Bloodless Knights (23 page)

“I
knowest not, Tristen. I just wished to be near thee, and I was. But ye must
listen! We don’t have much time.”

“Brendan,
what is going on here?” I pushed myself to a knee and rested my arm on the
other as he kneeled on both legs.

Brendan
leaned in close to me. His voice seemed loud but it was right near my ear in a
whisper, “Follow the river until ye find a boat. Ye must return to Asher and
have him help thee destroy father! Tristen, if ye take down father this will
end and everything can be normal. Time is running out for us. Be careful, and
no matter what happens; do not die! Go now, while the demons are distracted!”

I
was totally confused, “Return to Asher? How doth thou knowest I was
with
Asher?” But I blinked and Brendan was gone. I stood quickly, turning in a
circle but he was nowhere to be seen. Absolute terror tore through me. I had no
idea what was going on but I did know I had to listen to my brother, as he had
never led me astray and would never do-so on purpose.

I
thought about turning to see who was still standing, but I didn’t dare. I
hurried over the deepening snow toward the river. The bank was high and I
disappeared over the side as I hid from the “demons” as Brendan had referred to
them. Due to the angle of the knoll, snow had not settled on it, and it made it
easier to run over hard, cold dirt. The river moved quickly next to me and I
wondered exactly where the boat was. I was tired and hungry but I fought my way
through. I ran as fast as my weary legs would carry me.

The
night grew darker and as my legs took me further, the screams faded until they
had entirely stopped. I hoped against hope that my men hadn’t all perished. I
knew the men would fight valiantly, but against weapons one doesn’t understand,
it’s almost impossible to win. Sadness overcame me, but I wasn’t about to let
it defeat me. I pressed forward until I reached, what appeared in the darkness
to be, a small rowboat.

Brendan
had been correct about the boat, I decided I better listen to him and return to
St. Anthony to fetch Asher. I was sure he was going to be thrilled with my
request: leave thy bride and help me slay my father. Aye, that was going to be
a great discussion.

I
used my blade to cut a thick rope that held the boat to a wide and large tree.
The boat seemed heavier than it probably was as I pushed it over rocks and
jumped in right before it was totally afloat. I succeeded in my need to keep
dry. I knew the water was probably frigid and it would be miserable not only being
cold, but wet!

I
used the paddles to push away from the shore. It was then that I noticed I was
at the end of the river; the boat floated directly to the bay. I looked around
in the dark and all I could see was water. I knew I needed to go north, which
was to my right so I headed that direction and hoped for the best.

My
body was heavy and I thought back to the last time I slept. It had been in that
horrid forest and none of us had slept well there. I wanted a nice bed, warmed
with hot rocks, and a proper beauty. As much as I knew I needed to go forward
with haste, I pulled the oars into the boat and decided to rest for just a
while. I pulled Vivian’s cloak tightly around my frozen bones. Sleep overtook
me the moment I imagined the lovely woman’s face.

Usually
this time of year, birds would be chirping “good morrow” through my window.
What woke me this morning was a lively wind that rocked my little boat. My eyes
slowly opened and adjusted to the light as I took a moment to remember where I
was. I sat up and looked around. Water. Water. Land! The wind had carried me
close to land. Behind me was Montour Mountain and to the left in the distance
was Bendixon. I knew it because I could see Benson Light Tower standing proudly
at the water’s edge. On my right I could see the Mistrust Forest looming from
the shore, and knew that was the direction I must row. Luckily, the wind was
behind me and rowing wouldn’t be too taxing.

I
glanced around the boat and noticed a tin cup hanging from a hook. Oh, what
luck! I reached for the cup and dunked it in the icy water, careful not to
touch it with my hand. I tasted the cool water and it froze my throat, but was
so refreshing that I didn’t care. I inhaled the water then filled the cup
again. Upon further inspection of the boat, I found a fishing pole with a
string and hook attached. Today seemed to be my lucky day. I searched the
little pouch at my waist for any type of crumbs; luck was on my side again as I
found a small piece of dried beef. I pondered whether I should eat it, or try
my luck at the fish in the bay. I determined a fish would fill me more
thoroughly than a tiny morsel of beef. I attached it to the hook and prayed for
luck.

As
I sat in wait for any fish to bite the line, I thought back to the previous day
which took me back through the entire week. Grief overcame me, and as I thought
of my dying mother, I bawled like a small child who had been lashed. I wanted
my life back. I wanted my brother, my mother, but most importantly; I needed to
find the woman my heart yearned for!

Moping
seemed to awake a deep determination inside of me. I decided that I could not
look backward anymore. It was time for me to see the future and keep striving
toward my goal. At this point, my goal was to get to Ash and end this madness!

Suddenly
a tug at the pole pulled me from my thoughts. I yanked a nice size trout from
the pool. He struggled, but I was determined he would be my breakfast, and the
man with the sword usually wins. I choked-down a raw meal that satiated me like
I hadn’t been for a while.

