Blogalot

It was midday when they sighted Baek Town. The riverside road had broadened into a respectable path, It turned inwards towards the town walls, lined with small shops and shacks. The town seemed to have bloated and spilled out into the world from its gates, as many rickety wooden buildings were built outside the town’s defences. They threatened to crowd over the road. “This way”, Horn said, as he led Gabrey through a small track between the buildings farthest from the walls. A little way away from the bustle, they spotted a solitary hut at the edge of the river. Horn led Gabrey to the ramshackle abode and took a key from his pack to unlock the old wooden door, but to his surprise it swung open on its own, and inside, making themselves comfortable in his room, were two armed men and another man dressed in old and faded noble’s clothes. “Welcome!” the unarmed man called.

“What the”- Horn said, but Gabrey had already gripped his axe. He looked at Horn, uncertain whether to swing. “Now now, there’s no need for that, Chief.”

“You know my name? They with you, Horn?”

“Nay m’lord. That there is the old Lord Vaern”

“Huh?”- But Gabrey did notice now. He recognised the sneering face and the mocking eyes, but also saw that the years of conflict had not been kind to it. A thin scar ran from the corner of his right eye to the edge of his mouth. His hair had greyed and his clothes were unkempt and dusty. “Lord Vaern. You were the greatest rival to the house of my King Yaenar. How is it that you are not at the capital, Welth?”

“Alas, Chief, the victor of the upheaval did not quite suit me. The throne had always been for me and Yaenar, rival lords from different houses, to contest. Do you really think I would have liked to work with or even bend my knee to that General Curabfes? No. I was bitter. Once Yaenar fell, I challenged Curabfes, but most of the army was with him, save a few personal knights and house guards. I was forced to flee to this town, with the oath of never lifting my sword against him. But he fought with no honour, and so neither will I. Such sacrifices must be made in a battle as twisted as this.

“Therefore, I am glad for your return, Tail Knight Commander. You will work with me to take the throne back. While I never agreed with Yaenar, I will definitely be a better king than what Curabfes has been these past three years.” He chuckled.

“And what makes you think I would be willing to work with you?”, Gabrey asked, glaring. “I want no part in the wars of the court. I wish only to live my life in peace, as has been my wish ever since I was a boy.”

“How can you be so naïve?” Vaern demanded. “There is no peace for any man in this realm as long as Curabfes reigns, let alone a man like yourself. Tell me, did you not wonder how those random patrollers knew you, despite this unsightly beard of yours? They have been specially trained, every single man in the army, from foot soldiers to generals, to recognise you, the rest of the Tail Knights who survived, as well as other soldiers and men who went into hiding or were exiled. As soon as ANYONE who opposed Curabfes steps foot into the realm, they are as good as dead.”