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Journey of the Warrior Ch. 00

By: Roadbug



Prologue

THE LAST STAND

This story is a work of fiction. All resemblance to people or places is purely coincidence.

Thanks to DesertPirate for his assistance.

Through the dark he rode. The path down the pass was narrow to the bottom where it came out of the ancient forest to a small castle. 

He held is side where he had been hit by an arrow. He knew that this would probably be his last night but still he rode on. Ignoring the pain, he urged his horse down and into the forest. 

The moon occasionally showing through the trees gave him enough light to see the trail he had followed for two days and the previous night. 

He saw the castle as he emerged from the forest. Watch towers with torches were clearly visible to him now. Only a short ways to go before he could deliver his message. 

Even then, he knew, he would find no rest this night. He would have to lead the defenders of the castle back up to the pass. To save the castle, he would have to lead them on the shortest path to the pass. 

He rode to the gate and yelled to the guard his identity. Although it had been some months since he had been this way, the Elves that defended the bastion knew him well. He had traded his furs with the castle since he had come to this strange and ancient land. They had been his first friends and teachers when he had arrived.

At last, he thought, as the gate opened for his admittance. He told the commander of the gate guard to tell the lord of the castle that he had news of great import from the other side of the pass. The guard, seeing the blood on his side instantly ran to the entrance of the caste proper.

Shortly after, the lord himself came out to the one on the horse. Seeing the blood on the humans side and how he sat his horse, he tried to help him down. 

The human said, "No time. Rouse your entire guard. An army approaches the pass and we must go and meet it with as many as you can summon. We must go now. I will guide you on the shortest route to the top but be quick in readying your forces."

The Elven lord looked into the face of the human he had befriended five years previous to this and saw what the human already knew. He was dying from his wound as the arrow had been poisoned.

The lord summoned his guard and told them to prepare to meet an invasion of the lands defended by the castle. After giving his orders, he went back in to tell his guests of the night the grim news. He also told his eldest daughter of the one who had likely given up his life to warn them and guide them through lands rarely traveled by Elves.

Hearing this grim news, she rushed to the side of the horse where sat the injured man. Placing her hand upon his while tears flowed down her pale cheeks, she said, "Always know that here you have a home. If this night you live, you will be welcome here as long as either my father or I live. This night, you have given us our lives."

The human looked upon this Elven maid and seeing her tears he said, "You and your kin have given me welcome since I came to this land. Always you have welcomed me and always you have been kind and generous even though I am human and not of your own blood. I have given you nothing more than what you have already gifted me with."

"Cry not for me, my lady," he continued. "All must die one day, even those such as your kind. I only meet my fate sooner than you. The arrow is poisoned and has spread too far even for the healers of your castle. A great mage or healer might help, but none are here and there is no time left to summon one even if they would come."

The Elven woman looked upon the human as he spoke, and while placing her hand over his wound she said, "By the blood spilled I say and by the pain you have suffered in our service I say, you will return to this place. Take my strength and lead as you must but return to us who are your friends."

A glow appeared around her hand and the human gasped. His pain was less and he felt stronger than he had in the two days since he'd been wounded. He looked upon the face turned up to him and saw the glow in her eyes that matched that around her hand.

Drawing another breath, he said, "I know little of the ways or the strengths of your people. I only know that five years ago I was lost. I am not of this land and I knew not of it's ways. I was hungry and thirsty. I was ill with fever also. A band of riders found me as I lay dying in the forest to the south of this castle."

"Here it was they brought me. Here it was that I was nursed back to heath by two beautiful women. Elves though you be and human as I am, these two beautiful women and their father made me well. They taught me the ways of the forest and the lands around. They gave me an even greater gift while they did this."

He paused for a moment then said, "They gave me friendship."

"This night I give freely. Live or die I give back what I received when first I came here. Feel no sorrow in my passing. This gift you have given me tonight will aid me in what I still must do. I must lead your father and what soldiers he can spare to the pass. I know of a way even faster than the one you use so I must guide them."

"On the morrow, I will stand with those who have given me this great gift of their friendship and live or die with them."

Drawing a pouch out of his jerkin, he took it off. He held it for a moment and taking her hand off of his wounded side he handed the pouch to her. "Take this as my gift to you and your sister. Tell her that I love you both like the daughters I never had. I have nothing much of value except what is inside and I wish you to have it."

While the two had been talking, the guard had formed up and mounted. The lord of the castle and another group strange to the human came out of the doors and also mounted. 

Looking down upon the Elven maid at his side, the human said, "Take this and go to your sister. The two of you must ready the castle folk to flee into the forest in the event that we fail on the morrow. You have no chance to hold what comes even with twice the number of guards sworn to your father. The enemy is strong and has great numbers."

The Elven woman looked up on the human and said, "We cannot forsake our duty. Here we hold and here we will live or die. This is our trust and our honor. Ride well and know that my sister and I will pray to our goddess for the safety of you and our kin. Fight well knowing that you have our hearts and always have."

With these words, she ran into the castle. The human watched as she vanished from his site, then turned to the Elven lord and the stranger beside him.

The stranger road forward and held up his hand in greeting. "Grave news you have brought upon my visit to my kin. What know you of those who come?"

The human answered with a sigh saying, "They are from the kingdom to the east of the pass. The king there has decided that your lands should be his and the Elves here should be driven out or exterminated."

"Greed is his only reason for this," the human continued. "He has gathered a large army and even now they are less than a day from the other side of the pass. There is no hope of holding them here as their numbers are too great. Only at the narrowest part on the other side may we hope to hold them for any time."

The Elven lords studied the humans face for a moment, then the lord of the castle said, "I have sent out a messenger already. He left from the southern gate moments ago. By tomorrow dusk, there should be a force large enough to hold the castle and the pass if we succeed."

The human said, "Let us go then. We have only a few hours to get to the place where we can make our stand. I will guide you there by an old trail that I know. It is steeper than the main but we can make the top in half the time as the regular route."

So saying, the human turned his mount and started back the way he had come so shortly before. 

He led them up to the pass and down to the narrowing part of the pass. Upon arriving, he said "Here we can hold them for a time. I don't know for how long but it may be enough to save your lands and people."

With these words he sagged in his saddle and started to fall. 

One of the warriors jumped off his horse and ran up to catch him just in time to prevent him falling.

It was then that the others discovered what the lord already knew. Even wounded and the arrow head still in him, this human had led them to a point where they would have a chance of defending the route to their homes. To them, he had given more than a warning and a guide. To them he had given his life's blood 

The warrior gently lowered the barely breathing man to the ground and called out for the healer who had accompanied them on this desperate ride.

The healer ran up and put his had upon the wound and focused his power. Try as he might, he could not defeat the poison from the arrow head.

Bowing his head, he stood and faced the lord and his cousin.

"He is dying, my lords," the healer said. "There is nothing I can do as I am not strong enough to defeat the poison within him. I have eased his pain and given him some strength but that is all I can do. He will be gone by tomorrow evening at the latest."

Hearing the grim news, the warrior standing there told the others the same.

Dismounting, they all came to him one at a time. Each thanked him for his bravery and his great gift to them that they could defend their homes. Each bowed his or her head and gave a prayer to the Goddess of the Forest to intercede for he who was lay there before them.

This done, they went about what they had come here for. Already they could see a host approaching them from below. 

Seeing it, they knew from the numbers approaching them that they would have little chance to hold for the day required. Even knowing this, they prepared. They knew that they would have had less chance at the castle for the enemy army approaching was large indeed.

As they readied themselves, the human sat up. Slowly he stood. Walking to his horse, he gathered his weapons. He only carried a staff and a large ax and a few knives. He was unskilled with the elven bow or the swords they carried. 

Opening the bedroll behind his bloodied saddle, he took out a crossbow of strange design and assembled it. 

Finishing his task, he walked to where the castle lord and his cousin were sitting.

Slowly going to one knee as was the way of the Elves before a lord.

The lord looked up at once and seeing who was before him he said to all within hearing, "Be witness to me my men." Stooping down to the human he raised him to his feet. He said, "Never again will you kneel before me nor will you bow your head. If we live this day through it will be because of you."

He looked upon his men and said, "To this man we owe a debt. Even if we die here today, we may save those we love. Only because of this man do we have the chance to do this and only because of his bravery do we stand here where we might yet do so. Never again will he sit at the common table. When we sit in my hall he sits at my table."

To a man, each Elf knelt before their lord and the human. Even the lords cousin bent his head before drawing his ancient sword.

Placing the tip upon the humans shoulder, he said "Few are the knights of this land. I serve the king and am his knight. Only one of us may name another. I name you knight and say before these who witness that you have already proved your bravery. If we live through this day, I say that you will be a brother to me for saving my home and those I love."

The ancient sword began to glow blue, surprising all who witnessed. The glow covered the human for a moment and then centered upon his wounded side. Slowly the glow seemed to seep in to the wound.

The human gasped and staggered, being caught by the lord before he could fall. There was a strange sound like water falling into a pool, and the arrow head fell to the ground.

The human again gasped as the glow slowly receded back to the sword still touching his shoulder. When the blue light had faded, the human fainted. Catching him before he could fall, the castle lord and the elven knight carried him to where he had been laying before. Two of the warriors carried his weapons and placed them beside him as he slept.

As they gazed upon him, the cousins noticed a change in his skin. The pallor that had been was fading and a healthy cast came to his skin. Even the gray in his beard had faded.

They looked at each other and stood. "My cousin," said the knight, "I have held this sword for many a year and never have I seen such. It has power, but it is a weapon of war. I have never seen it heal one who was near death."

The lord looked at his cousin and said, "I have heard many a story of this sword you carry. It has been in our family for countless years, from before our people came to this land. Never have I heard of it healing nor have I heard of it showing such power of any kind to benefit a human. Truly, this man is more than he seems."

"Agreed cousin," said the kings knight. "I have named him brother and so he is if we both live through this day."

"I shall call him so also," said the lord. "He was willing to die for us so now he shall live with us as he chooses. I will always have a seat at my own table for him and if either of my daughters still wishes and he chooses I will grant either of them leave to take him as husband."

The Knight nodded at this pronouncement and said, "If this should come to pass I will give the challenge and I will stand before all who would say nay. He shall always find me at his back if he has ever the need."

Shortly after this talk, the human again woke up. He felt no more pain from his wound and the burning from the poison was also gone. Standing, he felt healthier and stronger than he had in many years. 

Holding up his right hand and looking at the back of it, he saw that the bent finger he had broken when he was younger was now straight and no longer pained him.

Turning the hand over, he saw that the scar from an old injury that had almost taken his thumb as a boy was now gone. All the pains that accumulate with age had faded to nothing. 

Smiling for the first time in many days, he looked at the castle lord and the kings knight.

"I was going to tell you this before," he said. "The enemy has the custom of having a champion challenge to fight any who would face him in single combat. I ask for this chance. Before, I thought that I would do so as I was dying anyway. Now I wish it as a chance to pay back those who used a poisoned arrow."

The Lord looked upon the human and said, "You have already paid a price in blood so we may defend our lands. No more is needed nor is it asked."

I ask this for myself," said the human. "I won't be much use to you in battle, but I might be able to buy you some time in this way. Your warriors have worked together for years but you know nothing of me or how I fight."

"My name is Armetur," said the lord. "I give you this," he said handing the human a ring, 'to show that you are my chosen champion. Wear it always."

The man looked at the ring and then to the face of the Elf Lord and said, "I have no name now. I am called Hawk by my friends. I would be honored if you called me by that name."

Armetur looked to his cousin and said, "If you should live through this day and I do not, let his name be entered in the family listing. Let none forget the deed he did last night to bring us word."

The Knight nodded his head and said, "He shall be known as the brother of Deliand." Looking at the human, he held out his hand and said, "I greet you brother. One so brave that he would give his life for those not his kin should be kin at heart if not blood. I greet my brother."

The human looked at the hand offered to him then raised his face to the Knight and said, "I have no kin left. I am not of this land but the people here gave me a home for a time and gave me friendship. I would have died without that friendship. I only repaid a debt." He took the Knight's hand in his own and for the first time Armetur saw his smile.

"Last night, I knew I was dying," he said. "I brought you word to pay for the five years of life that I've had. Lord Armetur, you owe me nothing."

Turning to the advancing army, the human picked up his staff and handed the crossbow to Deliand. "Hold this for me while I go to meet the champion. If I fall, use it well for it was a gift from a dwarf who is my friend."

With those words he walked to where the pass again widened and stood watching the approach of the enemy. Calmly he stood waiting. 

A herald with a flag of truce approached him. The elves saw them speak for a time, then the human walked forward and planed his staff in the ground and held up his ax.

Returning the ax to his belt, he picked up his staff and stood with his shoulders squared and his feet spread and waited for the enemy champion to come forward.

Suddenly the enemy lines parted and a huge warrior stepped forward. The man called Hawk moved to meet him.

They talked for a few moments although none on either side could hear them. After the short conversation, they both stepped back.

The giant champion drew his sword and Hawk lifted his staff in both hands. With this salute, they moved toward each other.

They exchanged blows so quickly that even elven eyes couldn't follow. The fight went on for several minutes and suddenly the giant warrior was on the ground!

The man called Hawk stepped back and allowed him to regain his feet. Standing, the giant warrior bowed slightly and saluted Hawk.

As he lowered he sword, an arrow was fired from the enemy lines. It struck Hawk high in the left side of his chest, staggering him. Lowering his staff to the ground, he held it with both hands to keep his feet. He said something to the giant warrior then collapsed and was motionless.

Seeing this, the giant warrior sheathed his sword and yelled out something to the enemy lines then turned and lifted Hawk like a child.

Standing again, he turned toward the elven forces and carried the wounded Hawk back to them.

When he came to the elven line, he said to them in his own tongue, "I had nothing to do with this evil deed. I will not fight you this day or any other until my honor is regained. If this man, your champion should die then I ask for the same fate. I will not live with his blood staining my honor."

Armetur looked upon the wounded human and said, "I saw the battle. This was not your doing so you are not to blame."

The giant warrior said, "I guaranteed his safety should he defeat me. I promised this on my honor. Now he is wounded by treachery. It does not matter who struck the treacherous blow. I gave my word and now it is broken. I will stay by him until the end of the battle. If he lives, I will take him through the pass to those who might help."

