Big City Darkened Nights

Escorting Carr inside the main entrance they cross a beautifully detailed marble floor. Polished to the point Carr can see his refection and others watching him on a balcony that circles the main hall.

The hall’s larger than four of his barns and higher with the vaulted ceilings. The faint noise his footfalls make are lost in the echoes of louder others. The young rogue listens for remarks about him from those meandering above.

They march straight across the hall, opening engraved doors to a piece of caged paradise. The inner courtyard is a beautifully laid out and maintained garden. With winding stone paths and many sculptures perfectly mixed with the plant life. Carr is surprised to see many still flowering in the autumn.

Housing the courtyard are the exterior walls of the Castle. All the main floor windows and many of the upper widows are stain glass. Thinking what a great spot to be made to wait Carr realizes why the King’s castle is half the size of his city.

Junior and the men stop in between a ring of trees and tall shrubbery. Taking a seat inside a magnificently carved marble gazebo.

Carr jokes with them, “Sorry you have to wait with me here.”

“The mess would be perfect,” Junior leans back, “This is better than waiting down in the dungeons.”

One of the men asks Junior. “How long are we gonna be here?”

“Until they come for us,” Junior shakes his head at the man and tries teasing them. “They probably want to inspect each returned item first.”

Taking in the courtyard Carr pays little attention to the men.

Noticing him Junior inquires. “Are you planning your next heist?”

Carr points out an odd tree, “I’ve never seen some of these plants before. I’m seeing the castle from the wrong part to make plans like that.”

The men look over at the tree, Junior has to ask, “You really like the plants and flowers?”

Focusing on the corporal Carr replies, “I was taught what I could do with certain plants and trees. The ones in my area anyway but I’ve forgotten most of it. Spending a lot of time in the forest I’m sure some of these plants must be from another continent.”

Not even sure himself, Junior is curious to what useful wildlife knowledge he has, “What do you remember?”

Going on in over excessive detail, Carr numbs three of the men. Junior and two older riders actually know the plants mentioned. They were surprised to find out some the weeds goats wouldn’t eat, are useful. Discussing edible plants Carr disgusts them, mentioning eating bugs recently.

Accept one patting his belly, “Talking of eating is making me hungry. I hope we get dismissed soon.”

Junior states. “The Captain has to give his report to the King.”

Another man jests, “Yes your majesty, I think he’s a model thief returning your treasure. He didn’t run and his cooking didn’t kill us.”

The five men laugh lightly, Junior smiles. Carr doesn’t find it that amusing.

“I did request he be our campaign cook,” Captain Avilo announces his presence to the men.

The group turns to see Avilo nearing the gazebo. Walking beside King Halford a hefty man of fifty-seven, with red graying hair and beard. The King isn’t wearing a crown however the clothes reveal his position.

Being in an exquisitely detailed long fur trimmed robe with matching shirt and pantaloons.

Carr notices more, the rings on each finger, gold bracers and a heavy gold chain with large jeweled medallion.

The King is escorted by two of the castles formally dressed guards. Two old cloaked men follow behind.

Jumping to attention, Junior barks out, “All bow for his majesty King Halford.”

The men get down on bended knee lowering their heads. Out of respect and avoiding imprisonment Carr does as well.

In a gruff voice King Halford speaks, “Easy men, you’re dismissed. Junior you stay with us. And our rogue, a little longer.”

“Thank-you sir.” The men give a quick bow to their King before leaving the courtyard.

Junior and Carr stand waiting for the King’s next instruction.

King Halford speaks to Carr. “So, you’re the brave young man who’s risked his life to return my treasure. What should I call you?”

Uncertain if the King is serious or playing with him, Carr glances at Avilo who’s nodding his head. “Hello your majesty. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Most just call me Carr. I’ve always enjoyed visiting your city.”

“Carr?” Halford looks at him strangely, “That’s a nick name I take it?”

Avilo interjects, “He said his name was Ralston Neo, something Purvina.”

Even though Avilo got it only partially right Carr nods.

Squinting an eye and raising a brow Halford looks directly at Carr, “Your mistaken Captain.”

Humbly Avilo asks, “Sir?”

Concerned Carr’s body temperature starts to rise.

“It’s not Purvina,” Halford corrects him, “it’s Purina, right Ralston.”

Carr squeaks out, “Yes your majesty.”

In a serious tone the King says, “I know who your parents are.”

The group gasp wondering how and what it means. Avilo puts his hand to chin thinking of the last name.

Carr’s first thought is his mother’s crimes of the past.

“Don’t worry son.” With a slight grin, Halford informs them, “Before I was King, I knew your father. I strangely moral man, especially for his trade.” He motions to the men to take a seat.

Halford sits middle of a bench his guards stand at either end. Avilo and Junior sit to his right watching the main entranceway. Carr takes the last bench opposite of the King. The older men remain off to the side talking together.

Finally, a name comes to Avilo, “Alfred, right?”

Carr nods. “That was the man I called my father.”

The King speaks genuinely, “I was saddened to hear of his passing.”

One of the older men dressed in a white cloak with gold sashes, approaches the King whispering to him.

“Yes, okay.” Halford looks over at Carr, “This is my cleric, Gaylord. He’s going to check you out and heal your wounds, while we talk about the events at hand.”

Gladly accepting lay-healing Carr nods, “Sure, thank you sir.”

The old cleric walks right up to Carr lifting his chin up. Leaning in close Gaylord examines the neck bruising, even sniffing the wound.

Releasing Carr’s chin and standing back Gaylord places a hand to cheek tapping the nose with a finger.

Everyone waits to for the man to speak. Carr looks down at his arm to see if he healed it.

Gaylord states his opinion, “I think Avilo is right.” He turns to Avilo, “Sorry for calling you crazy.”

Avilo just shrugs.

Continuing Gaylord sits beside Carr unwrapping his arm wound, “The neck has a sulphury smell about it. Those are definite finger marks. Very long ones too. It’s got to be a Hag of some sort.”

The second old man turns leaving the courtyard.

Carr inquires. “What’s the sulfur smell mean?”

Looking at the wound the same disgusted way Violetta would Gaylord rolls his eyes before answering, “Boy if you don’t know now, you will when you’re dead. Sulfur is the smell in the lower planes.”

Carr wants clarification, “Hell right.”

“Yes Hell,” Gaylord an older and grumpier version of Violetta shakes his head at what people do to each other and over what. Placing a hand near the wound he begins a very quiet healing chant.

“Anyway, where was I?” Halford breaks the silence, “Your father and I were your age when we met. He had a knack for locks and traps. Elija and I use to hire him in our endeavors.” He starts reflecting on the past.

Always curious of his parents’ past adventures Carr queries, “What kind of endeavors?”

Halford changes the subject, “I always wondered when I’d get to met you. It would seem you have learned much from your father. From what Avilo tells me you’re also a skilled fighter. Defeating Lord Karigorn, very impressive.”

“Well, I didn’t know who he was.” Carr appreciates the compliment, “His view of me was his downfall.”

The comment intrigues Halford, “What do you mean?”

Willing to talk Carr recanted it to the man while the powerful cleric heals the wound leaving no trace.

As the healing completes Carr finishes with, “Lord Kapigorn didn’t expect me to have any skill.” He inspects the arm, “Thank you Gaylord sir.”

Shaking out his hands Gaylord moves to the leg wound still chanting silently.

Halford sighs thinking of the many battles fought in his life, “Alfred, your father, was one of the few from those years I admired. I had all this,” He points to the castle’s walls, “destined to be mine and at the time I envied your father’s life. He didn’t even want mine.” He laughs thinking of all the headaches that come with his fortune speaking to Avilo, “Some days I still wish I had his freedom.”

Respectfully Carr queries, “Thanks for your kind words. I understood there was a falling out between you two. I was curious if you were going to hold it against me.”

“Hah!” Halford waves his hand, “That was a long time ago. And I got Elija’s word on you.” Halford leans forward speaking to Carr like a member of an old family, “Life isn’t about the pursuit of gold. Like your father I bet you’d agree the pursuit and lessons learned are far more valuable than the prize.”

Carr sees the wealth the King has, “You can’t get much with stories. But I do like the adventuring.”

“Of course,” The King leans back, “but I have a city to take care of. People actually expect me too.” Flexing his arm while pointing to his chest, “A warrior at heart, to help these people. With all kinds of crap, I don’t care about.” Relaxing he smiles, “But it makes them happy, and the ones that have coin are almost willing to part with it when the collection plate is sent out.”

Quietly snickering Junior has to apologize, “Sorry your majesty. I was just picturing Paul with his men and their carriage as a collection plate.”

Discreetly nudging Junior’s ribs to be quiet Captain Avilo says. “You were saying sir.”

Smiling Halford pictures it too. “I’ve also got all these men at the ready to house, feed and pay. And they’re just eight hundred men. How many went to Kapigorn?”

Captain Avilo sharply answers. “Two thousand men Sir. Six hundred forty-eight men died.”

Bowing his head Halford says a prayer out of respect for the fallen men. The others bow, as does Carr.

Gaylord seals the leg wound and appreciating the gesture started by Halford. The old cleric unknowing changes the chant, causing the men to see fleeting visions of fallen men. Leaving the courtyard very still and quiet.