Mercenary War - Book 2

Chapter 9

         It took a total of five days for the ship to reach the unmanned port. It was not that the area had been abandoned. The port was used only for making emergency repairs and was a good place for them to be left at.

         When the ship was anchored and the crew had tied the ship down, the horses were led off, first and left to graze. They were anxious and on edge, getting spooked by every little thing around them since the storm. Fallon and his men clasped hands with the crew and the old captain before disembarking. Fallon was the last to walk down the ramp, thanking old Grentior and giving him a nod of respect. The captain stood at the rail and hollered after him. “Don’t come back to me for another ride! I don’t wanna see any of your faces again!”

         Fallon chuckled and waved dismissively, gathering his men as Old Grey prepared for the return voyage.

         Kole glared at the ship. “I don’t want to see his face or his ship ever again either.” Whether he said it to himself or everyone made no difference. Ishain, Ventris, and Fallon gave a small laugh, while Raffine nodded his head vigorously in agreement. The men sat to eat something substantial before tacking up their mounts and determining their next move.

         Fallon pointed south. “We will go straight south, avoiding the desert area near the mountains until we come nearer to Tant. Once we see the Mordin Mountains, we will change course to head southwest. That should lead us out just before the boundary of Tant. It is the safest course and will allow us to travel as fast as possible. I knew my decision would not be quickly settled, but I was hoping that I may have already succeeded at this point.”

         A tense silence settled over the men as they walked their horses until Raffine spoke quietly. “I hoped we would not lose so many good men.” The others stayed silent under the weight of his words. They all felt the pain and loss deep in their souls and none needed say anything more to prove as much.

         Days passed uneventfully. The scenery changed from sandy, to forest and eventually to desert and then field. Four days after returning to land, the riders broke from the trees into the fields near Tant. It felt like a return to reality while simultaneously reminding them of the constant danger they all faced. With the coming of night, the completed city walls of Tant rose before them. It was a clear night, and the three-quarter moon and bright stars illuminated the banner of the city. Kikarii’s banner.
         “Sir.” The voice suddenly beside Fallon was Kole’s. He had become much more vocal and bold since leaving on this venture, taking initiative and voicing strategy and plans before anyone else. He filled his role flawlessly and made his ruler both proud and sorrowful at the same time. “I can enter and see how things stand with the elf if that would suit you. There is no reason you should suffer any disrespect or ill intent unnecessarily.”

         Raising a hand, the older man shook his head. “No need. I have more reason to come here than just gathering food and other goods to continue our journey. His wife was a forest angel and has the expertise we need to complete our task. I have always needed to rely on Kikarii’s moral standing and good sense if we were to see this through without risking more lives than necessary. We go in together. And Kole,” he said, giving the half-breed guard a side look and continued, “he has a name and I expect you to use it with respect. He is on the level of royalty in this city and no matter his view of me, you are to treat him with the dignity and respect of such a position.”
         Bowing his head, the other nodded. “Yes, sir. I apologize.”

         “No need for an apology. Your ability to remember that will be enough.”
         The five men approached the gates and looked up. Elves manned the walls, watching as they approached. The stone structures were enormous, just as high as those of Kezna and possibly even thicker. Fallon assumed there were rooms in the walls containing weapons or soldier’s rations. The gates were solid iron instead of a mix of wood and iron like his city. The bars were just as thick as the large timbers in the king’s wood and iron gate, but they were solid metal, nothing that could be set aflame in an attack. There were guard stations atop the walls, built like small houses that would protect scouts and swordsmen when the archers were out on the walkways during an invasion. Kikarii had planned and strategized well. Better than most in his opinion.
         A stone door opened beside the gate, allowing a soldier to exit and greet them. “What business do you men have here? This does not look like a peaceful visit with the weapons and gear you carry.”
         Fallon put his hand out to give a silent reminder for Kole to bite his tongue. He was too fiery when he lacked sleep and the past few days had been especially tough. He stepped forward, lifting the hood of his cloak and dropping it back, away from his face. “My business is official and concerns Kikarii’s alliance with Kezna.”
         “Are you sent from her majesty or even the king?” The elf's eyes narrowed slightly. He was trying to place the former mercenaries face. Fallon was sure he either recognized him as the king or as a mercenary. Which identity would come to mind first was anyone's guess.
         “You could say that. It is imperative that I speak with your commander as soon as is possible. You can send us in with an escort and hold our weapons until Kikarii has given his approval.”
         The man hesitated a moment longer before waving for the gate to be raised. “I will send two soldiers along with you. And I will have your weapons temporarily held until Kikarii returns from his campaign in Kezna. You have arrived sooner than he has and I am afraid you may have to wait another day or two at the least until he is able to meet with you.”
         The king furrowed his brow, frustrated at the hold up. At least this was a city they would not have to hide in. They could breathe a little easier here than the other villages. He just hoped that Kikarii would return by the next day and not any later. Before leaving the elf behind, he turned his horse and called back. “Could we perhaps meet with the lady, Ariah, in his absence?”
         “Again, I apologize. Lady Ariah has gone to help with the defense of the city as well. The escorts will lead you to the tavern where you can get food and drink and beds for you and your men. They will also collect your weapons before you enter.” With a respectful nod at Ventris, the elf retreated back into the wall.

         They arrived at the tavern with the two soldiers at their sides. Their weapons were confiscated and taken away as agreed and they were left standing alone in front of a decent sized inn. Shrugging, Fallon pushed through the doors and stepped through the opening. Some of the men inside turned to see who had entered, but most of the customers were too busy enjoying their drinks. To the left of the counter was a wide open area, a large wooden target hanging on the wall. The wood was well worn and it hung framed in a thick, heavy oak frame. The bar to the right of that area was long and high. There were at least fifteen, maybe even twenty customers sitting on stools laughing, joking and yelling across the bar to others they knew and wanted to include in their conversation. The atmosphere was light and cheery, unlike any taverns Fallon had ever been in outside his own city. Behind the bar worked an attractive red headed man, his hair pulled back in a ponytail. His face looked worn, but not from age. The wearing looked to be more from grief. He appeared oddly familiar, though Fallon had never once been to Tant in his life. Could this man have visited Kezna and he had seen him in passing by chance? No. There was a sudden churning in the pit of Fallon’s gut when the reality of it hit him. He killed this man’s sister. This was Skara’s brother. That was a knife throwing target on the wall. Her death is why it was framed and currently unused. The former mercenary let out a deep breath. This was not the first acquaintance he had hoped to meet. The last thing he needed was to be hated and kicked out of the city before Kikarii had even arrived. The bartender’s red hair was undeniable. Red hair was uncommon. It was so uncommon that most people would go their entire lives and never see anyone with red hair. Taking another breath, Fallon made his way through the busy tavern to the bar and stood to the side.
         The man with the towel over his shoulder and a glass in his hand smiled widely and warmly. “Ah! New faces! Welcome! My name is Traff. I apologize that we do not seem to have enough bar stools together for your group at the moment, but if you grab a table, my nephew will be over to get you whatever you may want. My wife Amberly is an incredible cook.” He winked to a beautiful woman who had just exited the back with two dishes to hand to a young man. When she caught her husband’s wink, she flushed and hurried over to place a light kiss on his cheek before hurrying back to her work in the kitchen.
         The men turned around and found themselves an empty table. Ishain leaned his chair back against the wall and propped his feet up on the table. Raffine punched his leg while Ventris slapped the back of his head. Kole laughed at the immaturity and laced his fingers behind his head, closing his eyes, finally relaxing a little. Fallon looked back at the bar, feeling a pang in his heart at the sweet affection between Traff and his wife. It made him miss Calya dearly, and the feeling aggravated him. He missed her touch, her kiss, her voice. He would even give almost anything to have her yell at him right now because at least that meant he would be with her, able to hold her once more.
         A young man approached a moment later with a pad and a writing utensil. “I’m Brinner. What can we bring you?”
         Kole immediately sat forward, suddenly excited. “Everything on the menu please and two rounds of ale for the whole table. Please! I need real food.” The entire table started laughing and Ventris shoved his friend almost off his chair.
         “Kole, don’t pretend we have been starving you. You eat plenty every day. Fal…” he faltered. “Our commander makes sure of it for you.” The table suddenly fell into an awkward silence.
         Raffine broke through the uncomfortable weight over the group and saved Ventris. “Just get us one of whatever your cook makes on the regular. And the ale would be appreciated as well.” Brinner nodded, noting the sudden uneasiness at the elf’s partial slip up. He would mention it to his uncle just to be safe.

         Fallon’s men watched as Traff patted the other’s shoulder before getting up from his seat, nodding in acknowledgement to them, and heading back to the bar. It had been about twenty minutes since he had come to speak with their lord and since it was already late when they first came in, Brinner was able to hold down operations while Traff had a conversation. Very few people had arrived in that time and no one was still ordering food. A whistle sounded from the bar a moment later. Traff jumped up onto his stool behind the counter and put his hands to his mouth and shouted. “It’s getting late. Your wives miss you and mine misses me. If you don’t go home soon, you owe me for lodging!”
         A few men waved dismissively while they finished their ale and conversation, but most of the men chuckled and took the last sips or gulps from their glasses, slid them forward on the bar or table and got up to make their way home.
         The red head came around with Brinner to collect any stray mugs left at tables when the customers began leaving. He stopped at Fallon’s table. “You men take your time as I assume you will be staying at least one night here. Amberly, Brinner and I live here at the tavern, so we will not be leaving. Once you are finished, you can leave your dishes on the bar and we will handle them later. There are rooms for your group, whether you would prefer to stay in five separate rooms or share rooms. We do not have a lot of guests tonight, so the choice is yours.”
         “We will all take separate rooms please,” Fallon confirmed after seeing the men’s hopeful expressions. A loud cheer went up from the four soldiers at the table and they got up to clear their dishes. “I think we are done now. No need to finish after you have turned in. I do not expect special treatment for any reason, no matter my station or situation. We all just appreciate a good, hot meal and some real beds. Please tell your wife that her cooking was delicious and we look forward to our next meal.”
         Traff smiled wide at the compliment to his wife and bowed his head slightly before heading off to finish his duties for the night. His mind ran through all different scenarios he could have expected for tonight. Lodging the king of the world's strongest nation was definitely not one of them. That man being a mercenary had seemed impossible. He could not help but realize that this man was not the bloodthirsty killer from the stories. Though the pain of losing his sister hit anew with the realization of who this man was, he could not deny the authenticity of Fallon’s remorse or the difference in character from who he was known to be and who stood here in the tavern in person. Hopefully when Kikarii returned, he would also be able to see the difference. Yet even someone as optimistic as Traff knew that the loss and torment the elf personally suffered directly at the hands of the former mercenary created a very thick wall to break through, and that would not happen easily. Hugging Amberly, he had Brinner make one more round to collect all of the abandoned dishes at tables. He would let his wife in on the situation when they closed the tavern for the night. She may have an idea of how to help Kikarii deal with the sudden appearance of a long standing enemy. Either way, he felt she should know and was not one to keep secrets from her.

         Fallon and his men made their way upstairs to the rooms Traff had told them were theirs and they were pleasantly surprised by the size of each. The beds were comfortable and the rooms were nice enough. Kole laid on his bed staring up at the ceiling, thinking through the past three months. If anyone had ever told him that he would be doing this or that he would have killed this many people, or that his anger would get the best of him in the worst ways, he would have never believed it. He was not typically an angry person. In fact, before coming with his king, he could count on one hand the amount of times in his life he remembered being angry. In none of those instances did he ever recall being enraged. It was not a level of negative emotions he was equipped to deal with. He thought about his lord and what he had been like before becoming king. Maybe it was not so hard to become that cold and hateful after all. His blue eyes stared at the ceiling, following small lines and searching out shapes that he had to pretend were actually there as to distract his mind from darker things. And yet there was never more than an hour of repose from the thick blackness of their situation. The pit in which they had all been thrown would never allow them to return the same. Kole had realized somewhat early on that he was most likely the one that was changing the most. Perhaps it was because of his lack of need to ever really be faced with genuine anger and hatred in himself. It had begun with Yuce. The treason committed by one so highly entrusted with protecting the royal family being so flippant about the survival of his queen and prince made his blood boil. The dark, heartless words he spoke about what would happen to the innocent child if they were found and taken by the mercenaries. The uncaring way he laughed about the torment of a baby when he had only been cared for and cherished by those he betrayed. Even now, Kole tightened his hand into a fist and clenched it until his knuckles turned white and his nails nearly pierced his own skin. He was appreciative of having a room to himself so he could process through things without having someone else to interact with.

         The next day dawned clear and bright. Birds sang and flitted through the trees. Kole awoke to a knocking at his door. “The sun is barely even awake, why are you at my door?”

         Fallon turned the handle and walked in without knocking again. “Since when do you sleep past dawn, Kole?”

         The younger man quickly sat up and rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes. “I'm sorry, my lord. I thought you were Tris.”

         Fallon seemed unbothered. “The other men are getting up. Meet us all in the tavern for some food. Don’t forget what we talked about after the last battle.”

         The door closed and Kole stood, staring at the wood, carefully replaying the man's warning, already knowing it was too late for him to heed it. He was a lot like Fallon and the taste of revenge has been sweet. Sweeter than anything he had ever known. He had grown to crave it like the air itself. The realization of the power and strength it gave him was more than he had known how to handle. Growing up somewhat sheltered had kept him from ever having to face that side of himself. Getting dressed, he made a promise to himself. He would only stop if it put his king's life in danger. With that thought, he hurried down to the tavern.

         Another couple of days passed before Kikarri returned. Beside him rode his wife, bandaged and battered, but sitting upright with an air of dignity only a natural born queen could exude. The guards at the gate informed them of the guests and welcomed them home with enthusiasm.

         “Inform my guests that I will meet with them at my residence in three hours. I must tend to my wife and wash up from the journey home. It was a long and slow journey home because of the injuries incurred by not only her, but my men and I as well.” The slightly bitter tone in his voice was not overlooked by the guards as they nodded and one of them headed off in the direction of the tavern.

         The past two days had gone smoothly. The group of men had nearly free reign of the town, which was quickly becoming a small city, with the elves living a small ways away in the forests. They had not given their forest area a separate name. Everyone living in the forest just considered themselves part of Tant, just more secluded. Kole walked along a stone pathway toward a large dwelling made of stone. It was high with windows set high up so one could not see in. There was a banner displayed in front. The cloth was a dark, deep green with a winged horse in front of a large, full tree. This must be Kikarii’s residence. It made sense with the construction of the building. Kole fought the urge to snoop around, frustration building at the known history between the elf inside this residence and the king he served. Pushing his fingers roughly through his hair, he turned and stalked back toward the tavern.

         Before he had retreated ten steps, a guard came up to him, causing him to turn back. “You are part of the group from Kezna, aren’t you?” The half-breed nodded slowly. “A guard went to gather your men for an audience with our commander. You may as well wait here until your companions arrive.” Shrugging, Kole sat on a large stone outside the residence to await his lord.

         It only took another few minutes for the other four men to arrive, a guard in the lead and Fallon only a step behind. The king was now clean shaven again, his face smooth and chiseled, as the men had always known him. The men all stood while being checked again for any weapons. “I apologize, but we have strict orders to only allow a one on one meeting between you and our lord, “ one of the men said to the king. “You will be accompanied by guards, and your men will be hosted in a separate room nearby. They will be provided food and drink and anything else they may desire to be comfortable.”

         Of course, Kole was the first to step forward. “Sir, we cannot allow you to go in on your own.”

         With a nod of acknowledgement, the former mercenary replied to the guards. “I accept the orders without complaint, as do my men.” His last words were directed at his companion with a look of warning.

         “Then come right this way.” The guard inclined his head and led them in the large iron and wood front doors. As commanded, the four soldiers were taken to a room not far off while Fallon was led down the hall a short ways and into a larger chamber. It was not as ornate as the great halls of kings or decorated with embroidered banners wherever the eye looked. But it was meant for up and coming royalty regardless. On the far side of the room was a desk. No throne graced the chamber; only a desk and a couch and some other chairs, more like a business meeting than a royal hall. To each their own, though.

         Kikarii looked up and nodded curtly. “Fallon.”

         Fallon did a half bow of respect to signify that he recognized Kikarii as being of equal standing as was the custom of Kezna. “Kikarii, lord of Tant.”

         The elf stared at him curiously for a moment, taking in the sight of the former mercenary’s show of respect. Traff and Amberly had come to see him immediately after he had arrived with Ariah. The two men had talked about Fallon for a short while. The conversation left Kikarii less than sure of how to proceed. He had taken the king of Kezna up on his offer as an ally for the sake of Calya and to take advantage of protection from the northern kingdom. Regardless of the naturally incredible strength and skills of elves, they were still a newly founded nation, just beginning in a place that was difficult to obtain resources. He may have a grudge, but he cared for the people here and would do whatever necessary to ensure their safety and wellbeing if in any way possible. “To what do I owe this visit?”

         The lack of traditional respect was not lost on the king and he hoped that this meeting would turn out as he needed. The outcome of his planning depended on it. “I require your assistance, and the assistance of your wife as well.”
         With a bored, passive expression, Kikarii leaned back in his seat. He had yet to offer Fallon a chair, but instead just watched him standing rigidly in front of his desk. It frustrated him that he was unable to make this man uncomfortable. With an audible release of breath, he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Haven’t already given you the assistance you requested by taking my men and riding to your queen’s aid as an ally?”

         Unbothered, the king answered cooly. “I requested that, yes, but we can both agree that your aid was given to her alone and had nothing to do with a king’s request.” He paused to gauge Kikarii’s reaction before continuing. “I am here to ask assistance for myself and my men, more of a personal favor.”

         The elf leaned forward again and placed his elbows on his desk, intertwining his fingers in a show of interest. “What is it that the great king of the north needs from such a lowly ally as myself?”

         The man’s bitterness cut through the air like a sword, causing the mercenary to nearly wince at the verbal blow. “I need supplies and equipment that only you and the lady of the hall can provide.”

         “I must admit that I am intrigued. I shall call for my wife tomorrow and we will discuss things then. She was injured in the battle on your lands and has need of rest before she has an audience with anyone.”

         A look of sadness clouded Fallon’s eyes. “I am sorry for her distress. Please let me or my men know if there is anything we can do for her during our stay. I give my word that If I return, I will make things up to you tenfold. From one king to another.”

         Kikarii dismissed him, giving him a more noticeable nod this time around, as well as a proper farewell. When the man had left, the elf stood and blew air out through his pursed lips. He leaned his hip against his desk and massaged his temples. Everything in him screamed at him to have this man killed. However, the fact that he was very aware that the Keznian king would not fight back told him that his resentment he still harbored was personal and completely one sided. This man was no longer the mercenary he had once been. It was obvious by the way he carried himself. He allowed himself to be disrespected by someone he could have executed at any moment. Although Kikarii had multiple guards around him with Fallon here, they were more a show of distrust than actual protection. He was more than conscious of the fact that they stood nearly no chance against his skill. Fallon had been next in line to rule the entire mercenary fortress. Within ten years, he would have been leader of the greatest military force in any of the lands. The men below him were far below him. Those that took over were severely lacking compared to him. It gave him an advantage over them. It was why they had begun kidnapping elves to add to their number. It was the only chance they had to defeat their former commander.

         A sound brought his attention around to a side door in the room. His wife stood quietly, watching him intently. He took another deep breath and walked over to her. “I assume you were eavesdropping on our entire conversation?”

         “Now why would I do that?” She asked with an ironic smile, putting her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

         “I know you too well. If you are here now, it means you came to find out what was said, and since you were already aware of the time we would meet, what better way to learn the details than to sit outside and listen to it yourself?”

         “I am disappointed that you made me out to be weaker than I am. I’ve been a warrior longer than you.”

         Kikarii shook his head. “And that is why you decided to put yourself in danger and get injured without me. I also needed to give myself a reason to push off the decision until a later time.”

         The subtle laugh that left her lips warmed him inside and he hugged her. She stood in his embrace for another moment before pushing away slightly. “He is trying to take down and destroy the very place that caused your trauma and you still cannot find it in yourself to help him.”

         Furrowing his brow, he grimaced. “You make it sound like he was not the cause of that trauma himself.”

         With her hands on his face, she held his gaze. “You act as though you are the only one who has the ability to change. Remember that you started out as an outcast elf because of me, you became a ritual dancer in the temple, were sold at a slave auction, and after becoming an escort for the current queen of the largest, strongest nation in the lands, you survived being a prisoner of a war and now are the equivalent of a prince in your own city. Or did you forget your own story? If you feel that someone was the cause of all of your suffering, then blame me for not being able to obey the rules of my people. But had you stayed with the queen and not been taken captive, you would not command this army or rule this city as you do now. The elves would have no safe haven and the very people who banished you would not have come seeking your help to save them. The elves may have become a thing of history, rather than a displaced people in a new nation. Regardless of who you blame for what, you have what you have because of what has happened to you.”

         The man ground his teeth begrudgingly. “Why do you make it sound like the months of torture were a favor and I should be in his debt?”

         “Were they not?” She chuckled humorously at his discomfort and then her tone turned more serious. “Give him a chance, Kikarii. You and I both know he is not the same man that held you captive back then. And he is your only chance to ensure that no one ever has to live through anything like that again. He is also the best chance the elves have at continuing to grow and prosper. You know that not all of them are willing to seek refuge under a man who was banished from them for breaking a sacred law between the races.”

         “Aaahhhh…” he groaned in annoyance. “How do you always convince me of things so easily?”
         With a quick smile, she twirled away, her pale green dress making a ring around her like a dancer. “It’s only because I’m always right and you are too easy to persuade.” She winked and hurried back down the hall she had been listening from. With a low growl of delight, he ran to catch up with her, grabbing her around the waist in front of their chamber door. Pushing the door open and lifting her through the opening, he caused her to squeal. The door closed with a dull thud and the hallway fell silent.