-1-
Memories of another Life
I have often wondered how and why I ended up in this world. The last thing I remember of my old life is the blinding lights of an oncoming semi-truck. And the blinding pain of my soul being torn from my body. Then nothing. I remember nothing of my past life, okay I'd lied. I do remember some things, these memories often come back to me late at night, normally right before I blow out the candle that sits beside my bed.
I remember I was a boy, a very androgynous boy, but a boy nonetheless. I remember I was attending college in some backwater town called Goodman. I remember I was struggling with my classes. I remember the night before I was killed I'd had a fight with my dad about my future career. He wanted me to settle down and get serious about my grades and give up my dreams of becoming a writer. Saying writers always end up broke and homeless and begging on the street corner for pocket change.
I remember I had a close group of friends and we often played a game called D&D that is short for Dungeons and Dragons. A type of game that was played with dice, a game we often played in my basement. Our sessions would stretch on for hours at a time. Come to think about it, I often played a woman in those games. A human ranger who's skill and accuracy with a bow was legendary.
Come to think of it the life I was living now reminded me of a game of D&D. For each monster I slew, I was rewarded a small amount of money. All the money in this world came in the form of gold, silver, and copper coins. Each monster I defeated often rewarded me a number of 'Experience Points' in a manner of speaking. As in each time I slew one I felt myself become a bit stronger. The more I used my tools the more proficient I became with them. I'd noticed my skill and accuracy with my bow had increased the more I target practiced with it. Likewise attending swordsmanship lessons from a local retired knight increased my strength, increased my proficiency with my sword and oddly enough increase my stamina.
All of this made me wonder if I'd not ended up in a D&D inspired world. And if so, what would happen if I'd died here in this world? Also I sometimes wondered why I'd been brought into this world? You see most of my D&D games started with the players meeting in a tavern. There I'd introduce them to each other and give them a basic rundown of the mission they were supposed to run or give them a reason why they had all been summoned to that one tavern.
But when I ended up in this world, I pretty much found myself laying down on the floor of a forest. And I found myself a victim of a forced change of sex. Not that I'm complaining. I can remember wanting a woman in my last life I think.
Anyway all of these memories circle around my head as I peer into the dying embers of tonight's cooking fire. All around me three dozen men lay sleeping on rough leather pillows, covered with rough woolen blankets. Oh I should tell you guys what is going on. Right now I'm part of a thirty six man and women expedition that left Sea Breeze two days ago. Our goal? Clear out the Sand Hills, a region of foot hills that lay at the foot of the Mountains of Shadow. The Sand Hills have been infected for years with bands of bandits. Who have often prayed on merchant trains and raided nearby settlements.
Anyway about two days ago a group of drunken men started boasting about clearing out the Sand Hills. That kind of snowballed. And before you know it, dozens and dozens of men and women all itching for adventure and easy money came forward to volunteer for the mission. And don't you know it, I had to volunteer too. After all, I am easily the most seasoned of the group.
I mean I don't like to brag, but I did kill the fabled Goblin King and save the mayor's son. And by some strange twist of fate he later became my protege and is now sleeping beside me. Anyway it's time for me to turn in for the night. We have a long march ahead of us tomorrow. By the end of tomorrow we should be within sight of the Sand Hills.
And so with that being said I'm afraid I must turn in for the night. I'll keep you guys posted.
-2-
Seeking Answers
Breakfast had to wait as we broke camp before the first light. Already the cracks were starting to show, the fair weather volunteers were starting to melt away like snow facing the first breath of spring. Though a group of hardened ex-knights had arrived during the night to boost our numbers. It seems they had heard of our little expedition through the grapevine and, lured by the promise of booty and glory they decided to pick up the sword again. They numbered around a bakers dozen, that to say thirteen. All of them were old, with long beards and long, gray hair.
Unlike the rest of us, who were outfitted in old chain mail, leather and in some cases nothing at all. I myself had armed myself and Oliver the best I could. Both Oliver and I wore a coat of mail over our everyday clothes, and over the mail we wore a leather breastplate. With leather pants for Oliver and a leather skirt for me. Tall leather books and an iron helmet rounded out our outfits. Both Oliver and I were armed with longbows, with a quiver full of arrows attached to our backs. Also at my side I wore a sharp sword. Oliver for a second weapon had a short sword that he wore at his side.
Anyway, returning to the knights, like I said there were about thirteen of them in total. And all wore old plated armor. Following them were about a dozen hired hands, each one carrying a leather backpack that seemed to be loaded down with goods. They said nothing as they passed me by. No doubt they thought a woman had no place here.
“They should help.” Oliver said, taking a deep breath as he watched them pass us by.
