Caleb's Journey
Chapter 21

Unwanted Guests

The forces aligning against the humans weren’t the only ones busying themselves. After leaving Valdonna’s lair the group of would be heroes set off to replace the prison of Graygrim Mountaincrusher. Directions on the map indicated that the path to replace said giant took them far south enough to stop for a visit at the southeast fortress which served as the target for Xerax and his armies, Attalis. Lord Lestrade suggested if his commanding nature ever allowed for a suggestion, that they stop at the fortress for supplies and to rest. All felt weary from their combat and travels and hastily agreed to the proposed notion.

Sir Samsuran commanded Attalis, having been stripped of his title of lord and relegated to this outpost after falling out of favor with Victor IV for his part in the loss to the barbarians of the Cadre Isle. No knight who failed to frequent court ever had their motives advanced and this castle stood as far away from the king’s castle and court as any. Such was this noble knight’s plight due to the whims of a vain monarch. Regardless, we now replace this knight enjoying his morning repast. An early riser, he enjoyed watching that glimmering orb known as the sun rise in the east and to see its rays wash over the land. Sir Samsuran was a gray and grizzled veteran of multiple military campaigns who stood some six feet in height, had his gray hair complimented with green eyes, a gray beard that he kept short and neat, and he spoke with a gruff voice as if little bits of gravel reverberated in his throat.

Ever the creature of habit he dined on two eggs taken from the chickens that lived cooped up in the courtyard, some field greens, and washed it all down with a cup of grog. If Sir Samsuran had a vice it took the form of his love of libations. Nary a meal went by that his mouth failed to replace a form of alcohol to imbibe. Some say that habit started after his banishment from court and others contended that he always had a fondness for drink, but that he hid it when he lived in the monarch’s grand abode. Either way he knew of the whisperings and rumors and cared not for them. However, had he known who was about to pay him a visit he might have abstained from drink this morning.

There they stood, this traveling group, assembled on the clearing before the stronghold. What a sight to behold was this great fortress. It had all of the latest battlements, structural enhancements, and a moat. The walls were made of brick reinforced by dirt between the thirty foot high and equally deep structure. This great thickness rendered every siege device known throughout the land impotent for no weapon had the force necessary to crack the walls and penetrate the structure. Arrow slits lined the top of the walls, allowing well-placed archers to rain down arrows on attackers while they stood protected, somewhat, from retaliatory strikes. With regard to the gates, reinforced iron banded around solid oak comprised their makeup and the weight of them required a team of five of the strongest horses to open either side of them. All soldiers contained within this structure lived under an aura of invincibility.

As the heroes advanced forward on the clearing, one of the lookouts on the tower instantly spotted the crest, scales of justice, on Lord Lestrade’s shield. The lookout felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. So great a knight as

Lord Lestrade had never visited the castle. In the lookouts’ mind it must have meant something out of the ordinary, especially since Lord Lestrade and the other knights traveling with him were followed by a motley looking retinue. Still,

the lookout performed his duty, informing his superior, who ordered the gate opened. The commander now faced the unpleasant task of interrupting Sir Samsuran’s breakfast to tell him that the man who had engineered his political downfall had now entered the premises.

“

Lestrade! Here!” Upon hearing the news Sir Samursan shouted as he slammed his fist on the table, hitting his plate of food and spilling the remainder of his breakfast on the floor. “He hasn’t even been here for two minutes and already he causes me discomfort.” The messenger cringed.

“

Aye, milord.” He meekly replied.

“

Have someone pick this up. I will receive them in the courtyard. Better to have his stench outside than fouling up my dining hall. Make it ready, Mr. Danli.”

Mr. Danli nodded and departed with great alacrity. He then gathered some of the soldiers so as to arrange a circular seating arrangement around Sir Samsuran’s dais. It was an easy task to move the stone benches, easy for strong, hearty warriors. The courtyard served as the place of relaxation for all. It sat in the center of the stronghold and had marble paths, nicely trimmed hedges, and flowing fountains in the shape of past monarchs pouring out water like they poured out peace and tranquility to all who came to rest in this area. Rows of hedges lined the inner circle around the commander’s platform.

He sometimes addressed the troops from here and at times a visiting priest came to give blessings. Around the hedges were benches and Mr. Danli, Mister being a title given to those working to become knights, had the benches arranged so as to provide all of the guests an unobstructed view of Sir Samsuran. Sir Samsuran planned on sitting in his chair on the dais so as to allow him to look down on Lord Lestrade.

“

Him! Here! In the place to where he had me banished by the king!” That was the cry of Sir Samsuran, who could not control his anger, gritting his teeth and swallowing his grog, he continued on his rant. “I’d just as soon see an ogre come to dine as to honor him at my table. I loathe that man. It wasn’t my fault that Lord Islooric was felled in combat. Had events taken a different turn on the island nobody would have come between the Light King and I.” Here he gave a pull at his hair and sighed like a defeated man. “Still, we must keep up appearances and give him disingenuous praise and courtesy. We knights

must adhere to our tenets. Let that be a lesson to you Mr. Danli. Prepare the dining hall for him and however many guests he has, if you please.”

Mr. Danli bowed in obeisance and departed. Sir Samsuran quickly rose from the table and marched off to his quarters to check his appearance and to wear his most striking clothes. He chose to don his green, fur lined cap, a golden necklace, a fine green cloth shirt and like colored breeches, and brown boots. Many golden rings with gems placed he

had on his fingers. He hoped to appear as a wealthy noble who had come to the frontier land to hunt rather than a vanquished foe. “I’ll flatter him and appear to his entourage that I am every bit the knight I’ve always been, regardless of where they replace me.” With those final words he stepped out of his chambers and departed for the courtyard to entertain his guests.

In the meantime, Mr. Danli greeted Lord Lestrade enthusiastically and with the appropriate bow. “Mighty lord, you honor us with your presence. Hello to your party as well. Sir Samsuran will join us shortly in the courtyard. I will conduct you there. While you wait, may I get you anything? “

Lord Lestrade replied, “We are travel weary, but come on an important mission. Please conduct us to Sir Samsuran. In the meantime, I ask that you see to our horses, and restock our provisions. We rest here for but a day before riding on to our destination. I will give all of the particulars to your commander. For now, lead us where you will. I appreciate your meeting with us so promptly.”

So Mr. Danli showed them to the courtyard which had been made ready to greet them. Attendants on either side flanked them in final preparation by placing wooden tables in front of their benches. The tables had pitchers filled with water and metal goblets from which to drink the water. A modest meal, consisting of bread and various cheeses had also been laid out for them. As soon as they were seated, Sir Samsuran appeared, dismissed the attendants, and approached the weary band of travelers. He gave a gracious bow to all of them and then walked up to his dais. It boosted his ego to look down on all of them, as master of his domain holding audience.

“

Good morning and greetings to all of you. Welcome to Attalis,” he said. “It is the pride of his majesty’s many strongholds.”

“

We return your greetings and give you many thanks for your most gracious hospitality,” Lord Lestrade replied. “We journeyed for many days across this land, fought monstrous creatures, and buried some fine knights.”

Sir Samsuran scratched his gray beard as he spoke, “I am sorry to hear of the loss of our brothers in arms. How came you to need to venture forth to face such foes?”

“

I’ll be brief. An ancient artifact has been stolen from a secret hiding placed where it had been protected for ages. Xerax was behind the theft. Who knows for what nefarious purpose he has orchestrated the theft, but his majesty considers it of grave importance that we recover this item. We have a map that leads us to one who can disclose the location of Xerax’s lair and our path took us near here so I thought it best to stop for a brief respite, a night, and then we head back on the trail.”

“

I’m intrigued and stand ready to help,” Sir Samsuran answered. “How may we be of service?”

“

Seeing to our horses, giving us a night’s rest, baths, and a meal will be more than generous. I regret that my travels have not brought me here since you took command of the place. It is no doubt in capable hands.”

Sir Samsuran felt a lump form in his throat as he stifled a less than courteous reply. Instead, he gave a measured response and wanted to probe his superior more, for if he rendered assistance maybe, just maybe, Lord Lestrade might mention it to the Light King.

“If Xerax exists I know of no better knight to put on such a task as you. Legends of which I have heard say that he made a deal with a devil and that the devil swindled him, but made him immortal. Nobody and nothing of this world can harm him. Put simply, he can’t be killed. I shudder at such a reality and having a precious artifact fall into his evil clutches. I can spare you the two Honor Guard knights I have if you have need of them.”

“

You are too kind, old friend. I thank you for the generous offer, but I feel that we have an ample retinue to contend with whatever comes our way. Seeing to the needs that I’ve outlined is enough. Trust that we shall replace a way to defeat this foe,” was Lord Lestrade’s reply. In truth Lord Lestrade had a strong desire to spend only the necessary time at this fortress and to share as little information as possible with Sir Samsuran.

Caleb noted how the two knights conducted themselves and felt impressed by it. “One day I’ll be like them,” he told himself. It was true chivalry in how they spoke. Only parties familiar with the particulars of the rivalry betwixt them would have detected the false behavior, except for Malachael. “These men despise each other,” he thought. Centuries of dealing with other beings had taught him to notice such things as the subtle way in which Sir Samsuran’s neck stiffened as he spoke. It further increased his disdain for such mannerisms and reinforced his approval of plain speaking.

All other guests expressed glad tidings to Sir Samsuran for his hospitality. The knights in the group knew something of their host and thanked him most heartily. Sir Bix among them felt pity for the venerable knight. Of all of the knights he had the most compassionate nature and he thought that the king, perish the thought of voicing it aloud, had made a mistake in dealing so harshly for one of his previously favored knights. Bix complimented Sir Samsuran on overseeing such a great stronghold. He added kind words about the lovely courtyard as well. It was just his nature to demonstrate kindness to everyone.

Unlike some knights who joined the Honor Guard for the status, he joined because his father had done so and from Bix’s birth he had trained to be a knight. For his skill in combat Lord Lestrade had selected him for this excursion, not for his personality, which he saw as a character defect. In fact, when Bix finished praising Sir Samsuran he noticed Lord Lestrade glaring at him. Lestrade, not unkind or unjust, rather he had a strong personality and desired to control every situation.

Undeterred, Sir Samsuran probed Lord Lestrade further, “I wish I knew more about the particulars of your mission. I’ve got a few years on everyone here besides the elf.”

Lord Lestrade rose, “The Light King shall hear of your generosity when I return to the Golden Palace. For now I will take leave of your presence.” Here he rose. Alari thought Lord Lestrade quite curt and in keeping with her quizzical nature, was ready to hold counsel with the grizzled knight to hear of some of his conquests over breakfast.

“

Mr. Danli!” Sir Samsuran barked. “Come here and show our guests to the wash houses. Some have expressed a desire to bathe. After that, have Mr. Rao see to their horses. Give them fresh saddles, fresh horseshoes, and stocked saddle bags. Never let it be said of me that I failed to meet the duties of hospitality. Prepare a feast worthy of one so esteemed as Lord Lestrade!” Now Sir Samsuran began moving away from his dais. “If I can offer you no more assistance, please make yourselves comfortable and we shall see each other again when we dine.”

It came to pass that those who wanted to wash, which was everyone, was led to the washrooms and cleaned themselves. When they emerged, dressed and refreshed, Mr. Rao led them to their respective rooms. Some onlookers stared at Seth Kitarn, having never seen a tigan. Others took a gander or an ogle and Candellah and Alari. Both were comely ladies and Attalis only counted males among its population, so the sight of females was a rarity. Neither Seth nor the females paid much heed to this attention. They had weightier matters on their minds, a nap. After many days of riding, walking, and fighting a fierce battle they welcomed the opportunity to sleep in comfortable beds. All went to rest and found their accommodations much to their liking, save Seth. No bed had the length necessary to engulf his entire person so he let his furry feet dangle over the edge of the bed provided to him.

Upon waking Caleb sought out Lord Lestrade. For many days he desired a private audience with him. The lord had no knowledge of this and had his own plans for his afternoon. Set in the previously unused guest room reserved for visiting dignitaries, he wanted to spend his time before dinner cataloging events thus far. He certainly had peaceful and grand enough quarters to allow for just that. The room contained a commodious bed cover with rich silken sheets and a fine cloth cover, ornately carved, handcrafted furniture including a marble top covered wide wooden desk where the map gained from the witch sat unfurled, a great view of the courtyard, and strategically placed fine brass candelabras hanging from the walls. The entirety of it met with the noble’s approval. Sitting at his desk, quill pen in hand, he found his plans interrupted by a rap at his chamber door.

“

Who is it?” Lestrade asked.

“

Milord, it is I, Caleb Hart. I desire a word or two with you, if you please.”

“

Very well. Enter, please.”

Caleb opened the door and saw Lord Lestrade seated at the desk. In the corner sat a wooden chair with pillows. The lord turned to face his guest. “Caleb, please sit. Tell me, what I may do for you.”

“

Your grace, I’ve come to discuss the prospects for my future with you. Everyone who knows your name knows that you not only have a position of favor with the king, but that in terms of chivalry and life at court you have no equal. Will you permit me to enter and have you bend an ear to my situation? I know you shall give me wise counsel.”

“

Please, enter and take a seat.” Lord Lestrade replied as he motioned to a chair in the corner. He enjoyed the flattery and he had a bit of curiosity regarding the thoughts of the young man who had disgraced his family, the Honor Guard, and his country. “If you want a snack, I recommend the apple. Ease your mind lad. I knew your father well and considered him an excellent knight for his skill in battle and I saw you exhibit incredible martial tenacity.”

“

You are too kind. My time with the barbarians taught me the value of industrious application to any task. Every man, woman, and child were required to contribute to the family, and if necessary, to the community. As a slave I never expected or hoped for my freedom, but my master turned benefactor allowed me to train with my swords every day. Deep in my heart, I wanted to have no equal in combat and longed for the day to avenge the death of Lord Islooric at the hands of Turgo. That day may still come, provided we prove successful on this quest.”

Lord Lestrade furrowed his eyebrows further sinking his already sunken eyes into their cave like sockets as if looking harder at the man provided greater insight into his nature. “Speaking of Lord Islooric, I know that after the death of your father that he took a keen interest in you. You were a young man, but old enough to know better than to interfere. You dishonored your mentor and disgraced your family. The punishment your family received, banishment from the court and loss part of your family’s lands was just. Conversely, his majesty, giving you a chance, a rare chance, to regain what was lost speaks of our king’s magnanimous nature.”

“

It does, indeed, Milord. Not a day passes where I fail to ponder that fateful day. My love for my mentor superseded every bit of training I had received. I was a young, foolish boy who didn’t want to lose a man who had become a second father to him. I had already lost one father and had no desire to lose another. Now, I know that Lord Islooric chose his own fate. My futile attempt to intervene on his behalf was not right, because I would not have tried to help his opponent. Honor above all else, Lord Islooric often told me and lived his life by that motto.”

Lord Lestrade answered him thusly, “Despite what you see as my outwardly strong behavior, know that I grieved the loss of Lord Islooric for many months. He and I fought in the campaign to restore peace after war broke out between the elves and the tigans. Your father rode with us as well. As is often the case, the Honor Guard, leading the forces of his majesty, deployed to end conflict betwixt our brother nations. It is part of our duty to keep the peace throughout the land.”

“

You are correct in saying that no other knight possesses my qualifications to advance you in progressing towards knighthood, but I decline to mentor you at this time. It falls to me to protect the integrity of the Honor Guard. Until his majesty revokes the banishment of your family from court I have to abide by his ruling. In my estimation your return from the presumption of death intrigued him enough to grant you an audience and led him to give a price on the Hart’s absolution. My best advice to you is to watch my behavior and emulate it, save for combat. In that area I see great skill and fluidity. I tell you plainly that you impressed me when we fought the azblers. Continue to hone it for that benefits all parties involved.” Here he extended his hand to Caleb. That lad knelt before him in supplication. Lord Lestrade touched him on the shoulder and bade him to leave the room as Lord Lestrade had much to review before dinner, letters to send, the map to study, and the like.

While Caleb had hoped for a better outcome he felt grateful that the knight had not dismissed him out of hand. It stung him as everyone held his rash, youthful actions against him. His color changed, to a subtle red, like an un-ripened tomato, but he held his tongue, thanked Lord Lestrade for his time, and departed.