Featherdemon
3rd Level Red Feather
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2003
- Messages
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Hello,
Welcome to the second part of my ongoing tribute to the great and the wonderful LBH! 🙂
Part 1:http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=66393
Part 2:http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=66977
This part sees a new player enter the fold:
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The knocking on Mayor Allgoode’s door came at an hour that was ridiculous for all but the most extreme of somnambulists.
KNOCK – KNOCK - KNOCK
At first the good Mayor, as any respectable man would do at such an hour, thought it nothing more than some trick or mischief and ignored it. But the knocking persisted, growing louder and more insistent.
“In the name of all that is Holy, what infernal visitor could be here at such an hour?!”
With the Mayor’s temper getting the better of both his caution and concern, he rolled out of his bed and threw a thick robe around him. The hammering on his front door continued as he dressed. Frowning with growing ill temper, he tread to where his musket rested and plucking it from its brackets on the wall, he went down stairs, storming through the main room and hallway to the front door.
“Who goes there?!” he yelled. “If you be looking for trouble, I can assure you that you will have more than you can handle if I open this door! Stop your blasted hammering and speak if that is your wish, or you will feel the fury of iron ball and gun powder!”
“Mayor Allgoode,” said a rich male voice. “Forgive my horrid intrusion, but I am helpless to do anything but to knock at this time. I must speak with you urgently and I would appreciate if you would allow me to come in.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Larom.”
“I don’t recognise your name and I know most of Tabor’s folk.”
“I am not from Tabor,” said Larom. “My duty has brought me to the fair town – duty and a growing concern.”
The Mayor frowned. “Concern for what?” he asked.
There was a pause.
“Speak!”
“May I beg of you an audience in side for I would rather not shout through a door?” said Larom. “I promise you I am not here to cause trouble.”
“Step back from the door and do not make any sudden movements or I will drop you where you stand, are we clear?”
“Perfectly,” said Larom.
Mayor Allgoode unlocked the door, keeping his musket in one hand. He pulled the door open and stood quickly back. Instantly the musket was back in both hands aimed at the large figure that filled up the door frame.
“You’re no man!”
“No, sir, I am not,” said Larom, “and with due respect I have never claimed to be.”
Larom stood just shy of seven feet tall, if he was an inch, and was broader in the shoulders than any creature the Mayor had ever seen. Larom was dressed in thick wool pants and knee length leather boots, though who could have made clothes to fit such a large figure was beyond the Mayor. But it was Larom’s face, so feline and feral, covered in golden fur and sporting a tri-forked beard that caught the Mayor’s eyes. Even beneath the hooded cloak it was easy to see the massive bulk and muscle that filled Larom’s form. His giant hands were at his back, making him seem a little terrifying.
It was sight that could drive a lesser man to his knees in fear.
Mayor Allgoode was not a lesser man.
“Hah,” he said fearlessly, “as tall as a mountain you may be, but if you think I will be cowed by you, then you under estimate me!”
Larom nodded and smiled. “Iron runs through you with blood as equal measure, sir,” said Larom. “There is strength in you that is instantly noticeable to my eye; it is one that reveals you as a worthy leader. It is a virtue mirrored in the virtues of the town you run.”
“Do not waste honeyed words on me,” said the Mayor. “You will find they will not sway me any more than your appearance will put fear in me.”
“I did not come here to put fear in your sir, if that is indeed possible,” said Larom. “And I meant every word that I have spoken. I do not need to give false praise, for like you it matters little to me how people take what I say. I say what I say because I think it the truth.”
The Mayor smiled. “Honesty,” he said, “now that is better.”
Larom nodded. “I came only to speak with you and while I would prefer not to have a musket aimed at me for its duration, I will accept that as the price for our chat.”
“What are you?”
“A Kat,” said Larom, “but more importantly I am someone in need of your help.”
Mayor Allgoode took a moment to regard Larom; he was a massive figure and looked strong enough to break down the door he had so patiently knocked on. Yet more importantly, the Mayor believed his words. Larom would have no reason to lie.
Taking a step back, the Mayor beckoned Larom inside with a wave of the musket. “Come in then Larom,” he said, “and make it quick for I have need of sleep.”
Larom nodded ducked under the door frame to step into the house. The Mayor led him into his living room and had him sit on the couch. The fire was lit, the growing tongues of fire flaring in the darkness of the room with a soft flickering light – a light in which Larom’s golden eyes sparkled.
“Speak, Larom the Kat,” said the Mayor, sitting in a chair opposite, gun still pointed at Larom. “You said duty and concern brought you here.”
