Ghost of a Chance part 1

Dana and Jayden waited patiently, surrounded by soldiers wearing the red and gold of Bascal’s army over their chain armor. The soldiers looked confused and didn’t point their swords or spears at Jayden. One man stared at Jayden, who smiled at him until the man looked away.

They’d spent the last two hours on this warm, sunny summer day outside a small fort built in the wooded mountainous border between Meadowland and Bascal. The narrow trail they’d taken was flanked by high rough rocks, too difficult to climb for any but a mountain goat. This fort and the barricade across the trail blocked all passage. The hundred soldiers manning it looked capable and well-armed, and thoroughly befuddled.

“Is this going to take much longer?” Jayden asked.

“Not too long, sir,” an archer replied.

“Should we get them something?” a spearman asked. “Refreshments?”

“I don’t know,” the archer admitted.

“Not big on camouflage, are they,” Dana said to Jayden.

One of the archers looked smug. “Bascal’s army has nothing to hide from. Let them send dozens, hundreds, thousands, and this fort will still stand.”

Dana wasn’t sure if that was bravado or he was trying to keep his men’s morale up. Either way, she didn’t share his opinion. The narrow path would only let a few men across it at a time, but a large enough force could keep sending men one after the other until the fort fell, and that assumed Meadowland didn’t send wizards or monsters to support the attack. None of these men looked like they could stop a golem.

One of the spearmen’s eyes went up and down Dana’s body. Annoyed, she put her hands on her hips and demanded, “You’ve never seen a girl before?”

“Not in the last two months.”

“That’s how long you’ve been up here?” She glanced at Jayden and asked, “Is that normal for armies?”

“Long deployments are common during times of peace and essential during war.” Jayden yawned and stretched his arms. “Gentlemen, we’re rapidly running out of daylight. Are there sleeping accommodations for the lady?”

“Not really,” the archer admitted. “The barracks is filled with your prisoners. We don’t have a place to sleep ourselves until they’re shipped back.”

“Horseman approaching!” a scout called out. He pointed up the trail and squinted. “Officer!”

“Finally,” Jayden said.

The mounted officer wore a fancier version of the gold and red Bascal army uniform over his plate armor, with medals on his shoulders and a glowing sword in hand. He slowed to a trot and stopped ahead of the soldiers. Men stood at attention and saluted, only relaxing when he saluted back. “Report.”

A spearman answered him. “Sir, earlier today we heard sounds of battle across the border. I sent a scout to investigate, and he found a Meadowland company in full retreat. They left behind some weapons and food along with eighteen wounded men. It seems this man, the Sorcerer Lord, and the girl following him are responsible. They asked us to take charge of the wounded enemy and then the Sorcerer Lord asked, and I quote, sir, ‘Take me to your leader,’ end quote. We brought the two of them here with the prisoners and sent for you.”

The officer studied Jayden, his expression alternating curiosity and suspicion. “You wished to see a leader of Bascal. Speak your piece.”

“I come seeking an audience with your king.” Jayden spoke more diplomatically than normal. “We share a common foe, one driven and capable, that I cannot stop alone. I seek the aid of your king and offer my own in return.”

“You think he would welcome a criminal into our ranks?” the officer challenged.

Dana stepped closer to Jayden so he was between her and the officer, and then took Jayden’s hand and pressed it softly. She wanted to speak to him, to ask him to keep his temper in check, but she couldn’t in front of this man without making him look weak. She hoped he understood what she was trying to get across without words. A few soldiers noticed but said nothing.

Jayden didn’t look bothered. “He may accept my help or decline it, as is his right. It is my hope, though, that he will if nothing else hear me words, for I have seen things he must know of. You know my name and reputation. I am no friend of Tyros and Amvicta, nor the men they surround themselves with. I’ve fought long and hard against them, and you now fight them, too. I have never raised a hand against Bascal. Indeed, I have visited your land in peace. Despise me if you will, but do not consider me unworthy after the battles I have fought against those who seek to tear down all that you love.”

The officer chuckled. “I’d heard you had a rage within you that could burn cities. It seems your woman has had a gentling effect on you.”

Nearby soldiers winced or looked away. Dana pressed harder on his hand, silently praying he wouldn’t get offended. Jayden’s eyes narrowed, and when he spoke it was with a coldness verging on insult. “She is a friend. I give my respect to few, yet she has earned it time and again.”

