10 Chapter 10

Clad in fine silver armour, the captain of the lord's guard was leading a party of guests through the elegantly decorated halls of his master's castle.

Gorgeous paintings and beautifully crafted sculptures filled the guests' minds with awe and admiration towards the famed kind lord of the North. The heads of several handsome stags and ferocious bears and mountain lions spoke of the lord's powerful strength alongside his great wealth.

"Lord Bane is a righteous man, he will certainly satisfy your request but I warn you, do not waste his time with made-up nonsense.

Speak only the truth, with no deceit or exaggerations. The consequences of doing so are too great for you to bear." The captain advised solemnly.

In the past a band of swindlers had attempted to take advantage of the kind lord and rob him off his riches.

Ignorant to the attempt to steal from Lord Bane, several powerful families had approached the lord for an audience a few days later.

Upon returning to their lands they immediately gathered their son's and daughters. Their words spread swiftly to the common people.

Seated atop his noble throne the lord had calmly addressed his visitors. His grey eyes reflected only benevolence and he smiled warmly at his guests.

It was as if the tens of decapitated faces, impaled so forcefully upon long spears that the spearheads had burst through the tops of the victims' heads, did not lay at his feet.

Since that day, no trickster had sullied the lord's gaze.

"You shall keep your composure in front of the lord. Do not allow anything but respect to enter your tone!

I do not care what hardship you are facing, if you insult his lordship, I will drag you to the dungeons myself!" The captain announced coldly. He did not hide the maliciousness in his eyes as he glowered at each member of the group one after the other.

Lowering his voice the captain of the guard hissed, "We are here. Address the lord as master or your lordship, do not test my patience!"

The guests stood meekly at the huge set of doors leading into the main hall. Only the leader of the party did not show nervousness on his face, but he was secretly gritting his teeth to the point they throbbed painfully.

Two guards, the majority of their faces hidden beneath heavy visors, guarded either door. Their shining armour and icy blue eyes exuded an indomitable might.

Nodding respectfully to the guard captain, both guards turned in perfect synchronization and grasped the snarling beast heads that served as door handles.

Bright light momentarily blinded the guests' eyes, the guard captain and the two heavy-armoured knights skillfully closed their eyes in advance to avoid the loss of sight.

The roof of the lord's hall was constructed entirely of gorgeous and transparent glass. The sun's brightness constantly streamed in through the ceiling and warmed the grand hall.

Truly vanquishing the icy chill of winter was nigh impossible. To the guests' however it seemed as if the lord had command over the elements themselves. Within the lord's grand hall the dominating frost that covered the lands, could not find a foothold.

Amicable was the first word that came to mind upon seeing Lord Bane. The gentle smile on his face added to his handsome features and he had the muscular physique of a knight despite his lofty title. Everything about him exuded a kind and calm stability.

Only after they had been momentarily mesmerized by the lord's noble disposition and charm, did the guests' cast their gazes to the rows of elite soldiers lining either side of his throne.

"My dear guests, tell me, how was your journey here? I will send some of my soldiers to accompany you on your return, perhaps you can teach them a little of the world beyond these boring stone walls." The lord joked. His voice was deep and smooth.

Subconsciously everyone in the room had focused their attention on his voice as he spoke. This was the unique and alluring charm brought about by his status.

To get where he was today the lord had fought with tooth and claw. Although on the surface he appeared kind and without flaws, any wise man knew that his hands were soaked in blood.

"Your lordship, we of the Rahuken village thank you for your generous audience. Although we know your treasuries overflow with gold, we bring you a golden-dew blossom as a token of our appreciation." The leader of the party replied with a tone entrenched in respect. Thick wrinkles and varying purple spots reflected the wisdom he had gained through nearly a century of life.

From behind the old man, a villager stepped forth carrying a small and ornate box. With great nervousness he approached the steps leading to the lord's throne and presented the gift of his village.

The old man hesitated slightly. He had heard the stories of the lord's kindness and humour, but he had not expected such an outstanding figure to care about the journey of a few ordinary villagers.

"My lord, thanks to the roads your soldiers have built in the wilderness our journey here was smooth." The old man said.

From his high throne the lord smiled down at the guests to his castle. He had not expected the ordinary villagers to bring some interest to his day.

The golden-dew blossom was as valuable as it was scarce. It grew in only the coldest valleys and was the most delicious food in the eyes of all manner of creature. For some ordinary villagers to stumble across such a precious plant and even recognise it's value; it was truly extraordinary.

The gorgeous petals were as beautiful as the dresses worn by the noble ladies in the Cintran capital.

More importantly the golden-dew flower was a highly sought after ingredient for the miraculous potions and elixirs concocted by sorcerers.

The value of the villagers' gift was truly an unexpected delight.

From this day forth the villagers of Rahuken could be considered to hold the favour of Lord Bane.

The interest in the lord's voice was genuine as he leaned forwards in his seat and inquired, "Honourable gentlemen of Rahuken, your gift is of great value to me. I will ensure your people are well taken care of in the future.

Come now, your troubles are my own, tell me the reason for your visit."

Delight shone in the elder's eyes. Even the most boorish hunter in the party recognised that their gift had earned them great merit. In the future the village of Rahuken would surely rise to new heights.

Gathering his thoughts to reply, the elder felt his glee dim slightly. Fortune and danger often coincided and in the village's case they faced potential destruction.

"Your lordship, we work tirelessly to provide for our families. We gather herbs in the forest and catch fish in the lakes and rivers.

While out searching for the broad-leaf grass, two of my people encountered a monster. We thank the benevolence of the spirits that they kept their lives." The elder said slowly, his love for his village was pure and undisguised.

After he had spoken the elder turned and motioned to his party.

A young man stepped forth. Stubble was just beginning to grow on his chin and his eyes still contained the hopeful immaturity of children.

"My lord, it was a beast, larger than anything I have seen before.

In front of it, I-I-I could barely breathe.

It was an abomination, a freak of nature covered in black fur and sharp teeth! Taller even than the ferocious bears mounted in your halls! I do not exaggerate my lord, I would not dare!

I beg of you, that beast will kill us all! Please save us!" The young man's terror increased with each word he spoke. Every person present in the grand hall had taken a life, they knew keenly that this kind of terror could not be faked.

Tapping his fingers against the armrest of his great throne, Lord Bane lowered his head and contemplated silently.

After nearly a minute had gone by he raised his head. The same kind smile that greeted the villagers had returned to his face.

"This monster. It's head will look handsome above my throne." He said, revealing a hint of desire in his words.

Drawing his sword from his hip the lord pointed it at a heavy-armoured knight who stood a head taller than the rest, "Bring me back the corpse of this monster. I do not need to tell you to make haste. Reward the villages of Rahuken for their diligence."

The lord rose slowly to his feet. Released from some invisible shackles a formidable pressure rolled outwards from his body.

"You may leave."

Bowing deeply the villagers hurriedly left the grand hall. Several guards followed behind them with sharp spears. The soldiers would ensure the guests did not linger in the lord's castle.

Bloodthirst tinged the lord's eyes crimson like those of a beast. While he wore human skin, the lord was no less cunning or savage than a vicious wolf.

"Go. Kill that thing. Do not make me wait."

The immensely tall heavy-armoured knight and the captain of the guard would not forget their master's orders no matter how long passed.

Kneeling down the two soldiers of different disciplines swore their allegiance to their lord and swiftly left to gather their men.

In a voice that was barely a whisper the lord settled back into his throne, "Oh how beautiful you will look in my collection."