What makes the saga of the Heroes resonate so deeply within our spirit? It is, after all, a tale of those who emerged from the periphery, cast aside by society, yet found their destiny intertwined on a grand quest to restore the Crystal Blood. Consider the remarkable assembly of Kurt Volker, his son Rin, and the Madrigal siblings. Volker, once a loyal retainer to the illustrious Lord Ranier, found himself dismissed in the aftermath of the Night of Fire and Blood for taking in an orphaned boy. Yet fate wove its intricate tapestry, bringing Marteen and Ela Madrigal—two of the most celebrated figures of the Reclamation War—to toil on Volker’s farm in the dwarven lands. There, in the quietude of rural life, they formed an unlikely family unit, with Volker assuming the role of a surrogate patriarch. His foster son, Rin, embraced the Madrigals as his own kin, calling them brother and sister. Such a convergence of disparate lives, rising to heroic prominence, defies the conventional bounds of storytelling. As the adage goes, truth possesses a liberty that fiction cannot, for fiction is bound by the constraints of narrative rules. Thus, the Heroes’ saga illuminates the profound journey of transformation and unity, drawing forth the eternal themes that lie at the heart of the elven condition. – Scholar Atti, excerpted from the article, “Examining the Heroes’ Saga”
RIN
Rin finished packing his saddlebags as Kurt covered the remains of the fire. Talking with Kurt dredged up some long-buried pain and anger. He thought hard about what Kurt said. As much as he hated to admit it, Kurt’s explanation made sense. The others could have been overwhelmed by all the craziness after they returned with the princess. Still, none of them noticed what was happening to him? He knew it was possible. He understood how it could happen. Yet, the hurt and anger was still there inside. Rin wasn’t sure what to do, but he was kind of happy talking with Kurt last night.
I guess I did want to know what happened to Kurt, Rin thought. The old dwarf swore as he straightened from burying the fire. He was much as Rin remembered him. For the past ten years, Rin felt betrayed by the man who raised him after his parents were murdered. Kurt should have been the one demanding those elven nobles respect Rin as much as the others. After last night, Rin was forced to face a hard truth. As worldly and wise Kurt always seemed, he was still just a man. A man who made mistakes. With everything happening at the time, Kurt didn’t purposefully push Rin away. He was just unaware. Perhaps the most startling truth of the night was when Rin realized he missed Kurt. Their relationship was nowhere near where it was before Rin left for Marei, but it was starting to heal.
“What’s the plan for today, son?” Kurt asked.
“The barkeep said the elves who met with Smythe sounded like nobles,” Rin said, “Unless things have radically changed in the last ten years, nobles are obligated to visit upon each other when they cross into each other’s lands.”
“This is Lord Valera’s lands. You’re thinking of looking for more information at his keep?” Kurt asked. Rin nodded. “Assuming the elves were nobles, why would they have stopped at Valera’s? Wouldn’t they have wanted to avoid notice?”
“Who do you think buys most of the contraband that comes into Black Cove?” Rin asked in return, “A noble coming to Black Cove to purchase some less-than-legal goods wouldn’t be out of place. A noble avoiding the obligations of nobility? That would draw unwanted attention.”
“It’s just as well. I need to talk with Lord Valera, anyways,” Kurt said.
“Does it have something to do with Marteen?” Rin asked.
“It’s probably better if you find out when we get there,” Kurt said. The two rode in silence for about an hour, but it wasn’t the tense silence from the previous night. It wasn’t the comfortable silences Rin remembered from his days on the farm, but somewhere in between. For the first time in a long time, memories of growing up on the farm didn’t hurt. As Rin rode down the road, he let himself remember the happy times. Particularly after Marteen and Ela came to live with them.
“What happened to the farm?” Rin asked.
“You remember Pieter? He married a girl from Riverrun, I think. They’re keeping it up and running their own flocks. Why do you ask?”
“Just reminiscing. I guess. It’s been a long time since I thought about the farm. I forgot how many happy times I had growing up there.”
“Particularly after you dragged Marteen to the farm and Ela followed a few months later.”
“I didn’t drag Marteen to the farm. He followed me there after that fight with those sheep thieves.”
“Ah, well, that might be true,” Kurt said, “Either way, those years were good for all of us. After what we talked about last night, I wish we could have all gone back there instead of Lisandra. It would have been good for you and Illana…”
“Don’t talk about her,” Rin interrupted.
