SWNOVELS Chapter 17: The Assassin
Chapter 17: The Assassin
Tegus awoke with a pain in his back; he had not had the night’s sleep he wanted. Why did the dwarfs have to have such hard beds? This, however, wasn’t the only problem; the size meant he slept half curled up, which of course didn’t help matters. He puzzled the thoughts around his mind as he admired how well decorated, even if very grey, with gems embedded all over the place the room was. He was interrupted from his thoughts by a thud on the door from one unknown dwarfs knuckles hitting the stone door. It wasn’t a knock like humans would hear it was one simple loud crack then nothing besides “Master Tegus. King Eldus would like you to join him for breakfast.”
Tegus grabbed his things and pulled them on and met the burly dwarf outside who escorted him, fully armed Tegus noted, to the main hall again where he noticed the huge carving on the floor, a great big square stone symbol had risen up out of the ground to provide a table for the morning feast and a feast it was! Tegus was used to juice, toasted bread and warm pastries for his morning meal whereas here it was a feast of roast beef, chicken, pork and even some creature that closely resembles a mole but is about the size of a dwarf along with a variety of hard bread and strange-looking root vegetables. The beverage to start the day was a foamy strong-smelling ale which was in an overly large tanker.
Eldus was sat at the head of the table. Waiting impatiently for the guest to arrive so he could tuck in. Tegus was gestured to situate to his left and Norsewind, who wielded a hearty childlike wave was rested to the left of where Tegus would sit.
“First thing Tegus, apologies” the king began grabbing the chicken in front of him by the leg; Tegus expected him to rip the leg off, but he just lifted the whole thing and took an almighty bite.
“I’m sorry if I have offended or my arrival without warning was...” Tegus began.
“No lad, I’M sorry” Eldus corrected and continued, “You came to us for aid; our people may have a hard time trusting other races, but we are good friends with many, and the University has always been as kind to us. I was rude and for that I am sorry. Our hospitality is normally wide armed to any who need but with the threat I was off form.”
Tegus nodded at the apology and let the King say all on his mind.
“We still do not know where your friend is. *Razahir* this half elf, Norse has told me about him. I trust him less than you. Especially since Norse doesn’t hold him too highly either”
Tegus gave Norsewind a frowned look. Norse of course took a swig of the ale and looked across the room pretending to be absent from the conversation.
Tegus returned his thoughts to Eldus and spoke, “I understand, but I give you my word on my title and standing with the University. Razahir, even with his past, can be trusted. He has done things he isn’t proud of. I know, but he tries day after day to make amends and make the right choices.” Tegus was determined to defend Razahir with his last breathe” “Besides you must now also know his father was Ilfirimain?”
“Aye I do. Nevertheless, we cannot hold him in the same regard. He may be his son, as you claim, but he only found out of late. After a lifetime of treachery, one doesn’t merely change overnight.” Eldus made a good point that Tegus just could not argue too, and he began to eat the slab of beef that Norse had slapped on his plate.
A dwarf in a robe ran up to Eldus and spat whispers in his ear.
“We believe your friend is in this room” Eldus alerted Tegus calmly.
“His actions so far support my opinion” Eldus added reaching downward towards the bulkiest axe Tegus had seen.
As Eldus’ fingers grazed over the handle a voice spoke in his ear from the shadows, and the king felt a stabbing sensation under his beard, “I know your quick for a dwarf, and I know why. If your hand clasps that axe, you’re wearing, your beard will be soaked in the blood you will drown in dwarf.”
Eldus did not fear for his life but knew his chances were slim. If he signaled, made a noise or other gesture, he would be dead.
Eldus just watched letting the room play out. The Dwarven guard was hustling and bustling stabbing all the hanging banners with pikes. They were right to be suspicious. They just were looking in the wrong place.
Eldus heard a thought in his mind. A thought that was not his own. “I know someone is there Eldus, and I am sorry for intruding into your mind, but it is not to raise the suspicion of your would-be captor” It was Tegus. He spoke to the King as if they were alone in a room yet he carried on watching the guard rush around, and he drank his ale as if amused by the guard’s search.
