Blood on the Snow: Revival series, #3

The Tavern

The cold north wind sighed around the corners of the tavern, gently sweeping the snow before it.  Inside the surly innkeeper eyed his guests warily.  He knew the crew nearest the door were a band of robbers who often preyed on unsuspecting travelers of the north road.  Probably got eyes on those two they have, he thought to himself.  The tall one paid in silver coin.  He really didn’t care what happened to his guests, he just didn’t want to have to explain their murders.

The tavern was wide and low slung; a tall man could easily reach the beams.  As Ketdryn entered the building, two features were apparent.  First the huge fireplace caught her eye, made of field stone, it took up most of the left wall.  A low fire was burning there now, the robber band huddled around it. 

The second and most outstanding feature of the room was the bar itself.  It was built entirely of stone.  The top of the bar was a single slab of granite.  Something had once been carved on it, but that had long ago been obscured.  Obviously, at some time in the past the tavern had been built around that stone edifice. 

The other outstanding thing about the place was the dirt.  The tavern fairly crawled, yet the innkeeper didn’t seem to notice, however, the two hooded figures at the corner table noticed.  Ketdryn noticed.   Not wanting to be recognized, she pulled her cloak closer around her and moved quietly to a table against the right wall; there she sat with her hood falling forward to hide her features.

Ale? asked the innkeeper as he slouched toward Ketdryn.  The hooded figure nodded.  As he set the tankard on the table a coin spun toward him from the folds of the cloak.  He caught a glimpse of a woman’s hand.  No fit night this, he said, for a woman to travel alone it isn’t.  She hissed him to silence and spun another coin to him. 

It was too late; one of the robber band had heard the innkeeper speak.  He was now eyeing Ketdryn, who seemed to shrink deeper into her hunting cloak.  Two daggers slipped from their sheaths as she tensed to spring.  In the ten years since the Battle of Bardan’s Keep, Silver the Hunter had taught Ketdryn everything he knew about fighting with daggers.  She had learned her lessons well.

The man started to rise but was distracted momentarily as the door banged open.  In walked a pair of strange companions.  All eyes turned toward the newcomers.  A man and a Dwarf stood before them.  The Dwarf was as wide as an ox through the shoulders.  Enough armour hung from his body to break a man’s back, but the Dwarf didn’t seem to notice.  His shield was as scarred and notched as his axe was shiny. 

The Dwarf’s companion may have been a tall man at one time but was all stooped over with age now.  His grey beard was easily seen beneath his cloak, and his eyes rolled from side to side as he walked.  Limping horribly, he dragged himself to a table near where Ketdryn sat. 

Ale! roared the dwarf, slinging his well-used battle axe across his shoulder.  He settled the old man at the table then walked over to where the band of men sat hogging the fire.

Share the fire with a veteran, would you? he asked as he plopped himself down without an invitation. 

Ketdryn stole a glance at the drooling old man.  He winked at her and licked his lips.  She hid deeper in her cloak so no one would notice her giggle.

Veteran are you, Dwarf? asked one of the men.  Of which battles are you a veteran, then?

Fought at Hammer’s Field I did, growled the dwarf.  At Bardan’s Keep was I as well.  Many battles since then have come my way.  Guardsman am I now, for that drooling old fool there.

Know you Segar here, do you, Dwarf? asked another man.  He too fought at Hammer’s Field, and again at Bardan’s Keep. 

The dwarf looked at the discomforted man in question.  Lost both times you did, he said.  There was much laughing at that.

No coward am I, declared the man hotly.  No shame to me, there is not.  Faced the elf queen herself at Hammer’s Field.   Would have killed her too, but that damned hunter came from behind.  Brained me he did.  Took a turn of the moon before my senses returned.  There was much laughter at that.  There was a suggestion that perhaps his senses still had not completely returned as yet. 

Faced the Death Angel herself and lived I did, Segar declared hotly.   He leaped to his feet and drew his dagger.  No other man here can say as much.  There was much snickering at this as well.

