The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series (5 page)

The man continued eating his own course, trying not to stare at Liniana, but it wasn’t easy. The servants reappeared and started to clear away dishes as jesters, jugglers, and other entertainers filled the room. Because the dinner honored Liniana, he knew there would be dancing. He hoped for the opportunity to ask her to join him for a dance or two.

To take his mind off the uncomfortable dinner, he gazed around the room. He marveled at the diverse group of people in attendance. Some of them even looked to be commoners, which intrigued him. He would have to ask about them later.

The same banners found in the audience chamber were present in the dining hall. He continued his gazing about the room, when the servants reappeared to deliver cheese and bread platters to the tables.

Liniana grabbed a piece of white cheese and turned toward him. “Why are you seeking Norlun?”

“Your father thought because he’s a seer, he might help me regain my memories.” He ripped off a large chunk of bread from one of the loaves. “Do you have a better suggestion?”

She finished eating her piece of cheese and a chunk clung to her lower lip. She realized it, stuck out her tongue, and roped it back into her mouth. “No,” she chuckled, “I guess I’m just intrigued by your situation.” She ate another piece of cheese before she pressed on. “It isn’t very often someone comes into contact with a person in your position.”

He grimaced, “I bet this is a rare situation, and I wouldn’t be surprised if people didn’t believe me. I know I wouldn’t,” he finished.

She looked at him. “Believing you has never been the issue. I know you’re telling the truth, I can see it.” She paused, “It’s just, you’re a wealthy person, judging by your armor, and you fight well which leads me to believe you had the best trainers. It just seems unlikely for you to be in a situation such as this in the first place.” She smiled. “I hope we find the answers you seek. It should be a quick journey to Riverfell.”

He took a bite of food and stared into her deep blue eyes. “I never properly thanked you for healing mu hand earlier. I truly appreciate it.” She acknowledged his thank you with a tip of her head. “How did you do it? I mean, I could feel an invisible force tickling the palm of my hand.”

Her mouth dropped open. “What do you mean? I used my spark.”

“What is a spark?” he asked.

“A spark is the life-force that exists within all of us. For most species, it provides an inherent increase in strength. For others, such as the Humans and Elves, we have learned how to channel it to control the elements, or heal the body. Not every Human has this ability. It is something that comes to us, usually as a mistake, and we learn how to control it”

He felt like a child for not knowing this. “Thank you, for explaining and for healing me. I hope all of this comes back to me. It has become rather tiresome.”

She offered him a reassuring nod.

He continued eating and throughout the dinner people tried to engage him in conversation. He did his best to limit these encounters as much as possible. After the main course, he knew dessert would be coming, and after dessert, there would be dancing. He looked to Liniana, who appeared to be a little bashful. “Might I ask to meet you on the dance floor when dinner is completed?”

Her cheeks turned red as she tried to shy away. “While I would enjoy a dance or two with you, I don’t know if it would be appropriate.” His smile turned to a frown, and she realized this wasn’t what he had hoped for. Deep down she already felt connected to him, and would’ve loved to indulge his request, but felt she should refrain. All of her teachings had taught her she not to become involved, especially after only just meeting someone. “Besides, we’re leaving at first light. I would like to get plenty of rest in a proper bed for a change.” This seemed to appease him as he nodded his head and his frown disappeared.

Dessert arrived and concluded when Liniana thanked him, her parents, and took her leave. He watched her saunter out of the dining room.

After completing his own dessert, he thanked Lord Brukahn and his wife before excusing himself for the evening.

He made the trek to his chambers. Once there, he stripped off the uncomfortable silk clothing and got into bed. He thought he would drift right off to sleep, but found sleep wasn’t forthcoming. He shifted his thoughts to the journey laying ahead, and soon drifted off.

The sun had yet to come up, and the candles inside a cathedral radiated an eerie glow throughout the hall. Lutheras and Eldrin were deep in conversation at an altar.

“While I agree, Eldrin, we’re not ready to proceed.” He stopped to consider his words. “We know he’s departing Havenbrook, but we don’t know where he’s headed, nor do we know his motives. If those troublesome Goblins were misinformed, he could be mounting an offensive and we wouldn’t know.”

“We should have someone follow him to determine what his motives are, and I should return to Havenbrook to see if I can figure out where he’s destined.” He pulled the hood of his cloak back, which revealed his face. He had smooth bronze skin free of blemishes and wrinkles. He had golden eyes and tall pointy ears. He looked very young, even for an Elf. “We’ve worked too hard to formulate our plans and we can’t yet reveal ourselves. We’ve already organized our loyal sects of Minotaurs, and we gain more to our cause every day. We need to be more aggressive and begin gathering the orbs.”

Lutheras cut him off, “Patience, my friend. It has been four months since I arrived, and I thought we were safe.” His deep red eyes turned to focus on Eldrin. He hated the way an Elf could look at you and almost belittle you without even uttering a word. All because he was a Human, which many viewed as below Elves. “He followed me, and that wasn’t in the plan. He’s the one man who could destroy what we’re building. You don’t know how powerful he’s, and with that sword in his hands, he will be a menace.” He let his eyes drift from the Elf. “The people of Askabar have become too complacent. Most people believe in false gods, if they even believe in a god at all.” He turned back to face Eldrin. “There is too much fighting between the different races. It’s time everyone united and knelt before the true God of Nithor. When my plans are complete and everything has been carried out, all will recognize Martul as the true God and ruler of the planet.” A grin crossed his face. “And we’ll be there to rule at his side. It’s time to summon the brothers.”

Lutheras walked over to the altar. He pulled out a dagger and ran the blade across his palm. Drops of blood dripped and landed on the altar. When a small puddle accumulated, he muttered words in another language. One by one, drops of blood flew up into the air. They floated, spiraling around the altar. When all of the blood collected, the drops moved to the center where they collected into a sphere. The light rotated, emanating from within the sphere. The light started to consume the blood, then rose higher into the air and exploded as white light traveled in nineteen different directions.

Lutheras wiped his dagger on his cloak to clean the blood off. “It’s done!” He looked toward the Elf before he said, “Now we wait.”

A glowing door appeared on the outskirts of the room. Through it a very tall and slender, cloaked figure strode out. He walked toward the altar and nodded at the pair. He took his place as three more doors filled the cathedral, and more cloaked figures entered the room. They acknowledged each other while more and more doors appeared. When all the gateways closed, nineteen people had joined Lutheras and Eldrin.

Lutheras strode to the middle of them and said, “Brothers, I thank you for coming on such short notice.” He eyed each of them before continuing, “Relax, you’re all safe. Feel free to lose the hoods. We expect no trouble here.”

One-by-one, the figures removed their hoods, revealing their faces. Of the nineteen newcomers, twelve were Elves and seven were Humans. The Elves all appeared to be young, displaying the same smooth features as Eldrin. The Humans were all much older, close to the end of their lives. Most of them had gray hair with long gray beards to match. Lutheras pulled back his cloak to reveal his face; a Human, but one who appeared young himself, fitting right in with the Elves who were spaced throughout the room. His face looked smooth and he had cropped black hair. He had a black goatee and very pale skin. He looked a little too thin for a man of his age, but the goatee hid his hollow features well.

He addressed the crowd. “As you all should know by now, I came here to escape the oppression I was subjected to for many years. I was born the heir, but it was stolen from me. Stolen by those who were closest to me. I came here and asked you to join me, to correct what has been done.”  He paused. “But I’ve just been informed that I’ve been followed. He arrived in Havenbrook and will be departing soon. He must be stopped.” He looked at each of the members. “Your efforts thus far have proven to be fruitful. We have many allies, and our force is growing by the day. With your help, I will reclaim what is mine. As a payment for your service, you will be rewarded with unimaginable power. Eldrin suggested we find this man and have him followed.” Various nods of agreement filled the room. “I see some of you agree with this, however, he’s too aware of his surroundings for this.” He let his words reach each of them before he continued. “Instead, we’ll question the towns around Havenbrook to see if he has passed through. After a town or two we should know where he’s headed.”

One of the Elves stepped forward to speak. “This is a waste of our time. We have troops massing as we speak and the time to strike is at hand. We need the orbs, and if this
Human
is a nuisance, he should be destroyed.” Other Elves nodded their agreement which gave him enough motivation to continue, “He could be taken out of the equation. I would even volunteer to lead a pack of Minotaurs to dispose of him myself.”

“Darfin, you’re too hasty my friend.” Lutheras looked at the others who had agreed with the plan. “If you feel like the plan doesn’t make sense, then by all means follow your own course. But be mindful, you will be destroyed.”

Another Elf stepped forward. “I trust your judgment, Lutheras. You have gathered us all and have put plans in place that will grant us control of Nithor. How though, could one
Human
put an end to our conquests?”

Angered, Lutheras stepped forward. “You seem to forget I’m a
Human
as well, but I’ve faced him and defeated him before. But, that doesn’t mean an easy victory. We need to be careful with him, my friends.” He glanced around the room. “We need to take our time with this. I know this means nothing to you, but he’s a sworn keeper, which grants him power none of you could even conceive of.” The Elves fell back into their original positions. “Now that I’ve got your attention, those stationed around Havenbrook will begin to question the villagers. Keep your distance during daylight hours. We cannot risk discovery. Only face him if someone discovers you. But I would suggest you leave with all of the haste you can bring forth. Keep your troops hidden as well. I’m the only person with enough power to defeat him. Trust me on this.” He gave one last look at each of the party members and then turned to leave. “I grow weary of this meeting, you have my orders.” He strode out of the room.

One-by-one each of the brothers created a doorway and walked through. When they all had gone, Eldrin created one and disappeared himself.   

The morning sun approached from the west making Nithor’s two moons visible in the east. The man had already arrived at the stables, where the grooms had four purebreds harnessed and ready to go. He paced, eager to be on his way, but Liniana hadn’t shown up yet.

After his third trip, he saw Liniana approaching from the palace. Her mother and father accompanied her to the stables, along with two of the palace guards.

“I hope you slept well, because you will be sleeping on the ground for the next month.” Lord Brukahn chuckled. “I wish you both a safe journey. I expect to see her returned in one piece, or you will pay for her life.” He said the last part with a stern look upon his face.

The man laughed deep down at the absurd warning from the lord. “I promise, you will see her returned, and I thank you for your assistance in securing this journey.” He smiled at the lord. “You act as if the roads are not safe, my lord. I think your daughter can handle herself, after all, she defeated me.” They all laughed, “But, I will ensure she’s brought back in one piece.”

They bid the lord and lady ado, and proceeded through the cities inner and outer rings. They left through the eastern gates, as he had seen so many others do during his stay at the palace. The man and Liniana took the lead, with the two palace guards trailing behind them. The sun sat at their backs, creating a comfortable morning ride. The thick forests encroached upon the road—pine and cedar trees grew thicker as the city became a speck at their backs. The sun reached its peak in the sky when Havenbrook disappeared.

He did his best to get more information out of the daughter-heir. The guards laughed knowing her temper, and that she had no tolerance for useless banter. It would be a long month if they ignored one another, so he knew he needed to try.

He turned and gazed at her beautiful face. “So, Liniana, I think we should get to know one another better.” He got right to the point. “Are you promised to another?”

She couldn’t believe his boldness and scoffed. She thought now would be a good time to start prying for information she could later give her father. “While I agree we should better acquaint ourselves, I don’t think that is any of your business.” After a long pause, she turned to him. “I have to say I’m very intrigued by this entire mission. I’ve never met anyone before who has no recollection of who they are. Maybe you need to start telling me what you know, and maybe it will unlock some of your memories.” She thought for a moment, but spoke before he had a chance to. “Which brings me to another point, I know you don’t know your name, but I cannot continue calling you ‘knight’.”

He knew she was right. “Do you have any suggestions?” he asked.

She thought for a moment. “I’ve been pondering this since I met you, and I think you remind me of my brother.” He had an astonished look upon his face, which she’d expected. “Or I guess what my brother would have been like had he been allowed to reach full manhood.” She looked as if she might cry for a moment as she drifted off in thought. “He died when I was eight and he was six. He succumbed to a fever.” She leveled her gaze toward him. “His name was Tirene. If it’s okay with you, I would like to use it as your name.”

He considered it. “I’m sorry for your loss.” He almost wanted to ride closer to console her, but he felt like it might be inappropriate. “Tirene seems like a strong name, and I would be honored to use it.” She smiled at him.

Silence came over them. He wished he had kept his mouth shut about the status of her relationships as it now seemed to have created a divide. He didn’t know how to broach the subject and smooth things over. Without finding the words, he continued in silence.

The sun crested in the afternoon sky and the heat became unbearable. Fortunately, they had reached a point in the road where there were plenty of pines providing ample coverage from the heat of the sun. Tirene enjoyed the relief the shade offered, when he noticed he could hear a river up ahead.

He looked toward Liniana, and without asking, she led them toward a small clearing. They got down off their horses and led them to the water. She pulled strips of dried beef out of her bag and headed toward the base of a tree, sitting down and motioning for him to join her. He accepted some of the dried meat and sat down. The guards made their way to a cluster of rocks to enjoy their own lunch.

Tirene ate a few strips of beef before asking, “Tell me more of the Alliance.”

As she finished chewing, they heard a small rumble from up ahead. Tirene stood to get a better view of what approached. It appeared to be a merchant’s wagon with an old man driving. As the wagon neared, he moved his hand to the hilt of his blade. The driver approached and continued on his way. Liniana gave a small wave that went unnoticed.

She looked toward Tirene and said, “That’s odd, normally people around here are friendlier than that.” She sat back down to continue their conversation. “You’re unfamiliar with the Alliance?” He shook his head at her, so she proceeded. “When my grandfather was young, Havenbrook and Melina had been at war for decades. The lands were barren with most people having fled to the safe havens of the capital cities. The war left very few soldiers, and they were vulnerable.” She stopped to eat more dried meat before continuing. “Shakiel stayed out of the battle until both nations stood on the brink of collapse. They attacked Havenbrook from the sea, and attacked Melina from the ground. They attacked for a full day to weaken both nations, and then they offered both an alliance. Shakiel would pull out their forces if both nations ceased their battle and swore fealty to their king. They declared Shakiel as the capital city of The Alliance. Both rulers agreed to the demands and accepted the positions of lords, with the ability to run their nations as they saw fit—with little control coming from Shakiel. All of the heirs to the nations followed what their predecessors had set forth and we’ve been at peace ever since.”

Tirene deliberated the information. “It seems odd to me.” He shifted his gaze to face hers. “What did Shakiel have to gain from the Alliance? That is, if in fact they don’t control the other nations?”

She nodded her head in understanding and said, “Is peace not reason enough? No useless deaths? All nations living together?” She waited for his response. “I thought not. Well the answers you seek are tied to the wound on your hand.” She couldn’t believe she had given away this much information and tried to correct her mistake. “That is a journey you’ll have to take on your own though, as I can’t divulge this information.”

He turned his head toward her. “Wait, so you can give me some sort of information that could link me to my past, but you won’t tell me about it?” He looked confused and wanted more information. “Liniana, I just don’t understand. I...”

She cut him off. “One day you will understand, but until that day, I’ve vowed to keep some secrets hidden.” She stood and prepared to leave. She continued talking as she made her preparations with her back toward him, “I ask you to trust me and push me no further on the subject.” He tried to say something, but she shrugged him off. She cocked her head over her shoulder to look at him. “It’s time we were on our way. We’ve wasted too much time with idle conversation.” She hoped she had covered her tracks well enough to keep him from asking questions. Her father had told her he thought Tirene was a keeper, and the burn on his hand only re-iterated is point, but she felt she had already given away enough. Her job was to guide him, and gather information her father could use. She couldn’t do that if she was the one providing the information to Tirene.  She had to let him discover it on his own.

They mounted their horses and headed for the bridge which would take them over the river.

Tirene did his best to hide his exasperation. When they crossed, he spoke up. “While I will abide by your request, I would think any information could spare us from this quest.” He smiled at her. “But, I will accept your wishes and will try to pry no further.” It pained him to leave it alone, but he didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize her services as his guide.

He didn’t want to ride in silence, so he switched subjects. “Tell me more of your brother.” Her eyes lit up at the request and she quickly delved into several stories. It didn’t last long though, as he died at such a young age. He could feel the love she had for her brother and he listened with great interest.

After a brief moment of silence, she surprised him and answered his previous question. “My father searched for a possible pairing for me when I realized I could summon the powers of light. I could conjure basic healing, just by willing it to happen. My mother had taken ill and we didn’t think she would survive. I prayed to the gods day and night. When I thought she would surely die, I gathered her hands in mine, and prayed one last time. I prayed for her health, and for the sickness to be gone. I prayed that if she died, the gods would accept her with open arms, and would guide her in her new journey to their realm.”

She considered her words before continuing. “At that moment I felt a surge of power run through my body. It felt euphoric and the most magnificent, all-encompassing feeling I had ever felt before. And then it disappeared. I looked at my mother, and her fever had diminished. She tried to sit up, but I told her she should lie still. I couldn’t help but notice how much better she looked, even if she still appeared malnourished.”

A tear trickled out of her left eye and ran down her cheek. She reached up and wiped away the trail it left. “She fought me and said she felt fine. I couldn’t believe it. I realized somehow I had healed her. She stood up and started getting dressed, claiming she felt famished and needed to eat immediately. She walked to the kitchen and had the cooks prepare her a meal. She ate three helpings of the food before she felt full.”

The corners of his mouth parted with a smile and he said, “That is an amazing story, Liniana.”

She continued. “She went to seek out my father, who was startled by her sudden state. Overcome with joy he thanked me. After realizing I could heal, he arranged for me to travel to Bahlsum to seek out the trainers in the White Chapel. There I would be educated in the art of healing, empowered by the light. The council couldn’t believe a girl of my age, sought training in their ways, but after judging my power, they agreed to put me in the program. I spent two years learning how to control and hone my abilities. I advanced through the various levels at a rapid pace. I completed all they could teach me and they sent me back to Havenbrook to practice my skills. I haven’t mastered my abilities, but the council believes furthering one's training is best done with real life experience. They have ways of monitoring our progress and when my abilities are considered to have peaked, I will be summoned back to take my final test. At this point I will be raised to the level of master.”

He thought about everything she just told him. He stared at her in silence as they trotted down the path. He felt relieved she hadn’t been promised to anyone, not that he could do anything about it without knowing his identity.

They headed east with the afternoon sun bearing down on them. Sweat collected above Tirene's brow and trickled down his face. He noticed a bend up ahead. They rounded the corner and saw a clearing to the north; a farmhouse sat upon the plains. The forest gave way to lush green pastures and fields filled with wheat ripe for harvest. They spotted several cattle in the distance, grazing in the pastures. A farmer led a cart and half a dozen cattle down the road. When he spotted them, he quickened his pace, trying to avoid contact. Liniana and Tirene noticed this, and dug their heels into their horses to confront him, their guards following. As they drew near, the farmer came to the realization that he couldn’t avoid them. He slowed the cattle and waited for their approach.

Liniana raised her left arm and spoke to him. “Good afternoon.” She smiled at him, but he ignored it. “I wish to understand why you’re so quick to avoid us on the road?”

With his head still down, he managed to say, “These are troubling times, and we don’t know who to trust!” He began to look up at them. He glanced at Tirene, without any hint of recognition, and shifted his focus to Liniana. He stared at her long and hard and then spotted the palace guards. With the way they were dressed, everyone would recognize her for her true identity. “I’m sorry, my lady. I hadn’t heard you left Bahlsum.” He bowed to show his respect.

She acknowledged him and urged him to continue.

“There are talks that Minotaurs were spotted outside of Shepherd’s Crossing.” He paused to consider what to say next. “I see word of this hasn’t reached Havenbrook yet. This is why I wanted to leave the road. While I could see you weren’t those devilish creatures, you don’t know who can be trusted. If Minotaurs have returned, who knows who they call allies.”

Liniana took a step back. Her eyes drifted to the ground as she tried to understand what he said. “Minotaurs? How can that be possible? They agreed to retreat to the frozen wastes of the south centuries ago. What could bring them this far north? And why now?” She raised her eyes toward Tirene. This seemed too much to be a coincidence. While she knew he wasn’t responsible for these creatures being this far north, she had a strange feeling it must have something to do with him. “Has anyone sent word to my father?”

He cast a wary glance at Tirene before answering. “A merchant passed by here this morning to carry word to the lord.” Taking him to be another guard for the daughter-heir, he focused back on Liniana. “They haven’t attacked anyone yet, they were only spotted. I would still be cautious in your journey, and be sure they guard you while you sleep. I don’t know where you’re destined, but the roads could become perilous, especially for you, my lady.”