“I doubt it. The Goblin King slew dozens of knights in his time Remember we are fighting bandits. They are not going themselves up in front of us and wait for us to attack. If anything they're going to attack us while we're moving. They know the countryside better than we do, no doubt they have hideouts and strongholds dotting these hills. I bet they know every creek, hill, hollow, road, and trail between here and the Mountains of Shadow.” I said, sighing.
“So you're saying.. we are pretty much sitting ducks here?” Oliver said as he shifted his eyes toward me.
“Yes, look at us. We are scattered about. Our formation from what I can tell is strung out. And today we'll be forced to pass through a narrow wooden trail. We'll have to march one by one. I don't like it. Don't let the armor fool you Oliver. Those guys have done nothing but painted a big old target on their backs.”
“Target?” Oliver asked as he peered toward me. I could clearly see the confusion written upon his face.
“Think about it Oliver.” I said shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “A bandit sees a knight. He does not see a well trained, well disciplined warrior. Or does he see a shining example of chivalry. No, instead he sees a huge payday. A knight's armor, if well made, could fetch two hundred crowns at market. If damaged, around a hundred and fifty. Not a lot of money to risk one's life over. But his sword, his sword alone, could fetch around three hundred if not more. Most of those knights are old men, gray beards who should have left the profession years ago.” I said, sighing. “An easy payday for a spry, and cunning bandit who has never seen more than a palm full of gold at once in their whole lives.”
“Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young.” Oliver said to me with something of a smirk upon his face as he too shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
“So you have learned something from those dusty old books after all.” I said smirking too as I peered toward Oliver who just blushed with pride.
“This will be my second battle after all. And your third I believe?” He said as he shoved his hands into his pocket to keep them warm. I don't blame him one bit. Sure the calendar said it was supposed to be spring. But a biting chill still hung in the air. And hidden in the brush of the trees one could still see traces of snow.
“I lost count.” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “And I don't really count that ambush you and I fought our way through as a battle. And I won't consider this a battle either. This is not even a proper campaign, this is more like a punitive expedition. Our goal is to simply eliminate any bandits or highwaymen we run across.” I said, sighing. “To be honest, I'm debating heading back to Sea Breeze.”
“Why?” Oliver asked me as his eyes watched the long line of adventures pass beyond our sight. It was a pitiful sight. Two days in the field had sapped them of their spirit and those remains I'm sure would fall like the leaves from the trees in the autumn.
“Because this is a foolish mission the more I think about it.” I said, sighing as I took a deep breath. “But I'm afraid I have my own reasons for sticking it out with these poor fools.” I said starting to follow behind the last of the stragglers. I felt sorry for them. They were nothing more than a collection of farm boys who had no idea of the horrors that awaited them. Yes, that all they were a collection of farm boys, fisherman, and town drunks who dreamed of mountains of ill gotten loot they could take for themselves.
“Care to enlighten me?” Oliver asked as he started to follow behind me.
“About two and a half leagues ahead there is supposed to live a old woman who many say has supernatural powers. According to all she supposed to gifted with the gifts of prophecy. Some even say she can predict the weather and foretell ones future. I want to visit her, I have some questions that I need answering.” I said sighing.
“A soothsayer?” Oliver said as he stopped and titled his head to the side. “Pardon me Jeanette, but you don't seem like the kind of woman who would put much stock in what a soothsayer would say.” He then quickly added. “Please pardon me if I've offended you by saying that though.”
“No need for pardons.” I said, taking a deep breath. “I have my own selfish reasons for wanting to visit here.”
Again Oliver paused and titled his head to the side. Still clearly confused.
“Pardon me, but Jeanette you seem like the least selfish person I've ever encountered in my life. You not only saved me, but also treated my wounds and armed me.” Oliver said as he quicken his pace to keep up with me.
“You give me too much credit.” I called over my shoulder.
In truth Oliver reminded me of my little sister. I think in my past life I'd had a little sister. One who would have been a few years younger than Oliver. Or maybe she was now the same age as Oliver. It seemed with each passing day, the memories I had of my past life seemed to fade slowly away. It had only been around a year since I awoke here in this strange new world. Maybe less than a year.
But I started to wonder how much time had passed back in my old life. And while I could not remember a lot of things about my old life. I could remember having read as a boy, that to say before I became a teenager a series of books called The Chronicles of Narnia. I only remember those books, because of how time moved. In Narnia time moved at a different pace than say back on Earth. Say one year in Narnia could be one hour back on earth. Likewise a year on Earth could be less than a day in Narnia.
And so with that in mind, I wondered how long had passed on Earth. I'd been killed in the year two thousand and nine..
“Hey Jeanette!” Oliver yelled as he turned around and peered toward me. “Stop daydreaming and get a move on! We've fallen way behind and the suns almost to the top of the trees! Come on, we gotta get a move on if you want to meet that soothsayer today!”
