The Sword of Ages: The Mage Breaker Book 1 (3 page)

              Tanner watched as the haughty wizard climbed on his horse and rode away followed by the rest of his men. The wizard obviously of Tavorian birth if his accent was anything to judge by, the fact that he was not awed speaking to a noble confirmed it. Tanner himself had never spoken to the Baronet and made no plans to, men like him were much too important to talk to a boy like him. His son Todd however Tanner did not see as a true noble, he was just a bully.

              “What are we to do My Lord?” said one of the men in the crowd Tanner recognized as Darryl, one of the Baronet’s personal guards.

              “You are to gather every soul that is not married or too young and to old and march them to Daum” the Baronet said as Tanner could tell he was still seething inside. “You will ride under my colors and present yourself to whoever is organizing the war effort. Anyone here that needs to handle their business should do it now, in three hours we will leave. And someone find my damn son and tell him to get home!”

              Tanner watched the Baronet ride off and could see the shock in the men’s faces. The war was 15 years ago, many who had fought in it had horrible tales of suffering and the killing of men during their time in the war. They were the ones who had a look of pity on their faces, they would not be needed since they were over 30, but if what the old soldier had said was true they would be called up soon enough, along with all the married men. Everyone that was fighting age looked scared, Tanner was scared. For all his bravado earlier he was just a loud mouth, sure he didn’t mind putting a bully in his place but this was different, people die in war. And what was it the wizard said, he would ensure we were all on the front lines? The only one who didn’t seem worried or scared was Golden, he stood out like a beacon of hope Tanner thought. Men like him were made for this kind of thing and Tanner was sure songs and stories of heroism would follow his friend. Tanner wished he could be just like him, unmoving like a rock.

              “Well you lot heard the Baronet, get your asses in gear and stop looking scared like a virgin about to be spitted” Darryl said as he looked around the group. “Off with you now, I’ll don’t care if you are feeling gutted or not. And no suddenly marrying some poor girl to get out of it. And no rumpy pumpy either, if you didn’t get your load off already you don’t have time for it now, leave your girl alone and collect your things. We will meet up in two hours, in three hours we will leave. Anyone late will be flogged by the guard”.

              Tanner looked at his friend and gave him a slight smile. If this was going to happen, he had shit he needed to do and fast. Tanner turned his horse and began to gallop back towards his house, he passed the angry wizard and the rest of the soldiers you said some harsh words but didn’t get in his way. Tanner pet his horse Winny on the neck, she was a good girl and he hated riding her hard like this but it was only for a little while. The scenery flew by until Tanner reached his home, which seemed darker somewhat now. He hoped he would see this place again, after his uncle had died his world was turned upside down, he was just happy the old man taught him to prioritize.

              When Tanner was ready to leave he made sure he had his heavy furs, another pair of lion hide boots, his sword, his arrow and some small rope for his traps along with his shield and breast plate. He finished his packing by bringing food for a week and all his money. He laughed thinking about Mary and even Gwen, if he were married he wouldn’t be on a trip such as this, he would be with one of them. Deserting briefly crossed Tanner’s mind but if they were recruiting everyone he would stand out in any village full of old men and kids. Tanner neatly packed all of his belongings in the saddle bags on Winny and began his trek back into town. He didn’t have anyone to say goodbye to like everyone else. They were all probably crying with their mums getting last minute hugs and kisses. Tanner felt a little depressed about the whole thing and figured he would stop by Golden’s house. If the Blessed One wasn’t spinning a yarn then at least Mary would miss him. Although they were close in age he never really looked at her as a potential mate. Her breasts were fun to look at for sure but she was Golden’s sister. What if it didn’t work out, losing his friendships means more than some potential match. Tanner thought about this until he was back inside the town which was bustling with activity.

