cathrène smiled before coughing into her fist for a minute. “I had wondered why he was putting so much money aside, has he finally managed to ask for Ødger’s permission?”

“I believe he asked a week ago,” Edda replied with a matching smile. “They are a good match, and have long been friends.”

“I wish that William were here to see this,” Cathrène said sadly. “Graham has been growing into a fine young man, and has done well to take care of both myself and Brenda.”

“There is much good to be said about your son,” Edda agreed. “He was already considered a part of our family before Graham began to ask around for which merchant might have gold on the next visit.”

“I suppose he thought he was being subtle?” Cathrène asked.

“He was subtle enough,” Edda laughed. “But you know how silver-tongued my Ødger is, he worked it out of them without too much difficulty.”

“Of course he did,” the other woman began laughing with her old friend. “Let’s just hope that Ødger doesn’t try to scare Graham too badly.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be concerned about that,” Edda said with a smirk. “I believe that he’s taking Graham to the tavern for the evening.”

“Hopefully they don’t get up to the kind of trouble that William and Ødger used to get up to,” Cathrène chuckled. “I’m not sure that Graham’s ready to handle that kind of trouble yet.”

“Give him time,” Edda said. “I’m sure that they’ll be starting bar brawls soon enough.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 3

“Get started on sorting the pile of feathers over on your workbench,” Charles told Graham as he stumbled into work for the day. “I hear you had a busy night. Care to tell me about it?”

“If I remembered anything beyond negotiating for Sigurd’s hand I would tell you,” Graham said as he clutched his head. “But I don’t remember all that much after we started drinking. I suppose that’s one way to find out if I can hold my drink though.”

“Well, I’ll start ye off easy on the work today, but I fully expect you to be back at full strength and awareness tomorrow,” Charles stated. “And if you break anything over the time period today I’ll be taking it out of your pay.”

“I’ll be careful,” Graham said as he sat down and began to sort through the bag of feathers that had been left for him. “What sort of arrows are we supposed to be making for this order?”

“We’re to begin an order for several hundred steeled arrows,” Charles said as he began to split the wood that would soon be smoothed out and used for arrows. “It seems that our duke feels that his current arsenal is not enough, and has commissioned some extra arrows for his forces. Once this batch is done I’ll be sending you to the castle with them. The Duke will already be expecting you for your training anyway.”

“Aye,” Graham replied. “I’ll be sure to do my best, my livelihood depends on it, after all.”

“You won’t be an apprentice for much longer, Graham,” Charles said after the two had worked beside each other in steeling some of the iron arrowheads. “You’ve learned most of what I have to teach you, and are going to be able to figure out the rest of it on your own as you go. I figure I’ll make you a full partner in around a year or so barring any unexpected situations that may arise.”

“Thank you,” Graham inclined his head, grateful to the master fletcher for having taught him the trade. “You’re a good teacher, Master Charles.”

“Now, I’ve heard rumors of our neighbors to the north preparing for some sort of movement over the last few weeks via the merchants that have come through the village lately,” Charles the Fletcher said as he began to melt the wax and cut strips of silk for the fletching of the batch of arrows they were making. “Given that they haven’t raided us in four years or so, I figure that we’re going to have to deal with some raiders. Business will make an uptick should that happen, and I expect that we’ll need to start making some of those batches of arrows now if we want to be able to keep up with demand come spring.”

“Aye,” Graham agreed as he finished sorting the feathers and began to start splitting them for the fletching. “It’ll take me some weeks to travel to Focal and back once we are done with this batch though.”

“I’m counting on it,” Charles smiled. “I know that you’re required to make an appearance at the Duke’s Court to establish yourself as a successor to your father, and this would make a good opportunity for you and Sigrid to get away from everyone for a bit if you know what I mean,” the old man winked at the fourteen-year-old as he turned back to the bowl of molten wax and silk.

“I’ve set a two-year betrothal period, Master Charles,” Graham said as he blushed bright red. “I have no intention of dishonoring her or her family.”

“I meant no ill,” Charles chuckled. “I was just poking fun at you, I doubt that anyone would doubt you at this point in time. You have a reputation for integrity and responsibility, and you should keep ahold of that. It’ll do you well in the future.”

“I’ll do my best,” Graham began handing the split feathers over to the Fletcher for him to inspect before binding them to the arrows. “I’ll go see if we have any more boughs, if not I may have to make a trip out into the woods to fell the right tree for us.”

“Agreed,” Charles said as he picked up a small coin pouch and tossed it at his apprentice. “Make sure to pick up some more wax while you are out, we’ll need more of it.”

“Aye sir,” Graham said as he caught the pouch. “Anything else I should do while I am out?”

“A pitcher of ale from the tavern would be nice, but only get it if there is some coin left over.”

“I’ll be back once I’ve gotten everything,” Graham said as he grabbed his cloak and wrapped it around him before walking out into the slight chill that the autumn weather brought into the warmth of the Fletcher’s shop.




“Come on Sigurd,” Ødger said as he threw his daughter over his shoulder while ducking underneath the overextended spear. “I know you’re excited to finally be betrothed, but you need to focus on what I’m teaching you if you’re to survive the next war that is coming.”

“Aye father,” Sigurd stood up from the muddy ground and braced her spear against it to steady herself. “Now, what were you telling me about my shield?”

“Ahh, yes,” Ødger said with a smile as he braced himself against the charge of his daughter as she rushed him with her spear and shield. “A shield is not merely a tool for defense,” he said as he thrust his shield into her face and used it to assist in throwing the young Valkyrie to the muddy ground again. “A shield is a weapon, it has many uses aside from defense, and if necessary can even be used to assist in moving the wounded off of the battlefield once the battle is over.”

“Show me how you did that,” Sigrid said as she flipped her muddy red hair out of her face before standing up again. “And let’s go again,” she grinned as her father began to walk her through the steps of how to use a shield offensively.

“Now, there are many ways to use a shield,” Ødger said as he adjusted his stance. “And they are all different to the individual. A shield can be used with an ax, a dagger, a sword, and a spear without any problems. The basics remain the same regardless, and you’ll need to use a shield properly when it comes time for the most dangerous part of the battlefield.”

“What part of the battlefield is the most dangerous?” Sigrid stopped training to look at her father, knowing that he didn’t often tell personal tales of the battlefield and that she should pay attention to what he was saying.

“The shield wall,” Ødger said as he moved over to a log that was used for strength training before sitting on it and gesturing for his daughter to do the same. “The shield wall is both the safest and most dangerous place on the battlefield,” Ødger gazed off into the distance before meeting Sigurd’s eyes. “The reason for this is because your life is in the hands of people who might break, and if the shield wall breaks then you are likely to be run down and killed by the attackers,” Ødger sat there for a moment before continuing to speak. “This is why I am teaching more than just how to stand in a shield wall because if it comes to it, I want you to be able to fight and survive to return home to us alive.”

“Then let’s get back to training,” Sigurd said as she helped her father stand up from his seated position. “I want to be the best on the battlefield, and that won’t come from us lazing around when there is training to be done.”

“Aye,” her father grinned as he stretched. “I seem to have not thrown ye into the mud enough today.”

“Have at thee!” Sigurd cheered as she charged forward, her dulled spear flying in front of her as she narrowly deflected her father’s own spear before using her shield and the weight of her body to throw Ødger into the mud, the two of them eventually casting aside their weapons and beginning to wrestle before Sigurd finally shoved her father’s face into the mud before grabbing her weapons and rushing home, laughing hysterically as he father roared and began chasing her.

“Do you have any idea how long it will take to get the mud out of my beard?” Ødger began to laugh with his daughter as they neared their home. “Your mother will have both of our hides if we come in this filthy.”

The father and daughter looked at the house and then saw the tub that was used for bathing already set out and ready to be used.


“I think she was ready for us,” Sigurd said with a peal of laughter before she jumped into the clean water, the mud caking off of her as she disrobed and grabbed the soap that her father passed her while she scrubbed her hair and body clean, ridding herself of the mud and allowing her vibrant red hair to shine in the evening sun. “I’m clean,” she said as her father helped her out of the tub and handed her a clean robe to cover herself with as she headed inside to dress.

“Now, it’s my turn,” Ødger said as he grabbed the soap and ducked down into the tub, shuddering as he first dipped his body down and then soaped off the mud, the water in the tub becoming filled with the dirt as Ødger cleaned himself and his robes before stepping out of the tub and dumping out the water.


“Good, you’re clean,” Edda said as she handed him a towel. “Make sure to mop up your footsteps and put your clothes in the basket by the door, I’ll make sure they’re cleaned tomorrow.”

“Thank you, love,” Ødger said as he leaned in and kissed his wife. “What’s for dinner?”

“I’ve got Venison strips and some potatoes waiting to be put into a stew,” Edda replied. “Now go get dressed, dinner will be ready in an hour or so, and I think your weapons need to be taken care of.”

“Aye,” Ødger replied. “I’ll sit down with Sigurd and make sure that everything is taken care of.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 4


“Come on lad,” Charles said. “Pump those bellows more, we’ve got to get these arrowheads poured into their molds and cooled before we can steel them.”


“I’m working on it,” Graham replied as the flames rose in the forge, the heat feeling unbearable initially but eventually settling into something familiar. “Should be at the right heat in a moment.”


“Keep at it for a bit longer,” Charles said as the iron began to melt. “This should be the last batch we need for the winter and for that contract we’ve got with the duke.”


“Aye,” Graham said as he watched the metal begin to pool as he pumped the bellows for a little bit longer, watching as the heat in the forge rose until the iron was at the right temperature to be poured into the molds for the arrowheads they were making.


“Careful,” Charles said as the two of them grabbed ahold of the crucible and shifted it over to the molds, pouting the molten material into the clay molds that were prepared by the two of them earlier in the day. “We’ll have to let this settle and cool before we can steel them.”


“I’ll go ahead and start splitting the wood for the arrows while the molds cool,” Graham said as he took his gloves off but left his apron on. “I got a pretty good haul of proper wood for the arrow shafts.”


“Aye,” Charles said as he triple-checked the molds to ensure everything was setting properly. “We got a pretty good haul.”


“It’ll take us a couple of days to finish up this batch and then I’ll head on up to the capital with the shipment,” Graham replied as he continued working. “I’ll have to take tomorrow to do more practice with my family sword and shield before I depart.”


“Aye,” Charles said. “You’ll likely need an escort if the rumors I’ve been hearing are true.”


“I’ve not the funds for that,” Graham stated. “I’m lucky that we still have Rose.”


“That old mare is still kicking around?” Charles asked. “I thought she’d be done in by now.”


“Nay,” Graham shook his head. “She’s still capable, a mite bit slower than she used to be, but she’s always asking me when I’m going to take her out for a ride again.”


“Well, you may want to replace her sooner rather than later,” Charles said as he moved to shape the arrow shafts he was working on. “I’m likely to send you to make more trips to Ramsford if the Duke continues to make commissions like this.”


“I’m not likely to afford that at this point,” Graham responded as he continued working on the fletching. “I’ve been putting aside the funds for Sigrid’s and my home.”


“I’ll fund a replacement horse if Rose isn’t capable of making the trips in the long term,” Charles said. “I’ll consider it a long-term investment.”


“We’ll see how she handles the trip,” Graham replied. “Ross is still hardy enough after all.”


—

—


“I’m heading to the training fields,” Graham told Charles as they broke their fast for lunch. “I’ve got to get my skills back up before I leave next week.”


“Aye,” Charles said as he finished his bite of a small loaf of bread. “I’ll finish this order while you prepare for the trip.”


“I’ll be back on the morrow,” Graham said as he gathered up his outer robes and wrapped them around himself before opening the door to the workshop.”


“See you in the morning,” Charles dismissed his apprentice. “We’ve still got quite a bit to be done, eh?”


“Whatever you say,” Graham rolled his eyes as he walked out the door and began the trek to his home.



“Mother, Brenda, I’m home!” Graham called out as he opened the door to their house.


“You’re back early,” Cathrène said as she glanced up from the trousers she was patching.


“Aye,” Graham agreed. “I’ve off to the training fields.”


“Good,” Cathrène replied. “You’ll need all of the training you can get if the rumors I’ve heard recently are true.”


“I figured I would ask Ødger who he recommends I travel with,” Graham said as he grabbed the leather gambison that barely fit his lean frame and began to strap it and the sword belt on. “He’s more familiar with the trip than I am, after all.”


“ ‘Tis a good idea,” Cathrène looked at her stitching to ensure it was straight. “He’s likely to know who can be trusted on the roads. Especially with all of the stories coming from the North.”


“I’ll be home around dinnertime,” Graham leaned down to kiss his mother on the forehead before grabbing his father’s heater shield and swinging it up and onto his back, using the guige. “Save me some supper if I’m late.”



–

–


“Graham,” Ødger greeted his future son-in-law with a nod as he entered the training field. “I take it you’re here for some training before you leave for Ramsford.”


“Aye,” Graham replied as he stood his ground. “I know I’ve not kept up with it as often as I should have, but I hope to still be able to defend myself.”


“I’ll go over your basics once again,” the older man replied. “Better to have a firm foundation than a fancy move any day of the week.”


“Then let’s get to it,” Graham said as he shifted his shield to his left hand and drew the hand-and-a-half sword that his father had passed down to him.


–

–


Sigrid walked quietly through the forest, trailing the hare that she had spied in the distance, hoping that it would lead her back to its den so that she could bring more meat home to her family.


Stepping cautiously, making sure that any noise she made was minimized, she continued to walk after the hare that darted to and fro in the trees and bushes, disappearing in and out of her view as it tried to find food.


Hearing a slight yipping sound, Sigrid steadied her bow and drew an arrow that she nocked, but did not draw. Then, spying a slight shade of red, she turned, drew, and released, catching the fox behind the heart and causing it to drop the now-dead hare as it fell.


“Well, at least we can sell the pelt,” Sigrid sighed to herself as she picked up the hare and the fox and used a small string to tie their hind legs together. “But I was hoping for better game today.”


Tucking the two dead animals into a small pouch that she carried, she began to head home before stopping as she heard a sound she hadn’t heard in a couple of weeks. Stilling her breath, she knelt down and concealed herself in the bushes, watching in awe as a young buck moved into view, the six-point buck stopped and began scratching its antlers against the side of a tree as it makes the does in the area aware of its presence and scent


Nocking and drawing another arrow, Sigrid loosed her arrow once she thought she had a good shot, watching as the arrow flew into the shoulder of the deer, the buck darted off, taking off at a dead run.


“The chase is on!” Sigurd grinned to herself as she began to follow the blood trail, the deer running away from the source of its pain.


Sigurd began jogging, moving just fast enough to see where she was going and to continue to follow the trail that the panicked deer was leaving behind.


Darting forward with small darts of speed, Sigurd finally found where the young buck had collapsed. The buck saw her, and struggled to stand up again but fell instead.


“Shhh,” Sigurd got close and cradled the head of the deer into her lap, being careful to navigate the antlers so as not to be injured. “It’s okay now,” she spoke calmly to the beast, easing its panic and allowing it to breathe its last breath in peace.


Once the deer had finished its last breath, Sigurd grabbed it and slung it across her shoulders, grunting from the weight, but standing firm and turning to the sky to see figure out how she was to get back to the village.


“Let’s see here,” Sigurd stuck her tongue out as she figured out where north was. “I’ve got a ways to go,” she muttered as she began walking through the forest back toward her home. “I should be home before dark.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 5



“I should have stopped earlier,” Sigurd sighed as she began to set up a small camp for the night, knowing that she wasn’t going to make it back to the village before it became too dark to continue. Gathering some kindling, she cleared the underbrush and began stacking her fuel on top of the kindling before pulling out a small piece of flint along with her knife.


Kneeling, she began to strike the flat piece of flint with her knife, sending sparks flying out and into the kindling where small bits of it began to light. Continuing to strike her flint, she caught up more of her kindling up in flames before using the rest of her knife to push the kindling under her dry bits of fuel.


Standing up and brushing her knees off, Sigrid grabbed the hare from her small game bag and hung it up next to where the buck was strung up. Grabbing a knife with a small hook worked into the tip of it, Sigrid began the grisly work of skinning the hare and harvesting the pelt as well as she could.


“The fox can wait,” Sigrid muttered as she continued cutting the fur off of the hare. “Mother may want something special made out of that one.”


“Hail by the fire,” a voice said from over to her left, causing Sigrid to draw the longer hunting knife she carried at the small of her back.


“Who goes there?” Sigrid called back, bracing herself for a fight.


“Just an old man seeking a bit of comfort before I am on my way,” a voice responded as an old balding man stepped out into the light of the flames.


“I ask your word that you will remain on the opposite side of the fire,” Sigrid stated firmly, keeping her eyes fixed on the old man as he hobbled over to the fire and seemed to relax into its warmth.


“Aye,” the older man grunted as he eased himself down into a sitting position with the aid of a small walking stick. “You can trust that I won’t be moving much at all.”


Sigrid shifted her body so she could watch the man as well as continue to skin the hare.


“I’ve not much to offer in exchange for the warmth of the fire,” the old man said as he tossed a much larger piece of fuel into the fire to keep feeding it. “But I’ve a couple of words of wisdom for one who would listen.”


Sigrid stepped a bit closer, just enough for her face to be illuminated as she finished skinning the hare and stabbing it on a spit to roast over the fire.


“I’m listening,” Sigrid said as the old man helped her set things up to cook the hare, the smell of cooking meat slowly filling the air as they sat there.


“Ahh, you look familiar,” the old man said as he considered the young woman in front of him. “There was a young man who passed this way many years ago who looked akin to you. Now if only I could remember his name”


Sigrid said nothing, content to simply turn the spit over periodically as she listened to the old man’s ramblings.


“Ahh, Ødger, yes that was it, I remember it now,” the old man said with a start as he shifted and his eyes seemed to change a bit. “I’ve some words for you Sigrid Ødgersdotter,” he rocked back onto his feet, his walking stick in hand. “When you find yourself at the crossroads, remember that your responsibilities lie at home. For there, your happiness and peace will be.”


The old man then seemed to vanish into the night, leaving Sigrid with a cooked hare and many questions that needed to be answered.


Sigrid, once the hare was cooked, wrapped it in a small piece of hide that she brought with her, and set it to the side so that she could climb up into a tree to sleep for the night.


Using the rope that she had hung the deer with, she pulled the buck up higher and out of reach of many predators before tying it down and climbing up the tree herself. Seating herself in the corner of a bough, she used a small belt to strap herself into place and began to nibble at the cooked hare as the fire began to die down.








“Come on lad!” Ødger shouted as Graham neatly stood his ground against the old soldier. “Your stance is good, but you’ve got to move a bit more.”


“Aye,” Graham gasped out as he blocked another swing with his shield before dodging backward to avoid a kick.


“Now, it’s getting late,” Ødger said as he knocked the young man down to the ground once again. “I figure we should both be getting home.”


“Aye,” Graham stumbled to his feet. “I’ll be back on the morrow for more training.”


“Good,” Ødger clasped forearms with his future son-in-law. “You have a good head on your shoulders, and you don’t seem to have forgotten as much as you feared.”


“I’ve got to be better though,” Graham said as he began gathering up his supplies while taking a drink from his waterskin. “Especially if the rumors I’ve heard from Charles are true.”


“Aye,” Ødger responded as he took a swig from his own waterskin. “I’ve heard much the same. I’ve got a few friends who may be willing to assist in your delivery to Ramsford should it come to it.”


“That’s all I ask for,” Graham replied as he stopped at a small fork in the village road. “Thank you for this, Ødger.”


“Think nothing of it,” the older man replied. “It's good to keep up the practice when Sigrid is gone.”


“Hunting again?” Graham asked with a smile. “What do you reckon she’ll bring back this time?”


“A brace of geese,” Ødger laughed in response. “On her last hunt, she brought home some sort of fowl and they lasted us a good while. I figure she’ll seek the same.”


“See you in the morning?” Graham asked.


“Aye,” Ødger replied. “I’ll be there soon after dawn.”


“I shall see you then,” Graham gave a brief wave and started off toward his home, his stomach rumbling with a hunger for whatever it would be that his mother was making for dinner.


“Graham!” Brenda rushed and gave her big brother a hug as he entered the house. “I haven’t seen you all day.”


“I’ve been busy,” Graham ruffled his little sisters’ hair. “I’m preparing for a trip to Ramsford, after all, and I wouldn’t want to be ambushed by some bandits or anything.”


