The Messenger: A Hailgalad Story

There was a great deal of congestion at the city walls. A flurry of livestock and people filing in and out of the capital made it difficult for the riders to navigate. They were all people focused on their daily tasks and unconcerned with anyone in their way.

Frits looked down at the zig-zagging carts, people, and animals with frustration. He loved the city and its energy, but one thing he could do without was the masses of people. If you were not careful, it was easy to get swept away in the crowd. A large cow bumped into Taunten who gave a snort in anger.

"Ey, out of the way," a grubby farmer shouted and threw his hands in the air. When he saw Frits was dressed in royal armor, the man's face went red and his wife slapped his shoulder.

"Sorry, all the best to you, thank you for your service," the woman shouted with a nervous smile.

Frits said nothing in return but gave a polite nod and wave as the current of people pushed them away, down the road.

"Come on, let us take the lake path," Eva shouted as she steered left.

Jon and Fritz followed Eva to the left of the main road, which was called the Northwood. For a few miles, this secondary path traveled along Lake Noorden. As they rode, a chill morning air brought a heavy fog that rolled in over the gravel path. The cold sent a shiver down Frits' spine. He shook it off with a heavy exhale.

All around, birds chirped and danced between the sparsely planted trees. Every so often, the group could hear the croak of frogs and the splash of a fish that caught an insect on the surface of the water. In the early morning, there were a few people fishing in the lake, but it was mostly quiet and devoid of people. Far behind them now, the riders could still hear the bustle near the city gates. There were shouts of people arguing, the calls of salespeople from their stands.

"This place is such a peaceful spot. Incredible that we are only steps away from the largest city of our kingdom and we can be in serene nature," Frits said with a smile. "We used to come here, my family and I, when my father..."

"Sorry for bringing him up in that way earlier," Eva cut in with a soft voice.

"It is all right," Frits said as he drew himself up. He always tried to keep from being emotional in from of his companions. "It is good to talk about him." After another pause, Frits continued, "My father would take us to the beaches on the western end of the lake. We would swim there for hours. The water is so warm in the summer; they couldn't get us to come out."

"When we get back, let us go sometime," Jon said. "I have not been there before."

"Never?" Eva exclaimed. "Not even when you were a child? Everyone goes to the lakes on a nice, warm day."

"I grew up in the eastern pastures by the royal training academy. We have small lakes and rivers there, but nothing this size," Jon paused as if he was deep in thought, then continued. "As the youngest of seven, I was not in line to receive an inheritance of our family land. Many people from my area that want to advance in the world leave for the city. Most end up joining the army, so that is what I did," Jon explained.

"Do you miss the countryside?" Frits asked.

He had grown up and lived in the city all his life. With this, he took any opportunity he could to hear about life outside the cold, stone walls he called home.

"The Frostfall River runs through our village," Jon started, as his mind drifted to his childhood. "The horses and cattle roam the grassy hills. The people are definitely more kind outside of the city, well most of them are," he said with a chuckle and a memory of someone in particular seemed to stir in him. "It is a quiet and serene place. I do miss it and my family, but the capital is where opportunity is plentiful. I suspect I will return back home to them one day."

"What kind of work does your family do?" Frits asked eagerly.

"We raise horses for the royal army," Jon said proudly. He then patted his horse. "None as majestic as these beauties, but I would be willing to wager our horses could give any breeder in the kingdom a run for their money."

The conversation died out as the three continued along the lake path. The cobblestone weaved around the shoreline, over small hills, and through dense brush. After a while longer, they met back up with the Northwood. At this point, they were a few miles from the great capital. Frits looked back to see the shining white-stone city still towering over the surrounding fields. The city walls reflected on the still, peaceful lake. For a moment, Frits was lost in his thoughts as he smiled and took a deep inhale of the fresh air.

"Hey, come on," Eva called. "We are on a schedule, remember?"

Frits snapped back to the present and tried to avoid his companion's stare. With a pat, he encouraged his horse forward. "Come on, Taunten. Let us get moving."

***

The Northwood led Eva, Jon, and Frits onward through the fields of Aeros. The further they traveled from Hailgrad, the more the crowds dissipated until they were alone along the broad road. In the distance, small homes and farms peppered the grassy seas. Puffs of white smoke rose up in columns from their fireplaces as the midday sun shone high.