Nothri am I called, friend Segar, rumbled the dwarf.  That is a tale I would hear.  Buy you a pint I will, if you tell the tale.  It is well known that dwarves love to sit and listen to a good tale and Segar deemed himself a fair spinner of tales. 

Done, agreed Segar as he resumed his seat and launched into his tale.  All his companions had heard it many times before as had the innkeeper.  The innkeeper’s mind began to wander as the room quieted to hear the man’s story.  Slowly a feeling of dread began to pierce his heart. 

His eyes had landed on the two folk in the corner just as Segar launched into the familiar description of the Death Angel’s beauty.  Truly he must have seen her at one time for the description was quite accurate. 

As Segar spoke the hood slipped momentarily from the face of the figure in the corner.  For a heartbeat the innkeeper saw the Death Angel herself looking back at him.  There could be no mistaking that face.  She laid her finger to her lips to silence him then pulled her hood forward again. 

That’s done it now, thought Ketdryn who had seen the whole thing.  She hoped that no one else had seen Kiya’s face.  They were still outnumbered, and she didn’t want a pitched battle here.  Three lines of power converging at that altar and this stunnard is using it for a bar, she muttered to herself.  If he won’t sell the place, I’ll kill the fool myself. 

The innkeeper had gone deathly pale.  If the Death Angel was here then her companion had to be Inarr.  The Wolf Clan chieftain here?  He must be after the robbers for he never left his castle without good cause.  The tavern would be torn apart.  He would rather have seen Old One Eye himself seated at a table than those two.

The innkeeper was now sweating profusely.  His eyes darted about the room seeking a way to escape with his life, all thoughts for the tavern fading quickly.   His eyes landed on the lone woman.  A wisp of silver hair peeked out of her hood.  An elf!  A lone female elf this far north.  Ketdryn!  It had to be the elf queen.  Segar would get another chance to prove his courage before this night was out. 

The man’s knees began to shake and he started for the back door.  Escape!  He must escape!  He stopped cold in his tracks as his hand touched the handle.  He could not move.  Elf spell!  Slowly he was forced to turn and walk to Ketdryn’s table.

Sit, she said, her voice as cold as the ice outside.  He sat, caught in the grip of her spell.  Ketdryn held him with her eyes as well as the spell Galen had taught her.  The woman was beautiful, perhaps even more beautiful than the Death Angel, but her eyes were so cold.  Be silent, she whispered.  Sound the alarm, and kill you I will.  Know you that a man comes this way.  With two children he travels.  Buy this tavern he will.  Sell to him or Kiya will have you. 

More ale, roared Nothri.  Innkeeper, more ale.  Haul your arse over here at once.  Serve us or I will serve myself.  Nothri was pounding the table with a huge fist.

Serve them, hissed Ketdryn.  Sound no alarm and live you will. 

The innkeeper served the men slowly, still deeply shaken.  As he served them Segar went on with his tale of how he and the Death Angel had fought to a standstill.  Kiya was squeezing Inarr’s arm nearly hard enough to break it.

It is strange that I do not recall this doughty fighter, she whispered.  I believe I will give him another chance to prove his worth.

Easy my love, whispered Inarr.  Lady Ketdryn won’t like it if we start a fight in this holy place. I’d rather not annoy her unnecessarily.

The stunnard has turned that altar into a bar; Ketdryn will kill him herself.

We’ll follow her lead then, replied Inarr.  We can take these vermin anytime.  We don’t have to do it here.

As you say, whispered Kiya, nodding her head slowly, so shall it be.  She slackened her grip on his arm and began to study the table.  She didn’t want Segar to feel her eyes on him. 

A fine tale that was, bellowed Nothri.   Innkeeper, more ale.  He began to pound the table and roar for more ale.  The table shook and threatened to collapse under that attack.  More ale dammit.  Innkeeper, fetch more ale or fetch the cask myself I will, roared Nothri.  The shaky handed innkeeper brought more ale as Nothri was trying to elicit another tale from Segar.