I blinked and blinked again. And so without thinking I started to rush to catch up with Oliver. Who was a few hundred feet ahead of me.
On a barren hill in Glenwood Cemetery there stood a single solitary tombstone that was set apart from a collection of tombstones. The name engraved upon the granite surface read “James Thomas Sharbrough” below it the dates “September 6, 1989 – September 9, 2009.” Standing in front of the grave was a lone young man who seemed to be around twenty years old.
“Its been a year since you were taken from us. I tried to keep the group together. But after you were killed there was nobody around to really keep the game going. You were the glue that held us together. I still have your notes in my binder. And I still have your character sheet too.” The young man said as he kneeled down and touched the cold granite surface of the grave.
“It's not the same without you. I'm starting to understand that you were different from the rest of us. All of us just wanted to go on an adventure. Save the princess, get some treasure, and be done with it. I use to think you trying to give a plot to the stories seemed kind of silly. We all knew you wanted to be the next American Tolkien. And we thought it was a really stupid idea. But, I was wrong. You wanted more than just a one shot adventure. You wanted us to feel things.”
The young man paused and wiped the tears that were forming at the edge of his eyes away with his sleeve.
“I just wanted to say I'm sorry. Lady Jeanette. Please forgive your foolish retainers who so cruelly mocked you. We failed you.. as players and as friends.” And with that he stood up. Kissed the grave and started to walk down the hill. And from a nearby creek the wind started to rise up and blow through the willow trees.
-2-
A Fork in the Road
Oliver and I walked about another league before we reached a fork in the road. Most of our fellow travelers to the left fork, that was the path I guess would take us toward the Sand Hills. A old wooden sign that had been driven in the middle of the two forks said as much. It also said that the right fork would take you toward a village that was called Thorn. The village of thorn was around two leagues distance down the path or six miles. According to my sources the soothsayer lived near the village Thorn.
“Here.” I said starting down the right path. “We'll go this way.”
“But, the group is going toward the left.” Oliver said pointing toward the line of men moving passed us. It was now well into the morning and news of the movement was spreading as quick as a wildfire from one tiny settlement to the others. Each one it seemed was producing its fair share of men hoping to strike its wish from some ill gotten treasure stored up by the rotten bandits and highway that had haunted the Sand Hills since before the coming of the pretend king.
“I know and that is where we are going. I need to visit the soothsayer and according to my sources she lives in the hamlet of Thorn. Some two leagues travel. Besides, we need more supplies. Fear not Oliver, we are not going to miss a battle. In fact we might just miss the massacre that followed.” I said with an upside down grin.
“Massacre?!” Oliver blinked as he peered toward me. “Jeanette what in the world has gotten into you? You have become grim!”
“Just stating a fact Oliver.” I said, sighing as I moved down the road. “I joined hoping they would give me command. But they said a woman had no part in commanding them. And that I'll be better used in the kitchen tending to the children. I thought my reputation as an adventurer was better than that.” I said, sighing.
“Truth be known. Few people outside a small circle know you. Fewer still know you. To many of the men and women of Sea Breeze you're just that strange woman who plays the fiddle and sings strange songs at the inn.” Oliver said, sighing. “So when you joined the expedition many thought you would take a more supporting role. You know cooking or driving a wagon full of healing potions. Few thought you would volunteer yourself to lead it. Fewer still thought you would be volunteering to fight in the rank and file.”
“I see..” I said, taking a deep breath as I kicked at a few of the loose stones that dotted the path.
“So what about a massacre?” Oliver asked.
“They are heading toward one. The men heading the expedition plan to make camp tonight in the forest that lays at the foot of the Sand Hills. Since they expect the trees to break the wind, and provided shelter since many of them don't have tents. Also they expect the fallen branches to provide fuel for their cooking fires. Their plan is simple, have a hearty meal tonight in the forest. And tomorrow storm into the hills and route from those hidden hollows and glean all bandits and put them to the sword and give them short noises that just come down above the ear.” I said.
“Okay..” Oliver said, blinking as he reached down and removed his belt from a brown water bottle. He unscrewed the top and took a swallow of water.
“You don't expect that to happen do you?” Oliver asked as he peered toward me.
“No.” I said, taking a deep breath. “I'm afraid I've been withholding some information from you Oliver. As you know. I kind of have my own ways of gathering information. And all my sources say the leader of the bandits is a fearsome man by the name of Leo. Many have given Leo the title of 'The ManSlayer' because according to rumors he's killed at least one hundred men.”
Oliver smirked a little and shook his head as he walked beside me. He then handed me the brown water bottle.