“That is correct, sir.”
“Concern for what?” asked the Mayor.
“Concern for the one I serve,” said Larom, his voice soft. “She came to these parts a couple of days ago and I have not been able to find her since. My duty is to find her and to keep her safe but it seems I may have failed in that duty.”
“What is her name?”
“Gedan,” said Larom.
The Mayor shook his head. “I do not know that name,” he said. “What does she look like?”
Larom smiled. “You would know her if you saw her,” he said.
“And you think I know where she is?”
Larom shook his head. “I thought you might have heard rumour of her or even seen her,” he said. “As the local authority I thought it prudent to come to see you first. I understand there is a sheriff here but I could not find her.”
The Mayor nodded. “She is out on business,” he said. “She has reported many strange things, some of it Bogey related and some of it not, but she has not mentioned anything as singular as this Gedan you describe.”
Larom sighed. “Unfortunate,” he said.
“Forgive me Larom,” said the Mayor, “but there is more than duty and concern for this Gedan driving you. This is personal for is it not?”
Larom paused, a tiny fleck of irritation on his face but it faded. “You see things well,” he said.
“More than anything else, I would say it is your love for this Gedan that has brought you here. Would I be correct in saying that?”
“Yes,” said Larom. “I do love her, but she is not my lover. It is a kindred love that I have for her, as well as a reverent one. She is very precious to me Sir, and I cannot imagine how I will go on if she is lost.”
The Mayor nodded and lowered the musket to the floor. “I can respect that,” he said.
Larom settled back into the chair. “She is the reason I am at your door,” he said.
“You could have come to see me in the morning and avoided all of this drama. I am not used to people banging on my door at such an hour.”
“I did not want to bring unnecessary attention to myself,” said Larom. “I thought it better to come at this time.”
“Understandable,” said the Mayor and chuckled. “Looking the way you do, you would likely be mistaken for a Bogey and that would only lead to mischief or madness – either way, we have both in abundance as it is.”
Larom nodded.
The Mayor, feeling a little surer of things now, poured himself and Larom a drink of wine. “Who is this Gedan to you?” he asked.
“My Queen,” said Larom, sipping the wine.
The Mayor froze. “She is your Queen?”
Larom nodded.
“I know of know of no such royalty by that name.”
“We are from a land distant,” said Larom.
“What is the name of your Kingdom?”
“It has no name you would recognise but it is infamous for what is done there,” said Larom. “But with respect Sir, I think it is better if I speak less of it, lest I undo your trust.”
The Mayor frowned. “Then who is your King?”
Again Larom hesitated.
“Why do you not answer?”
“If I speak his name you will likely cast me out of your house,” said Larom.
The Mayor shrugged. “If you say so,” he said. “Can you at least tell me how you came to lose this Gedan?”
Larom took a sip of wine and sighed. “She likes to travel, does Gedan,” he said and smiled. “She likes to see new sights and help people here and there, whenever and where ever she can, in fact. She has this constant need to save people. She came to Tabor County three days ago. I serve as her protector as best I can, but she disappeared from my care while I was securing our camp. Normally I am able to track her scent anywhere but…I can no longer trace her and it worries me.”
“If she looks anything like you, she would have been noticed here,” said the Mayor. “I fear you may be tracking a cold case.”
Larom’s brow furrowed. “What about the neighbouring land?” he asked.
“There are other towns you can try,” said the Mayor, “but if something ill has befallen her then you may wish to try the Low Roads.”
“That name carries much infamy around here, does it not?”
“That is does,” said the Mayor. “Do not expect much kindness or law down there. It is a dark and vile place, riddled with danger and creatures of wicked, insatiable hunger. Bogeys roam those roads and in greater numbers. If I told you half of what I have heard, it would make your face ashen.”
Larom frowned. “I will seek her there,” he said, “and pray nothing has befallen her.”
The Mayor’s frown softened. “You have my sympathy Larom,” he said. “I have lost someone too – to a cause beyond my control and my understanding.”
Larom’s eyes looked at the Mayor anew, searching the old man’s eyes. “Indeed you have,” he said softly. “I understand there is trouble rife in Tabor.”
“Aye, trouble that has long run deep in the county’s veins but now something is stirring it up and I feel a storm is coming.” The Mayor shook his head. “But we will weather as best we can, as we always have done.”
Larom nodded.
“I’m sorry that I cannot help you Larom,” said the Mayor. “I will keep an eye out for you though. Will you be in Tabor for long?”
“Until my duty is complete,” said Larom.
“How may I contact you if I get news of her?”