Tell us of the elf queen friend Segar, coaxed Nothri.  They say that she is as fast as lightening and as hard to grasp as water.  Be that so?  And what of the hunter?   Some say that he always strikes from behind he does.  There was a loud moan from the old fellow at the table across the room at this.  Nothri ignored him and pushed another flagon at Segar, who cleared his throat before launching into another tale.

Aye, fast is the elf queen, he began, and fairer still than the Death Angel she is.  Faced her at Hammer’s Field I did.  Scars I have in plenty from that battle.  Like the sleet in the wind she is, stings you then is not there when you parry.  Air does your sword strike, then close is she again and you feel her blade.  Fast was I in those days, and long was that battle.  Scars did I give her too I did.  

Ketdryn ran her finger along the scar on her side where the man had tried to take her from behind.  She had turned and escaped his grasp.  The wound had not been deep, and Silver brained the man instantly.

Segar was getting into the tale now as Nothri plied him with more ale.   The hunter tried to take me from behind twice, Segar went on.   Kept her between us, I did.  It was the only way to keep that savage from my back.   Silver was chewing his knuckles now to keep from laughing.  The door burst open once again.

A big man stood in the doorway.  He was tall and had been powerfully built at one time.  His hair was shot through with grey as was his beard.  He was slightly stooped, but his stance spoke of a man who could take care of himself still.  He was wearing leather armour and carried a sword as long as a man is tall.  His two companions were of middle height and very slim. 

At first glance the innkeeper took them to be elves.  As they pushed back their hoods it became apparent that they were children of early teenage years.  Both had sun coloured hair streaked with dirt and looked half starved.  All eyes had turned to them. 

The leader of the thieves was starting to get nervous.   This place is strangely busy for this time of year, he thought as he eyed the newcomers.

Innkeeper, roared the big man, a round of ale for the house.  With that he spun a silver coin at the man.  The innkeeper caught the coin and said nothing.  He would normally have asked for more, but the look in Ketdryn’s eye changed his mind.  As the innkeeper set about serving the round, the big man spoke again.  

See that poor drooling old fool at that table, do you? he said to the children who nodded sullenly.  Sit you there with him, for the elderly have need of the company of children they do.  Kai had seen at a glance that something was amiss when he entered the room.  Silver and Ketdryn sat apart and Nothri was drinking with a large party of ruffians. 

Also Inarr and Kiya were sitting in the corner speaking to no one.  Indeed, they seemed to try not to be noticed at all.  This looked to Kai as if it could explode at any moment, so he sent the children to sit with Silver.  No matter what happened they would be safer there than anywhere else.  Kai moved to the bar and sat down.  Ale, he bellowed, and food as well. 

As the children sat down the old man began to mumble at them.  No intelligible words came from his mouth though, only strange mutterings.  Strange to anyone who could not speak the Elder Tongue, but they made perfect sense to Ketdryn and the two strangers in the corner. 

If a battle starts, Silver muttered to the children, I’ll need you to defend my back. 

Both nodded slightly in agreement.   Worry not, elderkin, said the girl in the common speech.  Keena and Kon will protect you they will.  She patted Silver on the arm as she spoke, her eyes dancing with mischief.  Silver moaned and stepped on her toe.  Kiya grinned at Inarr.  Their children would be perfectly safe standing behind Silver the Hunter.  

Wary be you of that old fool, Nothri called to the children.  Gone simple with age he has.  On with your tale friend Segar, on with the tale.  Segar resumed the tale that had been interrupted when Kai entered the tavern.  Both children snickered at that then they slowly began to inspect the room.

Keena snorted and made choking sounds as she took in the soot and filth that coated almost everything.  She had been named for Kiya’s mother, and like her, Keena was all mischief and laughter.  Keena constantly teased and delighted the whole clan.  The ogres had been known to do some amazing tricks just to hear her laugh. 