“Jeanette. I know you milk the drunken knights, sell swords, miners, woodcutters, field hands, and just about anyone who comes through the doors of the inn for any information you can. And you're way of getting them to talk is through flirting with them and flattering them when their two sheets to the wind. Do you really believe the raving of drunken merchants who claim that all the bandits in the Sand Hills owe their allegiance to a man named Leo who many call call the 'The Man Slayer' and and who has taken the title 'The Bandit King' ?” Oliver asked.
I took the bottle from him and took a swallow of the water. The water was cool and refreshing and quenched my budding thirst. My feet were starting to swell in the leather boots.
“I have heard stories about the man. He's not a run of the mill bandit. I have heard many men swear that the Goddess has gifted this man with an almost supernatural intelligence. Many who have spoken with him say he is a man of culture. And those who have him in action say he is a master tactician.” I said, sighing.
“Sounds like somebody has a crush.” Oliver said, grinning from one ear to the other.
“Don't be silly!” I said barking. As I handed back his water battle. “I don't have time for crushes! That utter nonsense!” I said as I turned my head around quickly. The last thing I wanted Oliver to see was me blushing. I had left out one vital piece of information. Many of the women who I'd interviewed who had been held up by him said the man had acted like a gentleman and even apologized for having to rob them. They even said he had flirted with them and his manners were far above that of a bandit.
“It sounds like you have a crush.” Oliver said again as he stuck out his tongue and pulled his eyelid down.
“Keep making faces like that. And One day your face is going to get stuck like that.” I said, sighing as I overtook him. “Come on now, we're already behind and we still have a good piece of travel before we reach Thorn and once we reach Thorn we need to find out where that soothsayer lives.”
“How about some breakfast?” Oliver asked as he peered toward me. “We've been up before dawn and last night we only had a few pieces of dried bread to supper upon. In fact since leaving Sea Breeze we've had nothing but hardtack and water.”
“I'm sure they have a tavern and an inn in Thorn.” I called out. “And a supply shop and a smithy too. We'll spend the night there tonight.” I called out.
And with that we quicken our pace.
-3-
The Village of Thorn
The village of Thorn was a simple collection of stone cottages with thatched roofs. The streets of the village were dirt. Hard packed yellow dirt. It was around mid-morning when Oliver and I finally reached the outskirts of the village and it was then the truth hit me like a ton of bricks. This was a real backwater village. Dozens of stray chickens and dogs roamed about. Barefooted children rushed about, yelling and screaming as they chased each other.
“Oh Goddess.” I said, taking a deep breath as I moved into the center of town. Or what I'm going to assume was the center of town. The center of town was this wide open space. An old wooden well was located in the center. Surrounding the well were dozens of villagers. All of the villagers seemed to wear the same thing, formless blouses and wide skirts with leather belts for the women and tight leather trousers and long sleeve tunics for the men. The ringing of the smithy hammer could be heard over the bedlam of noises.
“Good afternoon!” I called as I reached the center of the town. “I was wondering if anybody could help me?” I asked as I looked around me. It seemed the town was preparing for war. The village smithy was busy hammering away at what appeared to a sword. And every man and even some of the boys seemed to be carrying around some kind of weapon.
Most of those weapons were nothing more than old farm tools. Most of them were armed with poleaxe or pikes. Some even had sling blades and hatches. Most of the weapons seemed like they had seen better days. No doubt leftover weapons from the last war. A few of the men were armed with bows, those who had bows had a quiver full of arrows attached to a leather belt they wore around their waist.
“Speak to a stranger!” Called one of the men. An old looking farmer with a thick, gray beard and two black eyes. His gnawed fingers were wrapped tightly around the pole of a billhook. “We have little time for questions as we are soon to depart for the front. We have heard the men of Sea Breeze mean to make war on the bandits of the Sand Hills. We have often been preyed upon by the men who dwell in the Sand Hills.”
I took a deep breath and heaved a heavy sigh.
“I have come to speak with the village wisdom. I have heard she can foretell the future and read the wind.” I called out. As I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. Oliver just peered at me. His hand was resting upon the hilt of his sword. His eyes were darting around.
“Aye and who would you be?” The old man called out.
“Jeanette Katherine Hood. And this young man here.” I reached down and pulled Oliver a little closer to me. “Is my apprentice Oliver. We are adventures. I'm also part of the force that was raised two days ago in Sea Breeze. They are about half a day's march from here. If you will wait till the morning. I will guide you to their encampment.” I added.
“Well Lady Hood.” The old man said. “We do not have time to waste, you will understand that word just reached us this morning. We are scrambling to put together a force to put into the field.” He said as he shifted his weight. “And if you are who you say you are, then why are you not in the field with the others? I have heard you are the woman who slew the fable Goblin King. Or was that just a rumor we heard.”