Walking through the line of elves, he saw where the bed had been made for Hawk before his healing earlier. He carried the champion to this simple resting place and laid him down upon the blanket.

Standing and drawing his sword, he placed it point down on the ground and said, "Here I will stand. It matters not who wins this day, none shall cause him more harm as long as I live."

Raising their weapons in salute, the elves moved into the narrow part of the pass and formed their lines to await the advance of the human army before them. 

They formed two ranks of swordsmen and one of bow. Standing there, they waited. 

The enemy began to advance upon them. As they closed, the bowman in the back began to fire their great elven longbows. Many of the enemy dropped as they advanced, but not enough to change the outcome.

Hawk regained his senses as this was occurring. He felt the arrow in his chest and knew that the wound was deep.

Looking up, he saw the warrior he had been fighting and in the tongue of the giant warrior he said, "The shaft is almost all the way through. Please push it the rest of the way and help me bandage the wounds."


Journey of the Warrior Ch. 00



The giant warrior looked down and said, "That wound will probably mean your death. I cannot do this deed as I have sworn to defend you if you live and to die at your feet if you don't. I will not be the cause of your death."

"It doesn't matter. The arrow is poisoned and I will not live out the day. Grant me this that I may stand and die at the sides of my friends and those who named me kin. I have no others and if die I must, then I wish it at their sides this day."

Hearing these words, the warrior sheathed his sword and did as he had been asked. He helped Hawk sit up and pushed the arrow head through and broke off the fletched end thus allowing him to pull it out.

This task done, he took the bandaging that Hawk handed him and bound up the wounds.

Standing, he offered his hand to Hawk and helped him to his feet. Hawk said, "You are not to be blamed for the treachery of another. I release you from your vow and bid you live. Return to your home and kin knowing that I hold no ill will toward you and if there is anything to forgive then know that you have mine now."

With these words, Hawk walked to the lines of the elves holding the pass.

The elven lord and the kings Knight saw him and were cheered that their adopted relative was alive. They stepped away from each other that Hawk might stand between them during the battle.

Hawk took the place offered and thanked them for the honor. Armetur said, "The honor is ours. Live or die today I am truly blessed to stand beside one so brave and good of heart."

Deliand said, "You are my brother and this is your rightful place at my side. I am honored that you will fight beside me this day."

The human looked at each of them and said, "When I first came to this land I was lost. You helped me and taught me the ways of the forest. You gave me the skills to earn my way in all the lands that I have traveled since I came to be here. You gave me friendship and a place to stay every time I visited your castle. Now you have given me your names."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "I lost my family and my home when I was somehow brought here. I lost all I had and all I cared about. You gave me a new place and friendship. Now you have given me your names, which I know is rare for an elf to give to a human. You have named me kin also. It is I who am truly honored this day."

Deliand said, "Well I guess there is no arguing with him, cousin. Let us except what he has said and consider each of us to be honored by the presence of the other." 

Armetur said, "Agreed cousin. Now let us see to those who would take our homeland away from us."

All three turned back to the advancing enemy and the two elves raised their shields, making sure that Hawk was also protected as he had no shield of his own.

Hawk watched the advance of the great host and said, "When they get here I will fight as I know. I have no training in standing in a line such as this so I will meet them in my own way. Do not follow me as I will not be able to fight as well. Allow me to fight as I know how and stand to fight as you know. This is the best way for us."

Deliand said, "I have sworn to guard your back. If you move forward into the enemy then so shall I, my brother."

"No," said Hawk. "You know not how I fight. I will be more affective against these invaders if I get into their lines. You are not trained as I am and I am not trained as you. Do not follow me, please."

"Very well," said Deliand. "If this is your wish, I will honor it. But if you have need I will come for you."

Hawk smiled and said, "I don't believe I will have need. The arrow was poisoned. This was a stronger poison than the last. I will not live out the day no matter what. Do not follow me and let me fight as I know how and let me die as I must. This is the easier way of passing."

Hearing this, Deliand raised his sword to see if it would again heal the human. Hawk stopped him with his left hand and said, "No. You must save what ever power you have. The enemy has a mage with them and you will need the power of that sword this day. It is more important that we stop these people here than if you heal me."

"A mage?" exclaimed Armetur. "How powerful?"

"I don't know, but I don't believe he is too strong if your cousin has that sword. I will try to remove him from the battle before I die. If I succeed, you will have a much better chance, but if I fail you will need the power of that sword."

With that Hawk fell silent. The enemy was close now and it was time for him to ready himself. He took back the crossbow that Deliand was holding for him and using the sling, he placed it over his back. Taking his staff in a two handed grip, he prepared to attack.

When the enemy was fifty or so paces away, they charged the elven lines. They screamed their war cries as they ran forward. 

When they were but ten paces away Hawk began his own charge. He suddenly ran forward and with his staff moving in a blur, he broke through the front of the enemy. All the elves saw many human warriors fall as he went.

He suddenly turned to the side and moved along the second line as the third line started stumbling upon those who had fallen in this surprise attack.

Turning again, Hawk broke through the third line and falling to his knees, he dropped his staff and drew up his crossbow.

Sighting on the one he knew was the enemy mage, he fired. 

The clip holding the quarrel in place while the crossbow was on his back fell free and the quarrel sped true. Striking the mage in the heart, it killed him before he even knew he was being attacked.

With his mission completed, Hawk dropped his crossbow and slowly sagged forward and fell unconscious from the poison.

The battle raged for hours with many charges by the humans. 

Suddenly a horn sounded from the top of the pass. Relief had arrived in time to save many who had stood there this day.

Deliand and Artemus stood side by side, though both had been wounded. They raised a cheer that the other surviving elves echoed. 

Seeing a host of elven warriors approaching in numbers great enough to defeat him, the human king ordered his army to withdraw.

They slowly moved back down the pass knowing that the battle was lost and that there was no hope of defeating the new arrivals to the battle.

Moving forward, Deliand sought his adopted brother. Artemus was wounded in the leg and could not come with him but told him he would pray to their goddess for the one who called himself Hawk.

Deliand found Hawk laying to the side where the enemy had gently moved him. Although he was an enemy, they had treated him with respect because of his great bravery. All his weapons had been placed beside him and none had dared to rob the brave man.

With tears in his eyes, Deliand kneeled beside his adopted brother and checked to see if he still lived. Though faint, he found a heart beat.

Standing again, he called for a litter to carry the fallen hero back to where he could be cared for.

Two elves rushed forward with a litter and gently placed Hawk upon it and took him to where the rest of the wounded were awaiting the attentions of the healer.

Seeing who was on the litter, the healer came forward and said, "I checked his wound before the battle. The new poison is much stronger than before and I cannot help. I can not even give him strength. Unless our rescuers have a healer of great strength and skill, only the lady can save him."

Hearing this news, Artemus and Deliand knelt by Hawks side and silently prayed to their Goddess. Tears in his eyes, the giant warrior who had fought him walked up to Hawk and drawing his sword, he too knelt at the side of the fallen man.

Artemus called for two horses to be brought that they might put the man on a horse litter and take him back over the pass to the castle. He decided that if die the human must, at least he could spend his last hours in comfort surrounded by those who loved him.

On arriving, the healers with the new elven force came forward and helped with the wounded. A great cairn was raised above those who had died.

Finishing these tasks, a watch was set further down the pass and the elves turned back to the castle. Those who were able to walk did and those unable were either helped to mount or were placed in horse litters for the journey back.

At the head was the litter carrying he who had warned them and who was the first to fall in the battle after having defeated the mage.

It was a victorious but sad procession that arrived at the castle shortly before dusk that day. 

As they entered the wall through the gate, elven warriors and kings knights lined the way. They drew their swords as the first litter approached and saluted all who had been wounded in the battle at the pass.

Hawk was carefully lowered from the horse litter and placed on a smaller one. Artemus took one side on the front and Deliand took the other. Four more came forward to help.

Limping on his wounded leg, the lord of the castle set the pace and guided the litter up the steps to the entrance to his castle. Their he was met by his two daughters and his son and heir.

The two maidens, seeing who was on the litter both started crying for he had always been kind to them and had brought them many gifts on his visits.

The elder walked behind her father while her sister and brother followed the litter to the family apartments behind the great hall.

They took him to a room and placed him upon the bed. Resting her hand upon his forehead, the older of the two elven women said, "Live for us. Don't leave this life before I can tell you that I love you. My name is Mellany."

Moving to the other side of the bed, the younger sister placed her hand above her sisters and said, "I too ask that you live. My name is Eldranna. Live and know that you are loved by us both."

Kneeling at his side, they both prayed to their goddess. Both offered her their lives that this man might live.

A glow appeared in the room. It was a green light that slowly grew stronger as they watched.

The seven elves and the giant human saw a female form appear in the glow. The elves still standing kneeled and bowed to the form that was their goddess.

The woman stepped forward to the bed and placed her hands upon the hands of the two kneeling at the side of the bed.

"Cry not, my daughters. I have heard your prayers. Do you truly mean what you said? Will you give up your lives for this man who lies here?"

Both exclaimed, "Yes! He saved our lives and now lies here dying for it.," said Mellany. "I would gladly give my life if you save him."

"As would I," said Eldranna. "He gave us warning so that we could meet the enemy and lead our warriors to a place where they could meet them in battle."

The woman in the green light said, "I will grant your prayers, but by the laws of the gods there must be a price. I do not ask for your lives but you will be bound to him for the rest of yours. You will ride with him and you will fight for him if need be. You will be his companions from now to the day of either his or your own deaths."

"I too am bound by laws as are mortals," she continued. "I can heal him but this is the price I am required to ask. Two times he was wounded near unto death and two lives are owed him for this. Do you accept this burden?"

"Yes," both exclaimed at once. "I will stay by his side for as long as I live," said Mellany. "I give him all my love."

"I too shall do this," said Eldranna. "I will go where he goes and I will love him for as long as I live."

"Very well," said the goddess. Raising her hands, she started to glow even brighter. A beam of light fell from her hands and struck the wound in his chest. Hawks body tensed up and he moaned as he lay there unconscious.

The light brightened and slowly Hawk relaxed. His breathing became stronger and easier. 

Lowering her hands, the goddess said, "Daughters, he will live. He will live the life of an elf in length now. From now until he should die, you are bound to him. You are not servants or slaves, but are his companions until either you or he dies. Love him and cherish him for he is a good and brave man who would gladly die to protect those for he loves."

Looking to the lord of the castle, the goddess said, "I am sorry to take your daughters. The laws of the gods require such payment and I am bound by those laws as you are by your kings laws. I had no choice in this."

"I understand," said Artemus. "All must live by law or there will only be chaos. Even the gods must have some laws."

"You are a wise elf," said the goddess. "Take my blessing upon you and lead your people well. I sorrow for you for the pain that you will have. Hawk will be ill for many days as he fully recovers and his body adjusts to the changes I have made. When he leaves, he will be gone for many years. 

Bowing her head, she continued. "I don't know if you will ever see your daughters again. I can only see that this man will one day return here. I do not know how long it will be or whether you will live to see it or not. I only know that one day he will return here and I know that your son will great him at the gate. I see no more than that."

"I thank you for that much at least," said Artemus. "That gives me some hope of seeing my beloved daughters again one day. I will await his return regardless, though, as it was their choice to do this deed. I will honor their bravery as well as Hawk's. I thank you great lady."

The goddess said no more and the glow slowly faded until she was gone. 

Artemus looked upon his daughters as they knelt beside              the bed where the unconscious man lay. He said to them, "Daughters I am proud of what you just did. This man saved us all and almost died of it. Even though I may never see you again, know that I love you and cherish you. You have taken upon yourselves a difficult task."

"Many would have refused this task and let him die," he said. "You offered your very lives for him instead. Watch over him well and if ever you have need in this duty you have but to ask. I too have a duty to him but cannot leave my post as a Guardian of the land. Fair you well daughters."

With these words, the Lord left the room. With the pride he felt for his daughters, he also felt sorrow. The words of the goddess came back to him and he feared for their fate and feared also that he might never see them again after they left his lands. 

Following his cousin, Deliand remained silent. He knew the grief that Artemus felt. He also knew that the debt owed to the human known as Hawk was greater than the lives of two elven maidens.

In the room, the giant warrior walked to the bed where Hawk lay. He said in his own speech, "Do you understand what I say? I know not your language."

The elder said, "We both understand your tongue. Speak what you need to say."

The giant man placed his hand upon Melany's shoulder and said, "I too owe this man. I swore to him his safety should he defeat me in single combat. The arrow was treacherously fired as we fought. Know that you do not ride alone."

"For some reason," he continued, "I understood the words of the goddess that was here. I swear unto you that as long as I live I will guard you all. My life is his to command and my honor is his."

Standing, he moved away.

The lords son said, "I cannot aid you sisters. I must remain here as duty requires. Know that when you leave my love goes with you always. Know also that any aid I might render is yours for the asking."

Eldranna said in the giants tongue, "Thank you both. This duty is ours and we will gladly except it. I ask you brother to let us into the arms room when Hawk is able to walk. He will need weapons and armor in his journeys. I will also ask father for horses for the four of us to aid him. He will also need coin as he has little. Will you aid us?

"I have coin enough of my own," said the brother. "All I have is yours and his. I will ask father for horses myself, and if he cannot help I will give you your choice from my own."

Mellany said, "I thank you brother." 

Her brother moved over to the humans side and said, "My name is Dranco. remember me as your friend and kin as my father has said."

He stood and left the room himself.

The four remaining elven warriors stood and swore their allegiance to the human also, then they too left the room.

The giant said, "Ladies I am called Bear. I will await you outside the door and guard it. After saying this, he too left the room and stood beside it through the night awaiting the awakening of the man called Hawk.

Thus begins the story and the legend of the one called Hawk.



Journey of the Warrior Ch. 01



Chapter 1

A Time of Healing

This story is a work of fiction. All resemblance to people or places is purely coincidence.

Thanks to DesertPirate for his assistance.

*

I woke up in a strange room feeling dizzy and weak. I didn't know how I got here and I was rather disoriented. It was rather disconcerting since the last thing I remembered was a battle.

I remembered standing between two elves, one of whom I knew but not much else. I tried to sit up and groaned a bit with pain as the muscles in my chest tightened a bit. I heard a gasp and looked in the direction of that sound and saw the younger daughter of the elf lord who had helped me when I first came to this land.