"Morning, royal messengers of the crown," a sudden voice came from the side of the road.

They looked to see a man dressed in dirt-stained clothes and a straw hat. He was seated on a horse and was surrounded by a herd of cattle with long horns and shaggy brown hair. The man had red hair the poked out from under his hat. He was a stout looking man with a round face and a large nose. Above all, he looked to be beaming with an infectious happiness.

"Good morning, sir," Frits said with a bright smile and slight bow. "How is everything in your fields on this blessed day?"

"Good crop yield this year, and you can see the livestock are nice and healthy," he said with a smile. "Headed up to Frostwatch?"

The farmer mirrored the riders as he rode alongside the path. A short, wooden fence separated them.

"Yes, sir," Frits replied. "First time, wish me luck!"

“All the best luck, you lot. Get a good ale up there, and come back with some good news," the man said with a chuckle.

The three gave him a slight bow and were on their way, up the road. Frits smiled and shook his head.

Ah the countryfolk, he thought to himself. They are a good people.

It was not long after the light of the midday sun faded into afternoon, and the fields of grass turned into a forest of birch.

"This, now this is my favorite place near the capital," Frits said as he looked around with a grin.

"In my limited experience, I would have to agree," Jon said as he looked up with a smile on his face.

The forest canopy filtered the afternoon light to a golden hue that bathed the riders. Sweet scents from flowers and other plants rose up to greet their senses. Warmth from the sun enveloped them in a soft blanket.

"It is quite beautiful here," Eva said as she too beamed with a gentle happiness. "It is almost like you can feel Areandel's presence with us. Like we are riding through a dream."

"Should we stop for a break?" Jon asked. "It is as good of a place as any."

"No, it is best to push through during the days. That way we can get to Frostwatch before midday on the third day of travel," Eva said as she shook her head. "Remember our bonus of three silver pieces if we get back to the king and queen in under six days."

"What about the horses? I would say that they need to rest." Jon asked as he rubbed the mane of his horse that snorted in response.

"Not paying attention in the training briefs I see. These beasts are of royal stock as you pointed out earlier," Eva responded as she patted her's. "As long as we do not push them too hard, they could go for days with no breaks except for a short sleep at night. They are quite remarkable."

“Well, humans need food and it is past midday," Jon protested.

Eva laughed, "Do you not remember Captain Damon's words for us last night? We cannot be soft, we must be strong to survive. You can go without food until the evening. There are worse trials being faced in the world."

At that moment, Frits remembered the heinbrood in his satchel.

"Here you go, Jon. Now you are in debt to me." Frits broke off a piece of the bread and threw it to Jon. "Eva?"

Eva shook her head and put up a hand. "I am quite alright. Thank you, Frits."

Frits and Jon looked at each other and shrugged. They then gladly munched on their pieces of bread as the three continued in silence, riding under the golden light.

***

The sun was slowly fading in the West as the three riders made it to the edge of the birch forest. The bright golden and green forest that lightened their hearts gave way to a deep and dark forest of large trees. The air was still fresh and there was no danger in these parts, but the northern forest gave off an ominous feel that shook Frits' heart. It had the feel of many long years. An old remembrance seemed to hang from the forest branches. The closing dark did not help to quell the bubbling nervousness inside of him.

"Come on," Eva said as she took a smaller path that veered to the right of the Northwood.

The way was slightly overgrown and only wide enough for one rider to pass, so they rode single file amongst the brambles and tall grass.

The two men followed Eva along the rocky path that sloped down to the banks of the Frostfall. The babbling stream flowed in melodious tunes as they rode alongside it to a small cabin. The building was of modest make and appeared to be abandoned.

"What is this?" Jon asked as he scanned the area with unease.

"It is a messenger cabin," Eva explained. "Years ago, messengers carried tents and camped during their journeys. Some routes still require us to do this, but on these more established paths, we have these cabins to stay in."

The fading sun burned red across the field that the cabin laid. The last warm glow filled Frits with an ease as he breathed in deep. A few squirrels scurried out of the way as the three dismounted their steeds. They followed Eva to the back of the cabin to find a meager stables and fenced area. The riders relieved their mounts of their burdens and let them be free for the night. The horses pranced around a bit and munched on the grass, happy to be left to themselves for a while.

"Our horses are able to rest, so it is high time we get to our’s as well," Jon said eagerly as he led the trio to the cabin.

As Frits followed Jon through the worn, wooden door, he noticed that the inside of the cabin was largely unimpressive, but it had all the things one could need for an evening on the road. Some supply of food, three beds, a fireplace, chairs, and some books. All seemed to be in order and clean for a place people only stayed for a brief time. Jon went straight to the food to see what was in stock while Frits went to the fireplace to get a fire going.

"Who makes sure this place is cleaned and stocked?" Frits asked as he broke kindling and set the logs in the hearth.

"There are nearby farmers that are charged with this," Eva explained. She was seated, stretching her back side to side from the long ride. “My company met them on my last trip to Frostwatch. They receive shipments from the capital and come here once a month to ensure everything is organized for us."

Before long, a cozy fire was crackling away. The three were content as they consumed a meal of dried meat and fruit in front of the fireplace. The light from the flames danced and gave a warm glow that shielded them from the cold autumn evening that worked its way into the old, wooden house. Afterwards, they had a tea made from an herb blend meant to soothe one's mind. Frits did not know how it was made or how it worked, but the fragrance enveloped his senses and shifted his mind to an almost trancelike calm.

Jon stretched and gave a sigh, "After that long ride, a good ale would have suited me better."

Frits chuckled in response, "An ale would be good, but you know the rules. None of that stuff on our missions. We will go down to the Stonework when we get back. The first one is on me."

They sat in silence for a while and they were finally finished with their tea, Jon asked, "Should we have a song?"

Eva gave an uncertain look as she raised a hand. "I am not much of a performer," she said with a chuckle.

"Let us hear one of yours," Frits cheered on.

Jon seemed unsure of himself, but after some encouragement from his companions, he drew himself up and began a tune.

Three riders emerge into the glade,

Eager to come out of the shade.

For they had rode for many days,

In the dark forest, the great big maze.

Must we go on in this strange land,

One asked the leader of the band.

Yes we must go on for our monarch,

For her is why we chose to embark.

So they forged on into the night,

When they came upon a great big fright.

It wasn't any tamed woodland beast,

In fact it made their hearts nearly cease.

Before them stood a terrible troll,

Who had been out on his nightly stroll.

What are you doing here in my wood,

The troll asked them as he stood.

We come to deliver our lady's decree,

To those who live beyond these trees.

If you would be a host most kind,

To show us a path that we could find.

The troll laughed a deep bellow in delight,

For he hungered for a feast this night.

Woodland creatures were just fine,

But three humans would be divine.

Without warning the troll rushed the three,

In a flash two went to flee.

But one brave soul stood resolute,

Against the large terrible brute.

He fought the troll there in the glade,

The messenger stuck his foe with his blade.

The troll gave out a terrible yell,

As the messenger he too fell.

The troll cried and pleaded for peace,

He begged for the messenger to cease.

The messenger asked again for the way,

And if the troll obliged he would live today.

The haggard troll point to the west,

And the messenger wished him the best.

On he rode the messenger did,

For his work is what the monarch bid.

Frits gave out a laugh and clapped his hands. "Messengers have many tunes, but this one is new to me. Where did you first hear it?"

Jon blushed and gave a bashful smile, "I made it up on our ride. We have lots of time to think along the road so it just came to me. The premise became all too real when I saw the darker woods that lay before us. I would half expect to come face to face with a troll in there."

"Well, I dare say you came into the wrong profession. You should be writing letters, not delivering them," Frits said.

Even Eva cracked a smile as she said, "Good job, Jon. Maybe we can sing it tomorrow on the journey. I can assure you trolls are not in your future on this road."

"I wonder if there are any enemies on the road ahead. Are these forests home to anything dangerous?” Jon asked in a low voice as if he his words would conjure trouble.

"There has not been a casualty on this ride for many years. I suspect we will be plenty safe," Eva affirmed.

After Jon had sat back down and the three stared into the fire for a while longer. Each swam in their thoughts as crickets chipped in the grass outside and the fire continued to crackle away.

After some time, Frits stretched his arms and yawned. "It is about time we are off to bed."