For a moment Larom didn’t answer, as if assessing the Mayor and the sincerity of his offer. Then a loud purr rose from Larom’s throat and filled the room and a smile lit his face so bright it almost seemed ridiculous on such a figure.
“You would do this for me?”
The Mayor nodded. “I would ease your pain, if I can.”
“If you could leave a note on your gate with my name on it, that will be sufficient,” said Larom.
“Consider it done.”
Larom rose to his feet and bowed his head formally. “Thank you Mayor Allgoode, you have been very kind.”
The Mayor smiled. “That is a practiced gesture,” he said. “Are you in the military, Larom? Certainly you have had training.”
Larom smiled. “I am the Gold General, an order of Kats dedicated to protecting Gedan,” he said as if it were nothing. “Yet it has been a while since I have had to leave our home. It has been even longer since I met a man with the strength you possess, good sir.”
“We Allgoode’s are a sturdy stock,” said the Mayor. “It runs through my beloved daughter too.”
Larom smiled gently, picking up on the sadness in the Mayor’s voice. “Is there something I can do for you in return for your kindness?”
The Mayor shook his head sadly. “No,” he said, “that which I want is lost to me…”
Memories flickered before the Mayor’s eyes of his long lost Sally. A sadness long borne welled up and touched his face. It furrowed his brow and watered his eyes. For a moment he forgot his company a single tear broke the steel of his countenance.
Larom moved over to him silently and kneeling before the Mayor placed a hand, big enough to enclose a human head, gently on the Mayor’s shoulder. When the Mayor looked up he found kindness in those feral looking eyes that spoke more than any words.
“Forgive my display,” said the Mayor, patting Larom’s massive hand.
“Think nothing of it,” said Loam. “You bare your grief stoically.”
The Mayor laughed and took another drink from his glass. He rose from his seat and moved to the mantelpiece. He picked up a picture of his daughter and as usual sent his love to her, hoping that such things could travel so far.
“She is my life, Larom,” said the Mayor. “So far away but I feel her as keenly as I do the heat from the fire.”
Larom rose, smiling. “It is a strong bond,” he said.
“Aye…”
The Mayor’s face darkened. “Some that we think are strong are fragile and can be broken even against all your wishes.”
“If I could give you back what you have lost, I would,” said Larom softly.
“Thank you.”
Larom thoughts for a moment, thinking on the man’s kindness and then said, “I have nothing to give in return except a promise.”
The Mayor frowned and turned to face Larom. “A promise?” he asked.
“I promise you this, Mayor Allgoode,” said Larom in manner which sounded more like a sworn oath than anything else. “I will find Gedan and when I do, I will tell her of your kindness. She will not let it go unrewarded.”
“I do not need money.”
“Not would she offer it,” said Larom with a smile. “But who knows what boon you may require in the future and my Queen has many gifts at her disposal.”
“Like what?”
Larom chuckled. “Like me.”
The Mayor laughed heartily. “You talk like a warrior Larom,” he said. “It warms my heart to hear but you are too kind. I do not yet know what peril Tabor will face.”
“Of course,” said Larom with a chuckle. “That day is still far off and I still have to find Gedan before anything else can be said. But, if that terrible day arrives and you are in need and battle is at your gates, I can think of worse allies to have than me at your side.”
The Mayor smiled. “First, find this Queen Gedan, and then we will see.”
“Of course sir, I will—“
Of a sudden Larom stopped, his ears twitching.
“What is it?” asked the Mayor.
“We have more visitors.”
“More?”
Larom nodded. “I was followed here, it seems,” said Larom, “and whoever they are, they now feel it appropriate to make their presence known. Apologies Mayor Allgoode, I have brought more disruption to your night.”
The Mayor grabbed his musket. “Then let us greet them.”
Larom smiled. “There are…six of them clustering outside your front door,” he said and then looking at the Mayor, the smile thinned. “Sir, there are three at the rear kitchen door. You must go there and deal with them. Allow me to deal with the ones at your door.”
The Mayor nodded and clutching his powder horn and musket rounds, he hurried off through the hall.
Once he was gone, Larom stepped up to the front door. He put his hood up and bared his teeth before he opened the door and greeted the six cloaked figures standing there. At sight of one so large and fierce, the six figures, huddled silhouettes in heavy night, paused. Larom stepped forward and closed the door behind him.
“What business do you have here?” growled Larom.
“Opportunity presented itself for us to take advantage of the Mayor’s solitary nature,” said the leader. “That dratted sheriff is no where to be seen and no law will hold us this night. We will be helping ourselves to the fanciest of his treasures.”