“Oh good, you’re home,” Cathrène said as she walked into the room. “You can help set the table for supper while Brenda gets you some fresh clothes to change into.”


“Yes mother,” Graham said as he took off his outer tunic and placed it into a small basket of clothes that were to be washed later. “I’ll get everything sorted out now.”


The young man grabbed the plates that were set out and placed them on the table by the hearth for the trio to eat.


“I’ve got us some fresh bread to go with the meat that Edda sent home with us,” Cathrène said as she spooned a small bit of stew out into a bowl for each of them. “And this is the last of the stew that we had for breakfast.”


“The meal is good,” Graham said as he began to eat, dipping his bread into his stew to soften it before taking a bite out of it. “I’ll have to save some of this bread for tomorrow, I’ve a training session with Ødger shortly after dawn”


“Just make sure that the chores are done first,” Cathrène responded as she ate her own portion. “I know that you’ll be gone for several weeks, but I’ll need your help to set things up for when you’re gone.”


“I’ll leave you with as little to take care of as possible,” Graham promised. “I’ll leave some of my savings here in case of trouble as well.”


“You’ve no need to do that,” Cathrène said with a frown. “That money is supposed to go towards your future with Sigrid.”


“I won’t have a future with Sigrid if you and Brenda are gone,” Graham said as he began eating some of the venison that had been set aside. “You two are just as important right now, and I’m to keep the two of you whole until Brenda finds a husband,” Graham shrugged. “Besides, if things go well in Ramsford then Charles has said he’ll be willing to finance a new horse, which means we can loan Rose out if necessary.”


“Fine,” Cathrène continued to frown. “I’ll try to keep your savings intact.”


“You’ll do no such thing if there is trouble,” Graham stood up and pulled his mother in for a hug, the small and stubborn woman seemingly falling apart as he did so, tears appearing in her eyes.


“You’re all grown up now,” Cathrène sobbed. “I wish John were here to see it.”


“I know,” Graham said into his mother’s hair as Brenda joined the family hug. “I wish father were here to help as well.”


“I’ll ask Edda and her family for help if I need it,” Cathrène said as she collected herself once again. “They’re good friends after all.”


“Aye,” Graham smiled. “And hopefully family soon enough.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 6


“Mother, Father, I’m home!” Sigrid said as she approached her house in the early morning. “I’ve had a successful hunt and need assistance in getting it prepared.”


“That looks like a decent-sized buck,” Ødger stated as he moved to remove the deer from her shoulders. “I’ll take care of skinning it should you want to wash up.”


“Nay,” Sigrid shook her head. “I killed it so I shall take care of my other duties as a huntress.”


“Alright then,” Ødger said with a smile at his oldest daughter. “Did you manage to get anything else?”


“I killed a hare that I cooked and ate part of,” Sigrid admitted before reaching into her hunting satchel and pulling out the red fox that she had slain. “I’ve also got this, I figured I could take it to the market and see what kind of price we can fetch for the pelt.”


“It’s beautiful,” Edda said as she moved outside to help take care of the animals that her daughter had brought back from her hunt. “I don’t think we should sell it at all, in fact, I’ve just the idea for it.”


“Oh?” Ødger asked with a raised eyebrow.


“Yes, I shall use it to make something for Sigrid’s wedding,” Edda smiled at her daughter. “But first, let’s get all of this harvested, I would hate for the meat to go to waste.”


“So, I take it you had to track down the buck after you took the shot,” Ødger began to discuss hunting techniques with his daughter.


“Aye,” Sigrid said with a small smile on her face. “It delayed my journey home by enough that I camped out the night as you taught me,” her face changed as she considered what else had happened that night.


“What’s the problem?” Ødger asked. “Did something go wrong on your hunt?”


“Nay,” Sigrid replied. “Something odd did happen though,” she began to explain the old man who appeared around her fire.”


“Ahh, Old man Ranger,” Ødger laughed. “He makes appearances every so often and gives words of advice to those who are polite and use manners.”


“Well, he did say some cryptic things,” Sigrid replied. “I’m not even sure what they mean.”


“I didn’t until afterward,” Ødger laughed. “It happens to everyone who Old Man Ranger has visited. Now let’s get this done, I’ve got more training to do with that man of yours.”


“You started without me?” Sigrid asked. “I wanted to train with Graham as well!”


“Well, you took too long hunting, and he leaves in two days, so I had to get in what training I can,” her father replied. “Besides, he still remembers the basics well, he just needed to be reminded of some of them. He’s also going to be hiring Takeshi as an additional guard because of some of the rumors he’s heard.”


“Takeshi is still working?” Edda asked. “I thought he retired to leave the business to his son.”


“Jasmine has taken ill,” Ødger said with a sad expression. “And they can scarcely afford the medicines that she needs, so he’s taken to working again while his son continues to work the family business in guarding merchant caravans.”







“Good, very good,” Ødger said as he barely avoided a thrust from Graham’s sword. “You’ll be ready come time to leave.”


“I’m worried that the King or the Duke may request my sword arm,” Graham said as they clashed once again. “With the North threatening to push again it may happen this year or the next.”


“Aye,” Ødger replied as he deflected the shield away from his face. “Should they push again I fear we may not be ready. The harvest was weak this year, and we lost many good men the last time we held them off.”


“The harvest being poor may be because of the loss of men,” Graham replied as they took a break. “It’ll require more men than we have to properly get our harvest back to reasonable levels.”


“We shall see,’ Ødger replied. “The Duke may be able to hire more hands to help us or send some of the extra hands from Ramsford to assist. I’ll have to see if Takeshi can petition him while you are present in the city.”


“I’ll see if Charles has anything to add to our shipment,” Graham responded. “He may have some contacts in Ramsford that will be able to argue our case.”


“Either way, we’ve got a few days work ahead of us to get you back into fighting shape,” Ødger said with a smirk as he readied his weapons again. “Now, have at you!”








“I’ll write a letter to my cousin in Ramsford, he’s well connected with the merchants there and may be able to lean on them for some information at the very least,” Charles said as Graham and he sat down to finish the last of the batch of arrows that the Duke requested.


“All finished,” Graham said as he fletched the last arrow before placing it in the barrel with the rest, packing it with loose straw to prevent the arrows from breaking, and sealing the lid with a small amount of wax. “I guess I leave tomorrow then.”


“I’ll go ahead and write that letter,” Charles said as he stood up and walked over to a small desk where he kept his writing instruments. “Best to keep it in a proper pouch though, lest it gets ruined by the weather on your trip.”


“Aye,” Graham nodded. “I’ve got one that should work, mother and Brenda have made some changes to my clothes for the trip.”


“Also, take this,” Charles tossed a coin pouch to his apprentice. “Takeshi will need more funds if he aims to take care of Jasmine.”


“I’ll make sure that it’s included in what I’m paying him,” Graham replied with a smile. “Have the wagon ready to go in the morning, I’ll make sure that Rose is ready to move out along with Takeshi and Sigrid.”


“You’re a good lad,” Charles embraced the younger man. “Take care and stay safe, the roads seem to be filled with rumors of ambushes and other foul things and deeds.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 7


“Wagon looks to be in decent shape, and the barrels are sealed right and proper,” Charles said as we backed Rose up to the small wagon to be hitched up. “You’ll likely have to walk beside it instead of ride, given Rose’s age and all, but aside from that I expect you to make good time.”


“Aye,” Takeshi said as he examined the old mare. His padded armor and long curved single-edged sword marking him out as different from the spear-wielding Valkyrie and the sword and shield that Graham was using. “Should take us about two months if all works well.”


“We have the provisions,” Graham said as he hefted a pack with rations onto the wagon. “And Sigrid has her bow as well if we find some game worth having on our journey.”


“You’ve all said your goodbyes?” Takeshi asked, the older man’s slightly slanted eyes showing concern for the two young adults.


“Yes,” Graham nodded. “I’m ready to set off if the rest of us are.”


“Aye,” Sigrid agreed. “And my father said to remind you that this counts as training for us as well.”


“I’ll ensure that I disperse some of my knowledge then,” Takeshi smiled as they began to lead Rose out of the village. “If you’re willing to listen to the advice of an old campaigner that is.”


“I believe we are both willing to learn,” Graham exchanged glances with Sigrid. “My father had nothing but good things to say about you before he passed.”


“Then let’s be off, there are many leagues to move and much to teach and learn,” Takeshi said as they began following the dirt path that led to the city of Ramsford. “Much of it must be shown as well, words mean nothing if you are not putting the lessons into practice.”








“First lesson,” Takeshi said once they made camp for the night. “Latrines, they’re more important than you might think, they must be dug far enough away from the camp that no plague descends on the men, but they must also be close enough that your men are not at risk of being picked off by enemy spies and raiders.”


“Also,” Takeshi dug the latrine with the two youngsters. “Remember that the larger the army the harder it is to get things in order. Some armies are disciplined enough to always do their duties when they make camp, but others are not so, and the groups will have clashes occasionally.”


“But aren’t we part of the same nation?” Sigrid asked. “Why would our allies clash with each other?”


“Because we’re still human,” Takeshi moved to show them how to properly set up a tent and a fire. “The disciplined will nearly always clash with the undisciplined, and it normally takes a plague or a sickness striking the army for the undisciplined to learn their lessons.”


“So why set up a shelter like this?” Graham asked as he gestured towards where they had cut several large boughs and rigged up their canvas over it for protection. “Doesn’t leaving part of it open like that leave us at risk?”


“If we weren’t going to be rotating watches then yes,” Takeshi said as he began to bring a small pot to a boil with some hardtack and dried salted meat strips that they had brought as provisions. “It would be dangerous, but given how little protection we have in this area we will be rotating our night watch every three or so hours or so once the fire has died.”








“Wake up,” Takeshi shook Graham and Sigrid awake while making sure they remained quiet. “Grab your weapons, we’ve got some sort of movement outside. I’m not sure if it’s bandits or not but get ready anyway.”


Graham, having slept in part of his gambeson, grabbed his sword belt and strapped it into place while also grabbing his heater shield.


Sigrid, merely strapped on her knives, grabbed her spear and shield, and walked out following Takeshi.


“Who goes there?” Takeshi called out to the figures that were partially visible in the dull moonlight as it pierced through the canopy of the forest.


The figure continued moving and the trio braced only to stop as they realized that it was a horse whose rider was being dragged along behind it.


“Grab the horse,” Takeshi ordered Sigrid with a harsh whisper. “I’ll check on the rider while you go see if you can figure out what the other figures are.”


Graham nodded, moving closer and identifying some of the figures as riderless horses and others as dead soldiers strung from the boughs overhead.


Slowly walking backward, Graham glanced at Takeshi to see the old soldier shake his head.


“There’s a bunch of dead bodies up ahead,” Graham reported. “I can’t tell if they’re part of the Duke’s soldiers or not.”


“I’ve got him calmed down,” Sigrid said as the horse snorted behind the two men. “What do we do next?”


“Daybreak’s about two to three hours away,” Takeshi said after he cut the dead soldier free from the horse and glanced to what sky they could see. “We’ll hold out until then and go check it out once we’re able to see everything properly.”


Sigrid took the now calmed horse over to where Rose was waiting quietly, the two horses having enough lack in their leads for them to graze a bit.


“Graham, come take a look at this soldier and tell me if you recognize the insignia he bears,” Takeshi said. “I’ve not seen one like it in my years as a soldier or a mercenary.”


“This one isn’t one of the Duke’s soldiers,” Graham said as he knelt down and looked at the small piece of livery that the dead soldier had decorated his neck. “The Duke’s colors are normally yellow and gray. I’ve not seen something this shade of blue before”


“Well, he’s got a decent sword,” Takeshi said as he knelt down and unbuckled the sword from the soldier’s waist before passing it over to Sigrid. “Here, this’ll serve you better than your knives.”


“Why are we taking his arms?” Graham asked. “Isn’t this disrespectful?”


“A touch,” Takeshi replied as he continued to remove the items of value and use from the dead soldier. “But he’s not among the living and has no use for them now. Whereas we are still alive and might have great need of them soon if there are more of what he faced out and about.”


“He had more provisions in his saddlebags,” Sigrid reported as she began to go through the canvas bags that were seated behind the saddle. “There’s some rope here and some extra knives.”


“Keep it all in there,” Takeshi ordered. “We may have need of that rope soon.”


–

–


After a couple of hours of waiting, the sun finally rose, revealing what the ominous shadows in the distance really were.


“Pack up our gear,” Takeshi said. “I’ll go see what lies ahead.”


The older man moved and inspected the half dozen men that had been hung from the boughs of the canopy, their weapons either still on the ground or on their corpses.


Checking the surroundings, Takeshi looked for signs that would indicate how long it had been since the skirmish had occurred.


“It’s been a few days,” Takeshi concluded as he looked at the bodies, the rust on the weapons, and the horses that were still grazing along the path. “Now, for the hard part,” he muttered as he began to climb the trees to cut the bodies down. “Burying the dead.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 8


“Why are we just stripping them of their gear and putting them all into one grave?” Sigrid asked as she dragged another of the half dozen bodies over to the hole that Graham and Takeshi were digging.


“Because whoever did this to them saw no need to strip them of their weapons and armor,” Takeshi said as he flung a shovel full of dirt over his shoulder. “That means they were either so arrogant as to think they would not need it or they are coming back for it later. Either one means that we don’t really have enough time.”


“Is that why you had me gather up all of the horses?” Graham asked as he helped Sigrid toss a body into the grave they had dug.


“Aye, we’re going to be riding out of here once we’ve taken care of the dead,” Takeshi said as he began to toss dirt over the grave. “We’ve enough here to sell and make a small fortune or keep and make the village more able to fend off any future raids. Either way, we’ve got decisions to make on how the loot is divvied up,” Takeshi sighed. “But for now, let’s finish this grave. There’s enough sadness in the world without us getting into that right now.”


Takeshi began to lay the bodies in a row while Graham started to scoop dirt back over them. This was heavy, hot work, but it was necessary for them to do in order to prevent the carrion and other scavengers from tearing at the dead.


“Alright, they’ve been laid to rest,” Graham said as he packed the dirt down around the grave. “Are we to leave some sort of marker behind for the dead?”


“We’ll leave something with their colors behind as a marker,” Takeshi said as he took a spear and stabbed it into the ground with a strip of cloth on it that had the soldier's colors on it. “Now, make sure that the horses that we’re not riding are tied to the wagon, I’d hate for us to be slowed down now that we know there are potential enemies about.”


Grabbing one of the mares, Takeshi pulled himself up and into the saddle while Sigrid and Graham did the same thing with their own two horses.








“Why are we taking such a roundabout way to Ramsford?” Graham asked as they made camp well off the main road. “I understand why we don’t have a fire, but the wagon won’t hold up to this kind of terrain for long.”


“We’ll swing back over to the main road once I believe that we’re out of the way of a potential ambush,” Takeshi said as he tore a strip off of the dried beef that he was eating. “But for now we’ll wait here.”


“Should we keep some of the weapons that we want to have later?” Sigrid asked as she sharpened a very high-quality iron sword that she had pulled off of what appeared to have been the leader of the group of dead soldiers. “I think this sword and bow are of too high quality for me to just allow them to be sold like that.”


“That is up to you,” Takeshi said with a shrug. “If you feel that it does not defile the weapon or yourself to do so then you may as you wish with your share of the weapons and armor.”


“I’m keeping some of the knives we found on them,” Graham said as he slid one of the knives into his boot. “Steel is expensive, and I could use these for decades if we keep them maintained properly.”


“The armor is probably the most important thing to keep,” Takeshi said as he fingered some of the mail. “Good mail is expensive, and you can probably find a good smith to resize this for you until you’re fully grown.”


“We’ll look through everything and keep the armor that seems to be in the best shape,” Sigrid said as she exchanged glances with Graham. “I’ll take second watch,” she said after she finished her cold rations and laid her pack down to use as a place to rest her head. “Wake me up when it’s my turn for watch.”


–

–


“Keep quiet” Graham shook Takeshi and Sigrid awake. “There’s a large group with torches on the main path.”


Sigrid nodded as she got up and began putting on her armor.


Takeshi, having slept in his armor, sat up and grabbed his sword belt, buckling it on as he stood up and took a sip out of a water skin.


“Keep quiet,” Takeshi instructed as he peered through the trees. “Get the tent picked up, and our gear stowed. We need to ride out ahead while they’re searching for the soldier’s bodies.”


No sooner had he finished saying this than an armored figure burst through the underbrush surrounding their small campsite, sword in hand.


Pulling out a small dagger that he had sheathed in the small of his back, Takeshi darted forward, sinking the dagger into the soldier’s throat with one hand while he covered his mouth with the other. “Hurry!” He whispered harshly at the two young adults.


Glancing down at the man bleeding out beneath him, Takeshi knelt to get a closer look at the clothing in the moonlight. “Northern savages,” he spat as he pulled a necklace off of the dead man.


“We need to ride,” Takeshi said as he hurriedly rolled up the canvas they were using as shelter and tossed it onto the wagon pulled by Rose. “The North is moving already, and the dead soldiers were supposed to be a way to anger our forces. The Duke will need those arrows more than ever before.”


“And I’m to submit in cases of war anyway,” Graham said as he gestured towards the sword sheathed at his side. “I’m sorry Rose, but it seems we’ll have to ask for one final ride from you.”


The old mare just snorted and stomped her front hoof, ready for one last adventure.


“We’ve got everything,” Sigrid said as she swung up onto the stallion that she had picked. “If we’re going to leave we need to do it now.”


“I’ll manage Rose,” Graham said as he climbed onto the wagon after making sure that everything was secured properly.


“Then we ride,” Takeshi said as his horse began moving at a canter, the horses tied in a row following their leads that were attached to him. “Sigrid, take up the rear, we need to ensure that these arrows make it to Ramsford, a siege may be coming and arrows will be needed.”


“I found Ragnar!” a voice yelled in the darkness. “It seems we’ve got some rats around here trying to escape! Hunt them down, none shall impede our progress!”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 9


“They’re still there,” Sigrid said as the trio swung back up onto horses and wagon respectively. “They’ve been chasing us for days, shouldn’t we have lost them by now?”


“Nay,” Takeshi shook his head as he ran a whetstone over his sword. “We’re going to be leaving tracks that are easily followed, we’ve a wagon and horses after all, and that’s not a small thing to hide,” Takeshi sighed. “It’s also obvious where we’re heading, and there are not many ways to cut us off from Ramsford that we don’t already know of, so they hope to exhaust us in the hopes that we make a mistake.”


“We can take turns riding on the wagon,” Graham said with a yawn. “It’s a decent way to sleep while we move without having many issues.”


“Aye,” Takeshi said as he eyed the wagon wishfully for a moment. “I’ll go last. Sigrid, you’ll get on the wagon now, we’ll wake you up when it’s time to trade out.”


Sigrid just yawned in response and climbed up onto the wagon, curling up on the canvas shelter and nodding off immediately.


“I’ll take up the rear,” Graham offered as he climbed up onto the horse that Sigrid had been riding previously. “We should probably get going though.”


Takeshi simply nodded, and grabbing the waterskin at his hip, took a sip, and swallowed it down before beginning a steady pace down the path towards Ramsford with Graham and Sigrid following close behind.


–

–


“Did we lose them?” Graham asked as they came into view of Ramsford’s city walls.


“Likely not,” Takeshi shook his head. “A group that big can’t stick to outer pathways and is limited to footpaths already tread for the most part. We’ve also got to account for the fact that they’ve gone undiscovered until now, so must want to still be able to ambush what soldiers they can.”


“Why push this far into our land though?” Sigrid asked. “It can’t be worth it for them to keep attacking us like this.”


“We’ve wondered that before,” Takeshi replied with a shrug. “They want to conquer the world, likely due to how cold their own land is. So they end up pushing into our territory to raid and hopefully take over better farmland. Remember, they might seem savages and barbarians, but they are still men and women, with all the same things that drive us forward inherent in them.”


“You haven’t slept yet,” Graham noted as he looked at the older man. “Rest, I’ll wake you when we reach the gates.”


“Fine,” Takeshi replied as the whole group slowed to a stop so Sigrid and Takeshi could change positions. “But wake me if there are any problems.”


–

–


“Takeshi, we’re at the gates,” Graham said as he shook the older man awake. “They won’t let us through unless you speak to them.”


Takeshi simply groaned as he shook the weariness from his bones and stood up from the wagon. “Last I checked, you didn’t need to bribe the city guard to let you into a city when you’ve been summoned to fulfill an order of the Duke’s.”