The others sighed in agreement and the three royal messengers retired to the three beds as the fire smoldered to a low glow.

***

The morning welcomed Frits with a cold embrace as he emerged from the cabin. His breath flowed out in white clouds as he rubbed his hands together and looked around for wood to start a fire. After checking on the horses, who looked eager to start the day, and gathering some sticks, Frits came back into the cabin to find the others packing their things.

Without looking up, Eva said, "No time for another fire, let us get moving."

"Shouldn't we warm up before getting back on the road?" Frits asked as he dropped the wood by the fireplace. Jon looked grumpy as he threw Frits some dried meat that was tied in a cloth.

Not a morning person I see, Frits thought as he chuckled to himself.

"We already slept in too long. Besides, we will get plenty warm on the ride," Eva said.

Frits reluctantly packed his satchel of personal items and followed his companions out of the cabin. Within moments, they were saddled and back on the main Northwood Road.

The day passed by in an uneventful fashion. Endless trees stretched on for the hours of riding. Frits found himself drifting off into thoughts about his family and of Sasha. The gentle wind made him think about her flowing, brown hair. The chirp of the birds reminded him of her melodious voice.

"I did not know that a place so dark and old could feel so fair," Frits said in wonder as they continued to ride.

"It is an ancient place that wears the look of many long years," Eva said. “I doubt there are many things older than these trees in our kingdom. I suspect the light air comes from the fact that evil does not lurk here. These woods have only seen peace for generations of out people. Evil magic and evil deeds have a drain on all things around them, or so I have heard, but this place has been spared both."

"Hailgalad has been spared those terrible times, for the most part," Frits added. "We still have had our battles, but nothing on the scale of our ancestors. We are fortunate."

Large, thick trees grew tall into the sky and dense foliage hugged the bases of their trunks. Every so often, the three would come upon a small community of woodsmen homes. Children playing near the road would stop and wave at them. To Jon's delight, some of the people came out with fresh fruit or pastries for the royal messengers.

"Here's one for the royal messengers. A safe ride to you three," and old woman, clad in green, leather garb, said as she handed them some baked goods tied in a cloth.

"A hundred thanks to you and yours," Jon said eagerly as he grabbed the cloth bundle.

After some more time had passed, the group spotted and small herd of deer walking through the woods. "I have never seen deer that size before," Frits said as he marveled at their large antlers and broad chests.

"They aren't deer, they are elk," Jon replied as he munched on a pastry.

"How do you know that?" Frits asked as he continued to study the animals.

"Near where I grew up, there are some remnants of this forest. It used to stretch all the way down to the royal academy, but was chopped down in many areas to make our kingdom what it is today. In the larger sections of wooded area, we can find these elk, but never this size and in these large groups," John explained.

"Closer to the villages, they are not easy to spot, but here in the less populated areas, they walk without fear," Eva said. They all marveled at the majestic beast that munched on the grass.

Before long, the day had melted away and the old woods became even darker. There had been little to look at other than a broad stone bridge that crossed the Frostfall. It was void of any people and all was quiet except for the rushing waters underneath them.

"Where will we be hanging out heads tonight?" Jon asked with a yawn.

"It depends on how good of time we make. There is no set cabin this far north, but we will stop at the next woodsman community," Frits answered. "They are charged with giving us shelter on our journey."

After a short while riding along in the dark, the twinkling lights of the next community came into view. It was a modest grouping of quaint wooden buildings. The ones near the road appeared to be homes and there was another larger building that was brightly lit. People were working away in the larger one cutting logs into pieces of wood in various sizes. As they made it into the light of the courtyard, one of the workers saw the three riders and left the mill to greet them.

"Evening, messengers of the crown," the man said as he removed his hat and gave a slight bow. His clothes were covered in sawdust and he had a rag slung over his shoulder.

"Good evening," Frits replied with a courteous bow. "We would like to retire to our quarters. Can you point us in the right direction?" Frits was not sure what the quarters were and what the protocol was, but he tried to sound dignified and professional as he spoke to the man.

"You may stay in my home, follow me." The man started walking towards the second house of the first cluster. Before they got there, they stopped by a fenced area by the road.

"Your horses can stay here for the night. They will be okay in the open," the man said as he saw their uneasiness of leaving them unattended. "Not many come through this way, but we will keep an eye on them."

