The Vow I Keep?

I jerk awake, the clang of the chains startle me even more. As my eyes begin to focus I notice I’m in a dark chamber, just a small fire to light it. I’m cold and damp, my head throbs to the beat of my pulse. Yet I have a pulse, so perhaps I should consider myself lucky. Although after my betrayal, death would be a welcome gift compared to what punishment is likely coming my way.

I should’ve known better. I did know better. One could simply threaten a lord and find themselves on the rack, I sent an arrow through at least one of their hearts. If I had more time, I would’ve taken all of their hearts.

I search my pants, seems they found all of my knives. Escape would only delay the inevitable anyway. Footsteps begin to echo to my left. A dark figure enters from the door way and looks over me. I try to stare it back in the face but the darkness makes that difficult.

“Wait here.” says the dark figure. “I’ll be fine.”

Well spoken, an accent of affluence. His guard stands ready outside the doorway.

“Who are you?” I ask as he appears to be staring at me. “I would expect to be on a pike rather than in chains. Why have you spared my life?”

“You are your fathers son.” He muses.

“My father.” I wonder. “How do you know my father?”

“He made hunting bows for my father and uncles. They were pleased with his work and they eventually hired him to train the children how to use a bow.”

“So that’s why you’ve spared my life?” I ask. “Those must have been some amazing lessons to spare a man who just killed a noble of this land, and a berserker.”

This man may have spared my life but I suspect it is because he wants to toy with his food. Whatever plan he has I will not make it easy for him to enjoy it.

“Yes there is that.” his tone calm. “In fact you killed two lords. One from either side of the battle line. Which means you’ve done me two favors already.”

“Favors?” I shake my head.

“Yes. When you fired that amazing shot into the man on horseback you took the heart of Western Arrdal. Well, of it’s “king” at least. That alone makes the conquest of his lands much easier. His heir isn’t even old enough to speak yet. They will likely be at each others throats, hungry for power, paranoid. Yes the simpler solution would be to allow my uncle to take them under his wing, and bow to him.”

He makes his way closer to the fire as he speaks. I see dark hair swept to the side of darker eyes. The fire reflects off his pale skin, in this light he looks to have the complexion of a night elf.

“You’re uncle?” I realize the answer to my own question before I’m finished asking it. “You’re the nephew of Lord Savir.” He tips his head to me with half a smirk hiding on his pale face.

“Yes I was.” He lets his choice of words linger in my ear. “Until you sent one of your arrows through his heart as well.”

This must be the second favor he was referring to. Another power hungry leader, the type of man who watches his elder die and thinks of nothing but opportunity.

“It was a blind rage.” I explain. “I did not intend to kill your uncle, or his berserker for that matter. I was sick of the war, all the wars. The enemy had given up and he still commanded the unarmed men killed on the spot. They were no threat, they were mostly farmers. I did not intend to kill your uncle, fate found him through my hands. And I am not want to fight fate.”

“And what is your fate, archer?”

“Ah, I suppose the only man who can answer that question is the one asking. It appears my fate is in your hands.”

“It seems fate has offered you an opportunity.” He muses. “What you choose to do with it will decide your fate, not me.”

“Opportunity?” I ask. I suppose his work of assuming power isn’t done yet. He needs my help. “Opportunity for me, or you?”

“Both.” He laughs. “Truly your fathers son. You speak your mind, regardless of the circumstances.”

“Yes. My father would be telling you to get to the point if he were still alive. At this rate I fear I will join him in the afterlife before you finish.”

“Once I take my uncles seat I will be taking over twice as much land as he once held. Arrdal will once again be united under one ruler. One true king of this land, as it should be.”

“Ah, the uniting force.” I jab. “That’s a nice way of saying conqueror.”

“The sagas will show I returned Arrdal to glory. You’re words mean nothing to the pages of history. But, your actions can.”

“On with it.”

“Lord Savir had two brothers.” His tone flat. “One my father, the other my uncle Balask. My father is of no concern. He prefers his garden and goats to ruling. Not an ambitious bone in his body. Balask on the other hand craves it. Fortunately for me, he also craves heavy ales and easy women.”

“Why is this fortunate?” I ask.

“He’s not yet aware of his brothers passing. He never returned after the festivities. My man told me he is still getting his fill of ale and women at an establishment along the Stalk trail in the mountains.”

“I see.”

“If he were to find his fate before returning, I would be able to take my uncles seat without so much as a council discussion.”

“What of me,” I begin. “What can I expect if I take this opportunity of yours?”

“You can expect to be rewarded, well rewarded.”

“By what means?”

“Coin. More than you’ve ever seen. Enough to ensure your grandchildren live a comfortable life.”

“Coin? No.” I say plainly. “A friend of mine died in that battle. He owned an inn and feared for his wife and children if he was not successful in battle. He feared if anything happened to him they would want it for themselves. I want your word that she will maintain ownership of the inn in Western Arrdal.”

“That is all? You will risk your life so a woman can own an inn? You’ll reshape the history of our land and that is all you ask?”

“Ah, It doesn’t seem like much does it? I suppose I could accept some coin as well.”

He shakes his head and walks toward the doorway.

“Remove the chains, take him to collect his things.” He says before disappearing into the darkness he appeared from.

With my bow and supplies back in my possession I trek towards the Stalk trail. I’ve seen the tavern along the trail. Thankfully I’ve never been desperate enough to enter the foul establishment.

As the trail goes on I wonder if it makes a difference which of these men would be king. Would one of them really be any better than the other. A drunken womanizer or a self important offspring. I suspect not. If the world were just, they would both be lying next to Lord Savir. Those are concerns beyond my situation. I will rid the living world of this uncle. After I confirm the pale faced king has kept his word about the inn, I’ll take my coin and leave this land.

A glow of light dances in the trees as I near the tavern. There are folks dancing and drinking at a bonfire on the near side of the building. A stout bearded man keeps a steady slow beat on a large drum. As I approach the doors I here a collection of voices echoing from inside. The loud chirps of men trying to impress women they’ll inevitably have to pay for by nights end. The tavern is a den for jackals. They resort to the animalistic side of themselves to avoid facing the emptiness of their human side.

I enter the room and make my way to a warm ale. As I take in my liquid dinner, my eyes search the room for the uncle. I spot him at the end of a large table made of a swirl grained wood. Tired looking women on either side of him. The crowded tavern isn’t the place. I’ll have to find a way to lure him to somewhere more secluded.

I approach the uncles table. Before I can introduce myself I have a sword at my throat. Then another pokes at my spine.

“Who do you think you are.?” One of the guards says.

I’ve fallen short of myself. I’m used to hunting beasts, not men. I should have taken more time to study the prey before I rushed in.

“I’m here to bring news, lord.” I shout to the uncle at the table.

“News of what?” He shouts back.

“It’s about your brother, perhaps we could speak away from the gossips.”

The uncle motions his guards to let me go and shews the women away from his table.

I take a seat next to the Balask and the two guards plant themselves behind either of my shoulders. They appear eager to be done with me. I need to gain the uncles trust as quickly as I can.

“Lord Balask.” I lean in slightly. “You’re brother has fallen.”

“Savir?” His eyes widen. “Fallen, fallen how?”

“Shortly after the battle began he took an arrow to the chest. I regret being the messenger of this news but, Lord Balask, your brother is dead.”

“Dead.” His eyes drift around the corners of the room. “What of the battle, were we victorious?”

“Yes, but that’s the problem.” I say. “Your nephew has taken claim to the victory. Alongside your brother, West Arrdal’s king has also fallen. Your nephew is making a move to be the new king, of all Arrdal.”

“The slimy little bastard.” He slams his fist on the table. “This is all true?”

I look him in the eyes and promise him, “It is all true.”

The easiest way to fool a man is tell him the truth.

“I came to retrieve you right away my lord.” I say with desperation. “If Arrdal is to once again be united, we will need a true leader, not a scheming boy.”

“Take one of my horses and my banner young man.” He rest his beefy palm on my shoulder. “Announce my arrival to the court. I will ready my guards and arrive shortly after you.”

“Lord.” I pause. “I’ll be honored to announce you.”

“Loyalty young man.” He says. “Loyalty will be rewarded in my court.”

He absorbs flattery like a daisy does sunlight. I take his banner and an auburn steed from his selection in the stable.