“I advise you find easier pickings.”
“You will be moving out of our way or you will suffer the worst of it.”
From behind Larom came the sound of a musket firing and frightened squeals.
“Your friends have met with ill luck,” said Larom, his voice calm but heavy. “You will suffer far worse if you do not leave.”
Another shout of hah! came from the kitchen as Mayor got the better of another foe.
It gave the men pause for thought. Larom’s mind raced in the moment. These were opportunistic thieves, little more, and they would certainly come back again another night to finish the job if they failed tonight.
The leader of the six edged forward, staring at Larom. “You are a fierce one indeed,” he said, “but there is no murder in your eyes. You do not have it in you.”
Larom leaned closer and glared at the silhouetted figure. “But I see murder in your eyes, human,” he snarled. “I can smell blood on you. I see the Mayor is not the first prey of the evening.”
The leader snickered. “And what of it?” he said.
Larom’s face hardened a little. The Mayor was no fool and no weakling but could he handle six? And could Larom allow that situation to develop. The fact that these men had all ready spilled blood made it an easier choice of how he was going to deal with them.
“Leave now or this attempt will be your last,” said Larom.
Two of the silhouettes lost the stomach for it and fled into the darkened streets. Four remained however, each drawing cruel looking blades from their cloaks.
“You are right about one thing,” said Larom. “I haven’t killed in a very long time. I am not permitted to take your life this night - even shedding blood is frowned upon without the express permission of my Lord.”
The leader snickered. “Then what good are you?” he asked.
“Are you brave enough to find out?”
For a moment the four cloaked would-be intruders seemed to give the situation grave thought. Even with his massive size, Larom guessed that the humans in front of him figured it an easy kill. Yet neither one of them was brave enough to be the first to attack.
Another musket shot rang from the other side of the house and each of the cloaked humans started at the sudden sound.
It was all Larom needed.
He took a single breath, held it and then attacked. Moving forward with inhuman speed, Larom struck the leader firmly in the sternum with the flat of his massive palm, sending bouncing and rolling away. Half a second later Larom spun around to his right kicking out the legs of the next. A chop to the ribs disabled the third and the fourth crumbled to a pulled uppercut to the solar plexus. Two seconds had passed and all four of the humans were on the floor groaning, bleeding in some cases, but still alive.
Larom smiled. “Leave,” he said, “and do not come back. You each have kept your life and that is more than your desire warrants. If you return to this place at any time, the Mayor will kill you – believe it.”
Three of them scampered off without hesitation for one remained.
“Away with you,” said Larom.
“I...cannot catch my breath…”
Larom walked forward and with a gentle touch lifted the wounded attacker in one hand. “Where are you hurt?”
“Chest,” said the man.
Larom placed a hand on the attacker’s chest. “You have a broken rib, but it has not punctured anything. Give me your name, lad.”
“Rinn,” he said.
“How old are you?”
“16,” said the man.
“Well Rinn,” said Larom. “I hope the pain you feel has taught you a lesson. On another night you may have lost your life.”
Larom’s hand grew warm and a moment later there was a soft crack as the broken rib righted itself. Rinn, jumping at the sound, noticed immediately the absence of pain. He stared at Larom.
“W-what are you?”
“No one of interest,” said Larom.
“Y-you just unbroken my rib!” said Rinn.
Larom nodded. “An act of kindness I hope will spark other similar acts in you,” he said. “I trust I will not have cause to come and see you again. I will not be so inclined to heal your wounds next time.”
Rinn nodded, half grinning and bewildered, then rushed into the darkened streets.
Grinning and happy that he’d not had to seriously hurt any of them, Larom turned and finding the door unlocked stepped back into the home. The Mayor was there, musket in hand, a triumphant smile on his face.
“All clear?” asked Larom.
“They won’t come here again,” said the Mayor. “How about here?”
“No problems.”
The Mayor lowered his musket. “Than you for your aide, Larom the Kat, I am indebted to you,” he said. “As for the location of your missing Queen, I have no guess but if you must try the Low Roads, I can tell you the quickest way to get there.”
Larom nodded. “Thank you.”
“Tell me,” said the Mayor. “What will happen if you find your Queen hurt or mistreated?”
Larom looked away. “Bad things,” he said, “very bad things.”
“Should I be worried for Tabor?”
Larom shook his head. “Not for that reason,” he said. “You have trouble enough on your door, sir. All I have I said I will stick too and Gedan will know of your kindness. Thank you for your patronage, Mayor Allgoode.”
The two of them shook hands and Larom left the Mayor’s house, no closer to finding Gedan but fearing more for what might have befallen her.