I flushed a little and walked toward the old man. I looked him in the eye and took a deep, deep breath. “Listen! Women of this village.” I called out. And all eyes turned toward me. “You are sending your men to war with no hope of victory. Your husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers are going to war with neither a chance or a prayer. The force that left Sea Breeze two days ago was an ill equipped group of men. Not one professional soldier among them. For the Lord Commander of Sea Breeze has kept his men within the town.”
A mummer rang through the crowd.
“Men of this village!” I called out even louder. “If you march away, you will all be killed. And killed a man. Then this village will be left defenseless and the bandits enraged that you dare attack them. Will descended upon this village, that would be defenseless because you all died in a useless battle. And then, after carting away your women to be sold as whores in the brothel houses. And castrating your sons, and brothers who are too young to yield a sword to be sold as eunuchs to guard the same brothel houses, and killing all the men who are too old to defend themselves and too old to become eunuchs. And likewise killing all the women who are too old to become whores who's beauty has faded and whose breasts sag.” I took a deep breath.
I could tell the truth was starting to dawn on them. This was indeed a fools mission, and the look of shock on the faces of men who had so poorly armed themselves with what every they could lay their hands upon was a sign that my words were finding their mark and the look of trembling fear upon the faces of the village women told me they too would lend their voices to keep their men folks at home.
“After they have done all that. They will burn this village to the ground, salt the earth and cart off any treasure.” I added. “So take my advice. Stay and guard your village. Arm yourself yes for the defense of your own hearths and homes.”
“And what if the bandits attack Sea Breeze?” Another man called out. “We depend upon Sea Breeze, it is the only port in the region.”
“Sea Breeze has two hundred well trained, well armed, soldiers to defend her. Plus she can call upon a thousand well armed militia if need be. I would advise you to stand down until you are needed. The force you are going out to join is nothing more than a collection of adventure seekers who are already melting away like the spring snow. They are heading toward a slaughter.” I cried out.
“Then why have you come here?” Cried another man.
“To seek the help of the village wisdom.” I cried out.
At this point many of the men started to shift their weight around as they peered toward each other. Many nodded their heads as if coming to an understanding. As the minutes ticked by many of the men who had gathered in the square started to melt away. Many if not all seemed to return to their homes.
“Very well.” The old man said, taking a deep breath. “We will take your advice. You are right in our haste to get rid of the bandits. We did not consider the fact that the royal governor and the mayor did not send a royal messenger with the orders to muster.”
“Defend your own village. Dig trenches around it, build a wooden wall, the bandits will be seeking revenge for this attack on what they consider their homeland. Prepare for the coming storm.” I called out.
“Finally, somebody is talking a little sense around here. I've been trying my best to talk sense into these men all morning.” A voice said from behind me. I quickly spun around and behind me stood a woman around my age. She had fiery red hair and a slender frame. She held a wooden oak staff in her hand and a leather pouch on her hips.
“...”
“I'm Bridgette Croft and I'm the Wisdom you seek. I'm also your new traveling buddy. The voice of the Goddess told me you were coming today and that I should follow you.” She said, taking a deep breath. “I'm skilled in herbal craft. And use the staff. So.. Shall we make our way to the inn.”
“She's cute.” Oliver said.
I blinked and blinked again.
“Traveling buddy?” I said, raising an eyebrow as I peered toward her. “What do you mean traveling buddy?” I asked as I peered toward her. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. As she peered toward me.
“Did I shutter? Or do you have wax in your ears? I was told in my dreams that you would come to this village and that I should follow you. That the fate of this country is tied to you and that you have been sent here to shift the balance. Already you have, you have defeated the Goblin King, and that has opened the mountains to be mined again and has scattered the Goblins of the mountains. That has caused the woodsmen to pick them off, allowing more wood to be harvested.” She said with a sigh.
“You saved Oliver, who in a different timeline was killed by the monsters of the forest by his uncle who abandoned him. In that timeline, the mayor fell into a dark depression and ended his own life. Allowing his twisted brother to assume the role of mayor. In that timeline, he used the power of Sea Breeze to tax the surrounding villages and nearly drove them into starvation with the taxes being imposed. That shattered the Confederation of Villages and Towns of Storm Bay and made this region ripe picking for other powers to swoop in and rob the people of their freedom.”
I blinked and blinked again.
“And finally you saved this time. By making the men of the village see the folly of marching off to war. Had they marched off to war. The bandits of Sand Hills would have indeed swept down from the hills, and burned and looted and carted off the whole population. By talking some common sense into them you stopped that from taking place.” She said,
I blinked and blinked again. And with that Bridgette marched past me. “Come on you guys. We gotta go. We gotta find the other.” She said as she paused and turned toward us.