“And where is said proof of this order?” The guard asked with a smug look on his face. “Because what I think I see is a bunch of thieves. Who stole arms and armor from some poor soldiers they killed.”


“Maybe this will help,” Graham offered as he pulled the commission letter from a small waterproof pouch. “It’s the initial order of arrows that the Duke ordered from myself and my master.”


“Oh, and now you’re a Fletcher, are you?” The Guard mocked Graham. “You seem a bit too well-armed to be a Fletcher.”


“Wait,” Takeshi restrained Graham from moving forward and decking the guardsman in the face. “These sorts of people won’t be persuaded by force or by sense, sometimes you have to take a better approach.”


“How much is it to enter the city?” Takeshi asked the guard.


“Well, it was going to be a measly twenty coppers,” the Guard said as he crossed his arms. “But now it’s up to a whole two silvers.”


“Fine, here’s three for your trouble,” Takeshi dug into his coin purse and pulled out three silvers. “Does that get us entry?”


“Aye,” The guard smirked, the greed showing in both his eyes and voice. “That it does,” he motioned for the group of horses and wagon to pass, along with the trio of humans that were guiding them.


“Sorry,” Takeshi murmured as he stumbled into the guardsman as he stepped off the wagon. “I’m getting a bit on in age and I’m not as steady as I used to be.”


“Just move on, old man,” the Guard shoved him a bit. “We’ve more people to see to.”


“Why’d we just give him the money?” Sigrid asked in a higher-pitched voice as soon as they were out of earshot.


“You can’t argue with all of the idiots in the world,” Takeshi said with a shrug. “Sometimes it’s best to just give them what they want,” He smirked. “Besides, I think I came out the better paid of us two,” Takeshi began to toss a coin pouch up and down that he hadn’t had before. “A Guardsman should know better than to try those sorts of tricks.”


“You stole his coin purse.” Graham gaped for a minute before recognizing they were in public and shutting his mouth. “We should get lodging, yes?”


“I know a place that’ll have stables for the horses and good meals for the night,” Takeshi nodded. “We’ll bunk down there and then Graham can deliver the arrows to the Duke’s Armorers while Sigrid and I sell the arms and armor from the soldiers after we get an idea of where they were from.”


–

–


“A weeks stay?” A woman asked as she stood across the bar from Takeshi. “You’re actually going to be in town that long?”


“Yes, we’ll be in Ramsford for at least that long,” Takeshi responded. “I’ll give you the money now if you’ll accept it, Analise.”


“I know you’re good for it,” the woman waved him off. “You’ve been a friend for years now, why would I make you pay full price when I know that you’re still trying to take care of Jasmine?”


“Because you know I’ll still somehow pay you,” Takeshi smiled. “Besides, the old crew still needs to get the news about each other somehow.”


“Well, it’s good to see you again, once your youngsters are settled in I’ll pour some ale and we’ll talk about how Ødger and the rest of the group are doing.”


“Wishing you had settled down in the village with the rest of us?” Takeshi raised an eyebrow.


“Oh heavens no!” Analise laughed. “I like my comfort a bit too much for that, but I do miss being able to spend time with the old crew.”


“Graham, Sigrid, meet Analise,” Takeshi said as the two of them walked into the inn. “She’s an old friend and will be handling our stay while we’re in Ramsford.”


“The horses have been taken care of,” Sigrid said as she sat down. “If I can have a meal and a room I’ll go on to bed.”


“We’ll get you a bath too,” Analise’s nose crinkled at how Sigrid and Graham smelled. “I’ll not have you stinking up my rooms like that.”


“Just let us get some food first, please,” Graham replied. “We’re in need of some rest that’s not in the saddle or on a wagon.”


“Hard ride?” Analise asked Takeshi.


“No, the Northerners are at it again, this time they took out a group of soldiers and were waiting along the roads,” Takeshi responded. “It seemed a sizable group so we may end up staying later than expected if a siege takes place.”


“Well then, I guess I’ll be getting things prepared then,” Analise sighed. “I’ll send my boys out for provisions in the morn while you’re all running your errands.”


“Aye, preparing for a siege is best done in advance,” Takeshi agreed. “I hope that I’m wrong, but I feel that I’m right.”


“And if you are right,” Analise trailed off.


“Then war has started up again,” Takeshi agreed as he finished off his mug of ale. “And we’re once again having to fight off the North.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 10


“Is it normal to feel this sore?” Graham asked as he groaned upon sitting down at the bar.


“Aye,” Takeshi smiled. “If it’s the first great deal of riding you’ve done then you’ll be sore for a few days yet. It’ll pass given time though.”


“Well, I’ll need some help getting directions to the Duke’s armory,” Graham said as he dug into the stew that had been set aside for the morning meal. “I’ve got the commission letter, but I’m not familiar enough with Ramsford to know where I am going.”


“I’ll help you out,” Takeshi said as Sigrid merely stared blankly as she ate her meal. “Once Sigrid and I have gotten you to the Armory though we’ll head off to sell the arms and armor that we’re not keeping.”


“I can meet you back here once we are both finished,” Graham said as he finished off the stew, nodding his thanks over at Analise and her daughter. “Thank you for the meal.”


“You are most welcome,” Analise replied with a smile. “You strongly resemble your father, you know that?”


“Aye,” Graham nodded. “I’ve been told that a time or two.”


“We used to all ride together,” Analise said with a sad smile. “But we’re all retired now. Except for the old goat who’s riding with you.”


“Jasmine needed the medicine,” Takeshi said with a shrug. “And Theodore is still finishing up his apprenticeship.”


“You awake yet, Sigrid?” Graham asked as he waved his hand in front of his best friend and betrothed.


Sigrid just pushed his hand away and continued eating, her brain not alert enough to deal with his antics yet.


“You can leave her here if you need to,” Analise offered. “She’s not in any danger, after all.”


“No,” Takeshi shook his head. “I promised Ødger that I’d teach Sigrid about how to properly navigate Ramsford.”


“Do we need to do what we used to do to Ødger?” Analise asked. “I do have the bucket of water.”


“We’ll give her a short while before we resort to that,” Takeshi replied. “I’m not a cruel man, after all.”


“Just telling you that we can help with it,” Analise laughed. “You know how bad Ødger was after all.”


“Aye, waking him up was a chore that we often tried to give Bjørn, odds were he’d just be able to hug Ødger to death if he tried anything to retaliate.”


“You know that he’ll want to see you if he finds out that you’re in the city,” Analise said while Graham watched and listened with interest.


“I know,” Takeshi sighed. “Once my business is over I’ll make an appearance, he needs to know about the state of the guards he’s hiring anyway.”


“He’ll be happy to hear that,” Analise said. “Want me to send word? I’ve still got connections with people in the castle after all.”


“Nay,” Takeshi shook his head. “I’ll do it myself.”


“Stubborn old fox of a man,” Analise smiled as she shook her head. “Well, be off with you, I don’t want to see any of you back here until this evening.”


“We’re going to the market?” Sigrid asked as her brain finally seemed to turn on.


“Aye,” Takeshi replied. “But first we’re taking Graham here to the Armory to get the arrows delivered.”


“Alright then,” Sigrid said as she processed his words. “What weapons should I bring with me?”


“Just a dagger or two,” Takeshi said as he slid his small dagger into the sheath at the small of his back. “Most people don’t walk around visibly armed in the city, the only reason Graham can do it is that it’s obvious that his shield is a gift from a noble, same with his sword.”


“So we’ll take Rose and the wagon to the armory first,” Graham said as he led the horse out of the stables and hooked the wagon up. “Do we want to return here to gather up the horses?”


“We’re keeping the horses,” Takeshi shook his head. “Good horses that are also trained for war are not cheap, and they’ll be useful to our families and the village once we return.”


“Come on,” Takeshi instructed the two young adults as they walked through the streets. “We’ve a good ways to walk if we want to have time to sell our goods at the market.”


“I’m coming,” Sigrid said as she shoved the last of her piece of bread into her mouth and hurried to catch up to Graham and Takeshi.








“What do you want?” A squat man asked Graham as he knocked on the door to the office of the armorer.


“I’ve come with a delivery from Fletcher Charles,” Graham informed him. “I’m his apprentice and we’ve got the commissioning letter here,” Graham got the letter out of the waterproof bag before handing it over to the armorer.


“Let’s see here,” The man said as he pulled the letter out of Graham’s hand. “The seal seems to be right, and you’ve got the barrels. I just have to check the counts right quick.”


The Armorer then rang a bell that summoned a handful of young men to the front desk. “Go grab the barrels of arrows off of the wagon out back, and get me a rough count.”


“I’ve done business with your master before,” the Armorer said with a sigh. “And while normally I’d take your word on having the proper amount of arrows, most of our suppliers have been sending us fewer than ordered and still expecting us to pay them the same.”


“I’m content to wait,” Graham said. “I’m quite certain that we manufactured the right amount that was requested. But I will remain here until they are finished with their count.”


“You good here lad?” Takeshi asked. “Because the arrows have been offloaded and Sigrid and I have to head to market. I’ve got to get the right medicine for my wife and we’ve got to sell the arms and armor.”


“I’m good here,” Graham nodded. “I’ll meet you back at the inn should everything work out here.”


“Right then,” Takeshi replied. “We’ll meet you back there this evening. Take care to not offend anyone, they may take your sword as an invitation to try and duel you.”


“I’ll just wait here until the Armorer’s business is done,” Graham said. “And then I’ll be on my way.”


“Come on then,” the Armorer said as he opened the door to his office. “No use waiting out in the elements while the boys finish up their counts.”


“Aye,” Graham agreed as he walked inside. “I’m curious, what need does the Duke have for over a thousand arrows?”


“We’re prepping for a potential siege,” the Armorer replied. “We’ve had quite a few rumors coming out of the north and while most nobles don’t seem to be concerned, our Duke has faced the North before and has been stockpiling extra weapons and food for months now.”


“He is right to be concerned,” Graham said. “We did encounter a band on the way here.”


“Well, let us hope it was merely a raiding party and not an army intent on taking Ramsford,” the Armorer said. “The people here are soft and have no idea how to endure as our fathers did.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 11



“The city is a bit different, isn’t it?” Takeshi asked Sigrid as they made their way toward the open markets.


“Aye,” Sigrid said as she looked cautiously at the crowds walking to and fro around her. “There are too many people here. I’d rather be out in the wilderness hunting.”


