Hierling awoke...His head throbbed with a reminder that ale and dragon-root are not something that should be mixed in high quantities. He pulled his lithe form within a jumble of limbs, that belonged to the bodies of those whom he had spent the prior night. The young man and woman did not stir upon the straw bed as Hierling began to dress quietly.
As his head continued to throb with a hangover, Hierling began to consider, that he needed more ale and perhaps some food. Quickly he finished putting on his boots and gathering his array of weapons. Her then left his sleeping conquests, to their blissful dreams, which he hoped included him.
If ever a warrior could move without a sound, Hierling…could. His long years as a mercenary had been profitable and filled with pleasures that most would never know. Court intrigues made for many sensual nights and much coin for the spilling of blood. Hierling’s charm, good looks and skill with a blade had taken far from the dark streets of Bloodstad, to beds of Queens and the occasional King. He had just completed a most lucrative job, and the realms were now much better, less one more vile Lord, who took pleasure is harming those less fortunate than him.
The mercenary entered the great room of the tavern to find it filled with a few slobbering drunks and a robed figure sitting at the bar, drinking a goblet of wine. Hierling strode up to the bar and sat next to the figure he knew all too well.
“Galdur, I was not expecting to hear from you so soon.” Hierling chuckled.
“Nor I…Hierling.” a gruff voice replied. The figure removed his hood and revealed a bald head filled with tattooed glyphs, upon his brown skin, his ears were adored with many golden earrings. It was however the man’s eyes that always intrigued Hierling. They glowed with a purple light, a sign that the man was a wizard, one who used the Jinnflower to summon great power…magic. Hierling had seen many in his time who had taken the Jinnflower, but Galdur’s eyes seemed alive with magic itself.
“So to what do I owe the honor of the king’s wizard?” Hierling asked as he summoned the innkeeper with a wave of his hand, he was still hungry despite his newfound company.
“I have no bounties for you…I have however come with a request from my Order and the Ethereal Master.” Galdur stated somberly.
Hierling informed the innkeeper of his need for bread and ale, he then gazed at Galdur who sat looking across the empty room. “Surely…you are going to tell me of your master’s request.”
“The Council of Oben-Ru wishes to speak with you.”
“I am sure they do, after all I murdered their King, is the young Prince not working out. Do they wish him dealt with too?”
“The matter is far more serious and I was sent to bring you to the council.”
“Well…you have certainly come on a futile quest. I have no intentions of walking in the court of a king, that I have murdered, to share words with his council.”
Silence passed between the two men.
“I told them, that you would not agree to meet with them.“
“I knew that you were more than a fool. Now if you can allow me to finish my meal, I will be leaving after that.” Hierling lifted a mug of freshly poured ale, “Do give those stuffed buzzards my regards and next time we meet, I hope you come bearing bounties and not the tidings of a royal crier.”
“It is unfortunate…that what happens next will be upon my reputation.” Galdur stated somberly.
“What is that?”
“The ale you just consumed, has been tainted with just enough of basilisk venom, as to put you in a most unexpected sleep.” As Galdur finished his words , he heard Hierling’s body drop to the inn’s wooden-planked floor.
As if on command, the inn’s door burst open and a group pf royal guards entered.
“Bind him and put him in the wagon, until he has awoken from a what I believe will be a most unpleasant sleep.” Galdur commanded.
“I would have preferred this one was killed by your poison.” Stated a larger guard whose armor was a bit more decorated.
“Captain Jevorg, your wishes and my alliances are mute, when the King’s Council asks that Hierling, be brought to them unharmed.”
“I am not sure what plans the King’s council holds, but if this dog survives them. I will cut his throat.” Captain Jevorg promised.
Galdur watched the guards lifted Hierling’s unconscious body and carry him out as if he were a simple piece of furniture. After the guards had departed, only Captain Jevorg remained. The man was obviously irritated and Galdur could feel Jevorg’s frustration in the very air.
“If I find out that your are league once more with Hierling, I will cut out your tongue and burn you at the stake…wizard.” Jevorg growled.
“I cannot begin to understand your loss, but threats against me will not bring you peace.” Galdur replied and suddenly an ornate staff appeared in his raised hand, which he gripped it tightly as it materialized.
Jevorg’s hand slid to the pommel of his sword. The man flashed a cruel grin and then turned on his heals and left the tavern, his hatred in tow.
Galdur scanned the room…empty, though he could hear in the innkeeper cleaning in the nearby kitchen. The wizard pulled a small glass vial upon a golden chain from inside his robes. He liked one the silver cap with his thumb, and the lifted the vial to his nostril and snorted a small amount of the white powder. He breathed deeply, and his eyes flashed brilliant violet. He spurned hi hand before him in circular motion. Strange spidery words left his lips and a magenta colored portal of flames spun to life before him. Whispering voices of hate called to his mind, they begged for him to allow them to enter his corporeal form. Galdur ignored the demons and spoke again the words of Ethereal tongue.
“I seek to speak with Sealgair of Oben-Ru.” Galdur commanded the demons just beyond the portal.
Painful cries echoed and suddenly a great roar many voices bellowed. “We know this soul.
“Tempt her not, and say onto her, that Hierling has been acquired…Thus My Words.”
“We hear thy words and obey.” Came the response.
Galdur then lowered the large crystal at the top of his staff to the swirling portal, it absorbed the ethereal energy. Then it flashed brilliantly and grew dim.
“I don’t take kindly to my patrons burning down my inn with witchcraft.” The Innkeeper barked having returned behind the bar.
“From the looks of it, a fire might offer much needed improvement.”
Before the innkeeper could reply, the wizard tapped his staff three times and with a single word uttered…disappeared and left behind a cloud of violet smoke.
“Blasted..wizards!!!” The innkeeper coughed.
© Cathalson – 2021 / CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION.