Big City Darkened Nights

“Well, you’re with me than,” Junior motions with an arm for Carr to follow.

Picking himself up, Carr leaves the warmth of the fire to sit in the shadows, “Is Junior your actual name?”

Junior a large male in his late twenties sits on a stump, casing over Carr. “Well at least it’s better than any of your titles. But Captain Avilo has called me that since I was younger than you.”

Carr queries. “Is the Captain family or friend to you?”

“All by now.” Junior pictures the past, “My father and Avilo fought many campaigns together. Having the same name as my father, I got use to being called Junior. My first campaign was at the age of seven.”

Carr wished to go places at that age. “You went into a battle at seven?”

Junior laughs. “It was a siege on our town, I don’t fully remember it. But they needed men to fight. I took arrows the women fletched to archers.”

Having done something similar Carr amuses Junior with a couple tales.

Later when the young officer relaxes Carr asks about their commander. “Captain Avilo, he’s a very serious man, isn’t he?”

Junior looks to see if the men are sleeping and speaks quietly, “In uniform oh yeah. Dell and I have both been stocked for questioning his decisions, in front of the men. But out of uniform he sees people as people and we can say what we like. Though he might point out or ignorance.”

“But he’s a life soldier, isn’t he? That’s what he lives for is law and punishment and the right to carry it out.”

Junior is curious if Carr is going somewhere, “He does like order and simple law. It’s more of a family thing our fathers and theirs. But in battle and conflict he talks about wanting to farm the land as the Gods intended us to do.”

Hearing that familiar thought Carr mumbles, “A farmer, eh? That’s what I’m told to do.”

Junior chuckles, “Yeah not an exciting life. Does keep you out of trouble. What’s the worst thing as a farmer no rain or too much?”

Speaking from experience Carr replies, “Well beasts that eat your livestock, is annoying. And dangerous if you try and go after them.”

Junior doesn’t see Carr as a farmer, just agrees that would be for any man. Beginning to take a liking to the young thief Junior asks him to explain how he took down Lord Kapigorn. After that he easily gets Carr to talk about his fight training.

Rambling away until sunrise Carr manages to impress the young officer. Hearing the diverse training Junior considers challenging him to a fight. He’s sure the young rogue would best Dell, embarrassingly.

Able to see the rogue as an asset Junior purposes, “If you joined up with us you could easily be an officer one day.”

“Hey I know you get paid well. Even when there’s no fighting,” Carr states his professions benefits, “I only have to do what I want, when it suits me. I’m no pocket picker and I don’t rob people in the woods. Well until recently but they were no angels.”

Junior stands and stretches, “How do you get your coin?”

Seeing no shame in what he does, “In life there are people willing to barter for things they can’t get or do themselves.”

Seasoned enough to know the ones who’d pay the best Junior wouldn’t want to work for them, “It doesn’t sound good for the soul. See what it’s got you, some Hell hag who wants to eat your soul.”

Carr hears Violetta’s voice behind Junior’s, “I know a seasoned cleric that’d say for all the deaths taken by your hands you’d be in trouble too. And Avilo said it was a Night-hag. She said she’d be rewarded for my soul.”

Pondering his own soul Junior thinks aloud, “It might, but wouldn’t the deaths of the truly bad cancel out the questionable ones.”

“That’s what I say,” Carr grins, “but she’d say violence isn’t needed.”

That sounds familiar to Junior, “I think I’ve heard our cleric say that.”

The rogue shrugs, “Must be in their code.”

“Yah,” Junior wonders if the thief has any other talents, “So can you cook?”

“Oh, I can make skunk taste good.” Carr recalls last night’s bad meal, “Why do you ask?”

Junior walks over to a group of sacks near the fire, “they’ll be up shortly and need something more than last night to get them going.” He retrieves a large pot, “Here fill this with water and figure something out.”

“Thanks.” Carr takes the pot, “Are you sure about this?”

“Can’t do any worse than our page, medic. We lost our last cook and healer returning from a campaign.” Junior points to the horses, “I’ll make sure the horses are ready to ride. While keeping an eye on you.”

“Noted.” Carr throws a couple logs on the fire, “I see you’ve got spices here. Can I use them?”

“Please do.”

After filling the large pot with water Carr hangs it over the fire, studying the provisions.

The other sacks carry some dried meat, hard buns and assorted vegetables. As the water boils Carr sees a carving knife left behind. Hiding it on his person was the first thought. However, if he wanted an edible meal, he’ll have to use it to cut up the meat and vegetables.

Adding the chopped items to the boiling water, Carr stirs in herbs, tasting the broth until getting a flavor he can enjoy.

Also creating a lovely aroma that gently rouses the men. One by one they check to see who’s cooking and become concerned.