              Men and women were running throughout the streets, probably trying to provision themselves for the upcoming war. Not many men could afford a weapon, they really had no need for one until now. Would they army arm them? Would the blacksmiths be pressed into service also? Tanner was unsure but as he closed on Golden’s house he could see his father Diamond standing outside passing out blades. Tanner knew these swords were imperfect, they were made by Golden after all. The best blade he made was surely on his person. After the blades had been passed out Diamond was arguing with the crowd who insisted he had to have more. They were desperate and had fear of the unknown Tanner thought.

              “You should be worried about saying bye to your love ones instead of making a scene” Tanner said loudly. “If our time comes if I were you I would wish I spent more time getting cozy with my girl or saying bye to my Da instead of fighting here for imaginary swords”.

              Tanner looked as the crowd stopped yelling, thought about his words and soon started to trickle out, leaving Diamond relieved.

              “Tie Winny up in the front boy, I was hoping you would stop by before you left” Diamond said as he gave Tanner a sad glance. Tanner knew Diamond had killed a lot of people in the war, he was a giant of a man although age and injury had robbed him of his mobility. He had never spoken fondly about the war, well he really didn’t talk about it all only saying in the end whatever he did didn’t make a difference. Tanner gave the old man a smile; he didn’t need to see nervousness in his face. Old Diamond was probably worried sick about Golden although Tanner was sure he could hold his own. Tanner tied up Winny and could see the front door was open, Golden’s mom Amelia was about fussing and crying at the same time. Golden was going to knock but decided to just walk on in, as soon as he did he was assaulted also by Amelia.

              “I knew it in my heart I should have gotten you married, plenty of girls had their mums had been dropping hints” Amelia said bawling. “Now look at us, we are all snookered because I didn’t trust my instincts”.

              “Ma I wouldn’t have been happy marrying any of the girls in this village” Golden retorted as he put his arms around to comfort his mother.

              “Tanner you are finally here, did you pack you something to eat?” Amelia asked before finishing. “Golden told me you didn’t break your fast today, Mary is cooking you boys up something to take with you on the road”.

              Tanner nodded and made his way to the kitchen, where he could tell Mary had been crying as she started putting thick slabs of meat on a plate. Tanner recognized the meat, even the cut. He had shot and butchered that doe not even two days ago and gave Golden the spare meat. Now it was being served up to him by a girl who looked as if she was going to fall apart.

              “Mary” Tanner said as he put his hands on her shoulder and turned her to face him. Mary broke down and Tanner pulled her in for a hug and suddenly felt very odd. He had never really hugged Mary before, it just wasn’t proper. He had first meant it to help ease her pain, now his body was having quite a different reaction to her closeness, he could fell her breast squashed against his chest and her lady bits was warming up his cock through their clothes. Tanner pushed her back but knew it was too late, Mary was still crying but she had a confused look in her eye. Tanner went for broke and kissed her full on the mouth, if he were to die tomorrow at least he could say he had kissed at least one girl. He pulled away after a couple of seconds which left her speechless and went back into their front room just as Diamond closed the front door behind him.

              “You lads don’t have much time” Diamond said as he had an old dusty bag in his arms. He dropped it on the floor and right away Tanner could hear the sound of steel on steel. Diamond opened up the sack, well it basically disintegrated as he pulled through it. Wrapped in oil cloth was a great sword, unlike the one Tanner carried this was a definite two hander. Also in the bag was two daggers, one was long, like the kind you wear on your hip and the other was short, like the type of weapon you would keep in your boot.

              “You take these Golden, give that junk you made away to someone that needs it more” Diamond said as he handed Golden the great sword. “This was made for the king’s guards, the person who made it was cut down during the last days of the war. I used this sword and it brought me home safe to you, Mary and your Ma. You are going to have to get a scabbard made for it” Diamond said as he pulled out a small bag of coins. “It’s all I have to spare son”.

              “Well I can make your life a little easier” Tanner said as he tried to break up the grim mood. “At my house in my smoke shed I have enough meat to last me until next spring easily. Now it’s all smoked but it should last you a while. I also have the last of my skins hanging out and they are also yours, you don’t owe me nothing but please keep an eye out for the rest of my stuff. I would hate to have to come back a war hero only to slaughter some lad for trying to take me things”.