“Hey!” I cried out as I peered toward Bridgette. “I thought you were the village wisdom?”
“Yes and no. I'm one of two girls apprenticed to the current wisdom. But I've learned all I can from her. Now in order to perfect my craft I need to go with you. The goddess told me to go with you and guide you two. You are the chosen one to find the three jewels. You've already found one of the jewels. You found one last autumn when you slew the Goblin King.” She said as she sighed.
“I'm confused..” I said, turning toward Oliver.
“She's cute.” Oliver said.
“...” I sighed again.
“Can't we rest tonight here?” I said toward Bridgette. “I could use a warm bath, and something beside trail food.”
Bridgette blinked and blinked again as she peered toward me and then toward Oliver. After a few moments she sighed a little and shook her head. “I guess it can not be helped. Fine, we can spend the night here.. I need to get some supplies together too.”
And so that is how another chapter comes to an end.
On a barren hill in Glenwood Cemetery there stood a single solitary tombstone that was set apart from a collection of tombstones. The name engraved upon the granite surface read. “James Thomas Sharbrough” below it were the dates “September 6, 1989 – September 9, 2009.” Standing in front of the grave was a lean man with short white hair. He was dressed in all black and wore a white clerical collar around his neck.
“Hello James.” He said as he peered down at the tombstone. “I've decided to visit you. It's almost Halloween. Your favorite holiday. You know I've missed our talks. You were a breath of fresh air. You were also the most devout Acolyte St. George ever knew. I enjoyed serving with you.” The man paused and looked down.
“I have been doing some thinking. The last sermon I preached. Was very wrong. I said that marriage was only supposed to be between a man and a woman and that it is. That final. Close the book on that. And that God only made two genders and that changing genders was wrong. And those who did so were to be shunned and if you thought otherwise you needed to leave the parish.” The man looked down. “I was wrong...two friends of mine Fr. Bell and Fr. John helped me see how much harm I did.”
The priest stuffed his hands into his pocket and peered down at the grave. “You had the courage to leave after I said that. You were serving at the time, you walked down from the alter. Bowed before the elements and left without saying a word. I had no idea how much harm I had inflicted on your soul at that moment. Please forgive me, priest are people too, and like people do, we often cause harm without knowing it.” He said as he reached over and touched the grave.
“I know you often talked about becoming a priest. And I think you would have been a good one. When word reached me you had been killed. It was like somebody had taken a hammer to my soul. My soul was shattered. As you know, I only had daughters and I'd come to think of you as something of a son. The son I never had.”
“We both shared a love for the many works of J.R.R. Tolkien and his friend C.S Lewis. And I think at one time you wanted to become the next American Tolkien.” The priest then stood up and took a deep breath.
“Anyway it was nice visiting you James. I hope wherever you are in the next life. You have found a measure of peace. I know your family considered you something of the black sheep of the family. And it seems by being apart from the others they still consider you such even in death. Please do pray for me, and keep me in your prayers.”
And with that the man left that lonely grave.
-4-
The Wisdom of Bridgette, Apprentice Wisdom to the Village of Thorn
The common room of the inn was silent as the grave. Night had fallen and many of the rowdy patrons had retired to their beds. In a far corner of the room, Bridgette, Oliver and I gathered around a simple wooden table. At Bridgette's feet there laid a leather traveling knapsack. Her wooden staff lay probed up beside her. In front could be found the bones of a roasted chicken, picked clean. We all had the roasted chicken, it was okay. Could have used a little more salt and pepper but otherwise it was okay.
“So tell me.” I said as I peered toward Bridgette. “Why have you decided to join us? I think think I'd invited you to join me and what is this about 'others'.” I said as I peered toward the woman who was nursing her third tankard of ale.
Bridgette sighed and eased her tanker down.
“Okay, first off do you believe in fate?” Bridgette asked as she lifted her face from her place and peered toward me.
“No.” I said in a truthful tone of voice.
“You should. Because you were born under a certain star. You see there are certain stars that can influence your life. You happen to be born under one of those stars. And Oliver too. My brother and I happen to be born under one too.” Bridgette took a deep breath as she called for another tankard of ale.
“Now, allow me to tell you a little about myself since we'll be traveling together.” She said as a pretty little waitress brought over another pewter tanker filled with ale.
“Sure. Another ale for me.” I called out. To the waitress who brought over another tanker.
“I was born in a castle town about fifteen leagues from here. It is located kind of on the border of the Storm Bay Region. And is kind of a check point. My mother was the chambermaid to the master of the castle and my father was one of the guards. My father came from this village.” Bridgette seemed a little lost in thought as she started to recount all of this.
“I have one older sister who married a man from this village. And my fathers folks still live in this village. I'm not sure where my mothers folks come from. She never told my older sister much about her childhood. I think it was an unhappy one.” Bridgette paused and took another long drink from her ale. Before she resumed telling us about her.
“Anyway when I was about six or maybe eight bandits attacked the castle and my dad fell defending the castle. After that mom got a little pension from the master of the castle. Not much, but then the master died and a new one took over and the new master cut off mom's pension and so she moved us here.” She said, “I have one brother who is a year younger than me.. he was apprenticed to the town's smithy who was a kindly old man who treated him more like a son than an apprentice.”
“Right.” I said tilting my head to the side.
“His name was Leo.” She said, sighing. “And he is now the leader of the bandits of the Sand Hills.” She said as she peered at me. “You see, two years ago. He and I were walking down by one of the brooks that the villagers use to to fetch drinking water from, they also catch trout in the brooks in the autumn. It was then my brother noticed something shiny in the water. It was like a huge piece of amber.” Bridgette paused and shuttered a little.
“It had a unearthly glow about about it. Without thinking Leo plucked it out of the stream and held it up to the sunlight. The sun caught the jewel and then it started to shine like molten gold. While I'm sure the jewel could have been worth a lot of money, something about it felt off. I begged my brother to put it back in the stream and let nature herself cover it back up. Instead he placed it in his pocket and walked away.”
Oliver and I nodded my head.
“It was then a change came over him. Leo who up to this point was a pretty hard worker started to spend more time in the tavern than at the forge. He started to collect around him a gang of known thieves and pickpockets and a few down and out sell swords.” Bridgette sighed. “I tried to talk some sense into him. He is after all my only brother and I do love him. I asked him to return to his trade, to return to the forge and to resume his work. To abounded the path he was on and to become a upright and honest man. I begged him to think of our dear late mother and for my trouble I was slapped and tossed out of the tavern onto the muddy streets.”
Bridgette was one of the verge of tears now.
“What happen then.” I asked.
“Well after that he left the village with his small band of followers. I was heart broken, but I had my studies and I threw myself into learning herb lore and the way of healing. And even tried my hand at mustering elemental forces to act on my behalf with limited success. A season or two passed us, and world reached us that the varies bandit clans of the Sand Hills had somehow been united under the leadership of one man. That was worrying enough as the bandit clans had always been a major thorn in our side as they often or not raided merchant trains that passed through here. And many of farmer often found himself forced to pay tribute if he wanted to keep his family safe and get his crops to market.”
“So that why you guys jumped at the chance to march to war when you heard a force from Sea Breeze had left to attach the Sand Hills?” I asked as I took sip of my ale.
“Yes, but you see Jeanette. I was in Sea Breeze that day. The day that force was being mustered. At first I'd hoped that the Mayor had summoned his soldiers to deal with the problem at last. Instead what I saw being mustered in the square that bright, sunny afternoon dashed all my hopes. Around thirty men, some too young to save, some too old to fart good, shopkeepers, school boys, and tramps.”
“It was a good excuse to empty the inn of drunks and sailors on shore leave.” I said sighing. “I followed along because I was going to this village anyway. And if push came to shove I thought I could at least keep them safe.”
“Are you aware of the 'Jewels of Power' according to old wise tales they were elements of the Goddess. I know only a little of the lore. But I know that the last lord of the this region was suppose to have one. And when he was slain it was suppose to have been lost.” Bridgette said with a sigh. “But according the stories I've heard there were two others. I fear the jewel my brother found in that brook was one.”
“Why are telling me all of this?” I asked as I peered toward Bridgette.
“Because I want you to know we'll be fighting. I love my brother. I do, but the death of our mother changed him. He was always a bit unhinged. But after our mother died and we came to live in this village, he started to grow a bit dark. He would often catch mice he found running around the forge and toss them into the fires just to watch them burn. And I once saw him shoot an arrow straight through cat that was meowing under his window. He was only given a few lashes for that.” Bridgette added.
A low whistle escaped my lips as I peered toward her.
“From what I know, from my scant reading as books are rarer than hens teeth in the village and books about such lore are even harder to come by. But what scant information I've gained from my research it seems the other jewels are linked and often try to find each other. I know my brother, he has boundless ambition. I don't think he'll ever been happy being a mere village smithy, noble as that career is. Or being a mere leader of a bandit. I fear he wishes to control this whole region.” Bridgette said sighing. “And then.. he will try to extend his control beyond the Peppercorn Mountains and maybe even beyond the Mountains of Mist..” She added with a shutter.
Another low whistle escaped my lips.
“There is darkness in his soul. I saw it that night. So he must stop Jeanette. The fate of thousands, no millions may depend upon it. He must be stopped at all costs. Even if we have to kill him. He is no brother of mine..”