“Why don’t you want to talk about her, son?” The familiar compassion in the dwarf’s voice stilled Rin’s immediate retort. Rin took a deep, calming breath before he answered.
“It’s like I have this ball of pain every time I hear her name. I can’t do my job with that churning through me.” Kurt studied him for a long moment before returning his gaze back to the dirt road.
“Could you do your old father a favor?”
“What?”
“Could you please explain the fascination your people have with that horrific smelling paste they smear all over bread?” Rin chuckled at the sudden change of subject. It was a relief just to talk about the differences between Mareian food, dwarven food, and the elven food in Lisandra.
After another couple of hours, the sloped walls of Valera Keep rose in the distance. Instead of the brilliantly colored crystal spires of the traditional jewel-spun buildings, Lord Valera’s keep was a star-shaped fortress of stone. It looked almost identical to the massive forts the Kingdom and Republic built along their border. It even had a moat. Rin and Kurt were stopped just as they turned off the main road. Four soldiers stood next to a small shack on the side of the gravel path leading to the keep. Rin handed his small leather portfolio with his credentials to the lead guard as the three other guards kept their halberds at the ready. The green-clad soldier studied the papers and the gold star. Rin took the chance to scan the grounds. Soft mowed grass covered the grounds in a rough circle about a couple hundred meters in diameter without as much as a shrub for cover. There was a wide winding gravel path leading from the main highway to the drawbridge.
“My sergeant needs to review these, sir,” the guard told Rin, “Please wait here.” The guard walked over to the shack and raised a purple signal flag on the shack’s flagpole.
“We could just show him our medallions and be done with it,” Kurt mused, sounding annoyed.
“I don’t think so,” Rin said, “It looks like the lord is expecting an attack. I doubt he’d take kindly to having a pair of Heroes of the Empire forcing their way in, even politely.”
“What do you mean ‘expecting an attack’?” asked Kurt, startled by Rin’s comment.
“The guards on the walls aren’t patrolling in regular intervals,” Rin said, “The guard here is alert and quick to call for assistance even if it might offend two Heroes. How much do you want to bet when their sergeant shows up, it’ll be at the head of a squad of heavy infantry?”
“It doesn’t make sense. Who would attack this keep?”
“Better question, why didn’t you tell me Marteen was here?” Rin asked. Kurt looked slightly abashed.
“Because of why he’s here,” Kurt answered. The dwarf sounded embarrassed and angry. He remembered that tone from the times Kurt marched him to one of the villagers to apologize. Usually after Rin did something stupid. He decided not to press Kurt further. He would find out in due course.
Lord Valera’s soldiers approached from the castle. Rin was right about the heavy infantry, but instead of a squad, an entire platoon of soldiers in glittering mail armor marched to the guardhouse. Green pennants fluttered from the soldiers’ halberds as the two lines moved swiftly down the gravel road. The commander was an elf with the long features and bearings of a noble, or at least noble-born.
“Hero Acciaio, Hero Volker, I am Lieutenant Rinura. Lord Valera welcomes you to his home,” the officer said with a low bow.
“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Rin said turning back to the elf. “I need to speak with Lord Valera as soon as possible about a matter of some urgency. I believe Hero Volker also has something to discuss with the lord.”
“Of course, Hero Acciaio,” the lieutenant answered. “If you will follow me?” Rin and Kurt followed the lieutenant to the castle. As they neared, Rin was shocked to see shielded gun ports in the castle’s walls. Only the Imperial Army was supposed to have cannon. What crazy smuggler sold an elf lord cannon?
The soldiers escorting them peeled into fighting positions as they entered the main gate. The gate was a seven-meter long, three-meter-high tunnel that went from the drawbridge directly to the main courtyard. From the massive doors and portcullises at each end, Rin guessed any vanguard of an attacking force would be trapped in a killing tunnel. This keep would be a tough nut to crack for a Republican or Kingdom army. What concerned this Lord Valera so much that he built and manned such a fortress?
“Please wait here, Heroes, Lord Valera will be with you presently,” the lieutenant said as they entered the courtyard. The elf dashed through a door on the far side before Rin or Kurt could say anything. Kurt grumbled as he dismounted from his sturdy pony. Rin scanned the edge of the courtyard. At least a dozen crossbowmen stood atop the walls watching them. Was Valera foolish enough to kill two Heroes of the Empire? Rin slid off his horse and placed his hand close to his rifle.