At twelve she was showing promise of her mother’s beauty, although she would never achieve Kiya’s physical stature.  Keena did not have the bone structure to carry that much muscle.  As she took in the situation, she loosened the daggers that old Balor had made for her.  Small and young she may have been, but she was Kiya’s daughter.  If there was a battle, Keena would play a part there was no doubt.  Her eyes danced with delight at the prospect.

Kon surveyed the room as well.  He had been named for Inarr’s father, and like him, Kon was of a serious mind.  He never frowned but he rarely smiled.  His twin sister was all giggles and light, Kon was all seriousness. 

He scanned the room slowly from side to side.  Each man was noted as were his weapons.  Kon noticed if a man were left-handed or not.  Each man’s position in relation to the rest of the room was duly noted.  The most likely opponent for every man was noted.  Each man’s level of drunkenness was noted as well.  The placement of the tables and benches were also noted.   If a fight started Kon would know where everyone was, and who they might attack first.  He loosened his daggers as well. 

Both children carried weapons made by Balor, the dwarf mage.  These children were the offspring of Kiya and Inarr.  They had been taught self-defense by their parents and their grandfathers, Kai and Silver.   Ketdryn had taught them ways to avoid the attack of a larger and stronger opponent.  Although he was sleight of build like his sister, Kon was beginning to show promise of his father’s stature.  He would probably be the first to drop an opponent for Kon was already dangerous at twelve years of age.

Sit here innkeeper, said Kai as the man brought his food.  Business I would talk with you.  As the innkeeper sat down the room went quiet again, everyone wanted to hear.  Once again Segar’s tale had been interrupted. 

Long years ago, began Kai, I passed this way.  On one of my many journeys, it was.  Slept here I did.  Peaceful it was.  Little peace I had for many turns, so well did I remember the peace of this place.  Vowed I did to come this way again.  Gold have I won at the wars.  Brought the last of it here I have.  To buy this tavern I have brought it.  My grandchildren have I brought to do the work for me as well.    

Keena giggled at this, but Kon silenced her with a look.  He was watching the faces of every man in the room.  Give you a good price, Kai went on.  Ten gold pieces will I pay for this place of peace.  It is the last of my gold.  At the mention of gold the robber band began to pay much closer attention. 

Normally the innkeeper would have feared death at the hands of the robbers if they knew that he had gold.  This was a fair price for the tavern, and it presented him with a chance to escape.  He could take the money and slip out the back way.  The Death Angel and the Elf Queen would prevent any pursuit. 

Done, he said in a shaky voice.  He scooped the bag of gold coins off the table and headed for the cloak peg by the back door.  Guests have you to serve, he said in parting, and welcome to them.  Let that fool deal with Ketdryn and the Death Angel, he would be long gone before dawn, storm or not.

More ale dammit, roared Nothri pounding the table.   Bring the whole bloody cask and be quick about it.  Kai rose and picked up the cask.  Striding to the table he thumped it down.       

Show coin, Dwarf, he said.   Show coin or be off into the night with you.   Nothri grudgingly paid for the ale and Kai grinned as he took the money. 

Kai walked back to the bar and carefully began to clean the great stone slab.  Two of the robbers arose and slipped out the back door, intent on relieving the former innkeeper of his gold.  They met the same fate that he had.

The innkeeper slipped out of the tavern and headed for the rude stable that stood behind it.  He would take the best horse in the stable and head south, not stopping until he found a warmer climate.  Alas it was not to be.  As he entered the stable a band of elves surrounded him.  They took his gold and tied him to a post.  Bound and gagged he hung there fearing for his life.  A few moments later the elves disappeared.

The sound of boots on the snow could be heard, the robbers had followed him to the stables.  They wanted the gold as well, but they wouldn’t get it.  As they entered the stables they were surrounded.  Bound and gagged, they lay glaring up at the elf leader.  Mark me well, she said, any sound you make will be your last it will.   Once again the Elves seemed to disappear. 

Inside the tavern the situation was beginning to deteriorate.

The outlaw leader rose to his feet.   The two men hadn’t returned; they should have been back by now.  Something was seriously wrong here.  Several of the others were drinking heavily.  Damn that dwarf anyway, who’d ever heard of a generous dwarf?  No one, that’s who.  Something was wrong here, and it was time to act.  Enough! he roared drawing his sword.  Everyone against the bar and no one dies. 

His men surged to their feet and drew their weapons.  Against the bar, he roared again, weapons on the floor.  Money on the floor.  Quickly now.  His men were trying to surround the room.  It was not to be.

Hold!  Ketdryn’s voice was like the icy wind outside.  Drop your weapons and live, for now.  She had risen and stepped around the table, her cloak falling to the floor behind her.  There was a hiss of breath as Segar recognized her.  I would prefer not to have a battle here.  Live this night you will, if your weapons hit the floor now.  This or death.  Choose.

The elf queen it is, Segar hissed to his leader.

Shaddap, snarled the leader.  Kill us all will you?  That mighty a fighter, are you?  That good you cannot be if Segar fought you to a standstill.  It is you who will die this night.

I think not, said a deep voice from the corner. 

Inarr rose and strode a few paces forward, shedding his cloak as he went.  He was terrifying to behold.  Stripped to the waist beneath the cloak, he was now standing battle ready.  Inarr had gained nearly forty pounds of bodyweight since the Battle of Bardan’s Keep.  It was all muscle. Taller than the elf queen, and wider than an ox through the shoulders, Inarr was an imposing sight.  He held a long dagger in each hand. 

Surrender in the name of King Brennar and live to face justice, he boomed.  Refuse and die.  I have spoken.

There are only two, said one of the outlaws.

Three, said a voice as cold as Ketdryn’s.  All eyes turned to the old cripple.  Crippled he was no longer.  The cloak was gone as he kicked aside the table.  Silver the Hunter.  Segar began to whimper and back away.  The huge hunter was as he had always been, big, gray-haired, heavily muscled, and scary.

There was a dagger in each of his hands, and his eyes were cold as the northern ice fields.  There was no hint of the weak old man who had entered the tavern.

Four, came an immature female voice.  Five, came an immature male voice, as the twins stepped back and to the sides of the hunter.  Keena was behind and to Silver’s left.  She could defend his back from there and still have a clear path to throw a dagger.  Kon had taken up a similar position to Silver’s right.  He had already marked the man with the throwing knives.

Six! roared Nothri.  With a mighty leap backwards, he landed in the middle of the floor with his axe and shield at the ready.

Seven, said Kai from the bar.  He held that gleaming long sword in his right hand, and a dagger in his left.

Eight, sang a soft musical female voice from the corner.  A tall robbed figure rose and walked toward the center of the room.  Stepping to the middle of the floor Kiya shed the hooded cloak.  Come to me, Segar, she purred, business we have to finish you and I. 

Segar trembled as he looked into the eyes of the Death Angel.  Her daggers leaped into her hands as she motioned him forwards.  Kiya had changed little in the years since the Battle of Bardan’s Keep.  If anything, she was even more striking in appearance.  Segar fainted dead away.  Keena giggled.

Enough, barked Ketdryn, taking a step closer to the outlaw leader.  Choose.  

The outlaw jerked his head at the man with the throwing knives.  Three arms flashed at once.  The man threw the dagger then his eyes bugged out as Ketdryn easily caught the knife that was thrown at her.  She dropped it casually to the floor.  The man’s eyes then rolled back, as he tried to see the hilt of the dagger that protruded from his forehead.  As his eyes rolled back, he slid lifeless to the floor. 

Kon passed his remaining dagger to his right hand; he had already chosen another target.  He’d fastened his eyes on the outlaw leader’s chest.  If the man even twitched he would be dead.  The man leaped at Nothri who was closest to him.  He fell dead to the floor at Nothri’s feet, a dagger in his throat. 

Keena tossed one of her daggers to her brother.  Try not to drop this one will you, she said in Common.   Kon just nodded his thanks as he chose another target.  The other men began to fan out carefully.  They knew the danger they faced here, but they also knew that there would be no hope in Brennar’s court.  The self-appointed king had little mercy for cutthroats.  Death in battle was preferable to hanging, besides, there may yet be a chance to escape.

Ketdryn’s daggers leapt to her hands.   You have chosen your own fate then, she said as she leaped among them.  Nothri was hard at her left hand.  Men scattered and fought in all directions. 

Inarr’s bull roar was heard as he charged the enemy.  He had grown much stronger than Kiya, but she was still faster.  She was among them and had three down before he engaged the first.  The outlaws heard her laughing as she fought.  This alone would have put them to route, but they had nowhere to go. 

Ketdryn was all finesse to Kiya’s power, she was everywhere and nowhere.  She slipped among the enemy disabling men as she went.  No blade came close to her although many tried.   As usual Ketdryn was trying not to kill anyone.  She suddenly found herself in a corner with a leering outlaw poised for a knife thrust. 

For a split second their eyes locked before he lunged.  Ketdryn held his eyes all the way in.  He ended his lunge nose to nose with the elf queen.  Her eyes were hard as stone; his were startled as he looked down to see his own dagger protruding from his heart.  Ketdryn had turned his own blade against him and he had met his fate.   She pushed him away and chose another enemy to engage.

Silver saw the two men closing on him from the left.  He also saw the other coming in from the right.  Keena had taken a step backwards to give her grandfather some room.  She knew that he would protect her first, that was ever his way.  Kon knew this as well so he moved to intercept the man who was on the right.  Silver suddenly exploded into action.  The two men were dead and the other was trying to escape.  Too damn fast to be human, was the man’s last thought as Silver’s dagger pinned him to the floor. 

Silver was back on his feet and positioned in front of the twins again in less than a heartbeat.   As fast as ever, thought Inarr as he watched Silver from the corner of his eye.  The man was just too damn fast to be human.  Inarr’s fist flashed out and brained a man who thought himself to be out of blade range, let alone arm’s reach.  Inarr had a very long reach indeed, as many an enemy had learned to their dismay. 

Ketdryn’s flashing dagger dropped another and now only one man was still standing.  Segar faced the Death Angel. Ketdryn leaped across the room, spinning in mid air as she flew.  In that turn she took in the whole scene.  There were Nothri and Kai drinking ale at the bar.  Silver leaned easily on the shoulders of the twins, and they were hugging him back.  Inarr had stepped back to give his wife room.  

Finish him and have done, Kiya, said Ketdryn.  Let’s put an end to this business.

As you wish, so shall it be my sister, purred Kiya. 

Long years ago Kiya had adopted Ketdryn as her sister and always addressed her that way.  She smiled sweetly into the man’s eyes.  Come to me, she purred.  He leaped at her in a desperate attempt to get past her and reach the door.  Three others had made it out perhaps he could too. 

Kiya easily avoided his rush.  He screamed as her arm slipped around his neck from behind.  No more wild tales from you, Kiya purred.  There was a sickening crack as she broke his neck with a twist of her forearm.  She dropped his body to the floor.  

Ketdryn stepped past her to the door.  Gala, she called.

Here my lady, came a soft voice.  A young elf woman stepped into the room, snow blowing in behind her.  None escaped, she said.  Those who survive are in the stable.  They will cause no more trouble. 

Good.  You have the former innkeeper?

He’s in the stable as well. Shall I bring him to you?

Yes, I have a task for him this night.  At that Gala, first bow of the Twenty, was away to the stable.  For a gentle soul Gala had made a marvelous leader for the elf queen’s own guard, or so the Twenty had appointed themselves.  When Gala returned with the innkeeper, Ketdryn asked, have you questioned him?

Yes my lady, he and the others.  None of them have seen or heard any news of Arion or Gara. 

Ketdryn saw the disappointment in the young woman’s eyes.  The loss of her lover and her brother had turned this gentle woman into an efficient and deadly warrior.  Both Silver and Ketdryn had forsaken their quest to help her search for them.  The Twenty had sworn to follow her as well. The search had brought them to this place where three lines of