Avarom and the Red Queen: Second Edition

CHAPTER 1

Smoke rose to the peaked ceiling along with the sound of laughter and idle talk. It was a busy night for the servants as they made their way through the dining area serving the eager customers. Many stood about or leaned over tables to greet old friends which made it difficult for the servant girls to pass. Quite often a skirmish would occur due to the limited walk space—but all was forgiven as soon a cup of ale or wine was presented to the customers.

It’s another busy night, Ashmat, said a servant girl approaching the bar.

You mind the tables, Yuda, and I’ll mind the business of the Arber Inn, growled the burly Innkeeper, wiping his hands on his dingy apron. His black mop-like hair dripped sweat into his dark eyes as he stood watching Yuda drop off empty plates and goblets. She then angrily turned, huffing, to clean more tables.

That’s quite a temper that Yuda has, mentioned a patron, leaning on the bar. Yet she is quite lovely in her own right. I was wondering if I could take her upstairs for a night of pleasure.

Ashmat stared at the tall, hulking, bearded patron for a moment before waving him closer. Are you speaking of the blonde woman in the blue dress that was just here?

Aye, that I am, the patron replied with a confused look upon his face, rubbing his thick, dirty blonde beard.

You are a stranger to these parts, are you not?

I am a mountain man by trade and Gulub by name. I only come to Servitica with my trappings for trading at the beginning of the spring, he proudly said.

That I can tell by your bear skin wardrobe and the smell it carries, Ashmat said, waving his hand before his face.

Do I have permission to take the wench upstairs or not? Gulub snapped, irritated by Ashmat’s last remark.

I meant no harm by what I said, friend Gulub, especially to one as tall and as strong looking as you. Yet, I guess being up in the mountains for so long, you would not know.

Know what?

Ashmat sighed. You see the patron that has the table just before the staircase on your left?

Gulub quickly glanced in that direction and saw a woman with red hair upon the lap of a patron. You mean the patron by the green curtains of the private dining area, under the stairs, with the woman on his lap?

No, on the opposite side of the first three steps of the landing—against the wall, said Ashmat, motioning his head in that direction.

Turning his whole body around, the mountain man peered over the heads of the other patrons. His ears were ringing with a battle hymn sung by a group of old soldiers in the center of the room. Many were dancing to the tune so Gulub could only get a glimpse of the customer near the banister. But when they stopped to laugh and drink he got a full view.

Well? Ashmat inquired while removing the plates and goblets from the bar. What do you see?

I see a man of fair skin and hair, about half my build with a bandage about his head. He sits alone and also cradles his arm in a sling as if it were broken.

It is.

That must have been some battle, said Gulub, turning back to Ashmat. What was the name of his campaign, and what does it have to do with me taking Yuda upstairs?

Ashmat merely smiled and shook his head as he wiped down the bar. He knew these mountain men were an impatient breed and often needed things explained to them in great detail—this came from years of solitude in wandering about the forest and hills of Servitica.

Well?

My friend, Ashmat began, resting both hands on the bar and staring at Gulub with a smile. Yuda was the name of his campaign, and it has a lot to do with you taking her upstairs.

Gulub quickly turned toward the bandaged patron then back to Ashmat with a face of disbelief. You mean—I don’t believe it.

It’s true.

That woman…

That woman was escorted upstairs by that patron not three night ago at about this time, Ashmat began, laughing at intervals, and the next thing I knew there was this scream. I was about to go upstairs when I heard the door of the room smash open. All of the patrons in the center of the room scattered just as the man flew over the banister and onto the table smashing it to pieces. Yuda cursed the man as he tried to rise from the floor. Those who could stop laughing attempted to aid him but were nearly injured themselves by Yuda throwing goblets, and anything else she could lay her hands on, at the drunken customer. After almost an eternity of curses, the woman finally went into another room where I heard she soaked in a hot tub of water and fragrant oils for nearly half the night.

What did the man do?

I do not know, Ashmat said, shrugging his shoulders, and she will not tell me or any of her co-workers.

Well, I’ll not be taking her upstairs, Gulub remarked, giving a quick glance about the tavern. What of your other women? And be careful, man. Tell me not of one that treats the patrons as Yuda.