              “I will boy” said Diamond as Tanner could tell the old man was barely holding it together.

              “And don’t let Mary run off with some other lad either” Tanner said smiling. “Give me at least three years and assume I am alive, someone has to look out for the Blessed One, I doubt that chin could stop an arrow no matter how square that thing is”.

              Tanner smiled as his quip about Mary had stunned them into silence. Even Diamond seemed a little taken aback at first but slowly a smile crept to his face as Mary walked out with two plates piled high with food. Tanner and Golden ate quickly; men were out in the streets yelling that it was close to the time of movement. The meal lasted far too short for Tanner’s taste, he could have hid in Golden’s house all year and told the king to sod off, but knew he would get caught one way or another.  Tanner and Golden got to their feet as one and started saying their good byes, giving and getting hugs before they walked out the door. Mary seemed a little reserved, at first Tanner thought Golden had told him wrong but could see the girl was blushing profusely. With a sigh the two friend climbed on their horses and began to gather at the meeting place.

              When Golden and Tanner arrived he they were amazed, the Baronet’s men, whom they were sure were not joining the army since they had wives had the men arrayed neatly. Those with horses were upfront, which wasn’t a lot of people since horses were damned expensive, including Tanner and Golden there was only about 10 cavalry. There still had to be at least 60 men in neat rows five abreast behind the cavalry, as Tanner had gotten near he could see each man had a blue sash of some kind draped across their clothing. The Baronet must have had these things for years though why he would think to need them again was beyond Tanner. Tanner was ushered up front where a guardsman gave him his own sash and told him and Golden to put it on. Before long Tanner spotted Todd Greenley along with his damn cousins riding war chargers, the three best horses the Baronet had Tanner was sure. They were all dressed like nobles, fine silk shirts with fancy leather riding pants. Todd took his place at the front of the formation while his cousins flanked him, each holding up a war banner proudly displaying the Greenley coat of arms. Tanner hated to admit it but Greenley as fat as he was looked the part of a leader, his presence had sent a noticeable calm over everyone as Todd turned around and addressed everyone.

              “We all know what we are here for and what we must do, pretend you are of higher birth and follow my lead” Todd said sounding like the twit Tanner knew he was, so long for calming effects. “Those of you on horseback are to be my personal guard until we reach Daum and get sorted. I hope you all brought supplies because you will be getting none of mine”.

              Tanner shook his head as the fat noble turned around and began the trip towards Daum. At first the idiot sped up too much before realizing he had men walking behind him. Tanner could see he wanted the men to hurry up and match his pace while his fat ass was on horseback, but luckily he kept his mouth shut. The rest of the day went by slowly, someone smart must have told Todd to stop for breaks because he did so every two hours. Tanner was hoping Todd would try to push his luck too far, since the men would most likely tell him to bugger off and get to Daum at their own pace. Before long night was approaching and Todd called a halt to the day’s march. Tanner and Golden found a nice spot by the side of the road. They were luckily the road into Daum followed a small stream, they set their horses to roam after watering and taking their saddle bags off them and Tanner went to work.

              Unlike most of the men around him, Golden included Tanner was used to living off of the land. Sometimes he would have to trek deep into the wilderness and be gone for days when trying to hunt a difficult animal. Tanner had his fire roaring in no time while it looked like most of the men were struggling. It was likely their mothers had done the cooking so they didn’t know what they were doing. Golden himself should be adequate at this task Tanner thought, he is a blacksmith. Before long faces came out of the dark holding a branch which they stuck in Tanner’s fire so they could light their own. Even one of Greenley’s cousins had come forward and did the same albeit unlike the rest he didn’t ask permission. Tanner pulled out everything he knew he would need, his small pot, some potatoes, some other vegetables and put three different kinds of smoke meat into the pot with water from the stream. It would most likely take two hours for some good stew, but he had brought more than enough, he could chew on the jerky he made and talk to Golden while he waited on their meal to be done.