“Let's hope it does not come to that.” I said sighing as I stood up. I then reached into my leather purse and pulled out three golden crowns. Without thinking I tossed them on the table and shook my head.
“Oliver?” I said turning toward Oliver who was half asleep. No doubt he had nodded off while Bridgette was explaining this to me. The boy's eyes were closed and his arms were folded across his chest. If he was sleeping it was a light sleep. And of course Oliver did not respond. Instead he kept right on snoozing.
“Oliver?” I said as I reached over and gently shook him. “You will sleep better in your bed upstairs. Why don't you go up and get some rest.” I paused and then added. “We'll be up before the chickens tomorrow. And we have many miles to travel. Breakfast again I'm afraid I will have to wait till noon.” I added.
Oliver muttered something as he pushed his chair back. He quickly stood up and pushed his hands up into the air above his head as he heaved a big yawn. His eyes were half open as he peered toward me and Bridgette.
“I guess..” He said blushing. “I guess I'll go. Good night Jeanette, Good night Bridgette.” He said with a nod of the head. A few moments later he was leaving the common room and heading up the wooden stairs. Once he was out of sight. Bridgette turned toward me and smiled.
“You don't treat him like an apprentice.” Bridgette said with a grin that reached from one end of her face to the other.
“Come again?” I said standing up. I figured I would follow my own advice and turn in as well.
“You treat him like a little brother.” Bridgette said as she stood up. “I shall go to bed as well. I trust you will awake me when you get ready to leave? I'm afraid I'm something of a heavy sleeper.” Bridgette added.
“Sure.” I said grinning as I started to turn toward the stairs.
“I knock first and if you don't answer after the second knock I'll have the chambermaid bring up a bucket of ice, cold water, with ice cubes still in it. I'll then just toss it onto your bed and wake up that way.” I added as I put my foot on the first wooden step.
Bridgette blushed a little and shifted her eyes away from me.
“Something of a prankster are you then?” She said as she pushed her wooden chair back and stood straight up and then started toward the stairs.
“In my past life.. I think I was.” I said and with that started to climb the wooden stairs. And again memories of my past life started to float in like fog does in the early morning hours. I closed my eyes, my head started to feel heavy and my heart started to race. I reached down and took hold of the wooden railing to support myself as I climbed to the second floor. Without saying a word I walked toward my room and once I reached my room. I slumped down and peered toward the heavens.
“I was a bit of a prankster in my past life.” I said as I upward into the air above my head.
On a barren hill in Glenwood Cemetery there stood a single solitary tombstone that was set apart from a collection of tombstones. The name engraved upon the granite surface read. “James Thomas Sharbrough.” Below it were the dates “September 6, 1989 – September 9, 2009” Standing in front of the grave was a woman, with honey blonde hair. She was dressed in all black and in her hand she held a bouquet of blue roses.
“It's hard to believe it's been a year since you were taken from us.” She said as she kneeled down and placed the bouquet of roses by the grave. “Were getting along okay. Your dad misses you, your little sister misses you. And I miss you.” She added as she reached up and brushed away a few tears.
“Jamie.” She said, “I've been doing some thinking, and I've been wanting to ask some questions. I know, you were a different child, your dad loved to hunt and fish. But you always loved to just sit around the house and play video games and read. I remember you loved playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and its sequel The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. You would go on for hours about the lore of the game, how to do all the little tricks and how to get all the spells. You knew all the hidden secrets and how to find all the hidden treasures. We never really understood that about you.”
The woman paused.
“Now that you're gone, your dad and I wished we'd taken more time in trying to understand who you were as a person instead of trying to make you into the person we wanted you to be. I have a confession. Right after your funeral. When we were cleaning up your room. I found a blue skirt, some panties and a bra bundled up and stuck behind some other clothes in your dresser. I told your father and he flew into a rage, saying 'He was no son of mine!' and 'I never knew I was raising a God damn sissy'. But.. never mind that.. He misses you in his own way. And I wish we could have worked things out. If you wanted to be a girl. I could have helped you.”
The woman paused again.
“Anyway, I brought you some roses.. we donated all your video games. I'm sure you would have wanted them to go to some needy kid. After all, we don't really play video games. And your sister, she is not the gamer type. As far as your books, we donated them too. Along with your collection of anime DVD's and those strange Japanese comic books that you liked to collect.”
“Anyway this is good-bye. I don't think I'll be visiting your grave again. There is no point in visiting it. You're not here anymore James. You're either in Heaven or in Hell.” The woman said with a sigh as she stood up and walked away. “Maybe one day I'll see you, on the other side, and maybe then I'll get a chance to ask those questions I wanted to ask that day I was cleaning up your room.”