Big City Darkened Nights

Heading for the castle Carr strolls through the poorest section of the city. Many of the tiny buildings are in need of repair. Several should just be demolished, having taken catapult damage during a siege five years ago. Yet even the worst of places are inhabited. Usually by squatters and vagabonds. New faces always stand out in these areas and Carr’s does today.

Two local children check out Carr. A shabbily dressed, thin, ten-year-old girl moves to intercept. Her younger and filthier brother shadows her.

Confronting Carr the girl smiles querying, “Hello sir, lovely day. Can we show you around? Or is there something you’re looking for?”

Continuing to walk Carr knows these kids are looking to earn a couple of copper pieces, “What do you need the coin for?”

They stay with him as she answers, “Our Pa went off to fight and hasn’t come home yet?”

The boy tries to give sad hungry eyes, “We’ve got no food.”

Knowing firsthand how well kids can pull off cons, or used in a more sinister plans Carr’s reluctant, “I’ll tell you what. Take me to your home and I’ll see what I can do.”

The pair, whisper to each other. Playing like he’s not paying attention Carr overhears. The sister doesn’t want to get into trouble for begging. Both certain the stranger is the guy who returned the other day with King Halford’s Horsemen. The brother thinks he can help them and is hungry.

Huffing reluctantly the girl turns back to Carr, “Okay, follow me.”

They lead him back into the huts, stopping in a small opening she points to her hut. Carr looks at the worn hut, almost standing alone. The roof is mostly intact the walls are thin and in need of repair. An old hide barely covers the doorway. “That’s our house.”

A lean woman exits the building, causing the kids to sigh. She comes right over with a look of concern.

The boy hastily defends their actions, “Mom he said he could help us.”

“Okay,” Carr glances at the boy, then back to their mother, “Good day.”

A frail woman in her late twenties, with an unamused look apologizes, “I’m sorry if my children were bothering you.” She scolds them, “I told you not to be begging.”

Carr defends them, “They’re intentions were good,” He puts on a friendly smile, “I just wanted to make sure my coin was going to good use.”

The mother replies, “We don’t need your coin.”

“That’s fine,” Holding his hand out for a friendly shake, “My name is Carr.”

She hesitantly reciprocates but likes the contact, “I’m Tanyi this is my daughter Kara and my little boy Devon. They wouldn’t be begging if their father was here.”

Seeing the struggling woman’s chin quiver and eyes redden. Carr tries to reassure holding her hand gently in both his, “I understand. Think positive and hold him close in your heart. Don’t count on it but there’s always a chance he’ll return home. Something unexpected could have happened to detain him.”

She says with conviction, “I know he’s still alive.” A single tear rolls down her cheek.

Freeing her hand Carr tenderly removes the tear with his finger, “I travel all over perhaps our paths will cross. What’s his name?”

Looking up at Carr, Tanyi sniffs shakily smiling, “That’s a nice thought. Leopold Basteal, he prefers to be called Leo. He’s about your size, with dark brown eyes, thirty-eight and graying brown hair.”

The kids cling to her sides listening to their conversation hoping Carr really can help.

Carr reaches for his coin pouch, “Mrs. Basteal, I can’t promise I’ll run in to him, but I will pay closer attention to others on my travels.” Using his words carefully, “We can help out your children today.”

Gently turning her hand over Carr places, a dozen gems into her open palm. Then closes her fingers around them as the kids try to see.

By the size feel and number Tanyi thinks him way too generous, “I can’t possibly take all these.”

“Yes, you can.” Carr looks to her kids, “I have plenty left and no needs. As I have been rewarded already by your good King.”

Devon pokes his sister, “Told ya.”

Opening her hand to view the many-colored stones, “This is really too much.” Also concerned it may come with a future price.

Stretching out to see, the children’s eyes sparkle like the gems themselves.

Carr points to their hut, “Since your husband can’t mend your home, pay somebody to fix it. Winter is coming. It’s too late to earn enough money to easily make it through. If he’s still alive you and the kids need to be right here so he can find you easily.”

“Your right.” Still fighting with the decision, she asks, “How will I ever repay you?”

Considering her request Carr answers, “How about a big old hug and keep taking care of your children.”

She smiles hugging him tight, “You’re a good soul Carr. There should be more like you.”

“There is,” Carr hugs back, “we just don’t know who they are.”

Letting go Tanyi looks into Carr’s eyes, “What do you do? That a King would reward you for?”

Replying Carr grins, “I find and recover things for people.” He winks at her, “Good day Mrs. Basteal.” He waves to the kids moving on, “Be good to your mom.”

Tanyi clutches her children and the stones, “Good bye Carr. Thank you for your generosity.”

The kids’ wave, as Devon calls out, “Bye mister. Thanks for making mom happy.”

Feeling in great spirits Carr briskly strides though the city. Touching flowers and leaves within reach as he crosses the beautifully landscaped main courtyard.

Reaching the castle’s main steps, Carr takes them two at a time to the top. Two young sentries covering the main doors cross, hook polearm blade tips, preventing entrance.

One commands. “What’s your business here?”

Still smiling Carr politely answers, “I am Carr. I am to meet with Captain Avilo and King Halford.”

The same sentry snottily remarks. “Sure you are.” Conversing with his partner, “Find the Captain and check it out.” He looks over Carr, “You can wait right here.”

As the one sentry goes inside Carr shrugs, “It’s a lovely day anyway.” Turning away Carr whistles a repetitive tune at an irritating pitch.

Just as the waiting sentry is about to tell him to stop one of Avilo’s horsemen exits the castle, “Hello Carr. How are you feeling? I heard things went well for you.”

Carr barely recognizes the man out of uniform, “Oh, hello. I’m feeling really good, thanks for asking. I’m just waiting to speak with your Captain and King Halford.” Motioning with his eyes to the sentry.

“Oh, let me help.” The horseman turns to the sentry, “Don’t you know who this is?”

The sentry mutters, “No. Should I?”

The horseman steps beside the sentry, “This is Carr, the person that returned the King’s treasure. And you are making him wait.”

The sentry immediately steps aside, “I didn’t know.”

Rolling his eyes, the horseman laughs, “Come on Carr. I’ll take you into the meeting hall the King should be finished soon.”

“Thanks,” Carr smiles at the sentry in passing.

In the main hall they turn right while Carr asks, “What’s the King doing?”

“Today’s a business day.” The man informs Carr stopping at a set of double doors, “Sentencing, disputes, proposals and requests. You’ll most likely have to wait until they are finished.” He opens the door for Carr, “Take a seat in the back, the Captain will see you.”

“Thanks again,” Carr enters, “Have a good day.”

“Yeah, thanks. Good luck.” Patting Carr on the back, “Just remember in here speak only when spoken to and bow to the King.

Carr nods taking in the grand meeting hall. The room resembles a church. Two rows of long carved wooden benches line the room. Occupying most of the seats are different beings from peasants to wealthy merchants.

Halford sits up front and central in an elaborately decorated throne.

In front of the King six shackled kneeling men, surrounded by a dozen of Halford’s biggest men.

Carr spots the Captain off to the far left of the King, talking with the second sentry.

Crossing the back of the room Carr takes an end seat on the last bench. Leaning over he can look up the narrow side aisle at Avilo.

Seeing Carr cross the hall Avilo dismisses the sentry. Trailing the sentry Avilo stops beside Carr waving him to slide over.

Seated beside Carr, Captain Avilo whispers. “The King hates distractions in here. It’s going to be awhile before he’ll get to us. You might find some of this interesting. Be patient and we’ll call on you when we are ready.”

“Sure.” Carr replies content with life.

Getting up to return the Captain’s wondering if Carr’s been drinking already.

Finding the criminal sentencing a different way to pass the time. Carr is concerned about the number of public floggings for petty crimes. Especially when he’s guilty of far worse crimes.

Two men are sentenced to life in prison for treason. Only one man is to be beheaded and Carr disagrees with the punishment, having raped, tortured and killed two young girls. Carr wishes for a more eye for an eye. Thinking the man should suffer greatly before passing.

After the sentencing, the common folk get a chance to speak their peace. One peasant at a time states their issues to the King.

Learning much about Halford the man, Carr listens to how he deals with each person. Promising to help those who need it and offering fair, sound advice to the others.