After
my poor prey was ingested, I took the oars in hand and rowed with all my might.
St. Anthony would be in my sights before long and I couldn’t wait to find
Asher. He would be so excited to see me. I laughed out-loud at my own sarcasm.

I
suddenly thought of Flash, and the damned crystal-blower that had targeted my
trusty steed. I cried again. Crying for a horse was something I was tired of
doing. I had terrific horses that carried me through intense situations, and
all I did was repay them with a sad and lonely end. I prayed for this situation
to iron-out in my favor, but so far it was feeling bleak.

Although
the day was bitter cold, and a storm was approaching, my arms burned. I was
used to hard work, but being chilled through
and
rowing a boat were two
really dumb ideas separately, let alone together.

My
constant thinking and mental-complaining, kept me company. Before I knew it, I
had reached the shore. I found a sturdy oak near some reeds and tied the boat
to the tree. I pushed the watercraft into the reeds to hide it, leaned against
the tree, and sank to the ground for a bit.

I
hadn’t finished crying, and I wanted to get it all out before I went to the
city. A good while passed before I felt ready to go. I had no supplies, no
horse, no companions, and was almost out of hope too. I prayed that Brendan had
been right in his words, hoisted myself from the pathetic heap, and started a
slow walk through the crusty snow.

My
body was weary. Although I had slept through the night, I felt weak and tired.
St. Anthony couldn’t approach quickly enough. I was worn out, and prayed I
didn’t take ill in the middle of all this madness. That would be the worst
thing that could happen to me – or so, I thought.

I
breathed a cold sigh of relief as the gates of St. Anthony appeared. But as I
drew near, I saw an unwelcome sight; many soldiers wearing my family crest.
“Imposter” Dow soldiers congregated around the city. Wide smiles advertised
glorious moods.

I
deeply inhaled cold air, wondering how I would get through this. Suddenly a
large entourage of singing soldiers emerging from Mistrust Forest, offering me
the distraction I needed. The soldiers were not alone. They had a spectacle in
their midst: two large cages, one holding a knight who I could not see, the
other holding a massive orange and black, striped cat.

I
would follow them, as they were obviously headed to St. Anthony. I pulled
Vivian’s hood tight around my face, and hurried to a spot I could blend in with
the group. I planned to follow them through the gate. It wasn’t too difficult,
there were many soldiers around, and the closer I got, the more I realized they
all weren’t from Dow. Many were from St. Anthony, and some wore crests I was
unfamiliar with.

As
the cages came closer to me, I saw that the cat was injured; perhaps dead. And
the knight laid flat against the edge of the cage. Perhaps he was hurt as well.
His armor was a dark red color. I wondered what that was about. The sight was
eerie, and seemed to go along with the rest of the horror in my life.

The
gates opened in preparation for the advancing troops, and the guard left his
post to check out the tiger. I took advantage of his stupidity, and crept
closer to the gate. I looked around to see if any were paying attention to me,
but I knew they were not. Appearing as a beggar-looking man, I knew I was of no
interest in comparison with an animal the realm had never seen.

I
walked right through the gate, not looking behind me, as I made way to Madrio
Tavern. The streets were full of people. Word must have got out about the
captured animal. I moved through the crowd unnoticed, except perhaps for the
fact that I was going the opposite direction of most.

A
firm hand grasped my arm, “Vivicus Rudd?” I looked at the long thin fingers, an
even longer arm, and rested my eyes on a large, sandy-haired, red-bearded
Asher. He looked suspiciously tired and unkempt.

“Aye,
sir. It is I, and actually, I’m looking for thee!” I grabbed his hand as he
pulled me from the crowd toward a building. We went to the side, out of the way
of travelers, and my dear mate gave me a warm hug.

“I’m
so glad to see thee, sir!” Ash seemed to have tears welling in his eyes but
kept them back. “Ye look like shite! And smell no better neither…similar to
dead fish!” He snidely said as he pushed me away and waved a hand in front of
his face.

“How
art thou, Ash?” I ignored his lack of manners, and tried to build him up before
I broke him down.

Asher
hung his head, “Not well, I’m afraid. There’s rumor that they caught the tiger
and his murderous master. I guess the soldiers are bringing them here, and
apparently in some sort of deal, they will release the knight if he promises to
hunt down and kill two escaped fugitives.”

“Us.”
I quickly caught on. His behavior indicated that he was personally involved,
therefore two fugitives was, him and me.

Asher
nodded. “Tristen, I’m scared. There are so many stories of the brutality this
knight has brought upon too many camps. The terrifying thing is that he’s done
it alone with his tiger, and without ever leaving a scratch on the victims.
Nobody can figure out how he’s doing it, but its assumed sorcery is involved.”

Thinking
over the past few days, I was willing to agree there was a black magic of sorts
hovering over our once magic-free society.

I
leaned toward Asher. He backed up slightly but leaned toward me when I kept my
voice low, “Asher, I need thy help. That means we need to leave this city at
once! I will tell ye what strange things have happened since we parted, but I
have no time to explain now. I must bid thee to leave Felicia for a few more
days and once our mission is complete ye may return.”

“Aye,
sir. I shall follow thee. I want out of this raving, mad city! Let me go get
some supplies and I will meet ye back here shortly.” Asher shook my hand and
patted my arm with his other hand. He disappeared into the crowd and left me
wondering how that had been so easy.

After
waiting a few minutes, sudden shouts rang through the city, “Kill the beast!
Kill the beast!” Horse-riding soldiers held the caged animal, and his master,
on display as they marched through the city toward the castle. I assumed they
were taking the prisoners to show the king and queen what great thing they had
done and collect a reward they would fight over. I made sure my face was mostly
covered as I watched the parade roam down the street with blood-thirsty
peasants in tow.

After
the crowd had passed, I found myself alone at the side of the building. The
stone walls were warm and I assumed there was a fire lit inside. I rested on
the ground next to the building, like a proper beggar would do, and waited for
the return of my alleged criminal partner.

A
long time passed. I worried that Ash would not return and wondered if he would
abandon me again. I threw rocks at a nearby barrel to pass the time, and
decided to give him ten minutes more before I found myself a horse, and left
St. Anthony in my dust.

Asher
did not reappear. However, a booming voice exploded over my head, startling me.
“Sir Tristen Dow! In the name of the St. Anthony kingdom, thou art hereby
placed under arrest for the crime of treason!”

I
tried to explain that I was not Sir Tristen Dow, but four armed guards hauled
me up from the ground, shackling my hands and feet.

“Quiet!”
The leader yelled at me as I struggled. There was no hope, they would not
listen. Apparently, my “dear mate”, Ash, was not.

#
# #

My
new “mates” prodded my back to keep me moving toward the palace. The city was
cold and the streets were empty and alone. We passed the chapel, a beautifully
ornate building with spires pointing straight at heaven. As much as I dreaded
going to the castle, a peaceful joy filled me that I would finally be someplace
warm for a while. I could almost imagine what it would feel like to
thaw…almost. I was sure I would never feel my fingers or toes again.

The
castle gate swung open at our approach. I smiled at the gatekeeper who stared
at me like I was plague-ridden. I honestly felt like a criminal, although I
knew for certain on a day where I was allowed to be my true self the man’s
opinion would have been different and he would have bowed to me instead of spit
in my face. Oh how tables could turn suddenly, and often incorrectly.

All
the townsfolk seemed to be in the courtyard. Many stared at me, but most did
not. They seemed interested only in the caged tiger that had been set in the
center of the yard; on top of a large stage that I knew was used for palace
entertainment. The yard was nice and had many benches and trees. Two
ivory-colored marble fountains stood near the entrance of the royal home. I
assumed during better weather, pillars of water sprayed in delicate patterns.

Upon
passing the royal guards, and entering the grand palace, the first thing I
noticed was the heat, and then the magnificence of the interior. The designs
and furnishings inside put my parent’s fortress to shame. Elegant tapestry’s
and embroideries donned the walls. Splendid paintings lined the hallway. One
painting I recognized to be my father’s, and I wanted to cut it to shreds.

“March
forward, insurgent!” My captor bellowed in my ear.

We
followed the long hallway. Fancy, thick dark-wood doors were closed along the
corridor. When we reached the end of the hallway, one little fellow pushed the
door open; its weight pressing back was almost too much for the tike.

As
the door creaked open with a long, slow whine, I was shoved forward, nearly
landing on the stone floor of a massive throne room. I looked around to see
many faces staring back at the spectacle I had appeared in.

King
Ventor raised his eyebrows at me then, at once, realized who I was. He sat up
straight in his chair and cleared his throat. Apparently I was more interesting
to him than the blood red knight between us.

The
first thing I saw of the tall knight, was his thick black hair hanging in loose
drapes over the backplate of his uniform. Then he turned to see what tore the
king’s attention from him. I knew the man, but at first glance it didn’t occur
to me from where I knew him, or why he seemed familiar. Then as his dark eyes
pierced through me, a sudden, deep shock ripped at me.

I
had only seen him a few moments, but I was certain the man doing eye-battle
with me was none-other than Trave, Vivian’s friend. Four guards surrounded him.
I dared to guess that all of them combined couldn’t handle him if he tried to
misbehave; the man was strong and according to Asher, he was also a wizard or
something equally ridiculous.

“Sir
Tristen Dow…it pains my heart to meet thee again in this manner.” King Ventor
spoke loudly and as the room was mostly glass, pillars and stone, his voice
echoed throughout.

Although
I had been to St. Anthony’s, and had met the king, I had not been a guest in
his castle. I hated that it had to be under the circumstances, but such was my
life these days.