:lol:lol
Welcome to the second part of my ongoing tribute to the great and the wonderful LBH! 🙂
Part 1:http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=66393
Part 2:http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=66977
This part sees a new player enter the fold:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The knocking on Mayor Allgoode’s door came at an hour that was ridiculous for all but the most extreme of somnambulists.
KNOCK – KNOCK - KNOCK
At first the good Mayor, as any respectable man would do at such an hour, thought it nothing more than some trick or mischief and ignored it. But the knocking persisted, growing louder and more insistent.
“In the name of all that is Holy, what infernal visitor could be here at such an hour?!”
With the Mayor’s temper getting the better of both his caution and concern, he rolled out of his bed and threw a thick robe around him. The hammering on his front door continued as he dressed. Frowning with growing ill temper, he tread to where his musket rested and plucking it from its brackets on the wall, he went down stairs, storming through the main room and hallway to the front door.
“Who goes there?!” he yelled. “If you be looking for trouble, I can assure you that you will have more than you can handle if I open this door! Stop your blasted hammering and speak if that is your wish, or you will feel the fury of iron ball and gun powder!”
“Mayor Allgoode,” said a rich male voice. “Forgive my horrid intrusion, but I am helpless to do anything but to knock at this time. I must speak with you urgently and I would appreciate if you would allow me to come in.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Larom.”
“I don’t recognise your name and I know most of Tabor’s folk.”
“I am not from Tabor,” said Larom. “My duty has brought me to the fair town – duty and a growing concern.”
The Mayor frowned. “Concern for what?” he asked.
There was a pause.
“Speak!”
“May I beg of you an audience in side for I would rather not shout through a door?” said Larom. “I promise you I am not here to cause trouble.”
“Step back from the door and do not make any sudden movements or I will drop you where you stand, are we clear?”
“Perfectly,” said Larom.
Mayor Allgoode unlocked the door, keeping his musket in one hand. He pulled the door open and stood quickly back. Instantly the musket was back in both hands aimed at the large figure that filled up the door frame.
“You’re no man!”
“No, sir, I am not,” said Larom, “and with due respect I have never claimed to be.”
Larom stood just shy of seven feet tall, if he was an inch, and was broader in the shoulders than any creature the Mayor had ever seen. Larom was dressed in thick wool pants and knee length leather boots, though who could have made clothes to fit such a large figure was beyond the Mayor. But it was Larom’s face, so feline and feral, covered in golden fur and sporting a tri-forked beard that caught the Mayor’s eyes. Even beneath the hooded cloak it was easy to see the massive bulk and muscle that filled Larom’s form. His giant hands were at his back, making him seem a little terrifying.
It was sight that could drive a lesser man to his knees in fear.
Mayor Allgoode was not a lesser man.
“Hah,” he said fearlessly, “as tall as a mountain you may be, but if you think I will be cowed by you, then you under estimate me!”
Larom nodded and smiled. “Iron runs through you with blood as equal measure, sir,” said Larom. “There is strength in you that is instantly noticeable to my eye; it is one that reveals you as a worthy leader. It is a virtue mirrored in the virtues of the town you run.”
“Do not waste honeyed words on me,” said the Mayor. “You will find they will not sway me any more than your appearance will put fear in me.”
“I did not come here to put fear in your sir, if that is indeed possible,” said Larom. “And I meant every word that I have spoken. I do not need to give false praise, for like you it matters little to me how people take what I say. I say what I say because I think it the truth.”
The Mayor smiled. “Honesty,” he said, “now that is better.”
Larom nodded. “I came only to speak with you and while I would prefer not to have a musket aimed at me for its duration, I will accept that as the price for our chat.”
“What are you?”
“A Kat,” said Larom, “but more importantly I am someone in need of your help.”
Mayor Allgoode took a moment to regard Larom; he was a massive figure and looked strong enough to break down the door he had so patiently knocked on. Yet more importantly, the Mayor believed his words. Larom would have no reason to lie.
Taking a step back, the Mayor beckoned Larom inside with a wave of the musket. “Come in then Larom,” he said, “and make it quick for I have need of sleep.”
Larom nodded ducked under the door frame to step into the house. The Mayor led him into his living room and had him sit on the couch. The fire was lit, the growing tongues of fire flaring in the darkness of the room with a soft flickering light – a light in which Larom’s golden eyes sparkled.
“Speak, Larom the Kat,” said the Mayor, sitting in a chair opposite, gun still pointed at Larom. “You said duty and concern brought you here.”
“That is correct, sir.”
