Kingdom Come (Price of Power Book 1) Read online

  The priest was dancing with Esrella Meyor, a woman he had been dating for nearly a year. They both smiled as they moved in rhythm together. Ostinus moved through the crowd towards the couple. When he reached Elberon, he gave him a tug on the sleeve.

  “Ostinus!” Elberon screamed in joy and grabbed one of his friend’s hands. Esrella grabbed the other and the three spun together merrily to the music. While this was not Ostinus’s intention he went along with it for a bit. He released Elberon’s hand and locked arms with Esrella. The two swung in circles, as did others nearby. Then the woman released from his arm and he swung over and linked arms with Elberon and the two friends spun in circles both smiling all the way.

  “I need to speak with you my friend.” Ostinus said to Elberon in a serious tone after a few rotations.

  Elberon spun a few more times then stepped back. He looked at his woman and smiled while slightly out of breath, “I’ll be right back Esrella,” he said and kissed her on the lips. She returned to dancing. The two men walked away from the crowd and the music. “What’s this about?” Elberon asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

  “I won’t keep you long, but it is important I speak to you tonight. I just spoke to Ardius again.” Ostinus’s voice was as low as it could be to remain just above the music. Elberon could smell the alcohol on his friend’s breath, but kept it to himself as he too had more than a couple drinks. The mention of the troublesome Ardius did make the priest a bit uneasy though. “We’ve decided that we will leave soon…in the next couple days,” Ostinus continued.

  Elberon stopped walking and put his hands angrily on his hips, “I thought we decided we would wait some more time, as in wait a couple of weeks?”

  “Ardius has decided that there is no time to waste.”

  “And what have you decided Ostinus? Or do you no longer make your own decisions?” Displeasure was evident in the priest’s voice. “Why should going forth to discover what Faletonia is about be attractive to us? Or is this only for the interests of the Crimson Fox, who you seem to be so close to?”

  “So you wish to remain complacent after what we saw at Orzalar?” Ostinus spoke slowly, not wanting to slur in the least. He was sober enough to become angry with himself for not having a clear head to handle this important discussion.

  Elberon shook his head and then ran his hands through his dirty blonde hair. “Which is it, do you fear Faletonia to be a threat or do you, like the Crimson Fox, see them as an ally that we should be trading with?”

  “Its this inability to know what they are that had made me agree to go find out for myself. We do not know what is out there,” said Ostinus with excitement in his voice. “Let us learn first, so that either way, good or bad, we can be prepared.” A long silence ensued, with only the sound of the distant band and loud conversations of people nearby able to be heard. Ostinus broke the silence, “Think about it friend, do as you please. The decision is yours, but you know I wish you to come with us.”

  A smile returned to Elberon’s face and he put his hands on each of his friend’s shoulders. “I must think about this. You know how I feel about the Crimson Fox and besides…I’ve promised time with Esrella before I have to serve in the temple again. Let us enjoy the rest of the festival tonight. We will speak tomorrow, but don’t expect much from me my friend.” With that he straightened the orchid pinned to the shirt above Ostinus’s chest. He then clapped him on the shoulder and walked back to find his lady.

  ***

  Two days later, just before the sun began to peak over the horizon, Ostinus sat in his small three room home. He was seated on his bed, with his traveling gear on top of his small dresser. The load was light: his shield, which he would strap to his horse, some clothing, a water skin, a small pack of food, and some traps to catch more potential food. Ostinus was an excellent trapper, and his skills would no doubt be useful on the road. On his body he carried his sword, a dagger, and another water skin. Ardius, who was providing the horse and all other accommodations, had instructed him to pack very lightly.

  He did not know how long the trip would be. His companions would be a mix of Ardius’s men and Ardius himself. He knew Elberon would not join this campaign. The cleric didn’t have enough conviction in the reason to embark on the journey. He had no real interest in the possibilities of trading with a nation of orcs, goblins, ogres and giants. Besides, Elberon was not very keen on being around the Crimson Fox. The two friends had spoke one other time since the fair and Ostinus told the priest where they would meet, but Elberon made it quite clear to not wait on him.

  What were they really doing anyway? Once they find wherever Faletonia is, what would they do? They certainly didn’t trust orcs, goblins, and giants enough to approach their stronghold. Would it be a stronghold? What type of society could the monsters have? Are there villages? Fortresses? Or sheer chaotic coexistence? So many questions.

  It made Ostinus smirk. Just the intrigue alone would get the adventurous man on the road. But adventure wasn’t all that was possible. Ardius had a true vision of profit from the Faletonians. He explained how trade was essential to what the monsters were trying to do. They would need to obtain what they can’t make and would want to sell what they crafted or cultivated in order to prosper and move forward.

  Or… they could just take it with force, as Tidor Stonesmasher’s kin learned the bloody way. The smirk disappeared. Ostinus was still skeptical about the peace that the envoys of Faletonia had supposedly offered to the council. These certainly were unprecedented times. Perhaps they were in the beginning of a new era in the lands of Southern Herridon; however what that meant for him, for his people, he did not know.

  After gathering his belongings, Ostinus left his humble home. He had a short sleeve tunic on with the hood over his head. Beneath the navy blue tunic he wore a sleeveless piece of light armor that was made of studded leather. He also wore a matching pair of studded leather shorts. Steel bracers covered his wrists and part of his forearms. He pulled the hood tighter and put his hands in the pockets of the tunic. It was still cool in the mornings at dawn. His sword hung in its scabbard on his belt. His gear and his shield were on his back. He would have to carry it until he met up with his companion who had his horse.

  The meeting point was at a public well near the northern gate of Lunemire. Ostinus would meet only one member of the group that he was travelling with. The rest had left already. Ardius did not want such a large group leaving together, catching suspicious eyes. Instead they would meet on the road, away from the city.

  Ostinus believed there were six total travelers, but was not entirely sure. Ardius was rarely ever clear on anything. Along with his advancement in the ranks of the Crimson Fox, Ardius’s paranoia grew. He rarely trusted anyone and spoke vaguely much of the time. The captain of the Crimson Fox had only told Ostinus that several of his colleagues would be on the adventure, and that they were good men to have along.

  The streets of Lunemire were mostly empty. The occasional shopkeeper was opening up his store, other than that Ostinus only saw a few people on his walk. After traveling through the streets in the northern quarter of the city, he knew the well was around the corner. He was anxious to depart the city. As he turned towards the meeting place the warrior could see a man on horseback who was holding the reigns of another horse that had no rider. He nodded to the man as he approached him and the man returned the gesture. Ostinus then stopped abruptly. He looked to his right in surprise. Approaching him and the other man was another horse and rider.

  “Perhaps I’m still dreaming,” Ostinus said with a laugh.

  As if done intentionally, the approaching horse snorted as it looked at Ostinus. Elberon Per Finn sat up proudly in his saddle. “Did you think I’d let you go get into trouble alone?” He asked with a wink.

  “I didn’t think your woman would allow you to come,” both men smiled at the comment. Elberon reached his hand down and he and Ostinus clasped hands.

  “This is truly endearing, but we must
leave,” said the third man sarcastically. Ostinus walked to his horse and began to strap his equipment to the strong animal. Elberon, on the other hand, continued to stare at the other man distastefully.

  Chapter 8

  Four figures on horseback were visible on the hill in the distance. Rain poured down on Ostinus, Elberon, and their not-so-personable companion as they made their way towards the hill. About a mile from the walls of Lunemire, this was the meeting point for all those who were set out to find Faletonia. Ostinus was able to make out Ardius’s bald head as they ascended the slope to meet the others.

  “A fine day for travel is it not?” Ardius said jokingly. Then he smiled and faced Elberon. “What a true delight that you decided to come Elberon. This is one trip you will not regret.” A distant thunder rumbled several miles away. This drew Ardius’s green eyes to the sky. The rain cascaded on his face.

  “I certainly long for the sign of your god.” Ardius remarked to Elberon. He referred to the sun, which was nowhere to be seen.

  “Well met Ardius.” Elberon said with little enthusiasm.

  “I trust that you and Ostinus are now well acquainted with the amicable Bart.” Ardius said and both Ostinus and Elberon looked towards the man that rode with them to the hill. They had spoken very little. Neither of them was particularly fond of their new companion who showed little desire to get to know them better.

  “And this is Gianna,” Ardius motioned to the woman to his left, who had soaked curly hair and a bow strapped across here back. He swept his hand further to point towards two other men. “And these two are called Sterlis and Buck.” Both men, average looking to the eye, gave a slight bow of their heads. “Men, this is Elberon, cleric of Phelios…and that grim looking creature over there…that is fierce Ostinus.” The warrior grinned at his friend’s introduction.

  Soon after the greeting, the seven travelers were on their way northeast. They did not have an exact destination but knew generally the way to go. This was more of a discreet scouting mission than open adventure. They certainly hoped to not have their presence known by any Faletonians.

  The rain subsided a couple hours after midday; however the sky remained cloudy. Ostinus and Elberon rode beside each other and spoke very little. Both were intrigued with their plans. Perhaps it was their ignorance that interested them. Would they leave immediately after confirming the existence of the Faletonians? Would they try and communicate with someone? Would they be questioned upon returning back to Lunemire? These thoughts pestered Elberon, while hardly effecting Ostinus. Neither asked any questions to Ardius.

  They rode on for many hours. The day grew darker and darker and there was no sign of any towns or encampments. The travelers knew they would have to go further to find what they were looking for. After a few more hours of riding they approached a small pond from the south. On the east side of the pond was a small forest. To the north were tall reeds of grass that spanned for quite some distance and then turned into a small patch of swampy land. It was decided that they would set up camp near the water to the east of the pond, just outside of the forest. Sterlis and Buck went to fish for some food as the others made camp. Darkness slowly surrounded the group as the night grew older. A fire and lean-tos were set up. All were weary from riding all day and were ready to rest.

  Buck returned with several small pan fish from the pond. Sterlis followed a short while later, with two large frogs. The fresh bounty was cooked with some other food they had brought along with plenty of spices and seasonings. The men chatted over their meal and then headed to where they would sleep. Not long after, they all prepared for bed. Gianna was on first watch. Elberon said his customary prayers while the others were lying down. Within an hour the soft sound of crickets and the occasional croak of a toad put the travelers to sleep.

  ***

  Elberon’s eyes opened wide and he sat up quickly as a squeal like scream penetrated the air following the twang of Gianna’s bowstring. It was still dark and the fire was reduced to only small embers that cast no light. He looked around frantically in the darkness.

  “To arms! We’re being ambushed!” Gianna screamed as she strung another arrow. Her first shot had connected with something in the darkness. Elberon tucked into a sideways roll and grabbed his mace. There was much movement in the bushes, but the veil of darkness prevented him from being able to see anything. He could barely make out Ardius, Buck and Sterlis on their feet, weapons in hand.

  He turned his head to locate Ostinus but was distracted as several figures emerged from the brush. There was no sign of his warrior friend or Bart.

  A deep voice began to speak from the brush, “No! No!” but an arrow flew through the air and silenced the speaker before he could finish. Elberon tightened his grip on his mace and looked to Gianna who was stringing another arrow. Buck and Sterlis charged at that moment and Bart was now with them as well. Buck lead with a short sword and dirk and Sterlis followed with a small circular buckler and a rapier. Bart drew a sword and stayed behind. They too could hardly see but still collided with the figures, who successfully blocked their initial attacks. The two men then fell back as they couldn’t make out the movements of the enemy in the dark. What they were able to determine was that they faced a host of orcs.

  At that moment, as if Elberon could read their minds, the cleric recited a prayer and held his hand high. A small orb elevated from his palm and emanated a radiant light throughout the campground. Elberon saw Ardius approaching Sterlis and Buck cautiously. Bart was spreading wide. In front of Sterlis and Buck were three orcs. A fourth lie on the ground on his side, blood pouring from the wound on his neck, from which Gianna’s arrow protruded.

  The orcs shielded their eyes, but the humans did not have to as their backs were to the light. Three members of the Crimson Fox charged forward while Elberon and Bart hung back on the sides. As the humans reached the startled orcs, two more creatures leaped from the brush, both bearing axes. At the same time Ardius, who saw the two new foes arrive, slowed his charge behind his two companions. Sterlis’s rapier thrust was barely parried by the first orc and Buck scored a weak slash that wounded one of the enemies, although lightly. Ardius threw a small weapon from his position slightly behind the attacking men. The palm sized missile with three curved blades spun through the air and smashed into the face of one orc, who died instantly as the blades cut through his skull into the tissue of his brain. Buck stabbed forward again with his short sword, which was parried down, but then he slashed low with his dirk and gashed the orc’s thigh. Another minor wound, the creature only growled.

  At the sight of their pressed kin and the corpses of their fallen comrade, the other two orcs charged in rage. The first took an arrow from Gianna to the shoulder but powered on. The other swung his axe at Sterlis who barely had time to react. His buckler took the blow, but the momentum pushed him aside. Ardius threw another bladed missile, but the orc deftly dodged it.

  Elberon moved forward carefully to the left of his companions. A noise that sounded like a scream was heard somewhere back in the woods, but neither he nor anyone else nearby had time to pay it any mind. He looked for an opening to pound an orc with his mace. Suddenly, he wondered where Ostinus was. The warrior was nowhere to be seen. The priest was worried but didn’t have time to fret; he channeled his concern to anger and bore down on the nearest creature. A broad sword blocked the swing of his heavy mace, but this caused the defending orc to fall to a knee. Instantly, Buck plunged his sword deep into the ribs of the poor creature. The crack of bone was loud, but the squeal of the dying creature was louder.

  Another scream was heard from the forest, an orcish squeal for sure. How many were out there? As Buck pulled his bloody sword free, he looked into the darkness towards the cry, hoping to not see more enemies emerging. The move had cost him though; the orc near him, who had been engaged with Sterlis, suddenly leapt to the side and swung his curved sword. The shift caught Buck by surprise and he could not get his dirk up in time to completely parry the
attack. The sword deflected off the late parry and burrowed deep into Buck’s hip. He let out a grunt and dove to the side, badly injured.

  The orc looked back to Sterlis and started to lift his blood-covered sword in defense, but the creature was already completely exposed. The sharp tip of a rapier pierced his extremely thin leather armor, then his chest bone and lastly his heart. He died instantly. On the other side of Sterlis, Bart held his sword high in the air, both hands on the hilt and the tip pointed down. On the ground was an orc with an arrow in his shoulder and another in his stomach. The unfortunate creature attempted to lift his weapon, but Bart’s blade descended quickly into his chest, ending his suffering.

  The last orc had begun to run into the brush back into the woods. Bart was in pursuit but the man fell over a branch allowing the orc to get away. The creature was several yards into the thick of trees when an arrow flew by his head and struck a trunk. He ran as fast as he could, leaping logs and bushes. As the light from Elberon’s magic faded the orc tripped over a tree stump. Although his face hit hard against a rock, he got up and continued on. It was imperative to get out of there, for only peril was behind him. A small opening of trees was barely visible just in front of him. Orcs are able to see better than humans in the dark, but the cover of the small trees made it difficult to consider his surroundings. He ran into the opening in the trees in an attempt to find solid footing and no obstacles.

  As he entered the small grove, the orc came to a sudden stop; his mouth dropped. This was where he and his comrades had made their small camp. In the grass before him he could make out the forms of two more of his kin, bloodied and lifeless. His frightened eyes scanned the area. A twig snapped behind him and before he could turn, a hand palmed his face and tilted his head back. A third scream would have pierced the dark night from this small grove, but after Ostinus’s blade cleanly sliced the orcs throat only gurgling and the dripping of blood could be heard as the lifeless corpse dropped to the ground.