After they took the saddles off their horses and placed them in the pen, they proceeded to the man's house that was dark inside, except a slow glow of coals in the fireplace. He lit a candle and handed it to them. "Apologies for the darkness, but my wife worked the day shift and is asleep. The third floor has three beds were my children used to be. They are now grown and off doing great things around the kingdom."

The man started rambling about each of his children. One was a shipping agent for Helewise in Mendale. Another served a lieutenant in Baldric's royal army. The final one was studying at the royal training academy, which was no small feat to be admitted due to their upbringing.

After a while, he stopped himself and smiled, "Sorry, I get carried away sometimes. There is venison stew by the fire, help yourselves." After he watched them start to lay down their things and grab bowls for food, he rubbed his hands together and said, "I must return to my work. I will see you tomorrow morning."

"Thank you," Frits, Eva, and Jon said in unison with a bow and their right fists over their hearts as they watched him leave.

The three sat in worn, but comfortable chairs around the fireplace as they ate the venison stew. The stew had an earthy flavor that was complex and rich. After only a few bites, Frits felt both invigorated and relaxed, ready to end a long day of riding.

"This is incredible," Frits said as he took in another spoonful.

"It does hit the spot after a long day on the road," Eva agreed with her mouth still full.

After he finished, Jon leaned back in the chair. ”I did not know how much this journey would take out of me. We are just riding along a path and I am wiped out."

"This six day ride isn't easy," Eva said in a low voice so not to wake their host's wife. "But it beats fighting on the front lines in the border disputes."

"Really?" Jon exclaimed as the low glow of the fireplace glinted off his face. "I wish I was placed in the cavalry or infantry. Those people are really protecting our lands. The glory of victory and keeping our people safe."

"There is nothing glorious about battle. There is the necessity of it, but it is filled with loss and despair," Eva said. "Frits and I know more than many." After she said that, her eyes widened and she said, "Sorry Frits."

"It is okay," Frits said as he ran his hand through his hair and turned to Jon. "My father was killed in the border wars against Vaelor. He was on patrol and his company was ambushed by a group of mercenaries the Vaelorans hired to disrupt our defenses. My father's company was outnumbered and the mercenaries killed every last one of them. From the reports of the battle aftermath, it was a complete surprise and they did not stand a chance."

"I did not realize it was that brutal. When I think of battles, I think of great songs and deeds. Heroes that led armies valiantly into the fray. We never hear the stories of tragedy unless they happen to someone close to us, I suppose,” Jon said in horror. "I am sorry."

"The news we often receive is that our conflict with the Vaelorans is gentlemanly, but that is far from true. People in high seats push around toy soldiers on a map and think it is all a game. The people who really have to do the fighting are the ones that pay the ultimate price," Frits said with a somber tone. "I admit, I do dream of winning glory in battle for my family one day, but it is said that only those who have never seen battle crave it. Eva is the only one of us that has actually seen it."

"Is that true?" Jon asked as he leaned over to Eva.

"It is," she said. "I was in the infantry on my first assignment. Like you, I was eager to make a name for myself and rise through the ranks. As you know, combat is how it is usually done. I was placed in a regiment under Baldric's lieutenant, Hireta. We were ordered to block a road that connected our border with Vaelor. When we got there, we were met with stiff resistance from Vaeloran royal troops. We were able to hold them off, but I was pierced by a javelin. I was devastated to leave my company, but figured I would be back with them in no time. After I healed in a medical outpost, they transferred me to the messenger company. That was the end of my career in combat."

"Are you unable to fight in the army after your injury?" Jon asked as he scanned her leg.

"I can fight," Eva said defiantly. "I requested to be put back with my regiment, but they rejected my request. No explanation, no thank you, just reassigned. Another number had taken my slot."

"I suppose we can consider ourselves lucky," Jon said. "We may not get the same recognition, but we will most likely live long, happy lives."

"Areandel willing," Frits said, trying to temper the overconfident statement.

"Come on you guys, enough talk," Eva said with a sigh. "We need to get some sleep."

The three walked up the tight staircase. As soon as they came to their room, they retired to the three beds that were a bit too small, but did not care. Within moments, each were fast asleep, tired of the day’s journey.