“Concern for what?” asked the Mayor.
“Concern for the one I serve,” said Larom, his voice soft. “She came to these parts a couple of days ago and I have not been able to find her since. My duty is to find her and to keep her safe but it seems I may have failed in that duty.”
“What is her name?”
“Gedan,” said Larom.
The Mayor shook his head. “I do not know that name,” he said. “What does she look like?”
Larom smiled. “You would know her if you saw her,” he said.
“And you think I know where she is?”
Larom shook his head. “I thought you might have heard rumour of her or even seen her,” he said. “As the local authority I thought it prudent to come to see you first. I understand there is a sheriff here but I could not find her.”
The Mayor nodded. “She is out on business,” he said. “She has reported many strange things, some of it Bogey related and some of it not, but she has not mentioned anything as singular as this Gedan you describe.”
Larom sighed. “Unfortunate,” he said.
“Forgive me Larom,” said the Mayor, “but there is more than duty and concern for this Gedan driving you. This is personal for is it not?”
Larom paused, a tiny fleck of irritation on his face but it faded. “You see things well,” he said.
“More than anything else, I would say it is your love for this Gedan that has brought you here. Would I be correct in saying that?”
“Yes,” said Larom. “I do love her, but she is not my lover. It is a kindred love that I have for her, as well as a reverent one. She is very precious to me Sir, and I cannot imagine how I will go on if she is lost.”
The Mayor nodded and lowered the musket to the floor. “I can respect that,” he said.
Larom settled back into the chair. “She is the reason I am at your door,” he said.
“You could have come to see me in the morning and avoided all of this drama. I am not used to people banging on my door at such an hour.”
“I did not want to bring unnecessary attention to myself,” said Larom. “I thought it better to come at this time.”
“Understandable,” said the Mayor and chuckled. “Looking the way you do, you would likely be mistaken for a Bogey and that would only lead to mischief or madness – either way, we have both in abundance as it is.”
Larom nodded.
The Mayor, feeling a little surer of things now, poured himself and Larom a drink of wine. “Who is this Gedan to you?” he asked.
“My Queen,” said Larom, sipping the wine.
The Mayor froze. “She is your Queen?”
Larom nodded.
“I know of know of no such royalty by that name.”
“We are from a land distant,” said Larom.
“What is the name of your Kingdom?”
“It has no name you would recognise but it is infamous for what is done there,” said Larom. “But with respect Sir, I think it is better if I speak less of it, lest I undo your trust.”
The Mayor frowned. “Then who is your King?”
Again Larom hesitated.
“Why do you not answer?”
“If I speak his name you will likely cast me out of your house,” said Larom.
The Mayor shrugged. “If you say so,” he said. “Can you at least tell me how you came to lose this Gedan?”
Larom took a sip of wine and sighed. “She likes to travel, does Gedan,” he said and smiled. “She likes to see new sights and help people here and there, whenever and where ever she can, in fact. She has this constant need to save people. She came to Tabor County three days ago. I serve as her protector as best I can, but she disappeared from my care while I was securing our camp. Normally I am able to track her scent anywhere but…I can no longer trace her and it worries me.”
“If she looks anything like you, she would have been noticed here,” said the Mayor. “I fear you may be tracking a cold case.”
Larom’s brow furrowed. “What about the neighbouring land?” he asked.
“There are other towns you can try,” said the Mayor, “but if something ill has befallen her then you may wish to try the Low Roads.”
“That name carries much infamy around here, does it not?”
“That is does,” said the Mayor. “Do not expect much kindness or law down there. It is a dark and vile place, riddled with danger and creatures of wicked, insatiable hunger. Bogeys roam those roads and in greater numbers. If I told you half of what I have heard, it would make your face ashen.”
Larom frowned. “I will seek her there,” he said, “and pray nothing has befallen her.”
The Mayor’s frown softened. “You have my sympathy Larom,” he said. “I have lost someone too – to a cause beyond my control and my understanding.”
Larom’s eyes looked at the Mayor anew, searching the old man’s eyes. “Indeed you have,” he said softly. “I understand there is trouble rife in Tabor.”
“Aye, trouble that has long run deep in the county’s veins but now something is stirring it up and I feel a storm is coming.” The Mayor shook his head. “But we will weather as best we can, as we always have done.”
Larom nodded.
“I’m sorry that I cannot help you Larom,” said the Mayor. “I will keep an eye out for you though. Will you be in Tabor for long?”
“Until my duty is complete,” said Larom.
“How may I contact you if I get news of her?”