“Some would say that this is the light of civilization,” Takeshi mused. “That cities such as this are the future.”


“That may be what people say,” Sigrid said as they continued walking down the road. “But I find that I prefer the peace and quiet to the noise of the city now that I have experienced it.”


“The city has its place,” Takeshi said as they stopped to allow a large group of merchants to pass. “But so to do the villages like the one that we come from. All have their place in life, and many people prefer the safety of the cities to the potential danger of a village such as ours.”


“Safety is not certain no matter where you dwell,” Sigrid said after a moment of thought, her reddish blond hair flowing in the small breeze that began to flow. “But nothing is ever certain in life, and so we must decide for ourselves what it is that we value more.”


“That is a valid view,” Takeshi responded as they continued moving forward. “And one that I believe myself. It is why many in my generation moved to the village. Because we value our time and freedom more than the safety and security of the walls that surrounded the city.”


“Why don’t my mother and father talk about the old days more often?” Sigrid asked as she moved her braid out of her face. “You would think that it would be more common, but father tends to just teach the lessons that he learned, and mother never even brings it up.”


“Because sometimes things are best left in the past,” Takeshi said as they began hearing the noise of the market. “Some of the things we did are things that we would not wish to be well known for,” Takeshi paused. “Even by our children.”


“I will not pursue my questions then,” Sigrid said as she took in the view of the open-air market that they had just walked into.


“Now, let’s find someone who knows a thing or two about this sigil, yeah?” Takeshi smiled as he pulled a small piece of cloth out of his pack with the sigil from the dead soldiers on it.


“Aye,” Sigrid smiled. “Let’s see what we can find out.”


-

–


“Well, everything seems to be in order,” The Armorer said as he moved to a locked box with a key in hand. “Thanks for making sure to fulfill the order as requested, we’ve had issues with our suppliers.”


“I’m a man of my word,” Graham replied as he averted his eyes from the lockbox. “As is my master.”


“Well, I’ll send you home with the full payment on top of a bit extra for fine craftsmanship,” the Armorer said as he counted out the agreed-upon amount of coin. “And if you’ll give me a moment I’ll send you back with another request for more.”


“I’ll have to check with Master Charles first,” Graham replied as he counted the coins and put them into a separate pouch in his waterproof bag. “I’m still an apprentice, and I would not want to violate his trust like that.”


“Aye,” the Armorer grunted. “I understand that, lad. I just wish that more people honored their bargains,” the portly man sighed. “I’ll send a letter with you for your master, it’ll be up to him if he decides to fulfill the order or not then.”


“That would be appreciated,” Graham said, scratching his cheek where a small amount of hair had started growing. “We’re not unreasonable people, but our village is weeks away on foot and these sorts of things take time.”


“Aye,” the Armorer grunted. “I don’t think I’ve introduced myself. Angus, son of Alan, at your service.”


“Graham, son of Alwin at yours,” the young man replied. “Now, I best be on my way. But I will ensure that your letter reaches Master Charles in good condition. You have my word on it.”


“Alright then,” Angus replied. “Be off with you, I’ve got some boys to learn some sense to.”


—

—


“Aye, I recognize that mail,” the blacksmith said as he wiped his hands off on a rag that was draped over his shoulder. “I forged it for a free company about six months ago. But if you’ve gotten ahold of it though, I guess they’ve met their end.”


“The mail is still in decent condition,” Takeshi said as he showed the armor to the blacksmith. “We just don’t have the need for it right now and we’re wondering if we can get some of it resized while we sell the rest.”


“I’ll buy it back off of you,” the Blacksmith offered. “The Duke’s been asking for more armor and arms in recent months and I could use it,” the Blacksmith crossed his arms. “I’ll give you five gold and twenty silver for the lot.”


Sigrid’s eyes shone at the amount of money before Takeshi gave her a small glare, causing the young woman to look away from the two men negotiating. “


“We’ll take eight gold, and ten silver for the lot,” Takeshi argued back.


“Six gold, fifteen silver,” the blacksmith countered.


“Seven gold, five silver, and you resize the armor for my wards,” Takeshi stated firmly.


“Bargained well, and done,” the Blacksmith laughed as he clasped hands with the old soldier. “I’ll fit your wards tomorrow for the armor and give you the gold now, aye?”

“It’s a fair bargain,” Takeshi agreed. “We’ll be back on the morrow.”


“Now, why did I continue negotiating?” Takeshi asked Sigrid as they left earshot of the blacksmith, the coin secure in Takeshi’s coin purse.


“I’m actually not sure,” Sigrid replied after some thought. “That’s still more gold than I’ve ever heard of in my life.”


“We had something he needed,” Takeshi instructed as they began walking towards a healer’s shop. “And so we had all of the power in the negotiations. There are plenty of blacksmiths in this city who would have gladly taken the armor. But he’s one of the ones that the Duke favors, and so if he desires to remain in that favor he needs to make sure to keep up with the demands of the Duke.”


“He was falling behind, and so was willing to spend more money to get what he needed,” Sigrid’s mind snapped to the conclusion. “So how will we get fitted for our armor?”


“He’ll likely have an apprentice or two take your measurements,” Takeshi said as he ducked into the shop. “And then refit the armor in the next day or so.”


“Takeshi!” The healer greeted the soldier as he saw the other man. “Here for Jasmine’s medicine?”


“Aye,” Takeshi nodded. “She’s doing much better, and I hope that this will be the last batch that she needs.”


“While I hate to see a loyal customer leave, I hope that she doesn’t need the medicine anymore once the illness has passed,” the Healer smiled. “And this young woman is your apprentice?”


“Of sorts,” Takeshi agreed. “She’s the daughter of a close friend and I’ve taken her under my wing for this trip.”


“Well, I’m Roger, son of James,” the man introduced himself.


“Sigrid Ødgersdotter,” the young woman responded curtly but politely.


“I’ve already got your medicines made up, just let me get them out of the back,” Roger smiled as he walked away to the back of the store and brought out a sealed jar. “If Jasmine is doing better then you’ll want to start decreasing the amount of medicine she consumes,” the healer explained. “You want her body to come back as strong as possible so as to be better off later.”


“Are there any other instructions?” Takeshi asked, concern for his wife evident in his eyes.


“Nothing that I haven’t already told you,” Roger shook his head. “I do have some excess salve for saddle sores though should you be riding again more often.”


“Aye,” Takeshi’s eyes lit up. “I’ll take a few jars, you can never have enough of it, after all.”


“That’ll be two silvers,” Roger said as he wrapped the jars and handed them to Takeshi.


“Good price that,” Takeshi grunted as he paid the man. “Thank you Roger, if my wife were here she’d thank you as well.”


“There’s no need to thank me,” Roger replied as he smiled once again. “I live for seeing people whole and lively again; my only regret is that I have to charge for it.”


“I think your wife would have something to say about that,” Takeshi grinned.


“Bah, she’d come around,” Roger laughed. “Now be on your way, old soldier, you're scaring off all the others that might need help with your scars and armor.”


Takeshi just laughed as he left the shop, Sigrid following close behind as they put their purchases on the wagon before heading back toward the inn.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 12


Graham whistled to himself as he began his walk back to the Inn, a pleasant joy filling him at the thought of having finished one of the last tasks that Master Charles had for him before his apprenticeship was finished.


“Hey you there!” A slightly familiar voice called. “It was you wasn’t it? At the gates?” The guardsmen who had been extorting people upon entry asked as he neared Graham. “I’m taking you in for questioning.”


“On what grounds?” Graham asked as he backed up into a balanced stance with one arm ready to sling his shield from his back to his hand and the other resting on his belt. “I’ve done nothing wrong, and was fulfilling a direct request for the Duke.”


“Still claiming to be a Fletcher eh?” the Guard asked smugly. “We’ll see how long you try and keep that tale.”


“Or we can take this directly to Duke Bjorn,” Graham responded. “I’m sure he would love to hear about how corrupt some members of his city guard are.”


A small crowd began gathering around, some of them running off to get some of the city officials, and others simply listening to the words that were being said.


“You shut your mouth,” the guard said as he gestured with the spear in his hand. “I, Gerard son of Oliver challenge you to a duel on the training grounds tomorrow at noon.”


“Alright,” Graham shrugged, eager to get away from this entire mess. “I’ll be there,” Graham didn’t turn his back to Gerard, but he did begin walking back to the Inn again, not looking for more confrontation at the moment.”


“Good man,” a member of the crowd patted him on the back. “A duel here would have been messy, lots of blood. Getting my streets clean would have taken hours. ”


Graham turned to look at this stranger and saw a giant of a man with a large sword being carried on his shoulder.


“And you are?” Graham asked.


“Headed in the same direction as you,” the giant of a man replied with a wide grin. “I heard that an old friend of mine is in town and I was headed to Analise’s Inn. I’d like someone to speak to on the way if you’re willing.”


“Aye,” Graham nodded. “I’m willing. But what conversation can a Fletcher provide to a Mercenary?”


“You’d be surprises what a Mercenary gets to learn about,” the man replied, the massive smile no disappearing for a moment. “But all the same, it is always fascinating to listen to someone on the journey to master any craft. Whether it be the spear, or archery, or maybe even a Fletcher or a blacksmith. People who love what they do are always going to be interesting to listen to.”


“Alright then, where do I start?” Graham asked as he kept pace with the mercenary.


“Start with how you select the right wood for the arrow,” the other man replied. “I’ve always wondered about that.”


“Well-”


–

–


“Wecome back” Analise said as she saw Takeshi and Sigrid enter the inn after stabling Rose and the wagon. “Hope that you managed to get everything done that was needed.”


“We did at that,” Takeshi smiled at his old friend.


“I think I’m going to see about trading this in for a better sword though,” Sigrid said as she gestured towards the sword that had been taken from the dead free company. “This one is nice, but the balance feels a bit off.”


“Well, I know of a few smiths that can help remedy that situation,” Analise smiled. “What do you think of our fair city here?”


“It’s pretty,” Sigrid said with a small smile. “But I’m not certain I would enjoy living here.”


“That’s because she enjoys hunting too much to stay in the city,” Graham said as he entered the inn, a massive man following behind him.


“Aye, I do enjoy the wilderness a fair bit,” Sigrid said as her eyes met Grahams. “Hunting is the way that I find peace when I am burdened.”


“That sounds like something I once heard an old friend say quite often,” the giant behind Graham finally spoke up. “But then again, I may be misremembering some things. It has been five or so years since I’ve spoken to Ødger after all.”


“Bjorn, you old bear,” Takeshi walked over and tried to clasp arms with the big man only to be squeezed into a hug.”You haven’t changed a bit.”


“That’s where you’re wrong,” the man now identified as Bjorn said with a chestful of laughter. “I’ve gotten a bit soft in the middle now that I no longer go on long marches as often.”


“I thought I would have to come see you in the palace,” Takeshi said after he had finally been allowed to sit once again.


“I sometimes go out in my old gear to see what is going on in my city,” Bjorn said as he nodded his thanks to Analise for the ale that she handed him. “And Analise is good about sending word whenever someone from the old company comes around.”


The two men laughed for a moment as they reminisced about times when they and their entire group were together before a sober mood seemed to steal away the light and cheery atmosphere.


“The Notherners are moving again,” Takeshi said with a frown as he considered his cup of ale. “We ran into a party of them on the way here. They’d butchered some free company and left their gear behind so they could feast.”


“Raiding party or a war band?” Bjorn asked with a scowl on his face.


“Not sure,” Takeshi shook his head. “Graham and Sigrid here did well for their first time facing potential combat, didn’t lose their nerves or anything else.”


“I’m glad I’ve been stockpiling then,” Bjorn frowned. “I’m going to have to ask that you stay in the city for a few more weeks,” Bjorn held up his hand to forestall any arguments from Takeshi. “If it’s a Warband, then they’re going to move on Ramsford first, to try and besiege us.”


“And you can’t ride out and fight them right now because your father and brothers deaths are still too fresh,” Takeshi agreed. “Give me some of your best scouts and I’ll take Sigrid here and we’ll harrass them while also finding out if it’s a raiding party or not.”


“I’ll have the group with you by the end of the week,” Bjorn said as he changed the subject. “Did you know that my guards were corrupt?”


“We found one on the way into the city,” Takeshi said with a raised eyebrow. “It was one of the things I was going to bring up in private.”


“Well, it seems that one of the corrupt guarsmen has challenged Graham here to a duel,” Bjorn informed the young man’s two companions. “I was initially going to just throw the man in prison, but I think this may work better as a lesson if I personally show up and make it clear that Graham acts in my name. As his father did when serving as my bodyguard for many years.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 13

“So you’ve got a duel in the morning,” Sigrid said to Graham as they relaxed in a corner of Analise’s Inn while Takeshi, Analise, and Bjorn discussed something that didn’t involve them.

“Aye,” Graham said with a frown. “And I’ve no idea how skilled he is. So I’m concerned that I may not be able to win.”

“Your basics are fairly solid,” Sigrid said as she sharpened one of her hunting knives, testing it on a small piece of cloth to test when it was ready. “And they’re what matters most in combat.”

“Aye, but just because someone is corrupt doesn’t mean that they’re incompetent,” Graham said as he looked at his best friend and betrothed.

“Well, looks like we’ll find out on the morrow won’t we?” Sigrid asked as she sheathed her knife, now satisfied with the edge on it.

“I guess we will,” Graham agreed as he leaned back. “You know, we used to dream about going on adventures like this, but now I’m not so certain that I like this sort of thing.”

“Learning new things is always interesting,” Sigrid said as she considered what Graham had said. “But I think I prefer life in the village to this sort of thing,” She paused, lost in thought for a moment or two. “We may not get the choice though. War with the Northerners looks to be on the horizon again, and you are bound by oath to join and fight should that happen.”

“Aye,” Graham said gravely. “But hopefully I’ll have you there by my side to make things more bearable.”

“I’m with you until the end,” Sigrid said as she leaned back. “That said, I would prefer it if the end were much later in life.”

“Agreed,” Graham smiled as Sigrid had finally broken the somber mood that had come over him.

“Now, let’s go see if there are any festivals or such taking place this week,” Sigrid grinned at Graham. “It’s been a while since our last dance, after all.”

“That it has,” Graham agreed as he leaned back and allowed Sigrid to snuggle up close to him. “The Harvest Festival never seems to come soon enough back home.”

“That’s because it comes once a year,” Sigrid thumped Graham on the head.

“It’s too bad then,” Graham muttered. “Dancing with you is fun.”

“That it is,” Sigrid smiled peacefully as the two best friends continued talking about the village and what was to come in the future.

“I’d like to build a bigger home on the outskirts of the village,” Graham said. “I’ve saved up enough for the land, and with this trip, I should have enough to hire some help for building it too.”

“Why a big house?” Sigrid asked.

“Because of the children of course,” Graham smiled big. “You want eight right?”

“Aye,” Sigrid eyed Graham. “But you said you only wanted four.”

“Which is why we need a house big enough for six,” Graham explained. “And land enough to both grow our own crops and have a workshop for my work”

“You negotiate well,” Sigrid poked Graham in the side as he laughed. “For a Fletcher, anyway.”

---

“Come on, lad,” Bjorn heaved Graham up from where he had fallen asleep at a table while seated next to Sigrid, the young woman had fallen asleep against his shoulder. “And you too, lass.”

“What’s going on?” Graham asked as he stretched and rubbed his eyes.

“It’s dawn,” Bjorn said boisterously. “Which means it’s time for you to be up and preparing for this duel of yours. I assume this fine lass is your second?”

“Aye,” Graham said as he shook off the last vestiges of sleep and gently woke up the Valkyrie next to him. “She is.”

“Then you’ll be needing a guide to the training grounds,” Bjorn said as he took a seat across from the two now awake teens. “Ana has gotten you some food to break your fast with and then I’ll be escorting you to the grounds. Best not to let you wander around if it gets ya into trouble aye?” He winked at Graham.

“Aye,” Graham sighed at the massive bear of a man. “You’d be right about that. I don’t want trouble to find me again.”

“Trouble has its way of finding everyone at some point,” Bjorn said with a serious expression on his face. “Regardless of whether they seek it out or not,” Then his face changed with a bright smile on his face. “But that’s not important right now! Let us show you around the rest of Ramsford before your duel today!”
–
–

“Now here are the training grounds,” Bjorn said as they walked into an enclosed area with several places partitioned off for various weapons training activities. “The Duke’s men-at-arms train here, as do many of the levies when they have the chance.”

“I see the guardsman now,” Graham said as he inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth.

“Then let’s get to it,” Bjorn laughed. “No time to waste, and better to get the worst of it over with.”

Nodding, Graham simply walked over to the field, Sigrid fast on his heels as she kept one hand on her dagger.

“So you’re not a coward after all,” Gerard, the corrupt guardsman scoffed. “It makes little difference in the end though. You’ll still be eating mud from underneath my boots.”

Graham simply stood there, handing his sword and shield to Sigrid and accepting the weapons that were to be used for the duel.

“Standard dueling rules apply,” A man at arms with an insignia that signified he was a sergeant stepped forward. “You continue until one or the other is incapable of moving forward, if one of you is near death, I will step forward and intervene, we’ve had no deaths this year on this field, and I’m not about to start now.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Gerard muttered as he moved the wooden shield and dull iron sword around in a loose motion. “Get on with it old man.”

“Call me an old man again, and you will be the first death on this training field,” the Sergeant said with a glare at the young and arrogant guardsman.

Graham simply stood there, silently waiting for the duel to start with Sigrid behind him waiting with a set of backup weapons and her hand on the long knife that was at her belt, ready to draw it at the first sign of trouble.

“Are both participants ready?” the Sergeant asked, receiving a head nod from Graham as Gerard muttered “aye”.

“Then begin,” the Sergeant stepped back as Gerard immediately charged forward.

Moving a half step backward, and setting himself in a firm stance, Graham deflected the first swing of the guardsman’s sword with his shield and then punched Gerard in the face with the arm that was bound to the shield.

Jumping backward, Gerard spat blood on the ground as he rubbed at his jaw, clenching his teeth in rage as he looked at the younger man. “You’ll pay for that,” he muttered as he exchanged blows rapidly with Graham, the younger man playing to his strengths in evading most of the blows and only retaliating when it would not cost him or cause an injury.

Circling each other, the two men probed at the other’s defenses, each one testing the other to see where they were weak. Gerard, sensing weakness, struck first, his sword battering at the wooden shield of his opponent as Graham artfully deflected the blow while also dodging the shield bash that followed the sword swing.

“Stand still,” Gerard said as he finally connected with Graham’s torso, driving his knee up and into the younger man’s solar plex while the shield battered at Graham’s head. “How do you like that?”

Graham silently shook off the small amount of dizziness that came from being hit in the head and allowed the blood from the small cut on his brow to simply flow down as he feinted before once again punching the corrupt Guard in the face, the mail-backed gloves breaking the other man’s nose as Graham followed up with a full-bodied shove, driving the older man back while also using his shield as cover from the swings of the dull iron sword that they were using.

“Tha wad my node!” Gerard growled as he attempted to fix his nose, eventually giving up on it and turning his anger into fuel for an attack, the furious swings driving Graham back to the edge of the grounds they were on, and ending with Gerard seizing a part of Graham’s gambeson and throwing him into the ground.

Gerard settled down to begin striking Graham when the younger man suddenly bolted up, twisting his leg and catching the other man by surprise as Gerard lost his balance and fell onto his back. Graham, seeing the opportunity, quickly stood up and kicked the sword and shield away from the guard, kneeling down on the older man’s chest as he pointed the sword at Gerard’s throat.

“It’s over,” The sergeant said as he pushed in between the two men. “You, stay down. I’d rather not have to kill you,” the sergeant pointed at the downed man.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 14

“And now, it is my turn to accomplish a task,” Bjorn said as he stepped forward, the giant of a man towering over the sergeant and the corrupt guard. “I am Duke Bjorn, your liege, and having listened to both parties, I will now dispense justice.”

“Gerard son of Oliver, I find you lacking in the qualities that I desire in the guardsman of the city. Your ineptness and lack of integrity have besmirched the good name of the people who are to protect this city from those who would seek to do it harm. I hereby sentence you to five years of forced labor, maybe the time will allow you to think about your flaws and how to mediate them.”


Gerard simply stood there stunned as two guardsmen stepped forward at this and stripped Gerard of his armor and colors, leaving him in a small pair of breeches and a sackcloth shirt.

“Take him to his new residence,” Bjorn ordered. “It is past time that he learns how to conduct himself.”

Bjorn turned to the Sergeant that remained on the field.

“Sergeant Michael, I need Guardsmen Marcus and Samuel here as well as Guardswoman Jade,” Gerard ordered. “Bring them to the grounds immediately so that justice may be done on the entirety of this corruption that is eating away at my realm.”

“Aye, my Lord,” the Man at arms said as he hastily collected a small group of other soldiers to go with him.

“Now, while I am present are there any other areas where my presence is required?” Bjorn asked as he pulled the massive sword off of his shoulder and set it down on the ground so as to lower the threatening effect of his presence.

The small crowd in the training area of the keep simply kept quiet, unwilling to speak up.

“You can tell me now or I’ll find out some other way,” Bjorn stated as he met the eyes of each and every guardsman and Man at arms. “But this I can promise you, the consequences will be much harsher when I find out later.”

The crowd remained silent, prompting a sigh from the Duke as he picked up his sword and walked over to where Sigrid was helping Graham put away the dull iron sword and the wooden shield on the racks which were to the side of the field.

“Sigrid,” Bjorn said aloud, causing the young woman to stiffen up and turn to face him.

“Yes, milord?” Sigrid asked.

“Takashi claims that you are a capable archer and that you would make a scout, show me that his claims are true and that I will not be sending you to your death.”

Nodding, Sigrid grabbed the bow off of her back, the quiver over her shoulder being relocated to her hip and some extra arrows stabbed into the dirt beneath her once she had made her way to the archery range.

Swallowing nervously, Sigrid began with the closer targets, envisioning them moving toward her as if they were a force of enemies or a small herd of deer. The first arrow struck the middle of the target she put two arrows in close succession into it before sucking in a deep breath and moving while firing arrows at the next target. The quiver strapped to her waist and thigh remained almost still as she shot while moving, not slowing her pace until her quiver had run dry.

When she reached for an arrow and found nothing there, Sigrid immediately dropped her bow and drew the long knife that she had placed on the small of her back with her left hand while angling her body to draw the short sword at her side with her right.

“You’ve good instincts,” Bjorn said as he looked at the speed and precision with which she had moved. “They will serve you well should you come to face the Northerners in combat.”

“I’m mainly to be a scout, yes?” Sigrid asked once she had regained some of her breath. “Only a fool desires combat.”

“You will ride with Takashi’s scouts in two days' time,” Bjorn informed the young woman. “I will see to it that you are equipped properly for the task.”

“Graham, you will work closely with my armorers,” Bjorn said to the young man who was still standing in shock. “You will be fairly compensated for what you can produce. The North is raiding again, and if we’re put to siege we shall need all the help we can acquire.”

“My lord!” Sergeant Michael knelt as he brought the requested guards to the Duke. “The guards you requested.”

The trio of guards knelt, unsure of what exactly was going on and somewhat afraid to be directly before their liege lord.

“Guardsman Samuel,” Bjorn said to the stout guard. “I have reports that you have been threatening merchants and citizens alike as they enter the gates of our fair city, promising violence will be visited upon them if they do not pay you extra fees,” Bjorn glared at the short man. “While there are taxes and fees that are required to trade in our city, they are not such that it would drive those who seek to sell or purchase goods away and is merely present to ensure the maintenance of our roads. You have driven off those that would have assisted us in a time of need with food or other goods. Your partner, Guardswoman Jade is to share your fate.”

“Have mercy!” Jade pleaded. “My boy was sick and I needed the coin for a physician.”

“Had you come to your superior he would have given you an advance on your pay, enough to afford a physician,” Bjorn turned to the last guard. “Is that not correct Guardsman Marcus.”

“Aye,” the old veteran said as he raised his head. “I offered to give coin myself to help the boy, but she refused. And I reported the crime as is my duty.”

“Guardsman Marcus, rise and hand over the evidence you collected to Sergeant Michael here, then you may return to your post.”

“Yes milord,” The gray-bearded man replied as he rose to his feet, using the small club to assist him in standing again. Then, reaching into a small pouch brought out a stack of parchment wrapped in goatskin.

Sergeant Michael accepted the parchment and tucked it away in his tunic before watching the old man go back towards the wall to which he had been posted.

“Now, the two of you are sentenced to five years of work in the iron mines,” Bjorn stated. “I am not a man without mercy though, so your son will be taken care of by one of my household,” Bjorn spoke clearly. “Strip them of their colors and arms and take them away.”

–
–

“Well, that was interesting,” Graham muttered to Sigrid as they sat back down at the corner table at Analise’s Inn.

“I never thought that Bjorn from father’s stories was the same man that is our Duke,” Sigrid remarked as she drank the dark ale that had been served to her.

“Aye,” Graham agreed. “ ‘Tis strange how that works out.”

“Will you be alright?” Sigrid asked.

“Yes,” Graham said as he looked into the eyes of his betrothed. “I’m just concerned for your safety. If it’s more than a raiding party of Northerners then you may not make it back.”

“I know,” Sigrid said soberly, the good cheer disappearing for a minute. “I leave in two days, and I’ve yet to see Takashi for more than a moment.”

“The needs of the city take precedence over us,” Graham agreed. “For if Ramsford falls, the rest goes with it.”

Author's Note: The Duel was added into the end of Chapter 13 I meant to update and let people know, but I guess I forgot.

 

[MarkWarrior]

So, after getting some much needed advice from a good friend and much better author than I am, I'm going to be making some changes.

1. I'm going to be rewriting Blood on the Horizon.
2. I'm going to be slowly doing the same with my other works.
3. Updates to all of my stories and fanfics will continue, but I'm going to be putting them in a regular update schedule which will be as follows barring vacations and other things.

Mondays will be the BOTH rewrite.
Tuesday will be The Good Tenant
Wednesday goes to Beyond the Horizon
Thursday is War on the Horizon
Friday is my Original fiction.

Saturday and Sunday might go to the rewrites or I might simply rest. It will depend on how I feel on the weekends.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 15

“This fog will cover most of our movements,” Takeshi looked at the group of young scouts. “We should move while it remains.”

“I’ll move ahead,” Sigrid dismounted and tied her mare to a tree. “With your permission, Captain?”

“Aye,” Takashi nodded. “If they are a large enough group to threaten Ramsford then they will be limited in the ways they can approach the city,” He looked all of the scouts in the eye. “I need you all to return alive. The city is counting on us to disrupt the enemy, yes. But we will be much more valuable if it comes to a siege.”

“And if we see an opportunity to take out an enemy commander or something else important?” One of the scouts asked.

“Then take it, but only if it is important enough that you would risk your own life and that of your team,” Takashi sighed. “Some of us will not make it out of this, but I expect you all to preserve the lives of your fellow scouts and yourselves.”

–
–

“Be still,” Sigrid hissed, coming to a stop as she smelled the smoke of a nearby campfire. “They are nearby.”

The scouts froze as one, moving to the ground and laying among a group of fallen boughs as a group of outriders moved through.

One of the horses jumped over a fallen tree, a sickening crunch going unheard over the movement of the northerners.

Stuffing his other arm in his mouth, the scout bit down, the screams that would have given them away muffled by the cloth and flesh.

“One of us needs to take him back,” Sigrid said after the outriders had passed.

“He’s not going to make it out of here alive,” a veteran shook his head. “Best to put him out of his misery now.”

“It’s an arm,” Sigrid glared. “He can still swing an axe, or a sword with the other.”

“The arm’s crushed, lass,” the veteran sighed. “If he can make it back to Takeshi and the others he is welcome to join us in the defense of the city, but he’s just as likely to die. Either way, we’ve got to push up and get a better idea of their numbers.”

“You good to try and make it back on your own?” Sigrid asked the other scout.

“Aye,” The man grunted. “I’ll try and make it back to the camp.”

“Come on, lass,” the veteran gestured. “We’ve got to get moving, we’re safe for now because they just passed through here, but if we hesitate, they’ll find and kill us.”

Sigrid stood up, a grim look on her face as she followed the other scouts toward the smell of smoke.

---

“I need better wood than this,” Graham argued with the quartermaster. “I can’t make arrows that will fly straight with the materials that you’re giving me!”

“Well, you can make do with it,” the gruff man argued.

“No, I can’t!” Graham tossed the junk that he had been given on the ground and stomped on it. “This material is worthless, it’s only good for kindling at best, and don’t even get me started on the feathers you’ve given me.”
“What do you want?” the Quartermaster threw up his hands. “Is nothing here good enough?!”

“The wax and iron that you’ve given me work just fine,” Graham argued. “It’s the other materials that you’ve been giving me. It’s as if you don’t want good arrows.”

“We don’t have the kind of wood you’re asking for,” the other man protested. “I can’t give you what I don’t have.”

“Well I’d only be able to make a handful of arrows out of what you’ve given me so far,” Graham visibly calmed himself. “I understand that a lot of the good lumber is going to prepare more defenses. But we’re just as likely to need the arrows as we are a reinforcement for the gates.”

“I’ll see what I can do about the wood,” the quartermaster sighed. “But I can’t do anything about the feathers. We just don’t have the fowl you need for it.”

“I can make do with the fletching,” Graham stated. “But the lumber and right wood are more important if we’re to withstand a siege.”

---

Sigrid crept up on a small cluster of tents, her sword in hand while she used the brush and shadows as concealment.

“You think Ramsford will fall this time?” a northerner asked as they sat around the campfire.

“It has to,” one of the others replied. “We nearly broke them last time. If it hadn’t been for the Bear and his men we would have won and taken the city.”

“Isn’t the Bear the one in charge now?”

“Aye, but that doesn’t mean that he has the numbers to hold us off. We’ve got control of the food, and we already control all of the villages that can easily give food to Ramsford. Which means they’ll already be rationing soon enough.”

“Starve them out, and then see if they’re willing to surrender.”

“Yep, that’s where we failed the last time. We let them get shipments of food from their allies further away via the river. This time though, their allies will find themselves dealing with a surprise.”

Sigrid listened carefully as she moved to the largest of the nearby tents, using the flaps of the material to cover the sparks as she struck her knife against the flint, the tent eventually lighting up and beginning to smoke.

Darting away, Sigrid rushed through the trees, moving as fast as she could back to the campsite.

“Good work,” Takeshi said as he watched the light of various flames rise through the forest. “We’ll need to move on, lest they discover us, but we’ve done good work tonight.”

Author's note: A bit short, and a bit late, but here it is.