“What under the Protector’s Gaze is going on?” Rin asked Kurt.
“That is what I would like to know,” a deep voice boomed across the courtyard. Kurt looked uneasy at the voice. Rin turned to face the speaker. The elf was tall, easily reaching two hundred and twenty-five centimeters with those long legs every elf seemed to possess. Long and sharply chiseled features were accentuated by shoulder length brown hair hanging loosely. Brown eyes flashed in righteous anger. He wore the traditional flowing breeches, shirt, and cape of a noble. All were in shades of green with heavy gold and silver embroidery. A long rapier was belted at his waist.
“Lord Valera, I presume?”
“The infamous Hero Acciaio. My constables informed me you attacked an innkeeper in my town, and killed two patrons,” Lord Valera said, “Would you care to defend your actions?” Rin just stared at Lord Valera silently for a long moment. The noble’s hands and eyes twitched just a bit too much. His anger was just a bit too forced.
“Elven nobles came through your lands less than a week ago,” Rin said, calmly. “I have good information they left Black Cove with a blond human man. Who were the nobles?” Valera’s eyes grew wide.
“What about my two subjects you slew?” Valera demanded again. Rin studied the lord for a long moment.
“What about them? The barkeep should have cooperated. Instead, he set a couple of his regulars on me. They failed,” Rin answered calmly. “A Black Cove barkeep should know better. He should be grateful I only hurt him and didn’t just kill him like his friends. Now, under the treaty between the Republic of Marei and the Jeweled Empire, you are required to cooperate with my hunt. Who were the nobles?” Valera’s face went pale before visibly composing himself. He smiled insincerely in true noble fashion.
“The innkeeper mentioned your nobles and the human to my retainers when they appeared at the Poison Well. Whoever they were, they didn’t present themselves to me.”
“And you didn’t find this strange?”
“I made some inquiries, but no one else remembered seeing them. I just chalked it up to Seran having a little too much of his house vintage. I mean, honestly, what would nobles want with a human?”
“Humans and elves have worked together before, my lord,” Rin said.
“May I ask what this human did that dragged a ranger all the way to my keep?” Lord Valera asked. Rin stared at the lord for a long moment.
“No,” Rin said. Lord Valera glared at Rin, but he ignored it. Time to deal with the other issue.
“Why is Hero Madrigal in your keep?”
“Hero Volker didn’t tell you?” Lord Valera asked, motioning at Kurt.
“Why don’t you tell me?” Rin asked, the barest hint of menace in his voice. “From your point of view.”
“Hero Madrigal burst into my home and accused me of selling guns to the Purists,” Lord Valera, “When I didn’t give him the answer he wanted, he attacked me and injured several of my retainers. My soldiers subdued him before he could cause more damage. I was informed by the Crystal Palace that Hero Volker was sent to negotiate for his release.” Rin looked over at Kurt. The dwarf stood frozen with his face twisted in silent frustration. Rin looked back at Lord Valera. The elf lord looked too smug. Sweet Protector, he hated these political games.
“You will release Hero Madrigal to my custody now,” Rin said.
“Excuse me?” The smug look was replaced by affronted shock.
“You will release Hero Madrigal into my custody,” Rin repeated. “As a Hero of the Empire, it’s within my rights to demand the services of any noble in the performance of my duty. I require Hero Madrigal for my hunt.”
“Why would I even consider it?”
“Because this is one of those nobility games, and I don’t have time for it. Besides, I know you’re selling guns.”
“I was willing to overlook your actions in Black Cove. They are expected of someone with your organization’s reputation. However, I will not have anyone cast aspersions on my honor in my own home. I already have one Hero of the Empire in my custody for unfounded accusations.”
“Lord Valera, I am not some drunken fool of a swordsman. I’m a Mareian ranger in the middle of a hunt. You’ve answered my questions, and I appreciate your cooperation. Once you turn over Hero Madrigal, I will have completed all I need to do in your lands and have no further interest in any of your dealings. Are you going to force me to take further interest?” The last words were cold enough to visibly chill the noble. Sometimes the ranger mythos was useful.
“You make a convincing point, Ranger Acciaio. Hero Madrigal will be released to your custody. He’s probably sobered up enough that he may be able to walk on his own,” