Archer and the Anvil-part 2

'The river ran backwards on the day the Queen vanished.'

That quote gnawed at Rolands brain, wishing he never heard it. It was becoming more trouble than it was worth. Albeit the promise of a Title and land was what tempted them in the first place. After he and his friend Tomaz, solved the riddle they expected a prize, instead they were imprisoned and now sent on a fools quest.

It was still dark when they gathered before the city gates, the chill air damp from the morning dew clung to Rolands clothing. After meeting the First Minister in the great hall yesterday, he and Tomaz were unsure how to proceed, they knew what was expected but it all seemed surreal. He couldn’t help but smile, noticing that Tomaz had his bow on him. It was as much an extension of his friend as a blacksmiths hammer was to him.

Last nights conversation, whispered in secrecy with their two new acquaintances, still echoed in his head. According to the Druid Gar-Tal, only Dallin and Tomaz arrived at the correct solution to the riddle. If that was true why did five high born men claim to have an answer. Roland sensed there was more to the story but that was all they would say. Then again the Druid seemed to only speak in riddles especially when he mentioned the quest was not as it seemed.

Yet here they are, surrounded by the First Minister and his guards, 'The Scythes,' to see them off on the adventure. His Seer, 'the Oracle' was strangely absent.

All contestants, the five high born lords, Dallin, Tomaz and himself, were saddled and ready to ride. It was clear no one trusted one another, as tension hung around like an ugly drunk. Suddenly a ray of golden light peaks over the distant mountains, the signal for the race to begin. In a mad jostle of disorganization, the riders were off. Tomaz, Dallin and Roland were last in the pack, as planned.

An hour into the race, Dallin pulls over, the two boys are confused but follow.

Tomaz cries out. ’Why are we stopping, I thought….”

Before he finishes, there is movement in the trees, spinning around he sees Gar-Tal sitting upon a silver stallion.

“Roland, Tomaz follow me, Dallin, you know what to do.”

Without hesitation Dallin is off, the boys stare in confusion. This was not the plan. The Druid's tone left no option as he yells. “MOVE.”

Hours later the three find themselves in a clearing by a slow-moving creek, taking shade under a giant Glova tree. Roland jumps off, clearly in a foul mood at the change of plans.

“What, by Gerrils balls is going on?”

Gar-Tal ignoring Rolands rant, removes a satchel from his horse and calls out. “Tomaz, water the horses, Roland find some wood and start a fire, I’ll prepare lunch.”

Roland fumes while he gathers dried branches and twigs. Returning to camp, he notices Tomaz stretched out, eyes closed. Gar-Tal already stoking a fire.

“Why did you ask me to start a fire when you already had wood, and where the fop did you get it?

Smiling, Gar-Tal pats his satchel. “From here of course.” Reaching in the worn leather bag he pulls out a loaf of bread, a block of cheese, a small barrel of ale and a whole chicken already on a skewer, and placed it over the fire, which began rotating on its own.

Roland stood staring . “Ok, that’s impressive. But why are we here, should we not be searching for the book?”

With a sigh, Gar-Tal reveals. “There is no book, there never was.”

Both young men glare at the Druid. “Then why all the subterfuge?”

Pouring an ale for each of them, in mugs he also retrieved from the leather bag, the Druid lounges against the tree. “Because it isn’t a book they are looking for. The riddle was meant to flush out a person of interest, and it succeeded.”

Roland slowly approaches the Druid. “Who?”

Before an answer can be given, there is a shout in the distance. They watch a rider bare down toward them at a full gallop.

Tomaz cries out. "It's Dallin."

Jumping off his horse, Dallin ran to the group, grabbing the tankard from Roland he drinks the remaining ale in a single gulp, then says something that makes all three pause in shock.

“They’re all dead.”

Gar-Tal is on his feet. “Who boy, who’s dead?”

“Gasping for air, Dallin stares directly into the druids eyes. “Every contestant, all the high-born lords. I followed from a distance, like you said Gar-Tal, I watched them do it.”

Rolands hands are massive paws, yet he gently grips the frightened man shoulders, looking him in the eyes he asks. “Who did you see?”

“The Scythes, they were waiting for them. They murdered them by throwing them over the falls….but.”

Suddenly Gar-Tal’s hands glow blue, as he touches Dallin’s head. Instantly the young man calms down. “But what?”

Taking a deep breath Dallin continues. “The Oracle was there as well.”

“You’re sure?”

Nodding his head. “Yes, I could see her question each of them, then she got on her horse and rode away. That’s when….oh, sweet Hellz, I got them killed.”

Tomaz and Rolland were puzzled by that statement. “Why do you say that?”

Glancing towards the Druid Dallin takes a deep breath and speaks. ”Because I gave them the answer to the riddle.”

Gar-Tal hands Dallin another mug of ale, turns to the two confused boys and say’s. “Dallin and I discovered the answer but needed more contestants to stall for time And hopefully create confusion. We knew Dallin’s father would sell the secret to the lower House’s for cash, gold, and favors.”

Tomaz became livid. “You sacrificed five young men.”

“In our defense, I never dreamt the First Minister would do such a thing. He is a good man…or was.”

Turning to Dallin. “This changes things. Did they see you?”

Suddenly an arrow whistles in the air, striking Dallin, who falls into the arms of Roland. Looking up they see six black clothed riders racing towards them. Along the tree line two more Scythe guards exit out of the forest, notching arrow’s. Before they draw back, an arrow flies into the throat of one, while a second shaft strikes the other guard, both collapse.

Tomaz stands still, bow still in hand, he didn’t realize he reacted so quickly, he never killed a man before. Gar-Tal raises his staff, a blue shock wave shoots out heading towards the riders, the first two in the lead erupt in a cloud of red, while knocking three from their saddles.

One Rider, unaffected races down upon them at full gallop but is met with another arrow shot by Tomaz.

While the guards horses rear and dance in panic. Gar-Tal mounts his horse yelling. “Roland hand me Dallin. Get on your horses boys, we must run.”

Instead, Roland hands Dallin to the Druid, and growls. “Is there a weapon in that bag?”

Gar-Tal pauses for a moment then nods, reaching in he pulls out a large forging hammer and hands it to Roland. Swinging upon his horse Roland rides towards the remaining Scythes. From a distance Tomaz watches his friend who is upon them in seconds. The power from his arm shatters the helms of the remaining guards, they collapse, never to rise again.

The world slows down, Tomaz watches the Druid dismount and lay Dallin under the tree. Roland who is covered in red rides slowly back to the group. No expression, yet his eyes burn with anger.

Notching an arrow, Tomaz points it at the Druid. “Start talking old man.”

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Part three coming soon.

I have written part two with enough information so it may be read as a stand alone. However for better understanding of the characters- Here is Part one :

Jason