She was sitting in a chair next to the the bed I was in. Standing up, she moved over to me and said, "How do you feel, my lord?"

Feeling surprised at the form of address, I said, "I feel weak and dizzy. I'm also thirsty and a bit hungry." I thought for a second and asked, "How did I come to be here? The last thing I remember clearly was a battle."

"You were badly wounded by an arrow during the battle in the pass while defending our lands, my lord," she said.

"That explains the pain. Now if you would, I'd like to know why you address me as lord. I am but a humble trapper and wanderer whom your people have allowed to sleep in the common room on occasion and you buy my furs now and then. I am no lord."

"Ah, but you are," she said. "After you warned us of the attack, you led our warriors to the pass and helped defeat the invaders. You did this while already wounded with a poisoned arrow in your side. As a result of your bravery, my cousin named you brother and my father ordered that your name be entered into our family list showing your bravery and our gratitude."

I gasped in shock at this. I didn't know much of the ways of the elves, but I knew that this meant that I was now considered part of the ruling family of this castle and the surrounding lands. 

I started to get out of bed and realized that under the sheets, I was nude. I asked the lady before me if she could bring me clothing as I had none. I didn't see my pack or other clothing on the nearby table and I didn't know where any of my belongings might be.

She laughed and went to the door and told someone outside to summon her brother. Turning back, she said, "I will leave you to dress when my brother arrives. He, my sister and I have been waiting for you to awaken. Bowing formally she said, "My name is Eldranna. Remember my name and call if you have need of me."

After saying this, she stood waiting for her brother. He entered shortly after carrying finely made clothing and a pair of elven boots. After he had entered the room, she bowed to me again and left.

Bowing to me, the heir to the castle said, "My name is Dranco. I have brought you clothing as befits your rank. Let me aid you in dressing, and I will escort you to my father."

Stunned by having two elves give me their names, I could only nod. Dranco stepped up to the bed and aided me in standing. He assisted me with dressing, and held my arm to steady me as we went to see his father.

Leaving the room, I saw that I was in what was probably the castle I knew, but a part I had never been in before. I asked where we were and Dranco said, "We're in the family apartments of my fathers castle. You are now one of us and so you have your room here as well.

"I am honored my lord," I said.

"It is we who are honored by your presence Hawk. You are as much of my family as my father and sisters. I am no lord to you."

I nodded and accepted his words. I told him, "I have no memory of what has transpired. I only remember standing between to elves while watching a large army approach. I think one was your father, but I'm not certain."

He said, "My father will tell you. He and our cousin are in his library right now and that is where I'm taking you. My sisters should also be there."

Nodding, I allowed him to guide me. As I was a bit unsteady on my feet, he held my right arm and guided me down the hall we were in and turned at a corridor to the right. 

We were now against one of the outer walls of the keep as it was slightly rounded. Continuing down this hall for a short way, we came to a room that was guarded by two elves with swords and chain armor. They bowed to Dranco and then to me. This was even more of a shock than having two elves give me their names!

Elves don't bow to humans that I have ever seen. This meant that whatever I had done, it must have been spectacular. 

Dranco opened the door and gestured for me to enter first which was another surprise. He was the Heir to the lord of this castle, not a servant. 

I walked through the door and saw that the castle lord and his two daughters were already there. With them was another elf that I seemed to know but couldn't place. 

Walking up to the table where they were seated, I started to kneel to the lord as etiquette required, but Eldranna prevented me and led me to a seat. This was the biggest surprise of all! They all stood and waited until I had been seated before resuming their seats.

"My Lord," I started to say.

The lord interrupted me and said, "My name is Artemus," he said. Be free to call me by my name."

"I am Deliand," said the one I thought I recognized. "Be free with my name."

The elder daughter said, "I am Mellany," she said. Be free with my name, my love."

I bowed my head and thanked them for this gift. I was shocked beyond comprehension at this point. Five elves, four of them members of the family ruling this castle and the other obviously related some how had given me their names.

"I am truly honored," I said. "I have no memory of the last few days beyond a few flashes but I remember waiting with two of you and watching a vast army approach. I don't recall anything else about it though. I only know that I recently woke up with my lady Eldranna watching me as I slept." 

" I recall nothing else since I was leaving a tavern in a town beyond the pass," I continued. I don't know how I arrived here. I only know that I have some pain in my chest and side and that I am a bit hungry and thirsty."

Eldranna said, "Food and drink is on the way even now. I ordered a meal sent here for you when I left you with Dranco."

I thank you my lady," I said.

It isn't necessary to address your family so formally," said Lord Artemus. "You saved us from an invasion and almost died of it. Without you, we would all now be dead or worse. We are your kin."

I looked at him in confusion for a moment. As I sat there, some memories came to me of riding out of the pass to this castle. I felt a wound in my side and was a bit light headed. I also felt as if I had lost a lot of blood. There was also a burning in the wound and my chest as if I had been poisoned.

I said, "I rode out of the pass. I was injured somehow but don't recall how."

Lord Artemus said, "You came to us 4 nights ago with warning that we were to be attacked from the pass. You led what warriors I could spare back up a trail that we had no knowledge of and we managed to get there in time to meet them at the narrowing of the pass. There you fought their champion and were dishonorably struck down."

"You almost died of that wound." He continued. "We held long enough to be reinforced after you struck down the mage that was with them. After that, you fainted from the blood loss and poison from the second wound."

"For this service, I named you brother," said the final elf in the room. "I am a kings knight and as such I have the right to knight one who has earned the privilege," he said. " At that time I named you brother and I have sworn to stand by your side or guard your back at any time you have need."

"I am deeply honored," I said. "I don't recall the battle though."

"Do not fret, the memories will return in time," said Lord Artemus. "All of my people know you and you will always be welcomed to our lands and my hall as my brother. You have been entered into the Book of Names that lists all of my predecessors to this house and land. Be welcomed."

Another elf entered the room as he finished speaking and brought me a tray with a bowl of soup and some bread. He also placed a glass of wine or fruit juice before me then bowed and said, "I thank you for my life and for the lives of my family, my lord " After saying this, he left the room again.

"All who live here feel the same, Hawk," said Artemus. We all thank you for what you did."

"I wish I could remember it," I said. It gets frustrating to loose your memory like this. I knew that I wasn't from this land. I wasn't from this planet for that matter. I could remember a few things, but not much. I didn't even remember my own name. I used Hawk because they started calling me that for my keen eyesight.

"It matters not to me," said Deliand. "I remember what you did and that is enough for me. The only reason we are alive is because of your actions. You gave us warning and it almost cost you your life. You led us to a place where we could fight and have at least the chance to save our homeland and almost died of it. That is enough for me."

At his words, I had another flash of memory. This time I was attacking a line of warriors. The flash was brief, but I believed that it was a real memory. I wondered what would prompt me to do that.

The elves discussed minor matters as I ate the soup and bread. Drinking the beverage, I discovered it to be a very fine light wine which was better than I could normally afford.

When I was finished Dranco said, "Since you have no armor and only the poorest of weapons I will take you to the armory and outfit you as befits one of our house."

"I don't wear armor," I said. I'm a hunter, not a warrior. In hunting, you need stealth and speed not heavy protection.

Dranco said, "I see you have never worn elven armor. That can be easily remedied. You also need a decent sword and a few other things."

"I don't know how to use a sword," I said. "Never used one or had any training with one."

Deliand said, "That is easily remedied. I will instruct you and I will also train you to use an elven long bow if you wish to learn."

I said, "That would be a useful skill for a hunter and trapper. As to weapons, though, I have a good crossbow made by the northern dwarfs and I have my staff. That is a very good weapon that I got in trade from your southern neighbors. They had a bit of a problem with some dire wolves and I took care of it."

"They gave me the staff and a horse and saddle for the job," I finished.

"I'd wondered where that fine staff and the horse came from," said Artemus. "It is of a very rare wood and the horse is no common mount. The lord must have been very pleased to give you a mount from his own stables."

"His own?" I asked. "I didn't know it was of his own herd. I only asked for the staff as it looked well made and I broke my last one. I asked for a horse as it gave me a bit more mobility in my travels. I can walk further in a week than a mounted man usually, but with a horse I can carry more. They gave me the horse and equipment for the job."

"How many of them were there?" asked Deliand. 

I said, "Only twelve. It was a small pack you see. I didn't have much problem with them and it only took me three days to track them all down and kill them. I took their tails as proof of the job and a few hides to cure for trade."

"Twelve dire wolves?" exclaimed Eldranna. "You killed twelve by yourself?"

"Yes," I said. "If you know them, they aren't that hard to kill. I used my crossbow for most and a spear for one of the last two. I broke my staff on the skull of the last, but killed it. They like open ground mostly and are too big to chase a man in the forest if he knows the land. I had hunted the area before and knew it well."

"Still, twelve is incredible," said Mellany. "Few indeed are those who would willingly face even one."

"Even a dragon may be killed if you know it's ways and it's weaknesses," I said. "I would rather face the dire wolves though. A dragon is much smarter and more cunning."

"Interesting," said Artemus. "We have here a true hero and we never knew it of him." Turning to me, he said, "Now I understand how you could get such a fine horse and well made saddle. It also explains how you came by your staff. If you had asked it, they would have given you much more."

"I didn't need anything else at the time," I said. "I wanted a horse and I had need of a new staff and a few supplies. They gave them willingly and I took my leave of them the next day. I haven't been back since as I went east for a time."

Feeling tired now, I said, "I need to go and rest again. I don't seem to have all my strength back yet. With your permission?"

Artemus granted me leave so I slowly stood and went to the door. Mellany followed me and said, "I will guide you back to your room. It is my turn to sit by your side anyway."

"Your turn?" I asked. "I don't understand."

"We take turns, Eldranna and I," she said. "It is our duty set by the Lady of the Forest. It was she that healed you in answer to our prayers. Twice you almost died for our people and two lives you are owed. From this day to the day either you or Eldranna or I die, we are your companions. We will go wherever you do.

"I don't wish servants," I said. "I also don't want you to leave your homes for my sake. I remember little of the events you've told me about but I do remember a band of elven warriors who found me sick and dying. They brought me here and you people taught me the ways of this land. You owe me no debt of service. I repaid my debt to you."

"You owe us no debt for what is given to any traveler who is lost in our lands," said Mellany. "You needed aid and it was freely given under the laws of our land. Four days ago in the middle of the night you rode in here to give us warning even though you were wounded. Knowing that you were dying, you still led our warriors to battle."

"There, after being healed of the first wound you were again shot with a poisoned arrow,"She continued. "Both times were in aid to my people. It is we who owe you a great debt. Many would have died had you not brought warning. 

Then, badly wounded, you killed a mage who might have defeated us anyway." She said. "You gave us our lives and saved our homes. The army that was attacking us would have easily overwhelmed our defenses here and would have killed or enslaved us all. We owe you for the lives of all our people and we will pay that debt."

"I want no servants," I said. I turned to Lord Artemus and said, "I have no need of servants in my travels. When I leave, your daughters will be where they belong at your side. I love them as daughters and I won't take them away from their home."

Lord Artemus said, "They are no servants. They were bonded to you by our Lady. She said that we owed you for two lives as you almost died twice and both times it took very powerful magic to save you. The second time was by her own hand. The price she gave was for my two daughters to accompany you on your travels."

"They will travel with you and share your adventures as long as either of them or you live," He continued, "This was her word and I accepted it. Know that I love them, but it was their choice to offer in payment to the Lady. She said that even the gods have laws and this was demanded of her for the healing you needed. My daughters excepted."

"I did not except this," I said. "I would not have them leave their home for any price. I gave freely to those who gave to me five years ago when I was lost and dieing. You owe me nothing for what was given freely as you gave to me."

"This isn't a matter of debt between you and I," Artemus said. "This is by the word of the Lady. She stated her price and my daughters agreed. I except this and though I will miss them, I am proud of them too. It was their choice freely made and so it shall be."

"Then I would speak with this Lady," I said. "I should have some say in this. I will not take these women away from their home or family."

After I had spoken, I saw a strange glow. It was green and growing brighter as I watched. All the elves knelt and bowed their heads as it grew and showed the form of a woman.

When she was fully visible, the woman turned to me and spoke. She said," You said you would have words with me. Very well, I am here."

"Who are you?" I asked.

She said, "I am the Lady of the Forest as I am called here. I have no name that you would be able to understand or pronounce, but that is sufficient. What words would you speak I will hear."

Stunned, I stood there for a moment. The woman had appeared from nowhere. Though beautiful, she had a strange shape to her face and eyes. I had never seen someone like her before that I could recall.

I said, "I understand that you have laid upon Eldranna and Mellany the task of traveling with me for however long they or I should live. I wish them to remain here in their homes with their family. They should be with those who love them and they should have the chance to raise families in time. I travel lands where there is great danger at times."

The woman said, "They shall travel with you or die. That is the price I was required to ask and they accepted freely. I know where you travel when you are in my lands and I know how dangerous some of the other places you go can be. I also know the good you do for those in need. You will have need of your companions in time."

"You have a task," she said. "I don't know what it is or when you will be required to do it, but you will have need of those who will gladly follow you. I have no other knowledge but I do know that this is necessary. I also know that they love you and will go with you willingly even without the geas I have placed upon them."

"What is a geas?" I asked.

"It is a compulsion placed upon a person that requires them to do a task," she explained, "Sometimes the task is easily completed and sometimes it is life long. In this case, it is life long"

"I don't want them leaving here," I said. "I love them as daughters and would see them happy."

"Don't you think that leaving them would cause them more pain?" she asked. "You will be many years away from here and they love you as women, not as daughters. This would cause them more pain than if you take them with you."

Mellany said, "I go with you willingly I am not your servant but your companion and I will go where ever you go even if I have to track you and follow. You cannot leave me behind. This is my choice to make and not yours. I would rather you took me with you willingly but I will go with you none the less. I love you and I wish to be with you."

Eldranna said, "I too will go where ever you go. I love you and will not be left behind. I accept this and you cannot deny me this choice. I make it willingly geas or not."

I bowed my head and said, "If this is your choice then I accept." I knelt at Mellany's feet and said, "If this is your wish, my lady, I will not deny you."

She grabbed my arm and pulled me up and said, "Never kneel before me again. I am your companion, not your leader. I come with you freely."

Raising my head to look in her eyes, I said," Very well. You are my equal and no less will I accept from you."

I turned back to the Lady in the middle of the room and said, "I still don't want this, but since this is their choice I will grant their wish. They may come."

"I have a price though," I continued. "No more will you bind others to me. I do not like the thought of this as it is too much like slavery and I had a grandfather who fought a war to stop such things. I have no need of servants either."

"Agreed," said the Lady. "I only did this because even gods and goddesses must have law. I would have healed you freely for your actions without payment of any sort, but this was required of me by our own laws."




Journey of the Warrior Ch. 01



I acknowledged her statement and said, "I understand."

With this, she started to fade away and the glow around her slowly dissipated. It was then that I grew dizzy. Sinking to the floor, I remember nothing else until I woke up in my room again. 

This time I was a bit smarter and didn't try to sit up right away. I looked to where the chair had been the first time and saw that it had been moved closer to the bed. Mellany was sitting in it this time.

She had her eyes closed when I looked at her giving me a chance to really look. Her hair was reddish blond and was cut just below her neck. Her face was a bit narrow by human standards, but it seemed to fit. She had a slender neck and fairly muscular shoulders that seemed rather wide for her build. 

Looking at her chest, I saw that she had small breasts but that also seemed to fit her. Because of the height of the bed, I couldn't see much else. As I was looking she said, "Do I pass?"

"You are too beautiful for words," I said. I looked at her face again, and she smiled. Her bluish green eyes seemed to light up like a star when she did. She truly was beautiful in her way.

"Thank you, my lord," she said. 

I said, "I am no lord regardless of whether your father adopted me into your family or not. You gave me your name so use mine. I don't remember my true name but what I have, be free with."

Still smiling, she said, "Very well Hawk. How do you feel?"

"Tired and hungry again," I said. 

"Good," She said. "I'll send for some food for you." With that she got up and went to the door. Opening it she spoke to someone outside and then came back to her chair and sat down again.

"Someone will bring you some soup and bread in a few minutes," she said. "The healer said for you to rest and no more of the wine for awhile. He thinks that the wine caused you to faint."

I said, "Some tea would be nice. I haven't had a cup of the tea you serve in the hall in some time now."

She smiled and got up to go to the door again. Opening it, she spoke to whoever was outside, presumably asking for some tea."

When she was done she came back and sat down again and said, "I asked for a large pot of tea so that I might join you. I like it too."

"Thank you Mellany Artemus Daughter," I said. "Your beauty and your kindness gives me good cheer."

She smiled and said, "My name is Mellany Hawk's Companion now. However long we may live, that will be my name."

"There is no need to take my name unto yourself," I said. 

"It is our custom. When one marries or takes to the trails as the companion to another, we take that name. I am your companion and will take the name with pride for the one who saved my people."

"No debts are owed," I said. "Let us say that what your people did for me five years ago and what you say I did for yours is enough. Let us be friends and leave it at that."

"Very well," she said. "The price for your healing was set by the gods and is in their hands. The rest is done. I wish you to have this back now though," she said, handing me a bag that I recognized.

The bag was something I had made to hold a gift for her and her sister. I had found two stones called dragons eyes. I opened it and took out one of the stones and handed it to her and said, "I intended this to be a gift for you anyway. Keep it."

She looked at the stone and gasped. "I cannot accept such a gift," she said. "It is way to valuable to take."

"It has little value to me," I said. "I meant for you and your sister to have one each after I found the pair. Take it and as a gift to one I love. I will give the other to your sister when I see her next. I wish you both to have one each."

I saw tears in her eyes as she tucked it into her belt purse. It must have been truly valuable to the elves, but I only saw a pretty stone when I looked at it. I kept the pair because they matched and I thought that the two sisters would like them. My way of life had little use for such things and I didn't seek wealth so any value meant little to me.

"Thank you," she said.

I said, "I intended to give the stones to you and your sister under better circumstances, but they were always intended as gifts. You two have given me much over the years and I wished to return it at least in part."

"I'll treasure it always," she said. "

The same servant arrived with a tray containing another bowl of soup with bread and a large pot of tea with two cups. I thanked him for it and asked if he and lady Mellany could help me sit up. I was still weak and needed a bit of help.

They helped me into a more comfortable position to eat and he bowed and left. 

Mellany helped me eat the second bowl of soup as my hands were unsteady but I managed the bread alone. 

After eating, she poured me a half cup of tea so I wouldn't spill it and then handed it to me. Pouring herself one, she sat in her chair and said, "When you are well enough, father wants to take you to see some horses. He has one picked out for you and wishes to show off the others."

I said, "I already have a good horse. Why would he want to give me another?"

"The one you have is saddle trained only," she replied. "He wishes to gift you with a war trained horse that will be able to fight."

"I'm not trained for fighting from horse back," I said. "I don't know the first thing about fighting that way. I know how to defend myself, but I am no warrior."

She laughed at that and said, "Cousin Deliand says different. He says that you are the best with a staff that he has ever seen and that he would not want to go against you in a real fight if you had your staff in hand."

"I know a bit about using a staff," I said. "But still, I am not a warrior. I'm a hunter and tracker who wanders the forests and mountains."

"A lonely life for one who is so kind," she said. "I don't know how you can spend so much time alone and not go mad."

"I have company all the time," I said. "When ever you're in the forest you have company if you look around. See whats there instead of thinking that nothing but trees are around you and you won't be lonely. I've shared berries with the forest bears and walked with the deer. I also keep company with one of the mountain cats now and then."

"I never thought of it that way before," she said. "I imagine that if you looked at it that way, you aren't alone in the forest. But one of the great cats? That's almost unheard of. They are usually shy and won't come near anyone. Did you know that they are as intelligent as we are?"

"Yes," I answered. "I never told you the story of how I came to this land, did I?"

"I think you told father something about it, but I never heard your tale."

"I don't know how I got here, but this isn't my world. Where I come from, the Elven people are legend only. Your country would be known throughout the world if this was my world as we have no magic, but our technology is much greater. Even our weapons are more than you could possibly imagine. We are capable of destroying cities."

"I don't know what happened, but I saw a bright flash of light and then lost consciousness," I continued. "When I awoke, I was here. I was to the north of the pass high up in the mountains when I woke up that day. I didn't know where I was, so I started heading down the slope toward the west."

I'd traveled for about half the day when I came upon a dead fall with one of the cats trapped under it. I don't know how it got there, but I didn't have the heart to kill it so I freed it. In doing so, I loosened the log sufficiently so that when I got the cat free it rolled back on me. Thats how I got the broken arm."

"The cat stayed with me for two days, which is when your fathers scouting party found me. By then, I was feverish with infection and shock form the broken arm. Since that day, when I go into the mountains, the same cat finds me and travels with me. We hunt together and she keeps me company until I leave her territory."

Finishing my story, I said, "She's the one who helped me find the dragons eyes. To me they are just stones that are beautiful but of little value. I don't need riches so I decided to give them to two beautiful women who have always had a smile for me when I visit and have always been kind to an old man. Take it as the gift it's intended to be."

"Thank you Lord Hawk. I will treasure it always as will my sister. The gift matters little compared with who the giver is."

I thanked her for her courtesy. Asking for a little help, she and the warrior outside my door helped me to the privy and then back to bed. 

After lying down, I went back to sleep.

For the next several days I stayed mostly in my room except when I had to relieve myself, or I went to the bathing room. During this time I met the giant human who told me that his name was Garth. He said that he would ride with me where ever I traveled since it was by his word that I would be safe from outside interference during our duel.

I told him it wasn't necessary as it wasn't his fault but he insisted. He was as bad as Mellany and Eldranna were about it. I finally excepted and after that, we became friends.

I also met the four elves who had sworn themselves to me. I was starting to build an army, I thought. Deliand had said he would accompany me also. Five warriors, two ladies and a kings Knight. Now all I needed was the minstrels and a few dancing girls. I really didn't want this but I was stuck. Honor was starting to look less palatable.

Growing stronger, I started to go outside now and then. I found the practice yard for the warriors soon after and there I started to learn how to use a sword and shield. Surprisingly, I had some talent for it and picked it up fairly quickly, especially for a man almost 50.

Dranco gave me a sword that he said had been in his family for generations and had been last carried by his uncle until his death in battle against a large band of thieves. He also gave me a set of scale armor and an open faced helm. These gifts alone were worth more than all I had made in the five years I'd been in this land.

Lord Artemus took me to his horse pasture one day and introduced me to the young stallion he wanted to give me as a war horse. The horse was large and strong, but surprisingly quick for all that. He could spin on a full circle on his hind feet and strike with his forelegs before having to drop back down. 

He could also go from a walk to a full gallop very quickly and was at his full speed with an armored rider in a very short distance. I'd never seen such a quick and intelligent horse before. I became very fond of him quite quickly.

Three weeks had passed by this time. I was now strong enough to walk up stairs to the second level so I was given a new and larger room on that floor. Eldranna told me that it had been her uncles and hadn't been used since his death. Artemus added that as long as I lived, it would be kept ready for me to use whenever I returned to the castle.

I thanked them both for the honor. 

The new room was actually a suite of four rooms. One for my weapons and armor, one for a servant, one for a study and the master bedroom. The master bedroom contained two closets both full of clothing that Lord Artemus said now belonged to me. The other was full of womens clothing. 

I checked the mens clothes and found that all the contents had already been altered or made to fit me. There were also several pairs of boots and shoes of various types from scale armored cavalry boots to soft soled house slippers. All fit me perfectly. 

That night, I found out that the womens clothing was for Mellany and Eldranna. I think I almost had a relapse of my illness when I found that out. They expected to take turns sharing my bed now that I was stronger. It was at this point that I decided that Elven honor would be the death of me either by the surprises or the expectations involved. 

I didn't know what to say, so I did the smart thing when dealing with a woman. I didn't say anything. That was one thing I'd learned real well over the years! 

After looking around the apartment, Eldranna, Mellany and I went back down stairs to their fathers study. We went in and I saw that Dranco and Deliand were with Lord Artemus. 

They were looking at some maps when we walked in the door and talking quietly. I heard the word 'bandits as we walked over to the desk where they were sitting.

Lord Artemus looked up at us and smiled as we approached and said, "Welcome, Hawk. We have need of your knowledge of the northern forest as it heads up into the mountains. Specifically Dragons Ridge and The Roost.

I said, "My lord, I haven't been there for quite a while, but I'll answer any questions you might have. I heard one of you say bandits as we walked in, so I assume you have a problem in the area."

"Yes," he agreed. We have had two groups of merchants robbed and several were killed in that area over the last week. I'd like to have a party scout the area and see what they can find."

"I'll go if you wish, my lord," I said. "I know the area well and I might have an ally or two up there."

"We go, you mean," said Mellany. Her sister nodded in agreement.

"Not on this," I said. "I need a few warriors to go with me, but they need to know the forest. I know what you'll probably say, but not this time. Neither of you have the skills for what we must do."

I looked at Deliand and asked, "How are you in leather armor and stealth? I need people who can walk through the woods without telling the whole world that they're there."

"Fairly good," he said. "I know a few others who are good too. Two of them have already sworn oath to you as their liege, so that won't be a problem."

 "OK "I'll want two or three more, thats three so far," I said. Eldranna said, "I understand why you don't want us with you, but I do know one other. The giant one. He can sneak up on a shadow and surprise it."

"A thought," I said. "I'll ask him later. Two more now. A battle mage would be nice, but I doubt one is here."

"You thought right," said Lord Artemus. "But there is a druid living close by that can help, maybe. I'll send word to him."

He went to the door and had one of the guards send for a messenger and going back to his desk, he wrote a quick message.

When the messenger arrived, he gave the sealed letter to him and said, "Take this to the wise one in the forest. Bring his answer to me right away."

The messenger departed. Lord Artemus turned to me and said, "That leaves one more."

Dranco said, "The Master of the kennel. He was a forester in his younger days, and he's still fit."

"My lord," I asked, "can you send for the ones suggested? We need to plan this out well. We also need to get together our supplies and such, but no horses. The route we'll be going is to dangerous for horses."

Lord Artemus said, "How bout a mounted party to accompany you part way to take your horses? You'll travel faster that way and then they can meet up with the party I'll send up the main roadway. They can wait for you further on and you can have aid close by if you find anything."

I said, "Thats a good thought." I looked at Eldranna and Mellany and said, "Since you are so determined to help, you may as well accompany us part way and joint the rest of the warriors. I don't like the idea, but I'll not argue if you wish this."

They both smiled at me and agreed. 

I told them, "I mean this though. You go with the main party. Don't try to follow us as you'll be endangering us as well as yourselves. I need people with woods craft skills. You don't have those skills as yet although I'll try to teach them to you later. Will you agree to this or must I ask your father to lock you in your rooms until we return?"

They both swore to the Lady that they would do this so I said that they might accompany the war party. I was truly afraid for them, but it was their choice and not mine to make as long as they stayed with the larger group.

As we discussed the coming scouting trip, the others who might join started arriving. Soon their were five more and only the druid was missing.

To be continued in chapter 2 



Journey of the Warrior Ch. 02



Chapter 2
The First Adventure

This story is a work of fiction. All resemblance to people or places is purely coincidence.

Thanks to DesertPirate for his assistance.



Once all were present, I asked if any had a problem with going on a scouting mission by foot for their lord. 

The Master of the Kennel said, "Aye. I can't walk well anymore. I injured my knee last fall and the healers say that they can't help me anymore than they already have. I have one who can go with you, with Lord Artemus's permission."

Artemus asked, "Who would that be?"

"My lord, I have one in the kennel that though trained has no one who is willing to work with him. Some he don't like, some think him too small. Others say he just don't look right. Mostly though, he just ignores them. He isn't a bad one, but he needs one who understands him. I think Lord Hawk would be that one. At least he likes him."

"Who are you speaking of?" I asked. I didn't know any of the kennel workers, and only a few from the stables. 

"I have a dog that needs a master," said the Master of the Kennel. "He's the type that chooses his own, and I think he chose you. Every time you go by the kennels, he calls for you. I've been watching, and he never did that before. If you wish, and Lord Artemus gives leave I'll have him for your venture."

I thought about it for awhile. If the dog was well trained and could remain silent on this mission he'd be a benefit to us. A good dog could save lives as both a guard and a tracker. I'm good, but a dog with a good nose could track the wind as it went through the trees.

I looked at Artemus and said, "My Lord, if this dog is well trained and is as the Master of the Kennel says, I'd like to take him. A good dog can be very useful in this both as camp watch and as tracker."

Lord Artemus considered this for a few minutes, then he said, "Very well. See if you want him. If he you wish him then he is your's. Take him as a gift if you wish."

I thanked him and asked the Master of the Kennel to take me to the dog while the others discussed what equipment and supplies they should take.

"I am Alerand," said the Master of the Kennel. "Be free with my name."

I thanked him for the honor, surprised again by an elf giving me his name.

When we reached the kennel, he took me to the back where only a few dog runs were. There was one dog and he was whining as we approached. As soon as I got to the gate to his run he started jumping up like he wanted to climb over the gate.

Watching him for a moment, I decided to test him. I opened the gate and he came out immediately and walked up to me.

I told him to sit, and he did. I walked about 10 feet away from him and turned back. He was still sitting and watching me. I pointed to the ground at my feet and snapped my fingers which caused him to jump up and run to me, sitting where I was pointing.

I motioned downward and he immediately dropped to the ground and with his head on his front paws.

I looked at Alerand and asked, "Is he a sight hound or a sent hound?"

Alerand said, "He does both although better at sent. He's also very alert to sound."

"If I tell him to be quiet, will he remain silent?" I asked.

"Yes, My Lord," he responded.

I said, My name is Hawk, not lord. You are sworn to Artemus, not to me."

"He as named you Brother, My Lord," he said. "That makes you a lord of this small Barony."

"I said, "I prefer my name. Use it please as I am uncomfortable with being referred to as lord. I don't need the title. Like I was told that you were when you were younger, I am a tracker and hunter."

"Very well, Hawk," he said. "But only in private. I will use the courtesy as required in any company."

"I can live with that if I must," I said. 

"I like this dog," I continued. "What name have you given him?"

"He doesn't have one yet," said Alerand. "He is your's to name."

I looked at the dog and thought hard. He was about 75 pounds or so of solid muscle and bone. He looked intelligent and alert also. I decided and said, "Well, I think maybe you should be Simon. How bout it? 

He jumped up as I spoke and started wagging his tail and started nudging my hand. I laughed and scratched him behind the ears and said, "Very well. Simon it is."

To Alerand I said, "I'll take him with me. I think he'll be a good asset to this mission."

Alerand smiled at me and said, "I had about given up with him. He wouldn't take to any one who came down here until you started wondering around. I was worried about him as he is one of my favorites here. Take him and be kind to him as he has a good heart."

I nodded and took him back with me to Artemus's study. He followed behind me all the way without trying to wander off or play as we went.

When I got to the study, the guards again saluted me then one opened the door. I went in and walked over to Artemus's desk and sat down in my seat. Simon followed behind me and sat next to my chair.

I said, "I think we have a new member for this mission. I'd still like one more who is good in the woods though."

I heard female a voice say, "I am, My Lord Hawk."

I didn't recognize the voice so I looked around the room to see who had spoken. I saw a youngish elf maiden who looked about the age of Mellany or Eldranna, possibly a bit less. I didn't recognize her but apparently Artemus did as he said, "No you will not. "I'll not risk the only child of my brother."

"You have no choice, Uncle. It is my decision to make. I am not bound to you since now I am of age."

I shook my head and said to Artemus, "I want no part of an argument between you and another of your family. I may be adopted by you and you may call me brother, but some things are your business alone."

Artemus actually laughed at that and said, "Hawk, you are a wise man. I've been arguing with this young one for ten years. Before that it was my brother she fought with. I think when she was born she was arguing with her mother and thats why she went back to her fathers house."

The young elf turned first red and then white. If looks could kill, I think both Artemus and I would have burst into flames and burnt to a cinder instantly. 

Artemus met her glare with a smile and said, "I know you are of age now and I apologize for the comment about your mother, but I really don't wish you to endanger yourself in this."

"Uncle," she said, "the choice is mine. I am not sworn to your service and I have the right to choose. I wish to accompany the one who stole away my cousins and holds their hearts. I would know if he is worthy of that."

Artemus now looked angry and said, "I will not have you insult the one who saved us. The Lady set the price and my daughters accepted it. He had no say and indeed argued with her face to face in front of me and Deliand. If you can't except my word, ask our cousin."

The girl looked shocked at this and asked me, "Did you really argue with the Lady about the geas?"

I said, "Yes. I don't hold with any kind of slavery and to me that's what this geas as you call it is. They may have accepted it, but they had all choices for the future taken from them. I told her that regardless of circumstances, I will not accept that in the future."

Her face again went white and she asked Artemus, "This is true? He really said that to the Lady?"

"Yes, lass, he did," Answered Artemus. "He finally accepted only because it was my daughters' choice. They freely took upon themselves this geas. I had no choice as it was their right, just as I have no choice now. You may accompany Hawk in this if he allows."

The girl said, "I never heard that. I only heard that the goddess placed a geas upon my cousins as the price for his healing." Coming over to where I was seated, she bowed her head and said, "I most humbly apologize for my hastily spoken words. Please forgive me and allow me the chance to redeem myself."

I looked at Artemus and said, "I don't know how to respond. Please believe that I intend no insult to you or your kin, Lord." He nodded and I said to the girl, "No apology is required. You were concerned for your kin and I find no fault in that."

The girl straightened and faced me. She said, "My lord, I pledge my life and my blade to you. I will ride with you as do my cousins. A man who will argue with a god in defense of two I love dearly is worthy of this." 

She drew her sword and knelt again bowing her head and offering me the hilt of her sword.

I looked at Artemus and said, "I don't even know how to answer her."

Artemus said, "There are only two answers. Accept her blade and return it to her taking her into your service as companion, or refuse. She has pledged her life to you so if you refuse she will take her own life and if you accept, she will serve you as do my daughters. The choice is yours."

In shock, I stood up. "I will not do this again," I said. I am not of your people and your customs are not mine. I will not do this again."

I took off the sword I had been given and put it on the desk and removed the ring I wore. I had been told that Artemus had given me the ring at the pass and named me his champion. I placed it next to the sword and said, "I cannot accept any more. I will deal with the bandits as I promised, but I go alone."

With these words, I strode to the door. I didn't look back as I opened it and left the room behind. Going to my room, I packed only those things I had brought with me in the first place, leaving everything that I had been given since I'd woken up after the battle that I still only had flashes of memory of.

Picking up my pack, I left the room and headed to the stable. When I got there I asked one of the grooms to saddle my mare. When he brought her out I mounted and rode out of the castle gate sadly thinking that I would never see it or my friends again. I had no intention of returning.

That day I rode toward the Dragon ridge area where the bandits had been reported. I covered about 10 miles before dark at which time I made camp for the night. 

I must have been tired, for when I awoke with the dawn I found I had company. A wet nose was in my ear and when I opened my eyes I got a glimpse of Simon before he jumped on my chest and started licking my face.

I pushed him off me and stood up. Around my bed were three others apparently sleeping. Pulling off their blankets, I found them to me Mellany, Eldranna and their cousin. All three of them sat up when I jerked off their blankets and looked at me waiting for me to speak.

I sat down and said, "I didn't ask you to come. I have no intention of returning to your lands ever again. You are free to go your own way as you choose but I ride alone."

Mellany said, "Our place is with you regardless of where you go or what you choose to do. It is our duty and our destiny. My sister and I made that decision when you were dying of your wound gained in saving our home and our kin. We ride with you no matter what."

I said, "I didn't ask for that and I didn't accept it. I told your goddess that I would allow this only because you choose it. Yesterday your cousin made the same vow to me and I was told that she would kill herself if I refused. In both cases, free choice was taken from me. I can either choose to take you into danger or watch you die."

"I refuse to do either," I continued. "I have a choice in this too and by your own goddess I will not accept either her laws or yours in this. If she demands a life, then she can have mine as forfeit. I will not see you dead as the price for my own life nor will I take you from your home or family. Leave now and forget me as I will not return this way."

Eldranna said, "It is by my free will that I chose the path I now take. I will go where you go even if I must follow you from afar. I will not return." The other two nodded in agreement.

I knelt before them and said, "The oaths you three swore were until your deaths or mine. Very well. I picked up my dagger from where I had slept and said, "I will not see you die and if the only way I can stop it is to die myself then let it be now by my own hand. I will not live with this."

Drawing the dagger from the sheath, I started meditating. I meant what I had said to the three of them. I would die by my own hand before I would continue this charade. My life was not worth the price they were paying and I couldn't live with their sacrifices. Death was no stranger and now I would embrace his cold hand.

While I was meditating I felt a hand placed upon my shoulder. I hadn't heard the girls move and it felt like the person was standing behind me.

I looked up over my shoulder and for the second time I saw the strange woman with the green glow.

She smiled at me and said, "I understand your anger, Hawk. I even agree to some extent but I beg you to look upon the three who have sworn their lives to you and think on this. Think also of the other two who made similar oaths, one to me and the other to his god. They didn't do it as a way to pay a debt. They did it out of love for you."

"You gave the first two no choice. You demanded two lives for mine as payment for a service freely given. I knew the risk at the battle. I accepted it. I did this in payment for the life they gave me after saving me from injury and illness."

"Look upon them and tell me that they are here against their will and I will free them from their oaths," said the Lady.

"I don't care about that," I said. "I don't need followers or companions as you call them. I only seek a way back home."

"Look upon them," She repeated. This time her voice held a command that I couldn't refuse. 

I looked upon the three Elven maidens. All of them were crying. As I looked at them, the girl who's name I didn't know said, "I choose to be here. We all did. Uncle said that if we let loosed this hound he would follow you and we could find you easily with his guidance. We are here by our own choice. Please, My Lord, do not kill yourself."

Mellany said, "My love, I swore my life to you. Not just to save it but because I love you and want to be with you always. Do not take that from me, I beg you."

Eldranna said, "I do not want to live without you. If you die this day then so do I."

"Do not do this to me," I begged. "I don't want this price for my life. I could not bare t see you harmed or dead. Please stay with Artemus. I search for a way home and my path is dangerous."

"My name is Shardinelle, said the unnamed girl. I go where you go willingly. Not for a debt or a price. I chose this freely. If you choose the land of the dead then I will follow you there."

The Lady asked, "You see? I didn't force this upon them, they choose this willingly and want this. I did nothing against their will."

I said, "Then remove this compulsion you placed upon the daughters of Artemus. I will not abide that nor will I allow the death of Shardinelle for not accepting her service. I refuse to live by laws that require her to die because I don't want her service."

"It isn't by law that she would die," said the Lady. "She would die because of heart break. One who makes such an oath does so out of love, not duty or law. To refuse that love means that it isn't worth having and she would die of it."

"I don't understand," I said. "I have seen people who died of hear break or loneliness but not of having an oath of service refused."

"They are elves," She said. "They are made different in both body and soul than humans. They live longer than the other mortal races of this world, but they pay a price. This is part of that price and it wasn't the gods that placed the burden upon them. They did it to themselves thousands of years ago before they came to this world."

"They don't remember it themselves," She continued, "but the choices their ancestors made is still there. If you refuse them they will die because of that and not by my own actions. If you take your life, they will still die. This is how they are and not an action by my hand. I released the sisters from the geas when last we spoke."

I dropped my dagger and said, "I wish you three hadn't done this. I want whats best for you all."

Remembering my pouch and the stone in it, I took it out of my belt purse and opened it. Turning it up side down, I dumped the second stone into my hand. I gave it to Eldranna and said, "I gave the mate to this to your sister. This one is for you. I found them in the mountains and had always intended them as gifts for the two of you."

She took the stone and looked at it. Gasping, she said, "A dragons eye."

Shardinelle looked at her hand and she gasped too. 

The Lady said, "Truly great gift. I see you feel about them the same as they do you."

I turned back to her and said, 'That is why I don't want them riding with me. I love them both as the daughters I never had and I wish them happier lives than what I can give them. I seek my way home and I'm almost always traveling even in the worst weather. I don't wish my hard life upon these three beautiful young girls."

"Do you know their actual ages?" asked the Lady.

"No," I replied. "I have no idea. I don't even know how long those of their race live."

"The youngest is thirty of your years and is considered middle aged by human standards in this land. The oldest is only a few years younger than you."

I was shocked. None of them looked over twenty. 

"An elf can live for several hundred years," said the Lady. "They can even live as long as a thousand or a bit more."

"I looked at her and said, "And you gave me the life span of the elves."

"Yes," she said. "It was that or have them watch you die of old age in twenty to thirty years at most. I didn't think either of them would survive that so I extended yours to give them their natural life span."

I shook my head and said, "I am trapped no matter which way I go. If I die then they do because of something their ancestors did. If I leave them at home then they die from the same cause. If I allow them to go with me they may very well die a very nasty death."

I looked at the goddess and continued, "What have I done to be curse this way? I love the two too much to see them die and I would not wish it upon the third either."

"That choice was theirs to make, so I can only say that you must live with it," said the Lady. "I know the burden you carry and cannot help you with it except to say that I will help if I can."

With those final words, she slowly disappeared as she had before.

I was beginning to hate that. Her appearing and disappearing like that was getting unnerving. I shook my head and looked at the three women. They were getting to be a real pain.

"As I understood, if I refuse to allow you to come with me, you will die," I said. "If I die, you die. I apparently have no choice in this matter."

Shardinelle drew her sword and offered it to me again and said, "I offer you my sword. I go where you go no matter the danger."

I looked at the sword for a moment then took it from her. Holding it up to the light, I saw that it was very finely crafted. It had a narrow point and both edges were sharp making it useful as both a cutting and thrusting weapon. The balance was very good also, with a counterbalancing weight on the pommel. A very good weapon indeed.

I looked at Shardinelle and said, "Very well. I have the choice of possibly leading you to your death or being the cause of it. I cannot refuse. Since I know not your ways, I'll just accept." I handed her back the sword.

She had a smile that would out shine the sun as she showed while she sheathed the blade.

The other two nodded and said, "Welcome, sister."

"Sister?" I exclaimed. I thought you were cousins."

"We are," said Eldranna. "But as your companions, we are sisters. It is our way."

"Well, since you are here then you can share," I said. "I hope you brought sufficient supplies for your selves. I have little and we won't have time to hunt."




Journey of the Warrior Ch. 02



"We brought enough for all of us to carry out your original plan," said Mellany. "We are all here but the others camped a bit away from us." 

Eldranna stood up and went over to a pack and opened it, taking out the scale mail I'd been given. She brought it over to me and said," In your haste to leave you forgot this."

Mellany reached into her belt purse and took something out and held out her closed fist. She said, "You also forgot this."

I held out my hand and she dropped the ring that Artemus had given me.

"Father said that he knew you were upset," she said. "He wishes you to have the ring and wear it always. He doesn't want you to be angry with him or the rest of us but he understands that you don't know our ways."

I looked at the ring and thought of all the good that Artemus had done in the time I'd known him. He had always been generous to all in his castle including a lost human who was injured and ill. 

I put the ring on and said to the three elves, "I have known Lord Artemus since I came to this land. I will wear it in honor of him."

The three of them started fixing breakfast, so I walked to the edge of the clearing where I'd set up my camp to listen to the forest.

Standing there, I heard the sounds of the small animals around the area and further off, I heard voices. I walked back to the camp and asked, "Where did the rest of the group camp?"

Shardinelle said, "I will show you."

I said, "No. just tell me."

She pointed toward where I'd heard the voices and said, "About a tenth of a league in that direction. I had to think a moment to translate. A league to these people was about five miles to me so that would be about a half mile. Too far for voices to carry.

"Get ready to fight now, "I said. "I heard someone talking and it was much closer than that. Be ready."

I gestured for Shardinelle to follow me and picking up my crossbow and quiver, I started in the direction of the voice I'd heard.

She was very quiet as we cautiously moved toward the area where the noise had come from. I waved her to my left as I advanced and slowly we moved forward. 

After about three hundred feet or so, I saw movement. I ducked down and Shardinelle did likewise. I crawled slowly to where I could see another clearing. In it were about 8 men that I didn't know.

I signaled Shardinelle and held up eight fingers. She nodded and moved up also. I saw that she had a bow with her which was a good thing, I thought. We were outnumbered four to one so it helped that we both had long range weapons although mine was a bit slow to reload.

Looking around the camp, I saw a human girl of about 13 or so. She was tied to a tree. 

I pointed this out to Shardinelle and started moving to the tree where the prisoner was tied.

I don't know exactly how long it took me to get to her, but when I was next to her I tapped her shoulder while hoping she wouldn't scream.

She jumped a bit then looked toward me and not seeing anything, she looked down.

Holding a finger to my lips to signal silence, I drew my boot knife and cut the ropes tying her to the tree. I knew that she would probably have a hard time moving if she'd been there long, but I planned on only getting her behind the tree and waiting to see how the men reacted.

I got her safely around the tree and gave her a bit of leather from my pocket. ( I don't remember much of home, but pockets I do and they are useful). Biting down on my finger, I motioned to the leather. She got the idea, and from the expression on her face it was just in time.

I looked around and saw Shardinelle a few feet from me. She pointed to the camp and then the girl and held up two fingers. I cautiously looked around the tree and saw two more girls tied to trees. I also saw a female elf tied to a third. 

I pointed at Shardinelle and held up one finger and pointed in the direction of the elf. She looked and nodded her head.

Looking around, I saw that the men were eating breakfast so I made sure my crossbow was loaded and the retainer clip was free of the quarrel.

Gesturing to Shardinelle again, I pointed to one who was standing out of site of the others and pointed at my crossbow. She nodded and pointed to another that was on the far side of the camp and hopefully far enough for the men not to hear when she shot him. I nodded.

Taking aim with my crossbow, I shot the guard while Shardinelle took her target. Both were hits and it was two down.

I crawled over to her and said, "Sword." while holding out my hand. She carefully drew the deadly blade and passed it to me.

I put it down beside me and reloaded my crossbow. I loved that thing. It had a handle on the bottom that you pulled back to re cock it that was easier to pull on by far than an elven horse bow or long bow. 

After I had finished loading my weapon, I pointed at her then at the man on the far side of the fire. She nodded, and I pointed at the man furthest away from her target and tapped my crossbow, to which she nodded again.

I took aim at my target while she slowly rose to where she could fire. When she was ready, I fired at my target and she at hers. 

We both hit, and I picked up the sword and got up. Charging the remaining men, I saw two more arrows fly over me before I got close enough to attack. 

My first target was still staring around in shock when I killed him as I ran by. I got to the next one before he'd finished drawing his sword and finished him too.

Slowing down, I carefully looked around. I didn't see anything, but one of the girls or the elf shouted and I turned toward the sound. 

A very large man was charging me with a battle ax. As he closed, I side stepped and then stabbed him in the left thigh. 

He howled like a scalded dog and went to his knees giving me the chance to knock him out with the pommel of the sword, after which I tied him up. 

That made nine and I hoped we were clear. Waving to Shardinelle, I signaled for her to come in.

She helped the girl I'd freed up off the ground and half carried her to the fire while I started freeing the others.

When she'd gotten the first prisoner to the fire, Shardinelle started freeing prisoners too. We got them all and brought them to the fire. 

I told Shardinelle to go get the sisters and bring them and our gear here while I waited with the freed prisoners. 

She nodded and took off silently, disappearing into the forest so quickly she seemed like a ghost.

While I waited, I retrieved my crossbow and reloaded it. That finished, I checked the prisoners and made sure that aside from the pain of returning circulation, they were unharmed. 

They seemed fine, so I handed my crossbow to the elf and showed her how to cock it and also gave her the quiver of quarrels.

That done, I started checking the tents that the men had set up. I didn't find anyone else, but they had an interesting assortment of loot. It looked like they had been busy for awhile and were quite obviously bandits. 

Interesting, I thought. We were at least two days travel from the Dragons Ridge and we'd already found a band of bandits.

Going back to the freed prisoners, I started questioning them. The elf was the only one that was willing to talk and she told me that the bandits had captured her first. They'd been here for about five days and had attacked several small parties traveling through the area but only taking female prisoners. All the males were killed immediately.

I asked if they had been doing this in other places and the elf told me she didn't know. She'd been taken just before they set up camp. She did know, however, that there were more bandits in the group. We'd only taken out the camp guard.

Thinking about this, I decided to set up an ambush of my own. I doubted we'd be able to track the main group down and surprise them, but I figured that if we got the rest of my party together and had nine of the biggest disguise themselves as the guards, we had a good chance of surprising them.

Shardinelle soon came back with Mellany and Eldranna. We hid our gear out of site of the camp and hid the bodies of the dead bandits.

After we finished this task, I told Shardinelle to go get the rest of the party and bring them back so we could set an ambush. She smiled at me and took off running again.

I called her back and told her she was forgetting something. When she came up to me, I took her sword and knelt, holding it out to her.

The expression on her face was comical. I swear she went from shock to embarrassment to surprise in less than a second before she took the sword and sheathed it. She bowed to me and took off running again.

The other two looked at me in confusion, then Eldranna asked, "Why did you do that?"

"Because she did well," I answered. "She killed four of them with her bow. She obeyed orders and didn't loose her head. I wished her to know that I was pleased with her."

Mellany said, "It was her first fight. I'm glad she did well and I'm glad you're pleased with her."

"Pleased with her actions, yes," I said. "Pleased that she and you are here, no."

"My lord, why are you not pleased?" asked Mellany.

"I keep telling you and you still don't know?" I asked. "I don't want the three of you harmed. It has nothing to do with you personally, it has to do with being afraid for you."

Mellany said, "I understand. All things die eventually, Hawk. While we live we must choose our paths and the three of us have chosen to follow you. It is our choice come what may."

I nodded and changed the subject. "I want you two to work with Shardinelle on your forest skills. If you insist on coming with me, you will have to learn. She's good and I want you all to be that good or better."

They both nodded and Eldranna said, "Yes my lord. We'll work hard to please you, my lord."

I stood up and grabbed her arm and pulled her to me in a hug. I said, "It isn't about pleasing me. It's about my not wanting to loose you. You say I don't understand you or your ways, but you don't understand me either. I have no kin here. My family is gone. I have no home or anything of much valued."

Hugging her tighter, I said, "Except you two. You are the daughters I never had. Your father is a friend as is your brother. You please me just by living. Your smile is a light in the dark to me." Releasing her, I asked them both, "Do you understand that much?"

With that, I walked away. I couldn't face them and wonder if they would live to see the sunset tonight. 

I walked over to the prisoners and asked them all, "Will you help me today? I intend to try to ambush the rest of these bandits but I need to have prisoners for them to see. You won't be tied up, but I would like for you to be in the same places you were when the rest of them get back. Can you do this?"

One of the girls looked at me and asked, "You aren't going to hurt us? They said that we were their slaves now and they could do what they want. Will you make us your slaves?" She asked the second question and started crying.

I bent down to her and picked her up. Holding her tight, I said, "I don't hold with slavery. You are a free woman. I'll help you get back to your family after this is over, and I won't allow any one to hurt you. I pledge my life on that."

The girl asked, "You won't tie us back up? We just have to sit where we were?"

"Thats all," I said. When the rest of my band gets here, we're going to set an ambush. I just need it to look like nothing is wrong when they return, so I ask you to do this if you will. The rest of my party is elven and there are only three women in the group anyway. I need you so the bandits don't realize something is wrong."

"You'll protect us?" the girl asked. 

I said, "With my life if necessary. I swear to you I will do my best to protect you. You won't be tied up, so when the fighting starts all you have to do is hide. I'll even give you some of the weapons that this bunch had if it helps."

The girl said, "I don't know how to fight, but I'll do what you ask. When this is over, I'd like to stay with you. My family is gone now and I have no where else to go."

"We'll talk about it later," I said. I put her down and told the rest, "I only ask that you help. If you are afraid, you don't have to. I'll hide you where they won't find you until after the fight if that's what you wish."

All of them, including the elf I'd talked to earlier said that they'd help. Two of the humans knew how to use bows so I had them go look through the camp to see it hey could each find one. The elf went into one of the tents and came out wearing a sword that she said had been hers and she'd fight with us when the bandits returned.

The two girls who had claimed to know how to use bows came back, each with a long bow and quivers. They both went to where they'd been tied and hid the bows and quivers then came back to the fire.

I waved Mellany and Eldranna over and introduced them to the five, saying, "These two are my sworn companions as is the one who helped me free you. If you need anything, ask them or me."

The five nodded and one handed each of us a plate of food. It wasn't much, just some stew but I appreciated it since I'd missed breakfast.

Shardinelle returned with the rest of the war party while we were eating. After I finished my meal, I helped get the ambush set up. We put the bowmen on one end of the camp and the rest on the side away from where the captives had said that the bandits went when they'd left that morning.

This done, I took Shardinelle and Deliand, who'd come with the rest of the band, and we followed the tracks made by the bandits when they'd left that morning. 

We went about a tenth of a league and found places to watch the path and waited. I think we were there for about four hours.

Deliand heard them first and signaled the rest of us and pointed to where he heard horses moving through the forest.

I had to wait for a few minutes before I heard them and then I saw them. 

Either the captives had lied to us or the group had joined another. There were at least thirty that I could count through the trees, and from the sound, probably more.

I whispered to Shardinelle and told her to return to the camp and warn the others to get ready for a much larger group than expected. I also told her to tell the freed captives that they should hide as this looked like a harder battle than originally expected. 

She nodded and ran off very quietly.

Deliand and I waited till the bandits were much closer so we could get a better count on them. I counted thirty six and Deliand agreed. I also saw at least three human and two elven captives which I pointed out to Deliand. 

He nodded that he'd seen them so I motioned for him to move back to the camp.

He wasn't as fast as either Shardinelle or me, but he was very quiet, not that it mattered. The bandits were making enough noise to cover the sounds of a heard of elephants.

We got back to the camp and I saw that all the freed captives were still in their places. I didn't have time to get them to safety now so I just nodded to them all. It took courage to sit like that and be a target. Especially for the two unarmed ones. It's even harder to play bait when you can't bite back.

The ambush worked. We got every one of them, taking three alive to add to the one prisoner I'd taken that morning. 

Our casualties were light considering how outnumbered we were. Two dead and four wounded for thirty three dead and three captured. I checked the girls and found them to be well, and told all three of them that I was pleased. They'd all obeyed orders and fought well.

After that, I checked the freed captives and found that the girl I had promised to protect was slightly injured from a stray arrow but the rest were well. The new ones the bandits were bringing in were unharmed but frightened until the girl I'd comforted that afternoon told them that I would protect them as I'd promised to protect her.

We set up camp that night, allowing the freed captives to use the tents. I moved the group who'd sworn service to me to one side, bringing the girl from that morning. The elf we'd freed joined us also.

Sitting around our small fire, I said to them, "You all did well today. I'm proud to have fought with all of you." I looked at the unnamed girl and said, "That includes you, child. It took a lot of courage to stay when I sent back word that the enemy party was almost twice what we expected. I also thank you for calming the new captives. Well done."

She leaned against me and sat there looking at the others.

I told them what she had told me about her family and said, "Since we will be traveling together we each must agree if someone new joins us. This child has nothing now. I ask you if you will accept her as an equal. She has shown that she is brave and willing even if she has no weapons skills. I find that such courage is worth more than skills."

"Will you accept her as a companion?" I asked them.

Mellany looked at me and said, "It is your right to take a servant or a new companion. We follow you willingly and will travel where you go and with whom you choose."

I shook my head and asked, "Remember what I said about not knowing or understanding my ways?" She nodded and I continued, "Well this is one of the things you don't understand. I won't choose who you travel with. You have the same choice I do. I ask again, will you accept this child?"

Mellany stood and walked over to us and knelt in front of the girl and asked, "Do you want to join us?"

The girl nodded and Mellany said, "My name is Mellany, sister. Be free with my name." She stood back up and walked over to where she had been sitting with Eldranna, who stood and walked over to us and repeated what Mellany had done, except that she hugged the girl.

Each of the others did the same until they had all told her their names and welcomed her as a sister. Last was Shardinelle, who knelt and said, "My name is Shardinelle. Be free with my name and be welcome to my heart, sister." Finishing this, she held out a very finely crafted dagger in a beautifully worked leather sheath.

"This was my fathers," she said. "He died 10 years ago fighting bandits. Today, you fought them and helped us defeat them. Carry this with you and I and my fellow companions will teach you its use."

The girl looked at the dagger and then up into Shardinelle's face and asked, "Why would you give me such a fine gift? I didn't fight today, all I did was sit against a tree and then hid when the bandits came back. Why would you give me this?"

Shardinelle said, "Because I too lost my father and my mother left when I was younger. I have no close kin left and am also alone. I will take you as sister in my heart if you will accept me."

The girl let go of my arm and grabbed Shardinelle in a hug.

While Shardinelle held her, Mellany and Eldranna came over and said, "Welcome to our family cousin." They hugged the girl too, then the three of them sat her down and sat with her. 

I whispered to Shardinelle, "Well done. She needs this and you gave her a greater gift than that dagger. Truly well done my lady."

This ends chapter 2 of the tale of Hawk



Journey of the Warrior Ch. 03



Chapter 3
The Heroes Return

This story is a work of fiction. All resemblance to people or places is purely coincidence.

Thanks to DesertPirate for his assistance.





As we sat around the fire, I watched Mellany, Eldranna, and Shardinelle hugging the girl. I hadn't wanted them with me, and I was still mad about the way they and their goddess had forced me to accept them, but now I was beginning to realize that I did want them with me. 

I've lived a solitary life since I came to this strange land. I had few friends and no home to call my own. Now I had both if I wanted them. I had people who were willing to claim me as kin and share their lives with me. 

As I sat there watching, that irritating green glow came back again. The Lady of the Forest was returning. Goddess or not, this was getting annoying.

The glow brightened to where all my companions could see it. The elves all rose to one knee and bowed their heads. The young girl looked around in fear so I reached out and put my hand on her shoulder and told her that a friend was visiting.

She nodded and looked calmer, so I stood and faced the glow. She wasn't my goddess so I wasn't about to kneel to her or bow. She'd helped trap me with the three elven girls and I was angry about it. I thought that if she wanted respect after that, she could earn it.

As I watched, the glow formed into the woman. She was an outline at first, then became a solid mass that took on shape and definition. When she was fully formed she looked at me and smiled.

"I see you are still angry with me, Hawk the Hunter," she said. I don't blame you but there is a reason for all of this."

She stepped forward to the young girl and laid a hand on her shoulder and said, "I know of your loss, young one. I am sorry that I couldn't help you here in my forest, but I am not allowed to interfere in such matters. I share your sorrow."

Releasing her shoulder, she turned back to me and said, "I see that even in your anger you've accepted all your companions and picked up two more."

The elf we'd rescued looked up at her and said, "Lady, I owe these people for my freedom. Like the child, my family is now gone and I have no home to return to. I ask your blessing and I ask Lord Hawk if I might join with him and his other brave companions."

I looked at her and asked her if she really wanted this.

She said, "I have nowhere to go now. I have no close kin and my home was destroyed by the bandits four days ago. 

I would return and bury my kin, but after that I have nothing."

I looked at the goddess and said, "It's her choice. It's my choice to accept her or not. I don't want any interference from the gods."

The Lady laughed and said, "I didn't interfere in the first place. I answered a call and named the price as I'm required to do. The price was paid and I did as I had been asked by two of my children. I would have done this with no payment required but as I have already told you, even the gods have laws and I was required to do the deed."

I nodded and said, "I understand. I don't like it, but I understand. I will allow all gathered here to come with me but not without certain things understood up front."

"What might those be?" asked the Lady.

"We travel as equals is first," I said. "Second is that all must agree to anyone joining us. Third is that if any wish to leave they are free to do so with no repercussions from you or the rest of the gods."

"Agreed," said the Lady. "I will help you as I may for what you have done for my people, but only when asked and without tying someone else to you as you already said. I must sometimes ask a price but it is up to you if you pay it."

"Very well," I said. "I can live with that."

"I now owe you a debt for cleansing my forest of these trespassers," the Lady said. "I can't interfere with the actions of mortals but I do appreciate them being removed from my home."

She reached out and her hand disappeared into a black void for a moment and when she pulled it back she held a staff and a sword.

"These are for you," she informed me. "The sword is an ancient weapon of the elves from before they first came to this world and the staff is a symbol of my gratitude. Take them and use them well."

I was tempted to refuse, but reconsidered. I had left the sword that Dranco had given me when I left the castle. My staff was a good weapon and I was well familiar with it but thinking about the young girl I decided to give it to her and teach her how to use it. She was too small to wield a sword well at least for now, but she looked strong.

With a staff, the length of your arms is less important than it is with using blades. What is needed are strong arms and wrists. Most of staff work is from strength as with a sword, but with a staff you need both hands. Long arms aren't needed with the stile I use since I keep my upper arms close to me most of the time.

Having decided, I reached out and took the weapons saying, "Very well. I'll accept your gifts as long as there is no price or requirement for them."

"They are in payment for a service you have done for me," the Lady said. "I don't have ulterior motives in giving them to you. They do have special powers, though. I will tell you what I may if you wish."

I nodded and she continued, "The sword has ancient spells on it that are even older than me. It will warn you of traps or ambushes for one. It cannot be detected as magical by any mage now living. It will never break or need sharpening. Finally, no one but you my wield it or even lift it unless you grant them leave."

I thought about that for a moment and looking at the young girl I said, "I have a job for you youngster. First I ask your name, though."

She looked at me and said, "Fianna, my name is Fianna."

I nodded and said, "Fianna my task for you is simple. I need someone to carry my sword for me."

Her eyes got so large I thought they were ready to pop out of her head. She didn't say anything, but nodded her head and held out her hands. I placed the sword in her hands and said, "I also have a new name for you. Fianna Sword Barer. Carry it for me and have it ready for me at need."

Fianna nodded her head so hard I thought she'd give herself a whiplash. She hugged the sword to her chest and it started to glow a bright blue light. It surrounded her for a moment then faded away.

Even the Lady was surprised at this. She said, "I think the sword has accepted her and will protect her. Not even the person who carries it has ever had that response before."

I said, "Good. At least I'll get some benefit from knowing you. Let it protect her as needed since I don't know much about swords or their usage. 

The Lady smiled and said, "I see you really are still angry with me. Well, that's your choice. You aren't one of my followers and aren't bound by my laws."

Pointing to the staff, she continued her explanation of the weapons. "This staff is my symbol. Those who know me and follow my ways will recognize it. It will also protect you from magical attacks and most poisons. As a weapon, it cannot be broken nor burnt. Even the great evil powers of this land can't destroy it or harm you if you hold it."

I nodded again and handed the staff to Fianna and said to her, "Hold this too for me."

She smiled at me and laid the staff on her lap.

I smiled back and turned to the goddess and asked her, "Can you give any information to us?"

"That depends on what you want to know, Hawk," she said.

"I wish to know if this was the bandit band we set out to find or if it's a different group," I said.

"That I can freely tell you," said the Lady. "This is the same band that you set out to find. All of them were here and your task is complete."

"Thank you," I said. "I had wondered as it seemed to convenient for them to be so close to the castle."

The Lady nodded and said, "They moved here five days ago as the road they were preying on grew less and less traveled."

"Very well," I said. "We'll take the bodies of the dead and the prisoners back to Lord Artemus to judge as these are his lands. After that, I'm headed north. I want to see a friend there."

The Lady nodded and said, "Be blessed and travel freely through my lands." With that, she faded away as she had done in the past.

I sat back down next to Fianna and stared at the fire for a moment then said, "All of you joined me freely. I don't know why some of you did, but be welcome to my fire."

The elves surrounding the fire had sat back down after the Lady had vanished. Nobody said anything for awhile, and then the elf we'd rescued asked, "My Lord, may I join with you too? I wish to care for my kin first but I really would like to join this band."

I asked the others, "Does anyone have any arguments? All must agree to this before I accept."

Deliand said, "It is my choice to say yes, she may join with us."

After him, the others all agreed. The elf in question stood and walked over to where I was sitting and knelt before me and handed me her sword. She said, "My name is Bran. I have no family and only this sword to call my own. I will follow you where ever you may go."

I took the sword and stood. Drawing it, I checked the blade and balance. It wasn't much of a sword but it would do until I had a chance to get a better one for her. 

Sheathing the sword, I handed it back to her and said, "Since all agree, I accept you as one of my companions. You may travel with us for as long as you want and you may leave when ever you wish. Travel with us freely."

I lifted her head and looked into her eyes, saying, "Never bow to me again. You are an equal in this group. I only ask that you obey my commands in battle and help as needed in camp and as we travel. I ask the same from all my companions. Stay with us for as long as you wish."

She nodded and standing, went back to her place by the fire. The others each stood and went to her, welcoming her as a sister.

I looked around the fire for a bit, observing each of my companions, finally letting my eyes rest on Bran. I said to her, "I have a task for you if you will accept, Bran."

She said, "You have but to ask."

"I want you to help Shardinelle with the girl. Teach her and protect her for me please."

Bran looked at the girl and smiling, she said," I will stand by her and protect the child with my life."

I thanked her and looked at Shardinelle and asked, "Will you also accept this task?"

Shardinelle said, "I already have. She is my sister now and I will protect her with my life if need be. I will also teach her as much as I can."

I nodded to her and asked Fianna, "Is this all right with you?"

She said, "I thought you would protect me."

I said, "I will with my life. I swore it and meant it. Daughter, as long as I live I will do my best by you."

Fianna gasped and exclaimed, "Daughter! You called me Daughter! Why?

"Because, I too have no close kin. I lost my home and my family five years ago. The local lord adopted me into his family, but I have no others. Do you wish to be my daughter?"

The next thing I new, I was hit by a sobbing mass. I held her and stroked her hair as she cried. 

Deliand smiled at me and said, "I see you have given the child a problem. You said we share equally, so I guess her name would now be Fianna Sword Barer, Daughter of Hawks Companions."

I looked at him and said, "I see you have an evil mind to put the burden of such a name on such a small child. Maybe I should name you servant to Fianna so that you can help her carry the load."

Deliand grasped his chest over his heart and said, "You wound me brother. Such a foul blow you strike."

Every body laughed at that, even Fianna who had stopped crying. She still clung to me like a monkey, though.

I pushed her head back and said to her, "I won't run away or disappear. You can let loose now."

She let me go and I got up and made my bed up away from the fire. Fianna followed me and watched silently.

When I had finished, I asked her if she had any blankets. She said no so I went to the pack horses that my companions had brought with her. 

I found three extra blankets and took them over to where I had made my bed and showed her how to clear a place and to line the ground with dry leaves and boughs from the pine trees around us. That done, I bid her good night.

As she went to bed, I walked back over to the fire and told the others to set watch however they wanted. I would take last as I liked to sit in the forest and watch it wake up with the coming of day.

They agreed and I went back to my bed. I saw that Fianna had moved hers closer to mine and was now asleep. She cradled the sword and the staff in her arms as she slept.

I quietly got into my bed and went to sleep.

When I was awakened the next morning for my turn on watch, I had a warm bundle snuggled up on my right side where Fianna had her bed. I looked down at the head beside me and saw that she'd moved her bed next to mine and was now curled up on her side and snuggled up against me. She still had that sword and the staff wrapped in her arms too.

I woke her up and told her that it was our turn on guard. She nodded without arguing and sat up. I sat up and put on my shirt and boots while she got ready. 

While we were getting ready, I asked her how old she was. She said, "I'm 13 summers now. I nodded.  She was even younger than I'd thought.

We got up and went over to the fire to get some tea. It was getting old and bitter, but was strong enough to wake a hibernating bear.

After we finished, I went to the guard post I was to take over and relieved the guard on duty. He went back to his bed to get what sleep he could before we broke camp.

Fianna and I sat and listened to the forest. I quietly talked to her while Simon sat next to me. I told her what made a particular type of sound and pointed to where we could see a bit of sky slowly starting to glow with the coming of dawn.

I had always liked this time of day. I like to watch the day time animals wake and the night ones head for their homes. I'd always been fascinated by this. It's like a mass changing of the guard. The world can be an interesting place if you just watch, and this was the best time.

Fianna said little and mostly listened to what I told her. She just sat there and held my new weapons while I talked. I had never had a chance to talk to someone like this. Very few people of any race, including the elves, were willing to just sit and watch the world wake up and now I had this child to tell. I enjoyed that.

I don't remember what I lost when I came to this world, but I don't think I left a wife or children behind. I think this was the first time I'd ever had a chance to teach someone about the wonders of watching the coming of a new day. If nothing else, whether she realized it or not, Fianna had given me a great gift.

When the sun had risen enough to see clearly, the camp started to wake up. I told Fianna to leave the sword with me and go get us both some breakfast when the others started eating. She was back quickly with two plates and more tea.

We ate as the others finished and started packing for the trip back to the castle. When they finished, I went over to my mare and climbed up. I held my hand down for Fianna and let her use the stirrup. Before she could mount, though, Eldranna came up leading the stallion that Artemus had given me.

I just shrugged my shoulders at her and dismounted again.

I asked Fianna if she could ride and she said that she'd learned while traveling with her uncle.

Since she could, I picked her up and put her in the saddle of my mare and told her to be gentle with her horse. 

Fianna looked at me in shock and asked, "My horse?"

I said, "I can't ride two. Your my daughter and I can't have you walking and trying to keep up with elven bred horses, so I guess you'll just have to keep her."

I swear her face almost broke, she smiled so wide.

"What's her name?" she asked.

I said, "I never really named her and the people I got her form never told me, so I guess you'll just have to figure something out."

She leaned over so far I thought she was going to fall and grabbed my arm. She pulled me closer and hugged me, saying," Thank you father. I never had such a gift as this or the dagger from Shardinelle."

I said, "Well you had better get used to it. I think the others have decided that your the daughter of us all and now they're going to compete to see who can give you the greatest gift."

Eldranna heard that and snorted. I looked at her and raised my right eyebrow and frowned. That did it. She started laughing so hard she dropped the reins of my horse and almost fell off of hers.

It was worth making faces to get that out of her. I'd know her for five years and had never seen her laugh like that. 

I turned back to Fianna and said, "Stay in the middle of the group. If there's any trouble that's where you'll be safest."

She said, "But I belong with you. I'm your sword barer."

I said, "I'll have my sword with me for now. I want you where your safe. You aren't ready to fight. Your job is to carry my sword when I don't need it. For now, I want you in the middle so that we can protect the daughter of Hawks companions. Remember. The most valuable thing is the best guarded and I have nothing worth more than you."

She smiled when I told her that and agreed to ride where I wanted her. Right now, she was the most valuable person in my party. I knew that all of my companions would protect her as best as they could. 

I mounted my horse and looked at Eldranna. "You done yet?" I asked her.

She was still laughing, but seemed to be under control now and I looked around. 

The warriors that Artemus had sent with my group had broken camp also. They had all the tents and goods from the bandits packed and were ready to go. My people were also ready to leave so I had Shardinelle lead us out with Deliand behind her. I wanted her to get the experience but had the most experienced man that I knew of behind her. 

We were a lot slower going back with the heavily loaded pack animals than I was getting here in the first place. I was glad that I'd camped where I had when I left the castle. If I'd gone on much further I would have tripped over the bandits and been fighting not just 9 like yesterday morning, but the other 36 as well. I'm good, but not that good.

It took us most of the day to get back to the castle. During that time, I rotated the lead and took it myself twice. I wanted to make sure that each took one of the two most dangerous places in line. The first two to be attacked in an ambush are the first and last, usually. At least that's how I would do it.

We found the place where the bandits had attacked their last victims yesterday and buried the dead. After that, we continued to the castle. We got there just before dark

When we rode through the village, the residents stood along the road and bowed as we passed. I remember that the people to the south had done the same when I returned after killing that pack of dire wolves. They were showing their respect to us for the job we'd done, I think.

We arrived at the castle and found Lord Artemus and his son Dranco waiting at the gate with the guards lined up waiting for us.

We rode in to the court yard and I dismounted. I walked over to Artemus and said, "As I promised, the bandit threat is ended. We rescued a few women who'd been captured and we took 3 prisoners."

I walked back to Fianna and helped her down and took her over to Artemus. I introduced her to him as my daughter.

He looked at me in surprise then bowed deeply to Fianna and said, "My name is Artemus, daughter of my brother. Be free with my name and be always welcome to my home."

Fianna gasped in shock. I wasn't expecting such a greeting, but Fianna looked like she was ready to faint.




Journey of the Warrior Ch. 03



Artemus turned to his son and said, "This is my son, your cousin, Dranco. While you stay with us he will be your guide.

Dranco bowed to her too and said, "My honor, cousin. Be welcome to our home and to my heart."

He straightened back up and said to me, "Uncle, you are full of surprises. Where did you find such beauty?"

"She was a prisoner of the bandits we freed yesterday morning when Shardinelle and I found their camp. I answered. "She played her part in taking the main group when they returned last evening and was very brave. Your cousin was also very brave and did well."

Artemus said, "I am glad to here that. I know how headstrong she is and I was worried when she offered you her sword."

I said, "She may be headstrong, but she obeyed orders and did well. She and I alone took out the camp guards. She took four to my five."

Artemus looked around and when he saw her he walked over and told her, "Well done my child. I was afraid for you, but now I feel less worry. As long as you obey Hawk in battle, you should do well. I am proud of you."

He looked over at me and asked, "And how did my daughters do?"

I said, "I don't know. Deliand, Shardinelle and I were out waiting for the bandits to return. When we saw that the party was much larger than expected I sent her back to warn the rest. When Deliand and I returned we took our place with her. You'll have to ask someone else, although I've had no complaints."

Bran spoke up then and said, "I was with them. The were hidden behind the tree where I'd been bound. They fought bravely and well. Be proud of your companions Lord Hawk."

I said, "Thank you Bran. I am proud of all my companions. Especially this young one who stayed at her post unarmed until the bandits were trapped. Of us all she was the bravest." I placed my hand on Fianna's shoulder as I said this."

I heard several of the warriors agree with my statement and all bowed to her, including Artemus and Dranco. Even the warriors who'd stayed behind bowed to her.

Finished with the talking, my companions took the horses and turned them over to the stable hands. That done, we all went up to the great doors leading in to the castle. 

Lord Artemus lead us to a private dinning room and said, "Be welcome to my hall Hawk's companions. Rest here for a bit and I'll have hot food sent from the kitchen. When you have all finished I'll see that you have rooms for the night."

I asked, "Is that room I was using upstairs still available?"

Artemus said, "That room is yours. It will always be available for your use as long as you live."

I said, "I wasn't sure as we weren't on the best of terms when I left."

"I understood your anger, Hawk," he said. "I don't hold it against you and am glad that you returned at least for a short time. I am also glad that you gave me this chance to meet your daughter as she is my kin too. Her name will be entered into the clan Book of Names as the Fianna daughter of Hawk adopted Brother of Artemus."

I thanked him and he left the room.

Looking around the table, I saw the four warriors and the two women who'd originally joined me. I still didn't know the names of the for men but right now it didn't matter. Deliand and Bran were also there. Fianna was seated next to me and had moved her chair so close that I could barely move my left arm without hitting her.

Two of the other women we'd freed were also there, one human and one elf. There was also an old man that I didn't know. I couldn't even tell if he was human or elf. He could have been either since his hair covered his ears and he was beardless.

I looked at the new comers and said, "I don't know either of you but since my companions accept your presence I assume you did something that they noticed. Be welcome to our table."

The elf said, "I'm Breina. Be free with my name. I was one of the hostages you rescued from the ambush of the bandits. When I was freed, I helped with the wounded. I have some skill with herbs and treating wounds."

The human woman said, "I too was one of the hostages you freed last evening. I'm just a trader. I came with you because I have no where else to go now. My friends and family are gone. My name is Cally and I'd like to stay with you."

The man I didn't know said, "I am Gramin. I am a healer of sorts and am called druid although I don't follow their ways. I answered a call for assistance from a friend and decided to see what I could about his new brother. So far, I've seen much to think on. A man who would argue with a goddess is interesting."

All the others laughed at that and Deliand said, "Healer, you haven't seen the half of it yet. He got mad at the lady two nights ago and insulted her, then gave back the ring that Artemus awarded him as his champion. Then he left all of us behind and set out after the bandits alone. After seeing him in battle twice now, I think they're lucky we caught him."

That got another round of laughter. 

I said, "If your lady would quit sticking me with followers and companions and such, I'd have no argument with her. Since she keeps doing things that I'm either uncomfortable with or go against my beliefs, she should get used to arguments. I didn't want any of this and she bound two to me without even asking me."

Deliand said, "We are all here by choice, brother. I choose to follow where ever you lead. Not the goddess, not the king and not Artemus. I choose this. Remember that."

"I know," I said. "I'm not arguing about that. I'm arguing about the price she put on my life without asking me first. I'm arguing about two girls who pledged themselves to me to save my life without my knowledge. That angered me. I should have had some say in it."

Deliand bowed his head for a moment then looked at me again and said, "That's why I'm here. I follow one who would risk angering a god by fighting for the freedom of two who aren't even of his own race. I follow a man who would risk his life and ride for two days with a poisoned arrow in his side to save a people not his own."

He paused for a moment and Mellany stood and said,"I follow a man who would risk his life to save my home and who almost died of it. I follow a man who gave freely even knowing he was dying of his wound. I follow Hawk the Knight who risked all for my family to be safe."

She sat down and Eldranna stood. "I follow a man who faced a goddess in anger because he felt what was done to me was wrong. I follow a man who always has time for a child. I follow a man who has more compassion than any three of the rest of us. I follow a man who took an orphan as daughter before he even knew her name."

She looked me in the eyes and said, "I follow Hawk the kind hearted. She sat down.

Shardinelle stood and said, "I follow a man who cared enough to insult a goddess because he didn't agree with how she treated my cousins. I follow a man who risked his life to free a child bound to a tree in site of her captors. I follow a man who trusted me and gave me a chance."

Bran stood up then and said, "I follow the man who risked his life to free me. I follow a man who fought against three who would have made me a slave. He defeated them all in the time it took me to draw one breath. I follow the man who then gave me a weapon and a chance to avenge myself and my family. I follow willingly."

Breina stood next and said, "I am new to this company but I would join you if you would have me." She sat back down.

The next was Cally and she stood and said, "I too am new to you but I wish to join also."She sat back down.

The next was one of the elves I didn't know. He stood and said, "I am Jadison. I follow the man who led a small troop to fight against a foe that had more than ten times our numbers. I follow the man who took us to where we had a chance to fight while he was bleeding to death. I follow the man who charged an enemy alone to give us victory."

He sat down and the next stood and said, "I am Jarnison, brother at the same birth to Jadison. I to follow the hero of the battle of the pass who charged the enemy line and broke through on his own to kill a mage that would have destroyed us."

He sat and the old man stood and said, "I follow my own path, but I would like to travel with you for a time." he sat and Deliand asked me, "Do you understand why we follow you? Hawk, you have given us all reasons. The reasons are different for some of us, but we all agree on one thing. We will follow you to wherever you go if you allow."

I sat down and thought for awhile. I still didn't remember much about the pass, but when someone spoke of it I saw the thing he spoke of. I remembered charging the line and breaking through. I remember firing my crossbow and the mage falling. I don't remember much else yet.

I looked around the table at each face. Some smiled, others just met my eyes, but none looked away.

I said, "Very well. Now you have three more choices to make. First is Breina. Do each of you accept her?"

All the rest nodded except the other two not of our group.

I looked at Breina and said, "Since the rest accept you, you may join with us for as long as you wish to share our company."

Breina smiled and said, "I thank you all."

"Next is Cally," I said. "Do all of you accept her?"

Again they all nodded. I said, "As with Breina you may join and travel with us for as long as you wish."

She smiled and thanked the group too.

"Finally," I said, "We have my adopted daughter. I ask all of you to teach her what skills you have that she is able to learn. Although she is only 13 years old, I think her able to learn much."

They all smiled at Fianna and she grabbed my arm and said, "Thank you father. I will try to learn all I can."

I kissed her forehead and said, "Learn what you can and remember that it is for you and not for me that you learn. Even if you don't like the lesson, remember that no knowledge is useless. Some things might save your life or allow you to aid another. Learn well and be happy."

"Yes father," she said. 

We talked until there was a knock at the door. I said, "Enter," and several elves entered carrying platters of food that they placed on the table. After they left and closed the door, I said, 'Let us eat the meal given to us by Lord Artemus."

We were all hungry since we'd eaten noon meal in the saddle and that hadn't been much. The dinner, though, was excellent. I ate a lot more than I usually do at this time of day and enjoyed every bite.

When we had finished, I told the group to relax but that I needed Bran and Fianna to go somewhere with me.

I took them to Artemus's office. When we approached the door, one of the two guards always there bowed and opened it for us. 

I took the two ladies in with me and walked up to where Artemus was sitting and talking to Deliand and Dranco.

He looked up at me and said with a smile, "Welcome home brother."

I thanked him for his kind greeting and said, "I need to get these two some decent weapons and armor. The girl will probably out grow anything we put on her but she has need of it. She's too brave to stay back."

Artemus laughed and said, "I see your learning to be a father already. I have several suits of scale that will fit her as they were made for my daughters. We'll get her set up with three sets so she can grow into the next without having need to get a new set."

I nodded and said, "I'll be happy to pay when I gain the funds."

Artemus glared at me for a moment then said, "You have the right. You and your group will be outfitted properly as befits a Kings Knight and my brother. It is your right and my honor."

I said, "I've said before that I don't know your ways. I will accept this gift for those who follow my path. Since I don't have sufficient coin to purchase what they need I'll have to allow you this. My journeys will be dangerous and I will not have anyone unprepared if I can help it". 

"I'll also need a sword for each of them," I continued. "A light one for the child and the lady here needs something a bit better than what she has. It might be good for a bandit, but I wouldn't have it to chop firewood."

Artemus held out his hand to Bran and said, "Sword."

She handed him her weapon and he examined it. Giving it back, he said to me, I agree it isn't much. I can easily do better. Now, I seem to recall that someone forgot his sword here. 

I held my hand to Fianna and just as Artemus had said, I said, " Sword." She handed me the blade from the Goddess and I drew it. 

Looking at Artemus, I said, "I don't think I need one. This one should do me nicely."

I have seen many expressions on Artemus's face, but this was priceless. I couldn't help myself. I started laughing and so did Deliand and Dranco. Saying he looked surprised would be like saying that the river was a bit damp.

He recovered as I stopped laughing and asked, "Where did you get that?"

I said, "Ask your Lady. She gave it to me as payment for cleansing her forest she said."

"Brother, you are truly blessed," said Artemus. "That blade has a power to it like none I've ever seen. I don't doubt that you will never have need of a sword again."

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Since you said I forgot a sword around here someplace, lets see if my daughter would like it."

Artemus smiled and reached down beside his desk and lifted the sword that Dranco had given me just a short time before. He held it out to Fianna and said, "Granddaughter, take the blade of your father and use it well."

"My father owned this blade?" she asked.

"For a short time," said Artemus. "For some reason, he left it behind when he went out to find some bandits. Take it as my gift since he doesn't seem to need it now."

Fianna looked at me and I smiled and nodded. She handed the staff to Bran and took the sword from Artemus, very carefully drawing it. It was a beautifully made weapon. The artist, and the creator of it truly was an artist, had crafted one of the finest swords I had ever seen. The steel it was forged from glowed as she held it."

Suddenly, that blue glow from the night before came back first to the sword I still held and then moved over me and to Fianna and then to her sword. I almost dropped the one I held in surprise. All the elves backed away from us. I didn't blame them as I wanted to back away too, until I looked into Fianna's eyes. 

Her eyes were a bright green that the blue glow seemed to make brighter. Her red gold hair seemed to be brighter also, and also seemed to move around her head a bit, like she was standing in a breeze. 

After a few moments, the glow faded again and I hurriedly sheathed my blade. Fianna stood there like she was dazed for a moment then shook herself and re sheathed the blade.. The surprising thing about that was the way she did it without looking like she'd done it thousands of times before.

She turned to me and said, "Father, I'm feeling tired now. I'd like to sleep."

I looked at Artemus and said, "I'll take her to the room you gave me. Tell the others I'd like to be alone with my daughter tonight. Explain to your daughters and Shardinelle what happened and let them take other rooms. I need the time with Fianna alone."

Artemus nodded and said, "I know what they will say but I'll tell them that this is a matter that must be between father and daughter. They'll understand and leave you in peace."

I thanked him and took Fianna to my apartment and put her in the smaller room by herself for the night after showing her where my room was and telling her that if she had any need I'd be here until morning or would wake her.

She nodded and I left her to sleep. 

I got into my own bed and was asleep in moments. 



Thus ends Chapter 3 of the story of the Warrior.