I venture off the trail to find a good vantage point. The would be king and his two guards will have to meet fate today. I circle around to a moss covered bluff and tie the auburn horse to a bare branch. Small flakes of snow begin to slowly scatter around me.

“Wish me luck.” I say to the horse while petting it’s forehead.

Even as the snow starts to fall a little faster it’s easy to spot Balask coming down the trail. The guards hold torches above them as they travel on either side of him. As they inch closer to my range I’m forced to wonder if I should still kill the old drunk. If he makes it back and takes his seat, my warning should give me enough good will to ensure the safety of the inn and my friends family. But, there is always the prospect of either man being a liar and breaking their word.

A bow makers son, raised to be the best hunter in all of Arrdal. I’ve always trusted in fate, letting it take it’s course. It seems I’m being tempted by it now. My choice today could decide the fate of thousands. No. I’m here to make things right for my fallen friend, to his surviving family.

I climb down one side of the bluff until I reach the trail. I need to be closer. I peak around the edge of the bluff to see the three men approaching the trails bend. I wait until they are in front of me before I bring an arrow to my bow and draw. I wait until they are aligned and release. My arrow travels straight through the chest of his guard and into the heart of Balask. The second guard drops his torch and pulls his sword. Before he can spot me in the darkness I pull a second arrow and plant it in his chest.

I drag them into the wooded area off the trail and strip them of their clothes.

“The wolves and bears will eat well tonight.” I say as I look at the plump Balask lying of the forest floor.

After retrieving my new auburn horse I make my way back down the Stalk Trail. I approach the entrance of the castle village.

“I have news for Lord Savolk.” I shout up to the guards tower. “Tell him the archer has a report from the north.”

I sit and wait for what seems like an eternity. Finally the doors open and a stable hand waves me in.

“He needs fed, and some water.” I say as I hand a small bit of silver to the stable hand.

An older maiden approaches me. She’s smiling though it looks painful.

“Come with me.” She waves me on. “Lord Savolk is waiting for you.”

“The archer.” He greets me with a smile. “How did your trip go?”

I hand him the banner of his uncles house, meant as a beacon of trust when given to me, I show it to him to confirm Balask has been dealt with.

“King Savolk.” I say as he admires the fabric in his hands. “Now it’s your turn.”

“Yes.” He looks me in the eyes, studies me. “I’ve looked into the inn you’ve mentioned. It seems a few nobles have expressed interest in this establishment.”

I bring my hand to a rest on the handle of my knife.

“It will be difficult to guarantee their safety.” He continues. “One woman and two small children. I would have to commit men to protect her. That’s on top of the bargaining I will have to do with the nobles. Are you sure this is the price you’re asking?”

“You gave me your word.” I bark.

“And I’ll keep it.” He assures me. “But it will be hard to convince the nobles to respect a woman’s ownership. They will challenge me in front of the council and likely win.”

“I help make you king and a few nobles will have you rattled?”

“How dedicated are you to this fallen friend of yours?”

“I’ve vowed it to the Gods.” I say with confidence.

“Well, there is one way. If you take ownership of the inn, it will make it impossible for them to bring it to council. They cannot question a man's ownership the way they can hers.”

“This is a joke?” I prod. “It is her inn; she is the rightful owner.”

“Not if the nobles decide she is unfit to own it without a man to claim the property.”

“How do I even know if she will allow it?”

“You better talk to her and be convincing. Otherwise, there is only so much I can do to delay them.”

“I should’ve known better.” I shake my head. “I tempt fate, and it laughs back in my face.”

I wanted the war to be over. I wanted my friend to live. I wanted his family to keep what they’ve built. I try to bend fate to my will and it punishes me over and over again. Now my choice is to dedicate the rest of my life to my vow, live as a slave to it, or take my coin and leave his family to suffer under the nobles. Let them lose everything so I may be free.

“It's your choice, archer.” He gestures to his maiden to enter the room.

“I’ll give you a room for the evening. It’ll take me a few days to get your silver together without suspicion. That will give you time to speak to the woman at the inn, or not. Perhaps you could be of more use to me. I’m sure someone with your talents could prove to be very useful in the new Arrdal.”

I look to him for a moment, then to the maiden.

“Show me to my room.”