Valley of the Black Dragon Read online

  Swordmaster Nathe offered his thoughts, and the Baron indicated for him to continue. “If the myths are to be believed my Lord, several people through the course of my life have recalled tales of a Seer that wandered the valley a hundred years before. He had come from distant lands, unheard of today. He had posed as a cleric, but possessed powers to heal bones, wounds, and cure sicknesses. Many thought that he had died for he seemed very old a hundred years ago, yet word of him appears occasionally, although many years pass without voice of him.”

  “I too have heard of such a man Nathe, but I think our young knight here needs more than myths and legends,” added the Baron.

  “My lord, I too know word of this man and my counterpart in the Duchy of Tharkomad speaks of sightings of him less than three summers past. It is thought that he possesses great power and may well aid our visitor in his endeavor,” suggested Merlane.

  Dralan smiled at this. “So, meet your king, find the Seer and destroy the dragon my Lord?” the stranger suggested.

  “It would seem so young knight, although I’m sure there would be complications. This man, this Seer, for example,” the Baron acknowledged his advisor, “would be difficult to find, and the King can be a stubborn man.”

  “As you know my lord, my station before your court was with the House of Tharkomad,” stated Merlane. “I know of maps outlining the exact location of the Seers’ cave in the high valleys, above the Indramur Pass.”

  “Ice Gols country,” injected Casperi.

  “Yes, young Prince. Ice Gols country, but not that they would bother him. I think they leave each other alone from all reports.”

  “Well, it looks like you are off to the city tomorrow Dralan. I shall provide my son Casperi, Merlane and Denue to guide you,” offered the Baron. Thais looked disappointed. “The Horsemaster shall prepare your mounts for departure after breakfast.”

  Casperi looked across at his sister, whom Dralan had engaged instantly after the decision had been made.

  Her disappointment had quickly faded as they chatted with each other until the end of the meal was called.

  The mounts found in the upper hills of Catheridge were thicker and stronger than any others of the valley. The steeds had been bred over many generations to easily scale the steep hills of the Duchy, and were far more agile and surefooted than their plain land counterparts on the steep descents of the surrounding landscape.

  Horsemaster Miguel had chosen three mounts to carry the royal party, with Dralan provided one of Casperi’s favored steeds. Six members of the royal guard were also assigned, with Denue their leader. Dralan had been happy to return his horse to the trader for a fair price.

  Catheridge Castle and its township sat upon the end of a long ridge that ran along one of the many steep hills in this part of the kingdom. The strong stone walls of the castle and its keep made it easily defendable, with the steep inclines to the immediate south and west, the main town rested across the often stoney ground of the remaining ridge.

  The Duchy of Catheridge had originally been heavily forested, with deep caverns and rocky outcrops common on the upper slopes. Small outcrops of highland terraces slowly appeared over the years, firstly providing fresh vegetables to the garrison and then perfect conditions for wine making.

  The road to the capital, Bhagshau, lead down through narrow areas of pasture into productive wineries and larger fields of summer crops. The upper slopes of the Duchy produced timber as Catheridge furniture was traded extensively across the kingdom. Small mines had been excavated during the past fifty years for silver and iron ore, although only limited quantities of gems and gold had ever been found.

  The city of Bhagshau is the capital of the Kingdom of the Valley. A small kingdom, just over a hundred leagues in length by sixty leagues wide. The Kingdom of the Valley is fenced by steep walls that tower up over two thousand feet

  on all but the western edge from the often steeply hilled valley. It has its own share of topographical horrors within these stone borders where the rocky terrain stretches for most of the western half of the valley, through the Duchies of Catheridge, Tharkomad and western Caitawalaan.

  Bhagshau was originally called Behagsia, meaning enjoyable prediction, as myths often spoke of days of drinking and whenching in the small village that had been established by hunters across the great lake from Vasa.

  The Great Lake consumes most of the eastern portion of the kingdom. Alluvial plains run between the City of Bhagshau to the north, along the Great Lake down to Caitawalaan to its west, two day’s ride in between, and the main crossing point of the Vasa River that flows through the valley.

  To the south and east of this river delta the southern shore snakes towards the City of the Lake. The City of the Lake, or Vasa as it was originally known, was the original settlement of the valley, and the people there were the first inhabitants. The black dragon, Arthung, had sided with the Lord of Bhagshau to instill him as the King of the Valley, killing the King of Vasa and his two sons. Only the daughter of Vasa had survived the attack two hundred years before.

  To the west of Caitawalaan most of the terrain is made up of small valleys with either steep hillsides, and rocky pillars or large bluffs that seem to rise like serpents as a wall called Briers’ Ridge and sever river torrents mark the eastern border of the Duchy of Tharkomad. The Duchy itself had been founded seventy years before, after Caitawalaan scouts had found the area ninety years ago. Many of the valleys in Tharkomad possess small villages and unforgiving trails that wind around steep hillsides, with only a few valleys able to support a scattering of roads in the western half of the kingdom, that all join either side of the river in Caitawalaan.