“Well what do we do now then Master Wizard” The dwarf thought and Tegus heard carefully.
“WE do nothing” Tegus thought and laughed as Eldus heard, “I feel we must let Razahir do what he needs to do...” and Tegus spoke no more.
“Have you gone insane wizard. Was this your plan all along? DAMN YOU BOTH!” The Kings thought was clear in Tegus’ mind and at that the burley dwarf reached back and flung the character over his head, and the captor landed flat on their back on the breakfast table. The figure was more like a blur and had been caught off guard and had learnt its lesson and rolled forward as the burly axe split the rock where the figure had laid, as if it were getting stuck in a tree. The assassin drew two blades, after losing their first, and began to advance against the king.
All the guards, Noble dwarves and the brothers took up arms to defend the king, but none could match the speed and grace off the assassin. Arrows and axes flew to no avail, wasted energy.
The assassins’ first blade fell with intent towards the King. Eldus embraced his end at the hands of Razahir, son of his once true friend Ilfirimain. A moment before the blade should have halved the dwarf’s face, there was a sound of metal upon metal. Eldus looked up to see arrow after arrow preemptively knocking away each fatal blow that would otherwise have killed the king time and again. He leaned back in his chair and looked in the direction the lifesaving arrows were coming from. He saw a figure all in black, only the archer’s eyes visible, hanging upside down from a stone rafter, flurrying arrows like he had never seen. He recognized those eyes, “Ilfy?!” No it can’t of be he’s gone. Eldus wasted no more time and pushed himself away from the stone table. The chair landed flat on its back and managed to roll backwards and to his feet. No one saw how but he was there axes ready!
He was about to advance when he heard stone scraping above, and he looked up again. The unlikely savior was sliding down the wall, bow in hand! Before he could say or do anything, he felt a large-sized foot stand directly on his face. The archer now stood atop of the dwarves face with one foot and swung the bow towards the would-be assassin who had launched his daggers at the king. The archer drew fine elfish blades, as did the assassin, and sprang forward to the killer. Both men dressed virtually identical in black leather wielded indistinguishable elfish blades making it hard to tell who was who in the ruckus of their duel. It was practically a dance, one partner knowing what the other was doing. White silver flashes arched around the fight as a blade parried a blade. Onlookers not knowing who was who or what was going on did nothing but watch. Tegus knew to sit this one out, and he sipped the ale and appreciated its beefy flavours. Norsewind slammed an elbow into Tegus “Breakfast and a show!” He laughed. These two where the only two who had the belief that Razahir would win, even though they too could not pinpoint him at that moment in time.
Eldus was ready for the scrap, but he couldn’t make head nor tail either and just looked at Norsewind and Tegus with rather red swollen face and two already blackening eyes and shrugged, then picked his chair up and sat next to them to watch.
Everyone watched for some time. Occasionally one would slip on some chicken skin or vegetable or even spilled ale, and everyone would think the battle would come to a sudden end but one always had a move to regain any ground they lost. Sometimes someone thought they knew which the assassin was and try to fire an arrow or throw an axe. Half the time it was at the wrong one, and at times the duellists would save each other as to not let anyone else have a part of their vendetta dance.
This continued without any progression for about half an hour. Some servant had brought a cold animal skin of ale for the kings’ face, which he kept pulling off his face and drinking.
After a time past, one of the two seemed to slow, overrun by fatigue, received occasional scratches and hits that would leave no permanent mark. This gave Tegus a hope as he knew half elves had more stamina. The assassin was slowing, and they knew it too. The assassin in a single move swung in an offensive manner and yet retreated to several paces back. The savior looked on wide eyed for he knew the move, he taught him it.
“Another time old friend” the assassin mocked unsatisfied with the outcome, “Vakaroth says he will see you all soon” and at that he smashed the pommels of his swords together causing a deafening ring paralyzing every one for a few moments. The room clung to their ears, and as they came to, looked back at the centre of the room to see only the one duelist left and no corpse.