An archer cleared his throat and said, “Begging your pardon, sir, but tales claim the girl is one of four who fought Wall Wolf the iron golem. She walked away and it, ah, didn’t.”

The officer kept his eyes on Jayden. “I’d heard the same story. Very well, Sorcerer Lord, I believe you’re a danger to your own homeland and not mine. Whether King Rascan wishes to see you or not is beyond my station, but we will receive you and he will learn of your visit. I can offer no more.”

“That is enough,” Jayden replied.

The officer nodded to the archer who’d spoken. “Gather up the prisoners and bring them with us to the city. I’m afraid you’ll have to walk, Sorcerer Lord.”

“Actually, we won’t be.” Jayden waved for a soldier to bring three horses from behind the fort. “An enemy was obliging enough to provide us with transport.”

“Is he among the living?” the officer asked teasingly.

“It’s an honor not all of his associates share.”

The officer led Dana and Jayden along with ten soldiers and eighteen prisoners down the path. The moon rose and shined far overhead when they left the mountains and reached a sizeable city lit up as bright as day. The city was walled and had round towers that boasted bright beacons and ballista manned by more troops. There were no buildings outside the wall, but Dana spotted wreckage that might have been a house.

“That looks recent,” she told Jayden.

“It is, and there are more of them ahead. I believe our hosts tore down every building outside the city wall so as to provide Meadowland no cover or shelter should they reach this far.”

“That means a lot of people lost everything they had.”

“They would have lost it when a Meadowland army attacks. This way they had an opportunity to salvage what they could.” Jayden rode on a moment in silence before saying, “The owners will also have the blessing of going to safer quarters with more protection than those buildings could provide.”

The officer interrupted, saying, “Take no pity on the men and women who lived here. They gave up their property willingly for the good of Bascal.”

Dana wasn’t so sure how willing those people had been. When men with swords arrived, wise people kept their mouths shut and did as they were told. The owners of these shops and homes may have smiled and nodded when they were ordered to leave, only to weep afterwards. It was sad to see so many lose so much when the war hadn’t reached them yet.

City gates opened to grant them entry, and armed men exited to greet them. The officer explained who his guests were, and they were received without complaint. The prisoners were taken to cells while Dana and Jayden were shown to a house barely large enough to fit them. There were many other brick houses far larger, but they were filled to capacity with people.

“My apologies for your poor accommodations, but space was hard to come by even before the war,” the officer explained. “I’ll have food sent to you and someone will look after your horses. You’ll be sent to the capital tomorrow with an armed escort. What happens from there is your own doing.”

“A roof over our heads and full stomachs is all I ask for myself and the lady,” Jayden replied. He opened the door and ushered Dana in before stepping inside and closing the door. Inside they found straw mattresses on the floor and nothing else. “This is going as well as could be expected, but we still need to be careful. If they have heard of you, they may know about your magic sword and seek to claim it. Let no one hold Chain Cutter without my express permission regardless of their rank or station.”

“We might get robbed by the people we came to for help. Peachy.”

Jayden set down his bags and tested a mattress with his hand. “The rich and powerful often have an exaggerated opinion of what belongs to them. War’s coming will only make this worse, as they seek any and all means to prolong their survival. Our being foreigners will only increase this tendency.”

“They’d rob a Sorcerer Lord?”

He smiled. “They’d try to. Should that happen I intend to abandon any and all efforts to be reasonable.”

“No killing people, Jayden.”

“You do restrict my entertainment.”

* * * * *

Morning brought no attempted robberies and a filling breakfast of eggs and oatmeal. Dana was grateful for fresh food after eating far too much hardtack and dried meat. Their horses were returned, fed and watered, and a new officer approached with four mounted knights.

“I am Captain Stillman,” the man said as he saluted. “I’ve been tasked with bringing you to the capital. The ride should take only three days, and you will be given food and shelter equal to what I receive.”

“Most generous of you,” Jayden said as Dana mounted her horse.

“Word reached us that you helped destroy an army of the undead in Meadowland,” Stillman replied. “I wouldn’t turn down capable assistance.”

Jayden froze. “I’m curious how you heard of that event.”

“A Ms. Lockheart provided vivid testimony, supported by Meadowland soldiers that defected after the outrage.” Stillman smiled and added, “Ms. Lockheart speaks most enthusiastically of the event, and of you.”

Dana giggled. “You left Meadowland, but you can’t get away from Suzy.”