For a moment Larom didn’t answer, as if assessing the Mayor and the sincerity of his offer. Then a loud purr rose from Larom’s throat and filled the room and a smile lit his face so bright it almost seemed ridiculous on such a figure.
“You would do this for me?”
The Mayor nodded. “I would ease your pain, if I can.”
“If you could leave a note on your gate with my name on it, that will be sufficient,” said Larom.
“Consider it done.”
Larom rose to his feet and bowed his head formally. “Thank you Mayor Allgoode, you have been very kind.”
The Mayor smiled. “That is a practiced gesture,” he said. “Are you in the military, Larom? Certainly you have had training.”
Larom smiled. “I am the Gold General, an order of Kats dedicated to protecting Gedan,” he said as if it were nothing. “Yet it has been a while since I have had to leave our home. It has been even longer since I met a man with the strength you possess, good sir.”
“We Allgoode’s are a sturdy stock,” said the Mayor. “It runs through my beloved daughter too.”
Larom smiled gently, picking up on the sadness in the Mayor’s voice. “Is there something I can do for you in return for your kindness?”
The Mayor shook his head sadly. “No,” he said, “that which I want is lost to me…”
Memories flickered before the Mayor’s eyes of his long lost Sally. A sadness long borne welled up and touched his face. It furrowed his brow and watered his eyes. For a moment he forgot his company a single tear broke the steel of his countenance.
Larom moved over to him silently and kneeling before the Mayor placed a hand, big enough to enclose a human head, gently on the Mayor’s shoulder. When the Mayor looked up he found kindness in those feral looking eyes that spoke more than any words.
“Forgive my display,” said the Mayor, patting Larom’s massive hand.
“Think nothing of it,” said Loam. “You bare your grief stoically.”
The Mayor laughed and took another drink from his glass. He rose from his seat and moved to the mantelpiece. He picked up a picture of his daughter and as usual sent his love to her, hoping that such things could travel so far.
“She is my life, Larom,” said the Mayor. “So far away but I feel her as keenly as I do the heat from the fire.”
Larom rose, smiling. “It is a strong bond,” he said.
“Aye…”
The Mayor’s face darkened. “Some that we think are strong are fragile and can be broken even against all your wishes.”
“If I could give you back what you have lost, I would,” said Larom softly.
“Thank you.”
Larom thoughts for a moment, thinking on the man’s kindness and then said, “I have nothing to give in return except a promise.”
The Mayor frowned and turned to face Larom. “A promise?” he asked.
“I promise you this, Mayor Allgoode,” said Larom in manner which sounded more like a sworn oath than anything else. “I will find Gedan and when I do, I will tell her of your kindness. She will not let it go unrewarded.”
“I do not need money.”
“Not would she offer it,” said Larom with a smile. “But who knows what boon you may require in the future and my Queen has many gifts at her disposal.”
“Like what?”
Larom chuckled. “Like me.”
The Mayor laughed heartily. “You talk like a warrior Larom,” he said. “It warms my heart to hear but you are too kind. I do not yet know what peril Tabor will face.”
“Of course,” said Larom with a chuckle. “That day is still far off and I still have to find Gedan before anything else can be said. But, if that terrible day arrives and you are in need and battle is at your gates, I can think of worse allies to have than me at your side.”
The Mayor smiled. “First, find this Queen Gedan, and then we will see.”
“Of course sir, I will—“
Of a sudden Larom stopped, his ears twitching.
“What is it?” asked the Mayor.
“We have more visitors.”
“More?”
Larom nodded. “I was followed here, it seems,” said Larom, “and whoever they are, they now feel it appropriate to make their presence known. Apologies Mayor Allgoode, I have brought more disruption to your night.”
The Mayor grabbed his musket. “Then let us greet them.”
Larom smiled. “There are…six of them clustering outside your front door,” he said and then looking at the Mayor, the smile thinned. “Sir, there are three at the rear kitchen door. You must go there and deal with them. Allow me to deal with the ones at your door.”
The Mayor nodded and clutching his powder horn and musket rounds, he hurried off through the hall.
Once he was gone, Larom stepped up to the front door. He put his hood up and bared his teeth before he opened the door and greeted the six cloaked figures standing there. At sight of one so large and fierce, the six figures, huddled silhouettes in heavy night, paused. Larom stepped forward and closed the door behind him.
“What business do you have here?” growled Larom.
“Opportunity presented itself for us to take advantage of the Mayor’s solitary nature,” said the leader. “That dratted sheriff is no where to be seen and no law will hold us this night. We will be helping ourselves to the fanciest of his treasures.”
“I advise you find easier pickings.”
“You will be moving out of our way or you will suffer the worst of it.”
From behind Larom came the sound of a musket firing and frightened squeals.
“Your friends have met with ill luck,” said Larom, his voice calm but heavy. “You will suffer far worse if you do not leave.”
Another shout of hah! came from the kitchen as Mayor got the better of another foe.
It gave the men pause for thought. Larom’s mind raced in the moment. These were opportunistic thieves, little more, and they would certainly come back again another night to finish the job if they failed tonight.
The leader of the six edged forward, staring at Larom. “You are a fierce one indeed,” he said, “but there is no murder in your eyes. You do not have it in you.”
Larom leaned closer and glared at the silhouetted figure. “But I see murder in your eyes, human,” he snarled. “I can smell blood on you. I see the Mayor is not the first prey of the evening.”
The leader snickered. “And what of it?” he said.
Larom’s face hardened a little. The Mayor was no fool and no weakling but could he handle six? And could Larom allow that situation to develop. The fact that these men had all ready spilled blood made it an easier choice of how he was going to deal with them.
“Leave now or this attempt will be your last,” said Larom.
Two of the silhouettes lost the stomach for it and fled into the darkened streets. Four remained however, each drawing cruel looking blades from their cloaks.
“You are right about one thing,” said Larom. “I haven’t killed in a very long time. I am not permitted to take your life this night - even shedding blood is frowned upon without the express permission of my Lord.”
The leader snickered. “Then what good are you?” he asked.
“Are you brave enough to find out?”
For a moment the four cloaked would-be intruders seemed to give the situation grave thought. Even with his massive size, Larom guessed that the humans in front of him figured it an easy kill. Yet neither one of them was brave enough to be the first to attack.
Another musket shot rang from the other side of the house and each of the cloaked humans started at the sudden sound.
It was all Larom needed.
He took a single breath, held it and then attacked. Moving forward with inhuman speed, Larom struck the leader firmly in the sternum with the flat of his massive palm, sending bouncing and rolling away. Half a second later Larom spun around to his right kicking out the legs of the next. A chop to the ribs disabled the third and the fourth crumbled to a pulled uppercut to the solar plexus. Two seconds had passed and all four of the humans were on the floor groaning, bleeding in some cases, but still alive.
Larom smiled. “Leave,” he said, “and do not come back. You each have kept your life and that is more than your desire warrants. If you return to this place at any time, the Mayor will kill you – believe it.”
Three of them scampered off without hesitation for one remained.
“Away with you,” said Larom.
“I...cannot catch my breath…”
Larom walked forward and with a gentle touch lifted the wounded attacker in one hand. “Where are you hurt?”
“Chest,” said the man.
Larom placed a hand on the attacker’s chest. “You have a broken rib, but it has not punctured anything. Give me your name, lad.”
“Rinn,” he said.
“How old are you?”
“16,” said the man.
“Well Rinn,” said Larom. “I hope the pain you feel has taught you a lesson. On another night you may have lost your life.”
Larom’s hand grew warm and a moment later there was a soft crack as the broken rib righted itself. Rinn, jumping at the sound, noticed immediately the absence of pain. He stared at Larom.
“W-what are you?”
“No one of interest,” said Larom.
“Y-you just unbroken my rib!” said Rinn.
Larom nodded. “An act of kindness I hope will spark other similar acts in you,” he said. “I trust I will not have cause to come and see you again. I will not be so inclined to heal your wounds next time.”
Rinn nodded, half grinning and bewildered, then rushed into the darkened streets.
Grinning and happy that he’d not had to seriously hurt any of them, Larom turned and finding the door unlocked stepped back into the home. The Mayor was there, musket in hand, a triumphant smile on his face.
“All clear?” asked Larom.
“They won’t come here again,” said the Mayor. “How about here?”
“No problems.”
The Mayor lowered his musket. “Than you for your aide, Larom the Kat, I am indebted to you,” he said. “As for the location of your missing Queen, I have no guess but if you must try the Low Roads, I can tell you the quickest way to get there.”
Larom nodded. “Thank you.”
“Tell me,” said the Mayor. “What will happen if you find your Queen hurt or mistreated?”
Larom looked away. “Bad things,” he said, “very bad things.”
“Should I be worried for Tabor?”
Larom shook his head. “Not for that reason,” he said. “You have trouble enough on your door, sir. All I have I said I will stick too and Gedan will know of your kindness. Thank you for your patronage, Mayor Allgoode.”
The two of them shook hands and Larom left the Mayor’s house, no closer to finding Gedan but fearing more for what might have befallen her.
:lol:lol