The dwarf guards were swift to raise the pikes towards the man stood on their breakfast table, still not understanding what in all the Dwarven kingdoms had happened.
Eldus spoke first, “Speak stranger before I show you how quick a dwarf can be.”
The would be savior re-hid the blades and removed his cowl, “I am Razahir; the pleasure is yours. Additionally, King perhaps you may not judge half-elves so hastily in the future” he added before the king could comment.
“Possibly, half-man” he mocked slightly, “but tell me who was your friend”
“Someone I once trained” he smiled as he said it and began to laugh climbing from the table.
Eldus realized Razahir was pulling his beard and then let out a wicked laugh and slapped the half-elf so hard Razahir stumbled. Razahir wasn’t joking; he had, in fact, trained the assassin long ago.
Suddenly, he stopped and looked Razahir square in the eye, deadly serious. Razahir looked a little confused.
Eldus spoke, “You know I don’t let many people walk all over me...” he paused for a moment and gave a huge grin and re-began his hailing laugh.
Razahir, Tegus and Norsewind all joined in and the room all settled back down to the breakfast feast.
They all got introduced formally, and Eldus had even warmed up to have a half-elf sat by him, after all he had saved his life.
Razahir went on to tell his story of what had happened and how he had seen signs of someone hiding in the shadows, and how he concealed himself to find out. He had then learnt that it was Belthrak, a rival in the shady underworld Razahir was from.
“Vakaroth knows that we seek the shards before he does and that’s why he sent an assassin ahead. He must not dare to face me while I have the Shard of Solaster and instead of coming has sent someone to do his dirty work. I guess to him the charm would be useful but if Belthrak couldn’t find it, Killing Eldus, so we couldn’t have it was his second option.” Tegus summed up, and everyone nodded in agreement.
“I do not mean to insult King, but perhaps it would be better in my care...” Tegus began to approach the subject.
“NO” Eldus had slammed his axe into the table once more. Everyone went quiet and watched intently.
“As I told you Master Wizard, there are few I call Dekab and that is the only person I would allow to have it. I was given it by Vyxal himself. He was a true Dekab to me. I am glad to have met you. And I would call you dear friend but not Dekab” he repeated “I look forward to the day perhaps I can call you that, but it is not today.”
He reached towards his axe, stuck in the table.
Everyone watched on as he reached for the handle.
“Razahir.” He stated as he grabbed the handle, “you have saved my life when no other could. You have a shady background, there is no doubt, but now you protected me with your skills. Strange how the world works. You, Razahir, are the first half-elf I have named Dekab. You protect well Razahir. The Charm of Vyxal is yours.” And with his other, hand pulled the decorative charm from the end of his axe.
He handed it to Razahir with a brawly hug in the process.
The room all cheered. Tegus smiled. He needed not to worry with the Charm in Razahir’s care and Razahir by his side.
Eldus whispered to Razahir, “Your father would have been proud. He was a good person. Maybe the best. Stick with Tegus, If your father made him Grand Master. He’s one to trust” and then backed away.
“The Charm increases the holders’ agility making him faster and more nimble” Eldus told the companions around him.
“Let us celebrate our brotherhood and new friendship with meat and ale!” Eldus declared.
“We have meat and ale?” Tegus questioned.
“So we do,” Eldus agreed, “So let us celebrate with MORE meat and ale!” And laughed. “Oh and music, don’t forget the music!”
At that a feast that would last all day began.
They shared stories of adventure and tales Tegus did not believe. He listened curiously though, wanting to see for himself.
They enjoyed the rest of the feasting, and Eldus arranged transport for them to wherever they needed to go. Norsewind agreed to go back to the University and Tegus, and Razahir would go alone to seek out the Skiv’ary.
Eldus made a point of explaining the information surrounding the Skiv’ary before they set on their way.