“Death may not be enough to free me of her,” Jayden said grimly, provoking more giggles from Dana.

The trip took a day longer that Stillman said, but it was unavoidable when the road was so crowded. Wagon trained loaded with food, weapons, building materials, livestock and more took up much of the road. Soldiers marching for the front competed for space with civilians fleeing battles. Leaving the road was out of the question when it seemed every square inch of flat ground was either farm fields or homes.

“When last we saw Lockheart, she was going to close one of the passes between Meadowland and Bascal,” Jayden told Stillman. “Did she succeed?”

“Ms. Lockheart’s explosive exceeded expectations,” Stillman replied. “Meadowland soldiers are trying to clear the pass while our men oppose them. That leaves one major pass and river access to Bascal. We hold them all, but pressure increases daily. Your King Tyros seems to have limitless men under his command, and not just men.”

“I may be of some service in reducing the odds against you.”

Stillman glanced at Dana. “Some may question employing you, but desperate times make for unlikely alliances. You and your swordswoman will be welcomed in many quarters.”

“Wait, I’m a what?” Dana asked.

“My apologies if my description of you is inaccurate, but all the tales I’ve heard regarding you speak of you dispatching foes with a magic sword. Have you other skills?”

Dana frowned as she considered the question. Her training with Jayden was far from complete, but she could see why someone who didn’t know her well would think that’s what she did for a living. How else would she describe herself? Mayor’s daughter, farmer girl and trapper of rabbits didn’t sound impressive. Some might describe her as a thief after all the things she’d taken, which left her feeling queasy. “I guess we should stick with swordswoman.”

“It’s a rarity here,” Stillman told her. “Almost as much as Sorcerer Lords. Have you apprentices that could help?”

“None,” Jayden told him, “and this is a poor time to train one.”

“Agreed,” Stillman said. “Training a soldier can take a year. Less than that and you’ve only created a victim. I would imagine training a wizard takes even longer.”

They entered more mountainous lands heavy with trees and a few houses. As they came to the top of a hill, Stillman stopped his horse and pointed at a distance city. “Welcome to Dragon Roost, capital of Bascal.”

“Oh my,” Dana said. She’d seen only a few cities in Meadowland, and many of them were massively disappointing. Dragon Roost broke that record in an awe inspiring way, with towering walls of stones fitted together so well they seemed to be carved from a single piece of stone. Buildings rose high into the air with impressive designs that included huge carvings of eagles. Central to the city was a castle so massive Dana wondered how anyone could ever hope to take it by force.

“I doubt Meadowland has anything to compare to it,” Stillman said smugly.

“Tyros and Amvicta spent their money elsewhere,” Jayden said darkly.

Dragon Roost was a city out of dreams, but as Dana approached, she saw a worrying sign. Guards were common enough, but they were older men and boys younger than she was. They were equipped with armor and weapons equal to the other soldiers she’d seen, but it seemed an ill fit for those clearly not the right age to fight.

Stillman saw her questioning look and explained, “Bascal’s best warriors are needed at the frontlines, leaving a need for warriors elsewhere. King Rascan has called up veterans to serve again and conscripted boys to fill the ranks. They serve here to free up men to fight. Don’t fear for them. Dragon Roost’s strong walls make even boys and gray haired men a threat no one would face.”

Dana didn’t share Stillman’s faith. She’d fought enough monsters and golems to understand how much damage they could do. True, they could fall, and she’d beaten many herself, but that was with Chain Cutter and Jayden. Could these boys do the same without such help?

A smaller gate opened to let them into the city, and they found the interior as grand as the outsides. Dragon Roost was packed with people of all races, draft animals, exotic beasts and more. Larger houses had large pots growing beautiful flowers on their balconies and porches. Dana saw four people on the streets traveling with brightly colored birds as big as hawks sitting on their shoulders, and the birds made no attempt to fly away. Residents were uniformly healthy and well dressed, better than most Dana had seen. Dana and Jayden’s arrival attracted only minor attention as they traveled the crowded streets, no surprise when it seemed like half the men they came across were rich and armed.

“Is it always like this?” Dana asked Stillman.

“It’s a tad more crowded than normal because King Rascan is holding a ball for his followers.”

Dana’s jaw dropped. “During a war?”

“The ball is an excuse to gather trusted allies and enlist more help,” Jayden explained. “Rascan is facing a war that could end his dynasty, and wants to make sure his nobles and allies will do their part. He will meet privately with those he depends most on, assigning duties and promising rewards for their aid. Those not citizens of Bascal, like ourselves, may find rewards for our support, even if we’re held at arm’s length.”

Stillman shot Jayden an angry look. Dana said, “Sorry, he’s as subtle as a brick to the face.”

“True,” Jayden admitted, “but am I wrong?”

“It’s not my place to question my king’s actions or guess his motives,” Stillman said firmly. “King Rascan knows more than I and can better judge what course Bascal should take. I would strongly suggest you consider your words more carefully if he should choose to speak with you. No man is so important that he might question a king.”

“That’s an opinion sadly common among those living in Meadowland,” Jayden replied. “I’ve been my own man too long to bow to another, but rest assured I will be polite to Rascan.”

“King Rascan,” Stillman corrected him.

Stillman led them through the streets to a hotel large enough to house two hundred people. Staff took their horses to a stable and led them inside the luxurious building. Red and gold carpets covered the floor and stairs, paintings hung on the walls, and gilt cages held brightly colored birds. The hotel’s common room was packed with guests and staff catering to their needs so there was little room to even stand. Stillman spoke to the hotel’s manager in private while Dana and Jayden waited at the entrance.

“The manager doesn’t look happy to see us,” Dana said softly.

Jayden studied Stillman as he continued speaking with the manager. “He’s telling Stillman there’s no room to spare. Stillman is ordering him to find a room even if that means emptying one for us.”

“I don’t want to get someone kicked out on the street,” Dana protested.

“Nor do I, but I believe Stillman has judged us a prize worth having. His superiors will reward him richly for bringing a wizard to defend Bascal. If that means treating someone of less importance poorly, it’s a price he’s willing to pay.”

“Maybe we can stay somewhere else tonight.”

Stillman returned smiling. “I’ve arranged for you to stay at the king’s request, so there will be no charge.”

“Please tell me someone didn’t lose their bed because of us,” Dana said.

“No, but two men of minor influence will have to share a room. I’ll inform the king of your arrival. Whether he sees you or one of his ministers is an open question, but either way you’ll both need more appropriate clothing. It’s not every day a man meets royalty.”

“Oh, it might surprise you how often it happens,” Jayden replied. “If we’re expected to dress for success, can you recommend a tailor for us?”

Stillman waved for a manservant to join them. “Take these two to Cassandra’s. If you’ll excuse me, I need to inform my superiors that you’re here.”

Stillman left the hotel, and the manservant looked offended at being so close to Dana and Jayden. He sniffed and said, “If you’ll come with me…sir.”

“A moment first,” Jayden said pleasantly. He leaned in close to the manservant’s ear and whispered too softly for Dana to hear him. When he stepped back, the manservant’s face was as white as a sheet, his eye opened wide and fixed on Jayden. “Do we understand each other?”

“Yes sir, and madam.”

“Must you make enemies everywhere we go?” Dana asked Jayden as they followed the manservant out of the hotel.

“I don’t make enemies. I deal with them efficiently when I meet them.”

It took them some time to find Cassandra’s, a ratty looking shop far from Dragon Roost’s brightly lit thoroughfares. The windows were dirty and little light came through them, the brick walls needed fresh mortar, and the street had more than its share of trash.

“It doesn’t impress at first sight,” Jayden said as he studied the building.

“Cassandra does quality work even if she’s not favored by the city elite,” the manservant said quickly. “She has a reputation for speaking her mind, sir.”

Jayden cheered up quickly. “Now that is worthy praise. I believe we can find our way back to the hotel without further assistance, and you doubtless have work to do.”

The manservant bowed and hastily left. Jayden rubbed his hands together and opened the door. “Let’s see if the owner is open to accepting work.”

“Whatever happens, don’t threaten her life.”

A bell rang as they stepped into the shop’s dark interior. Unlike the outside, the building’s insides were clean. Counters and shelves were heavy with beautifully dyed cloth, and wood dummies wearing the most beautiful dresses Dana had ever seen stood like dancers. Silks, furs, cotton, wool, linen, even snake skins, there didn’t seem to be a fabric or material missing.

“You said we wouldn’t have to share rooms anymore!” a girl shrieked from the back of the store.

An older woman’s voice answered, “I’m sorry, is the invasion upsetting your delicate sensibilities? Your cousins are coming and need somewhere to sleep.”

Another girl cried, “There’s not enough room!”

“Bread prices have doubled and you’re worried about room,” the older woman’s voice replied sharply.

“Ahem,” Jayden said.

The voices fell silent, and they heard people running to them. A door opened at the back of the room to let in a white haired woman in a beautiful yellow cotton dress and carrying a lit oil lamp. Behind her came two girls no older than eleven dressed in vibrant red skirts and yellow blouses. The girls took one look at Jayden before turning to one another and giggling.

“Shush, both of you,” the old woman said.

“Cassandra, I presume?” Jayden asked. “You come recommended.”

Cassandra gave him a calculating look with a sly smile. “You’re going to the ball.”

“Quite possibly.”

“You and the girl need clothes.”

Jayden studied his fingernails. “We do need appropriate attire.”

“You can pay for them?” she asked hopefully.

Jayden took a coin pouch from his belongings and tossed it to Cassandra. “I wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t.”

Cassandra tore open the pouch and poured coins into her hands. “Gold! Sissy, Meryl, light the candles and get my shears.”

“I get to take his measurements!” one of the girls squealed.

“No fair!” the other whined.

Dana assumed it would take days to produce clothes good enough to stand in front of a king, but Cassandra had no trouble with the task. She had plenty of clothes already made that needed only slight adjustments to fit like a glove, almost like she was expecting them. Once she had a basic black suit and jacket for Jayden, she embellished it with mother of pearl on the shoulders and gloves, and white accents on the legs. Boots came next, black with white along the sides. She finished with a silver pin and white ribbon to tie back his hair in a ponytail that she slid into the back of his jacket.

“As impressive as I expected,” Jayden told her.

Cassandra turned her gaze on Dana. “Black and silver worked for your man, but I think you need a gentler touch. Innocent, pure, with just a hint of anger.”

“Anger?” Dana asked.

Cassandra grabbed a silk dress and held it up against Dana. “I see it in your eyes. Outrage at offenses too many to count. You hold it back, hiding it from the world, but you’ve a temper to match his. Don’t say otherwise.”

“This is why you don’t get more business, grandma,” one of the girls scolded her.

Cassandra went to work modifying the dress. “I say what I see. Not my fault if others don’t like it.”

Dana’s jaw dropped when she saw Cassandra’s work. Her silk dress seemed to shimmer in even the faintest light. Cassandra added silk the color of ripe red apples on the back and skirt, and gorgeous braided red silk along the forearms and down her back. This came with white gloves that reached to her elbows and white shoes that came halfway to Dana’s knees.

“No high heels?” one of the girls asked.

“This is a girl who runs,” Cassandra said. “I’ve added a sheath for your sword on the back. The ribbons will cover it.”

Horrified, Dana asked, “You think I’m bringing a sword to a party?”

“Your man doesn’t need one with the power coming off him, but you do,” Cassandra replied. She tallied up the cost for their new clothes. When she tried to hand Jayden his change, he shook his head. Cassandra smiled at him. “I get feelings about people. You’ve done more than most and aren’t close to being finished. I see a heart of gold wrapped in rusty chains. Break them off for yourself and those who need you.”

“You’re an interesting woman, Cassandra,” Jayden told her. “I’m glad we met.”

Cassandra wrapped Jayden’s suit and Dana’s dress in paper before sending them on their way. They’d nearly left when Cassandra said, “Wait. We’re not alone.”

Dana looked down the streets packed with people. No one looked suspicious, but she felt a shiver run down her back, like someone had walked on her grave. Everyone on the street suddenly stopped walking and looked around. Whatever caused it passed quickly, and people shook off the effect.

“What was that?” Dana asked.

Cassandra held her shears like a weapon. “Not sure, but I know evil when I feel it. You two be careful. No coincidence that happening the same time you’re here.”

“Wise words from a wise woman,” Jayden said. He took Dana by the arm and left for the hotel. The trip was peaceful with no further chills, but it worried Dana all the same. She’d experienced a lot in the time she’d been following Jayden. This was new, disturbing. They reached the hotel by nightfall without incident and found it slowing down. Most of the guests were in their rooms and staff were bringing trays of food to guests’ rooms. Jayden spoke briefly with a servant before returning to Dana.

“We’ve been assigned room 204. Take our things up to the room and wait for me there. I’m going to have them send us meals and place wards.”

“I’ve never seen you use wards.”

Jayden glanced at the door. “I’ve never felt the need to do so before, but something or someone was on that street with us. I mean to keep it at arm’s length.”