Some wonder why Junior let him cook for the men.

The smell finds it way into the officer’s tent. Causing the two men to sniff the air before opening their eyes.

Junior finishes with the last horse, before heading to the tent to wake the Captain and retrieve his bowl and spoon.

Returning Junior stands over the steaming pot inhaling deeply, “That smells good. And you only used what we had?”

Carr tastes it, “Thanks, I eat a lot of stew. I only put in what you had.”

Seeing that Carr tasted it Junior bravely takes out the first bowl.

The men like the smell they just worry about the chef. Eagerly they watch Junior waiting for him to take in a mouth full. Then see if he keels over.

Emerging from their tent Dell and Avilo see the men staring at Junior and take notice of today’s chef.

Junior takes a small sampling, “Mmm, it’s damn good.” He turns to Clive, “I think you can learn some things from our rogue.” He takes in a big spoonful.

Carr pours out a bowl and starts eating. The rest of the men are still waiting on Junior.

Noticing everybody watching Junior freezes position. Rolling his eyes back, Junior leans far to one side letting out a rumbling fart. With a sly grin and a wink, he continues to eat.

Relieved the men laugh at the childish humor getting their bowls ready.

Avilo and Dell pour themselves out a bowl and dig in.

As the pot empties the three men sent to investigate the rogue’s story ride in.

Dell and Avilo promptly go to speak with them. Junior and the men meekly observe waiting for information. Carr’s certain they at least found the place. Pulling a bag from saddlebags a rider hands it to the Captain. Another rider is trying to show them something heavy in a saddlebag.

The Captain turns and approaches the camp, “Carr’s story seems to have truth to it. Only the body of Lord Kapigorn is there. Also, the left-over clothing of four other men was found. Break camp we’ll be in the City by afternoon.”

As the men ready Avilo speaks to Carr, “Your young rogue just might escape imprisonment.” He tries to be witty, “We could use a new cook.”

Cook for a raiding party sounds better than prison or death. Carr stands and salutes, “Thank you sir.”

Finding Carr amusing especially after listening to him half the night, Avilo only gives Carr a raised brow of concern.

Breaking camp they ride similarly as the day before, in two columns. One rider is sent to inform the King of their predicted arrival time.

Still concerned for his future Carr stays fairly quiet on the ride. Time goes by quickly, while politely and simply answering questions.

As the riders exit the lightwoods and become visible to watchers in the city’s towers, horns blare out.

All riders sit upright as now the city is aware of their return.

The Captain says to Carr, “It’s strictly military show until we’re dismissed.”

Carr understands, “I see.” Having seen a few formal marches and formations. It’s the first time he’s been in a by the rule, bringing home our royal treasure and suspect thief, parade.

Reaching the southern gates, the men along the walls applaud Avilo’s victorious return. Soldiers in full dress form a line on both sides of the gates to the castle stairs. Beyond the sea of men dressed in leather tunics and polished plate, Carr sees regular people. To him the townsfolk resemble a flock of sheep gathered in a pen.

The city fills with clapping and cheers as Captain Avilo enters. Carr’s amazed to notice the man and his men are not smiling, all stay stone-faced.

Carr receives many leers and looks of hate, even hears the occasional rude comment. Nearing the main courtyard, he tries to ignore it with a sigh.

As the riders slow up in front of the castle steps, all the soldiers stand at attention and simultaneously stomp the ground once.

Captain Avilo barks out, “Halt!”

The men stop as one, the city becomes momentarily quiet with only the distant sounds of children to be heard.

About thirty pages run out taking the reins of the horses and steady them.

Captain Avilo calls out, “Dismount!”

Almost synchronized the riders get down, Carr’s never heard so much metal armor clink all at once. Being the only one still seated he slides off.

“Sergeant.” Avilo utters

Dell approaches with a salute. “Yes Sir.”

Avilo instructs, “Take ten men and the treasure to the vaults to be assessed.”

“Yes sir.” Dell selects ten of the strongest.

“Corporal.” Avilo calls.

“Yes Sir,” Junior turns around to face the Captain.

“Take five men,” Avilo points to Carr, “escort him to the inner courtyard. Wait there until further notice.”

“Yes sir,” Junior names the five closest.

Making the final command Avilo yells, “Dismissed!”

The men all begin separating, the pages take the armored horses back to the stables. Dell and his men take Bolt and the other four horses to the side of the castle.

Junior comes up beside Carr, “Follow me and if you’re being taken to the inner courtyard, you may be in luck.”

“Okay.” Carr follows Junior and his men, but eyes Avilo speaking with King Halford and three other officers. Behind them curiously watching Carr, is Halford’s children two young teen boys and a pre teen daughter.