  Catheridge sits to the north of Caitawalaan, separated by steep hills in the middle of the valley. The city of Bhagshau sits upon the northern shores of the Great Lake, with vast

  areas of swamp to the east and rich farmland west and north of the city. The road from Catheridge to Bhagshau takes the party down from steep, richly lumbered hills, through rocky wineries, and into the open pastures where large herds of domesticated Gozioxy graze. The Gozioxy are docile six-legged beasts used for their fine milk, tender meat and leathery hides.

  A main trading road to the south joins as the countryside flattens somewhat into the more undulating farmlands that surround the lake. The town of Anil marks the junction of roads between Bhagshau, Caitawalaan and Catheridge, and the halfway point of the two-day trip. The party stayed in the small town for the night before continuing their journey.

  The party rode down the final undulating hills and into the farmlands that surrounded the capital. As was the tradition, the two leading guards unfurled banners that signaled the House of Catheridge. As the band rode into the outer villages that edged the city, they were joined by a detachment of soldiers who had been signaled as to the incoming royal party. Although a rival of the King, the Barons’ family were still all from royalty and were treated as such throughout the kingdom.

  It would also be the first time Casperi would have been seen in the capital since his majority. Previously introduced as a squire he was now a full-fledged captain of the royal guard, a position that he was decked out in addition to the royal vest he wore indicating him as a member of the House of Catheridge.

  The stranger looked about as they rode into the city. With the city garrison both leading and following the party, the procession now stretched almost a hundred yards.

  “The buildings of your city are fine indeed,” he observed, pointing to the intricately carved sculptures and gargoyles that mounted the guild halls enroute to the castle.

  “The finest masons in the land were hired to renovate all of the main buildings of the capital less than ten summers ago, with these wonderful statues set atop of the guild halls, the temples, and several of the more public towers of the castle.

  The stones were smoothed to renew their glimmer of jewels, and the roads, like the one that we ride upon, re-laid with fine cut cobblestones from the royal mines.r />
  The king had reviewed the treasury and wished his merchants and population to be filled with a renewed sense of pride for the kingdom they had grown up in, and to rejoice in his twenty fifth year as King.”

  “A fine choice of renewal it has been, for I have only seen its equal in my own kingdom, and that has a populace five times as many as the valley.”

  ”We are a small but proud realm,” remarked Merlane.

  “You are indeed,” replied Dralan. He looked about, seeming to enjoy the moment, the cheers for the crowd that had gathered on the route, and looking about, taking in every detail of this wonderful city.

  The party approached the main square and the walls of the castle could be seen ahead of them. Expansive murals ran the length of the wall, which stretched beyond sight as it slowly curved across the landscape, down narrow streets in each direction. These sometimes tiled and painted artworks showed illustrations of great battles, of former kings, famous merchants and hunting expeditions, even images of beautiful women wandering through the streets with the onlookers each side. Some of the reliefs seemed to sit out from the walls, as if statues themselves had been carved into the structure. Tiny waterfalls and grass covered parks were delicately maintained and roped off to dissented passers-by from sitting upon them.

  Dralan was surprised by how well-dressed people of this city were, as they hurried past about their business. He observed that maybe because of the much lower population it was quieter than the streets of home, and far cleaner.

  The ornate guild houses lined the main square outside of the castle walls. They had developed over time and although originally situated in the square of the City of the Lake, most had moved with the change in power to line the main square outside of the Kings castle. When the master craftsman had been brought in to renovate the city all of the guild halls had requested statues of various proportions to adorn the rooves of their houses, or the

  small courtyards in front. It was known that the king had made a tidy profit from the enterprise, which he then used to commission other statues and fountains through the streets of Bhagshau.

  Most guilds still kept their original buildings in the City of the Lake, as a district headquarters of sorts, with the richer farmer’s guilds, woodcraftsman, lumberers and miner’s guilds also having guild halls in Caitawalaan and Catheridge. The winemaker’s guild had houses in the capital and Catheridge, and all guild halls served as trading centers between the cities.

  Over time, the guilds had come to be owned and controlled by rich merchants and local lords, so the political sway of one guild or another in court was always a point of contention for less connected merchants, or those of ill favor. One of the more unsavory aspects of the kings’ court was the constant determination of the king over contract disputes and payments. He had, just recently, set the role of the Governor of the Royal Palace to oversee minor disputes, with only those of longstanding difficulty coming before him. The older man appointed to the role was previously the head squire at a younger age, and very strict on rules and process. The guild masters found his ways frustrating and slow, just as the King had hoped for, so most disputes ended being settled outside of the royal court.

  The royal castle stood as a monument to the kingdom. Pennants of the five houses of the kingdom hung, blowing in the wind from the walls. The royal red of the House of Bhagshau, the blue of House of Vasa the City of the Lake, the purple and black of the House of Catheridge, the green of the House of Caitawalaan meadow lands, and the orange and gold of the House of Tharkomad. Their colors were only matched by the array of window box flowers that had been built by order of the king to hang upon the windows of the multi-storeyed houses that lead through the main streets away from the main square.

  This was the place of action. A large, broad square almost one tenth of a league across in each direction, with its northern most side taken up with the front gate and walls of the Royal Palace.

  The castle was made of fine stone mined from the towering cliffs of the valley. Yellowing rock with traces of precious stones ran through the veins. None of the stones from the kings’ mine designated to castle building were allowed to be mined, and thus precious stones and occasional shards of gold, turquoise and sapphire could be seen glinting in the daylight.

  Many times, peasants had been arrested and publicly hung for chipping away at the castle walls late in the night. The castle had originally been constructed atop a small outcrop of large stones, so bridges connected wings in certain places, and airy arches spanned the rooves of the many levels.

  Chapter 3

  The man was slight, wearing a long silken robe that opened to a ‘v’ below his neck. He was clean shaven with a balding head and a crooked nose that leaned towards the left. It had been obviously broken long ago and never reset. Dralan couldn’t determine his age although considered him somewhere between forty and fifty summers. He smiled as warmly as he could conceive and indicated for the party to move into the next room.

  As they entered the large hall, adorned with banners of the kingdom, they could see a large table and chairs at the far end, laden with fruits, cheeses and wine.

  “His highness with be with you shortly,” the man indicated as he turned to leave, the guards closing the doors behind them.

  “Seems that they still like us, if only a little,” suggested Casperi taking a mouthful of cheese.

  “Your customs take some getting used to, I must admit.” surmised Dralan. “Why wouldn’t the king greet us as we arrived? It is easy to assume that he knew we were coming.”

  “Very few are in such a rush in this kingdom friend. If we were to see his majesty this day I would be surprised. Besides, I’m sure his advisors would prefer to spy on us for at least a few hours before entertaining how the king would approach his conversation with us.”

  “So, you say that they are spying on us now?” quizzed Dralan, surprised by the openness of Casperi’s statement.

  “Of course, why not. I know I would if I were in their position. You, Sir Dralan are an unknown quantity, and that is not something the king likes.”

  Merlane looked on, slightly amused. “You realize that you are tempting fate my young Prince,” he advised.

  “You are right, of course Merlane. But you know that your counterparts are listening as well as I, so to tell them of this fact leaves them to ponder whether we will reveal the truth of our visit in these conversations, or create a ruse.”

  To this the others smirked.

  “More wine please!” called Casperi, and within a few minutes a servant entered carrying a pitcher of white wine.

  After less than half an hour of enjoying the wine and food the doors opened and the man in the silken robe entered again. Your rooms and baths have been prepared my lords. I shall ask our attendants to show them to you. Shall you dine in this hall this evening or your own quarters?”

  “May I enquire as to who has the largest of the rooms?” asked Casperi.

  “Why, you do my lord, Prince Casperi,” replied the man.

  “Then we shall dine in my quarters.”

  “Very good sire. His highness is unavailable this day and shall attend court with you after breakfast in the morning.”

  With this the man turned to leave as five squires approached. The head squire in front of them.

  “Prince Casperi, I have a squire to escort you to your room, advisor Merlane, another is available for you as well.” He turned to Dralan, briefly looking him up and down.

  “Sir Dralan,” Casperi indicated.

  “Shall also be provided with quarters, with your guard and his men accommodated in the royal garrison.” The Catheridge guard had been directed to the garrison upon their arrival.

  “Thank you squire,” indicated Casperi, as the squires each indicated for their guests to follow.

  “Denue. Please join us for dinner. I will seek your guidance,” indicated Casperi as he turned to leave, so that the squire knew to attend to him. The soldier bowed and followed the
squire through the large oak doors.

  *****

  The Kings throne room was opulent beyond expectation. Gold gilded chandeliers hung from the high archways of the ceiling and a plush set of sofas with finely carved side tables had been placed in a raised section of the room, where the king lounged for consultations.

  He had several side rooms to retire to, but preferred the expansive space of the throne room. The party stood near the center of the room, alone except for a handful of royal

  guards. A larger group of courtiers had gathered towards the back of the room.

  King Edward entered from one of his side rooms with an entourage of advisors, squires, and royal guards. He was a round man, probably older looking than his age, with grey hair and neatly cut beard.

  He walked up to Prince Casperi and greeted him warmly. The other members of the court moved forward to observe the exchange. King Edward stretched out his hand towards him, two gem encrusted gold rings upon his right hand. Casperi had smelt him several paces into his advance.

  King Edward greeted his guests with perfumed hands, dressed in a deeply colored red coat adorned with gold buttons, a white tunic, and tightly worn cream trousers that were either new or newly pressed.

  “So good to see you young Prince. It has been many years.”

  “Several, by my count your highness,” he replied. “Shall I present my party to you?” Casperi had been presented as the winner of the Valley Games the past two years in a row and thought better of reminding the king of this.

  “Of course,” mused the king as he scanned their faces.

  “Chief advisor to the Baron of Catheridge, Merlane,” he indicated firstly. The king stepped along and shook his hand.

  “Of course, Merlane. I remember you,” he indicated in a vague manner.

  “Second to the Swordmaster of Catheridge, and my personal arms trainer, Denue,” indicated Casperi.