“Be cautious. I have heard they have lost their way.” He began with a warning. “They were once a proud Elvish race that had no disease or plague or no real enemies in this world. That was until they were attacked by a savage group of barbarians called the “Red Savages. Simple title if you ask me, but they were after all barbarians not poets. Anyway one SON.” He enforced the son part mockingly knowing it had no meaning to the savages, “woke up late from his night before of beer and women, and the camp of savages had gone on without him.”
Everyone listened to the new story as if it were merely a tale.
“He crabbed his axes and notched them on his harness by his sides. Jumped upon his mighty horse and tried to catch his brothers. Leaving the women behind might I add! Awful shame, awful” Eldus got side tracked. There was a pause long enough to refill everyone’s drink.
“Well, what happened next my Lord” Norsewind was listening like a child at story time.
Eldus shook of his daydream, remembering where he was and continued,” well, he caught up to the next settlement. A city of Elves they planned to fight and claim a great victory. Of Course, the son of the savages was late and the battle,” he mocked the word battle,” ’was already underway. The son of savages looked down. He did not see a great battle. He did not see the considerable victory, and he did not see from that point what it was he, and the Red Savages did. He did love blood. He did love the chaos, and he certainly loved the killing. Even so, not like this, not innocence that could not even try to defend themselves. He did not see the battles from a far. His side was next to the Red Savage leader, Black Zane. This son of savages was the only barbarian to question the killing and chaos. He sat down. He watched the battle fight on or rather the slaughter.” Eldus took a moment to pause and secure a drink of ale.
Everyone hanging on every word.
“The chaos ended and he saw the Red Savages ride off. They didn’t question where he was or looked for him. He realised they did not care. They were not a brotherhood of warriors but a rabble of bandits. He saw this now. As the smoke settled and the noise quietened he saw figures walking up the hill, Elves, Females and children, mainly, a few old followed. These were all that was left of them. As they reached the top of the hill, they saw a mighty barbarian ready to finish the job. He didn’t even realize he had done it, but he stood their axes in hand. A little girl walked towards him. Her mother who also carried an infant tried to stop her, but the little girl walked up to the mighty man. The man’s grip loosened, and the axes dropped to the ground. He dropped to his knees in front of the child and began to silently cry. What had he done? These people were not his fault but the hundreds if not thousands he had slaughtered before? The little girl walked right up to him. Now at the same height she spoke. “It will be ok” the girl comforted the powerful warrior and at that he took the little girl up on one of his strong arms, reclaimed an axe with the other and spoke to the hillside of survivors in a loud dominant voice that was almost a shout but not quite, “ I am Dovarak. Son of Savages. This day I stop my chaotic ways and make you a promise. Let me help you. I will help you rebuild. Show you how to fight to defend yourselves but more importantly... I swear by my life, I will help you get Justice from the Red Savages.” He raised his axe up and the Elvish people all raised their arms towards the would-be raider which became the Saviour of the Skiv’ary. Few men in history get to change their title, but that man did. He went from Dovarak, Son of Savages to Dovarak, Saviour of the Skiv’ary.” Eldus’ story had ended, and he had finished it on the breakfast table with his axe in the air.
He climbed down and sat back to continue.
“Over the next few years he helped them rebuild. He trained them, as promised, and not one day past 10 years; they had their justice, but the story of that is for another time. As the years went on Dovarak stayed with them. He became a member of their community and their leader and protected them until the end. He left them with only some simple instructions love one another, live strong and protect what we have. After his passing, he appointed a new leader who would take up the throne of Dovarak and not rule but guide them on their path. My sources tell me the last couple of decades they have become, corrupted, taking and plundering treasure to add to their own. They attack travellers and passing trade wagons, then horde the loot in their treasury. They have become corrupted. How or why I do not know, but it seems to have started since the last change of the leader around two decades ago. Tegus. Razahir. Proceed with caution.” Eldus ended his story or more correctly legend, with that warning. Tegus felt the twist of something not right within him but at the same time felt the presence of something magnificent there. He thought that feeling must have been the Item they sought. He was wrong.