I’ll try not to do so, Ashmat said, setting up a tray. Now what of Azela, the woman with the red hair, who sits upon the patron’s lap near the private room?

Gulub turned toward the table and watched as the patron fondled and whispered words into Azela’s ear. Her milky white skin blushed with every whisper as her firm body moved with every giggle.

No, I do not think so, Gulub said, shaking his head in a doubtful manner. Redheads are often trouble, and besides, the patron she sits upon has his sights on her already.

Hmm, quite true, Ashmat said, taking a quick glance in that direction. He then looked about the room and saw another one of his servant girls. Ah, friend Gulub—there is Kirsha at the far end of the room.

The one with the shoulder length dark hair, that stands conversing near Yuda?

Aye, my friend, Ashmat said proudly, placing a flask of wine upon the tray before him. Though she is quite thin, I’ve heard from my customers that her olive skin and lips are as sweet as any nectar.

Bah, pretty she may be, Gulub growled, waving her off and turning back to the bar, but she tallies with the one woman whom I fear. Chances are she has picked up an idea or two from Yuda on how to treat the customers.

Ashmat only laughed as he turned to walk into a room behind the bar. He emerged a moment later with three plates of assorted meats, very well balanced, upon his hands and arms.

Eneret! Come girl, your orders are ready.

Eneret? Who is Eneret? Gulub asked, rising to his full height. Ah, my friend, you have saved the best for last."

The barkeeper merely stared up at the mountain man. You will do your best to leave her be, he said sincerely, an expression Ashmat rarely showed in his establishment.

But, why?

She has been through enough, and that is all you need to know, Ashmat scolded, placing the last plate down. Now be silent. Here she comes.

Gulub quickly glanced toward the center of the tavern and saw a slender blonde emerge from the crowd of carolers. All moved to one side as she marched toward the bar. With a circular tray held firmly at her left side and her head held high, one would think she was the proprietor of the Arber Inn.

Hardly a glance did she give to those she passed, not caring whether the words they whispered to one another was fair or foul.

To Gulub, she was just the girl he needed to warm his bed. Not because of how her emerald rag of a dress held her frame or the fact that her soothing brown eyes were making his blood boil, but for the simple fact that not only did she ignore the glare and grumblings of the patrons—she also ignored a greeting given by Yuda.

What is ready for me, Ashmat? Eneret asked standing on Gulub’s right.

Well, Ashmat said, taking the tray from his soft-speaking servant girl, I have three plates of beef, one with half a chicken and some bread.

That would be for the patron in the private room, Eneret said, reaching for the plate. I also need a flask of wine for this order as well.

Who is in the private room?

No one, Ashmat, Eneret quickly responded. I mean, just a patron who has paid me well for a little privacy.

Does that privacy include a long night with him as well? If so, I am hurt, Gulub said.

What it requires is none of your affair, woodsman, Eneret snapped while turning to face her antagonist.

Gulub is my name, and you are quite charming—but what do we have here? Is that a scar upon a face so lovely? Who would dare do such a thing? Gulub asked while squinting at the mark just under her right eye.

What I have is none of your affair, Eneret angrily remarked. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out three gold coins of which she slammed them upon the bar. Here is the payment by the patron for use of the private room.

Ashmat retrieved the coins and stared at them in a confused manner. But this is more than enough for the rent of one small room with a table and two chairs. I only charge a silver coin for that private room.

Nevertheless, you have your money. Now can I have my order? Eneret demanded.

Here girl, and watch that temper, Ashmat growled. Now take your order and go.

Eneret said not a word as she departed toward the private room, but the glare she gave Gulub had murderous intent.

I thought I told you to be silent, Ashmat hissed in a harsh whisper. Now you’ve riled the poor girl.

But I said nothing harmful, Gulub whispered back while glancing to his left to see Eneret slip behind the green curtains of the private room. She is just sensitive and a bit shy, especially when it comes to that scar.

With good reason.

Why? And speak up, man, for another tune has caught the tongue of the revelers.

Well, Ashmat began with a heavy sigh; it happened during the winter when she was serving and… the Innkeeper suddenly trailed off as an eerie silence filled the tavern. Conversations trailed off in mid-sentence and songs that had stood the test of brawls echoed off and died away to a point in which one could almost hear the heartbeat of everyone in the room. The silence was almost deafening.

For a moment, Ashmat was confused. He thought that everyone had fallen silent just to hear his words with Gulub. Such an idea faded faster than the sounds within the tavern as he saw the reason at the entrance to his establishment.

What’s wrong, Ashmat? Gulub said, looking over his shoulder then back to Ashmat. Your face, along with everyone else, just turned pale at the sudden appearance of those three soldiers.

With good reason, Ashmat whispered out the corner of his mouth. The tale I was about to relay to you involved these ruffians.

Who are they?

They are members of the Watch, soldiers who patrol certain sectors of Servitica all night and day. Their symbol is the red lidless eye which is marked upon the left breast of their uniform. Though they are sworn to protect the citizens of Servitica, these three dogs seem to find it more amusing to abuse. The tall one in the center is Captain Tarak. On his right are Lieutenant Sedrik and Lieutenant Buronis.

Gulub merely snorted to himself in disgust as he eyed all three soldiers. He watched as the one called Tarak looked about his surroundings with a pair of cold blue eyes. His leather-like skin was stretched firmly over his facial bones giving him an almost wolfish appearance.

Caressing his thin black mustache, the Captain began to slowly move across the room. His entourage remained behind as if guarding the door to allow no one to leave.

Why the sudden silence as I enter? mused the Captain while stopping in the center of the room. It’s as if all of you fear or hate me for some past deed.

Sporadic laughter was heard by his cohorts, causing Tarak to laugh aloud.

If you wish a table, Captain, here is one for you and your men, called Ashmat, pointing to an empty table near the bar.

So close, Ashmat? Tarak said. Am I to be grateful for a table so close to the bar?

Maybe he doesn’t want another accident to occur.

Too true, Sedrik, said Tarak, turning to the entrance. But come away from the door, you and Buronis, in case another one does occur.

Sedrik and Buronis were near hysterical in their laughter while moving away from the door. Not mindful of the leers and grumbling given off by the patrons, they all made their way to the table."

Well, Innkeeper? Sedrik said, loosening his cape to seat himself. Do you wish the Captain of the Watch to shout for his dinner or will you come and take his order?

Ashmat gave Gulub a quick stare then removed himself from behind the bar. I’m coming, he mumbled.

I don’t much like the tone in your voice, Innkeeper, growled Sedrik.

Ashmat approached the fair-haired Lieutenant with as much contempt as he would give a nonpaying customer. He tried to change his expression but was unable to do so. All he could think of was the amount of pain he could inflict upon Sedrik’s milky white skin. And of Buronis, who continued to snicker in an uncontrollable manner, how he would enjoy having his plump features over a spit before all the patrons to see. Their gray uniforms would show more than just a red lidless eye when was done.

The tone you hear in my voice shall remain as long as you are in my presence.

Dog! I should…

Calm yourself, Sedrik, Tarak interrupted, grasping the shoulder of his Lieutenant. Ashmat is merely a concerned citizen who has a lot on his mind. Don’t you, Ashmat?

Doesn’t it bother any of you three ruffians that what was done the last time you were here was wrong?

I think it was well deserved, Tarak said, rising from his chair.

You think that uniform entitles you to bully honest men about, don’t you? Ashmat said, not standing down.

I don’t bully, as you say, I maintain order.

A heavy-handed order that no one desires.

The installation of fear among the masses is what shall keep order in Servitica—at least in my sector.

By whose decree?

Her Majesty, the Red Queen.

Ashmat hissed out a short breath of air with an irritable smirk on his face. No Queen would leave you in charge of any sector of Servitica if she knew the truth.

What truth? I maintain order in my sector and I dare anyone here to disagree with what I say, Tarak said, staring about the room.

Captain, you know as well as I that no one will rise up before you. The people of the sector you and your comrades patrol are so afraid that they have no choice but to put up with your nonsense, said Ashmat, defiantly folding his arms.

So tell the Queen, Tarak mentioned, moving towards the Innkeeper.

What will that solve? You and your henchmen will only seek revenge by turning away my customers or burning down my establishment. Or would you beat me as you did Eneret?" Ashmat said, noticing the facial reaction from the Captain.

Tarak suddenly stopped moving at the mention of that name.

I gather you recall the name as well as the incident, said Ashmat, relaxing his arms.

You cannot blame me for some girl’s foolishness.

Ashmat merely shook his head in a disgusted manner. Captain, the last time you were here there was snow on the ground. You and your men came in out of the cold to warm yourselves by the fire. My servant girl, Eneret, tended to your needs but was punished unfairly for a mistake not of her doing.

How would you have reacted if a bowl of hot broth was intentionally spilled upon your lap, I wonder? Tarak asked.

It was not intentionally done. Eneret was accidentally pushed as she made her way across this very room. You know how crowded it is on certain nights, Ashmat said.

That has nothing to do with it, said Sedrik, rising from his seat. You should train your girls to balance their trays in a much better fashion during your peek hours.

Too true, added Buronis, motioning Sedrik to sit back down.

Ashmat gave a sharp leer to Sedrik then one across the table to Buronis. The both of you should be ashamed.

Of what? Sedrik said, folding his arms and leaning back in his chair to look up at the Innkeeper.

Ashmat signed. You, Sedrik, I always thought you knew better than to stand and watch injustice run amok. But there you stood and watched as Tarak beat poor Eneret, only breaking him off when the poor girl went limp. And you, Buronis, my elder cousin, how is it that you and I are of the same blood but see things so differently? Eneret is a young girl who made a mistake, yet you stood by and watched as she was beaten by your Captain.

Innkeeper, you try my patience, Tarak growled, moving a little closer.

Ashmat looked toward the approaching Captain and remained firm. Am I next to be beaten by your hand, to have my flesh branded forever with a scar of your so-called justice—just like Eneret?

Tarak towered over the plump Innkeeper, his face like stone. Just bring us some food and wine, he said as patiently as his temper would allow. Keep the young wench away from me and all will be well.

Ashmat said not a word. He merely backed away from the Captain, keeping eye contact until he was far enough away. Feeling he was at a safe distance, he turned to round the bar to prepare the order for Tarak and his men.

Those were pretty strong words for a barkeeper, Gulub whispered, looking over his shoulder at Tarak and watched as he nearly forced the crowd to return to their singing and dancing. As the level of conversation and song returned to what it had been, Tarak slowly sat down.

Look at him, hissed Ashmat, pouring the wine into three cups. Lord of the Watch, humph. If the Queen only knew of his deeds about this sector. They were probably told to her in a fashion that made him look like a hero.

Aye, you’re probably right, Gulub said, raising his voice to compete with the rise of conversation and song. I bet he told Her Majesty that Eneret drew a sword and held him hostage—and that the only way he could possibly escaped from that dangerous servant was to beat her senseless.

You can laugh, Ashmat said, showing a slight grin, but I bet that is exactly what he told Her Majesty.

Well, you better worry more about where Eneret is at this moment rather than what is being told to Her Majesty, Gulub said cautiously, looking about the tavern.

You’re right, a concerned Ashmat said, stopping what he was doing to look toward the last place he saw her retreat before Tarak entered the tavern. She went into the private room, Gulub. Go fetch her out and bring her to me.

Aye, that I shall.

No, wait. Look over there, Ashmat said, motioning his head to the other side of the room.

The woodsman followed Ashmat’s eye sight toward the other side of the room. It’s her. But how did she get out?

I don’t know, my friend. Probably while I was talking with Tarak she managed to slip out. But she should have run upstairs or out of the tavern until these dogs are done with their meal.

It doesn’t matter now, Ashmat, Gulub said, peering over the top of patrons passing by. Though this tavern is not as lively as it was before, I can’t take a chance on shouting her name or making my way passed these patrons. She may see me and move away.

What is she doing now?

I don’t know. I can’t see her anymore. She has moved away.

Damn.

Wait. There she is, not ten paces behind Tarak’s table, Gulub said, motioning his head in that direction.

I’m going to get her, Ashmat said, about to move.

No. Wait, Gulub said, reaching over the bar to hold Ashmat in a firm grip. If you move towards Tarak’s table, he’ll know something is wrong. Best to wait to see what she does next—she may just walk past him without being noticed.

Look, Ashmat said, loosening himself from Gulub’s grip. "She is moving towards Tarak’s table.

And your cousin has seen her and is preparing to inform his Captain, Gulub said, easing back across the bar.

My cousin is not the only one who has seen her approach, Ashmat mentioned, leaning on the bar. The entire tavern has seen her and now grows silent.

Eneret knew that the noise level in the tavern had lowered because she was making her way toward the one person she hated more than anyone—the man who had beaten her for a simple mistake. She recalled apologizing repeatedly while the fist of Tarak crashed into her skull. Those thoughts came rushing into her head as she approached Tarak’s table. Those who witnessed her approach moved away as if expecting trouble. Others sought to jerk her away, while others whispered warnings into her ear, but Eneret ignored them all and continued her approach.

She saw that Buronis had noticed her approach and had begun to whisper into the ear of Tarak, who released his attention from the scroll he was reading. Sedrik began to smile at the young maiden as she stopped within an arm’s length of him.

Staring at her abuser, Eneret had every intention of spitting in the face of Captain Tarak. Her face was that of disgust toward the trio before her, but she said not a word. Eneret merely walked away from Tarak’s table toward the bar to greet Ashmat.

Tarak reached for Sedrik, who turned to his Captain and saw a smile upon his face.

Sedrik nodded and swiftly reached for Eneret’s arm. Hold, girl! he announced, grabbing Eneret’s right arm while still seated, pleasures unmatched by any other await you upstairs.

Unhand me, dog! Eneret screamed as the tray she carried met the face of Sedrik.

The Lieutenant’s face exploded with blood as he watched Eneret run passed patrons and tables into the private room under the stairs. Many gasped and swiftly moved away at this sudden show of force from one so frail. A deadly silence filled the tavern as Sedrik stood cradling his nose.

Tarak threw the scroll to the floor and shouted, Get her, you fool! No one does that to a member of the Watch!

Something is not right, here, Ashmat mumbled, watching the events unfold.

What do you mean? I’d say she has done quite well, Gulub said with a smile.

No, you don’t understand, Ashmat whispered while drawing him closer. I’ve trained my girls to run upstairs to the center room and escape through a window if there is danger. There is a ladder attached to the wall of the inn that leads down to a narrow alley for a swift escape. For Eneret to run into the private room where probably some fat, rich merchant sits is rather strange.

Well, there is nothing we can do now but be still and watch, Gulub whispered back. Sedrik already proceeds towards the room. I doubt she will leave the room alive.

Ashmat and Gulub both watched as Sedrik disappeared behind the green curtains. No sooner did he enter and the curtains settle than the sound of a struggle was heard from within room. All could hear the sound of a body being slammed onto a table and being slapped not once, nor twice, but three to four times. This was followed by a succession of what sounded like blows to the mid section.

Oh, the poor girl, Gulub sincerely said, staring at the room.

I must do something, Ashmat said. Eneret will be killed.

But before he could remove himself from behind the bar, the body of Sedrik flew out of the room and landed a few paces from Gulub. His gray uniform was torn and bloodied.

All stood in awe, as if trying to picture how a frail, young girl, such as Eneret, could possibly manage to do such damage to a full size man.

Staring at the private room, everyone watched as the curtains began to part, but not by the hand of Eneret. This hand was masked with a black glove. The curtains parted more, allowing everyone to see a black boot emerge, followed by another. The mysterious figure came into the light as Tarak and Buronis fought their way through the crowd to see who would dare strike an officer of the Watch.

Ashmat smiled when the figure, dressed in black from tunic to trousers, came into full view. His long black cape skimmed the floor, partially concealing a broad sword beneath it. He moved and stood motionless by Sedrik’s unconscious form met by the gratuitous stares of the people in the tavern.

Avarom, was the name whispered about the tavern. At the sound of the name a few people departed but the majority remained there as if awestruck.

I need two to carry this dog away from me, he said, pointing down to the moaning and groaning figure of Sedrik.

Avarom! Tarak bellowed.

The dark figure merely shifted his sight from Sedrik’s body to the one who called his name. His dark eyes focused solely on the Captain as two patrons moved the groaning form of Sedrik to a nearby chair.

I don’t know when you returned, but striking an officer of the Watch is forbidden and punishable by a thirty day jail term.

That it is, replied Avarom, moving closer to Tarak. Just like one should be punished for abusing a citizen of Servitica.

What do you mean by that remark? Tarak growled, placing both hand on his hips.

Just what I said, Avarom answered, turning to walk back toward the curtains he exited a moment ago. He parted the drapes revealing Eneret. Avarom gently escorted the frightened girl out of the room by her right hand and watched as she walked to the banister to steady herself.

What does she have to do with Captain Tarak? Buronis asked.

Upon returning from my mission, I stopped here for refreshment, Avarom began, turning his attention from the servant girl to the Captain. Eneret was the one who tended to my needs as she has done on many occasions. She was the one who provided me with fresh provisions and a kindly smile before I left on this mission. Now I return and that smile is gone. A scar now decorates her face. I had to force it out of her who did this terrible deed. She told me it was you, Captain Tarak, and that it happened right about this time just before the first snowfall when you were supposed to have been doing rounds in your sector of Servitica, when you were here enjoying the service of the Arber Inn.

The Captain started to chuckle at first and then let out full and hearty laugh while pointing at Avarom. Look what we have here, Buronis, Tarak said, placing his hands on his hips. A barbarian that thinks he’s a soldier.

A snicker was heard from Buronis as well as some sporadic laughter from the patrons.

Now, listen, Avarom, Tarak sneered, his face contorted in disgust toward his adversary. You’re nothing more than a glorified barbarian who fell into the Queen’s service by sheer happenstance. You have no rank. You have no loyalty to Servitica and most of all you have no right to even be here accusing me of anything. I go where I please regardless of the time of day or night.

Yes, Tarak, Avarom began, his temper visibly rising, I have no rank. I am not a Servitican soldier or a native of Servitica, but I am the Queen’s bodyguard and like it or not I am here to stay. And if there is one thing I despise most of all it is the abuse of power. You are here to serve the people of Servitica, not beat them.

You have no right to accuse the Captain—

Let me warn you, Tarak, Avarom hissed, not paying any heed to the words of Buronis. I’m sick of you and the way you handle your duties as an officer. I heard what you said to Ashmat and if I hear you are terrorizing the citizens of Servitica, rather than protecting them, I’ll do more than this!

Before Tarak could move in defense, Avarom’s boot had found its way between his legs, causing him to double over in pain. Avarom then delivered Tarak a crushing blow beneath his left eye. The force sent him into the crowd behind, toppling over a few tables and chairs, before he landed on the floor.

Patrons young and old scattered for cover as Buronis drew his sword while moving away from his table. But before he could grip his sword tightly, Avarom was already facing him, sword in hand and knocking the blade from Buronis’ hand. The dazed Lieutenant could say nothing as the butt of Avarom’s sword then smashed into his skull, causing him to fall to the floor like a sack of potatoes.

Avarom! Look out!

Reeling on his heels from the warning, Avarom turned in time to see Sedrik springing from the chair in a vain attempt to tackle him. Yet the beating he had received from within the private room made him slow and predictable. Avarom swiftly kicked his attacker in the face, which sent Sedrik sprawling back to the chair he’d originated from. The force of Sedrik’s momentum broke the chair, causing him to fall on the floor in the same unconscious manner as his comrades.

Sighing heavily and shaking his head in annoyance, Avarom looked about the tavern to make sure there were no sympathizers of Tarak. Satisfied that no one was a threat, Avarom sheathed his sword and walked to the bar. Give me something to drink if you please, friend Ashmat. Beating three useless dogs is thirsty work.

I should have known it was you, Ashmat said gladly clapping his hands and then fixing Avarom a drink. The way Eneret was acting; the three gold coins and the meal itself. Who else would order a side of beef and half a chicken with bread as well as wine? Ashmat laughed hysterically, placing the goblet of wine in front of him.

Avarom picked up the goblet to drink and then let out a sigh of relief when it was completely drained. Thank you, Ashmat. I needed that more than you know. But enough of me, what of this mountain man who warned me of Sedrik’s attack?

He is Gulub, Ashmat said, placing a hand on the mountain man’s shoulder, a trapper by trade and now a friend.

Does he not have a tongue, Ashmat? If not, then it is not he I must thank but another who can bellow like a lion.

It is me, Gulub said gladly. I’m just so overwhelmed to meet the one and only Avarom.

What overwhelms you so?

Well, for starters, you handled these three Servitican soldiers without breaking a sweat.

And?

And? Look at you, lad. You’re only as tall as my chest. From what I’ve heard about you, I thought you were taller—meaner looking.

Avarom let out a hearty laugh. Then let the one true Avarom, who is barely as tall as your chest and not as mean as he should be, shake your hand, Avarom said, extending his right hand.

Gulub reached for it and held it firmly in a tight grip. And you can take the grip of Gulub as well. Know you, lad, that this hand has brought many to their knees, he said, releasing Avarom’s hand. Tell me, where do you hail from that they raise their young so strong and brave?

Avarom’s face suddenly saddened as he stared away for a moment.

Uh… so, Avarom how was your mission? Ashmat nervously interrupted while placing a hand on Gulub’s arm. A sign to the woodsman that the conversation was going in the wrong direction. I hope it was as successful as dealing with these trouble-making fools.

Avarom looked up toward Ashmat and regained his smile. It was not as joyful as before, but it was a smile nonetheless. You know I cannot discuss such things. Now find young Calob, your stable boy, to prepare my horse. I must depart.

I’ll prepare his horse, Eneret mentioned, coming up behind Avarom. It’s the least I can do for the Queen’s bodyguard who has risked so much just for me. Besides, I have not see Calob all evening.

Humph, I’ll settle with that brat, later, Ashmat said.

Well, if you are up to it, Eneret, lead on, Avarom said, allowing the servant girl to take his hand and lead him away. Good night, Ashmat. Good night, Gulub.

Good night, Gulub said.

Ashmat watched and waved as Eneret led Avarom toward the door amid the applauding crowd as well as an occasional clasp on the back.

You swayed the conversation away from Avarom’s origins as a way of keeping me quiet, Gulub said, watching the door close behind Avarom and wresting his arm free from Ashmat. He turned to the barkeeper. What reason is there? All I did was asked where he hailed from.

And that was enough, Ashmat said, wiping down the bar. Avarom has his problems and that is one of them.

Where he hails from is a problem?

Ashmat remained silent as he set up two goblets of wine.

Come, come, Ashmat. Speak.

Ashmat drank the wine then pushed the other cup to Gulub. Here, man, drink. It’s on the house. I’ve told you enough. For more information, see Avarom. And from hence forth I would advise you to watch your back—for you are now an enemy of the Watch for aiding Avarom against Sedrik.

Bah! Gulub growled, drinking down the wine and turning back to the floor. He looked at all three men still lying there. If it were not for all these witnesses they would not even wake up. But your tavern is slowly emptying as many depart. I guess I should do so as well. Good night, Ashmat.

Good night, Gulub, Ashmat said, waving goodbye.

When the mountain man departed, Ashmat called his servants. Yuda! Kirsha! Azela! Clean this place up while I tend to the slumbering brave men of the Watch.

CHAPTER 2

Upon a stone laden bridge in the forest of Servitica, two men were walking across and saw a small blonde haired boy sitting on the opposite side.

Well, well, what do we have here? And what is your name? one of them asked.

The boy turned on his perch and watched the two guards approach him. Both were of medium build and walked with an air of discipline that could only come from many hours of marching. One soldier, the first to greet him, had blonde hair and a thin mustache. The other soldier was a clean shaven brunette with a black patch over his left eye.

Hello, my name is Calob. You’re soldiers of the Watch—I can tell by your uniform, he said proudly.

Oh, can you now? You hear that, Surkon?

Aye, Adomis. He is a smart lad.

That he is, Surkon, Adomis said, pulling back his cape to lean upon the bridge. And what is a young, handsome lad such as yourself doing out this evening?

I’m on a secret mission.

Adomis and Surkon laughed.

Well, I am, Calob remarked, jumping off his perch to stand tall before Adomis.

I don’t doubt you, boy.

Boy? Calob said, insulted. Boy?

Ah, yes, my apologies, Calob, Adomis said shamefully with a slight grin on his face. But aren’t you rather young to be on a mission?

Sir, you insult me, Calob said, folding his arms and holding up his chin. By this summer I’ll have fourteen years under my belt, making me a man.

Too true, Surkon said, leaning on the opposite side of the bridge—his smile prevalent.

Do I sense mockery in your voice, sir?

By all means, no.

Do not pay attention to Surkon, Adomis said, placing a hand on Calob’s shoulder. I believe in you and your mission. How is it going so far?

It is going quite well, Calob said, relaxing against the side of the bridge. I was only resting when you and your comrade came along.

Resting—from what?

Well, sir, it was a long run from Servitica to the Queen’s castle.

Her Majesty’s castle? Why were you headed there?

I told you I am on a secret mission.

Adomis glanced over to Surkon who merely shrugged his shoulders. He then turned his attention back to Calob and with a heavy sigh he lifted Calob back onto the bridge. Now, Calob, you can trust me. Why Surkon and I are on a secret mission as well.

Really?

Aye. Remember, we are soldiers of the Watch. Our job is to watch and make sure no one does any harm to anyone else.

But that’s your job anyway.

Well, ah, yes it is. But tonight is different.

How different?

I’m not going to tell you, Adomis said, folding his arms and looking away toward Surkon.

It doesn’t matter, Calob said, turning his body away from Adomis. My mission is probably much more important than yours anyway.

Oh really, Adomis said, winking at Surkon. I bet my mission is much more important than yours.

It is not, Calob snapped, turning his body to face Adomis.

Turning with a slight grin and unfolding his arms, Adomis reached into his purse to pull out a gold coin. You see this, lad. If your mission is much important than mine, I’ll give you this coin.

Calob stared at the gold coin and then into the face of Adomis. Instantly he began to search the pockets of his trousers and the small satchel strapped across his left shoulder. Finally, he produced a silver coin and held it up for Adomis see. All I have is this one silver coin.

It shall do, said Adomis, waving Surkon over. And my one-eyed comrade shall hold the money while we tell each other of our mission.

Calob watched as Adomis took his coin and the gold coin to place it in the hand of Surkon. He rubbed his chin thinking for a moment. It’s a deal.

Good. Now you begin, Calob.

Why should I?

Well—you are the bravest. You see, I must travel with Surkon this evening while you travel alone. Only a brave man would do such a thing.

Calob smiled at Adomis’ words. I guess you are right.

Good. Now you may begin at any time.

Calob made himself comfortable as Adomis leaned once more on the bridge while Surkon moved onto the opposite side. My mission started this past fall while I was cleaning the floor of the Arber Inn early one morning. That’s where I work with Ashmat. He and I own that tavern. Have either of you been there?

Yes.

A few times in the past.

Good, Calob said, smiling at their response. We often serve officers of the Watch. But anyway, I was cleaning the floor early one morning when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I looked up from my chores and saw a woman cloaked in a dark blue hooded cape. She knelt before me and whispered that I should follow her. After she said this, the woman pulled her hood back and rose up. She had milky white skin and raven hair down to her shoulders. She looked about the empty tavern and then led me to a corner table where someone with a black hood sat with their head down. I stopped on the opposite side of the table while the lady with the dark hair moved to whisper something into the stranger’s ear. When she was done she stepped back as the stranger slowly pulled back her hood, and guess who it was?

Who? Adomis said, very interested.

"Well, I can only tell you through a poem that you should know.

Eyes like gold

Hair of fire.

With skin so soft

It never grows old.

She is beauty alive.

She is wisdom alone.

She belongs to all

But she is Servitica’s own."

You mean to say the Red Queen herself was at the Arber Inn?

Aye, sir, and it appears she was accompanied by her chambermaid Anrika, Calob answered Surkon. "Why, I nearly fell back in disbelief. But before I could utter a word of praise toward Her Majesty, she spoke these words; ‘Hear me, young Calob, for I must make this brief so listen carefully. You know of my bodyguard, Avarom?’

"I shook my head while sweating like a pig.

"‘Very well,’ she continued. ‘Avarom departed Servitica on a mission which will decide its future. When he returns, be it from a mission or a hunt, he often stops here for food and drink. If he should do so I wish to be notified immediately.’

Again I shook my head, Calob continued. "I was so nervous, especially when she took my hand and held it in her own.

"‘Thank you,’ she said.

"Then Anrika said to the Queen, ‘Your Majesty, we must depart before we are discovered.’

"Then Anrika moved toward the door while concealing herself beneath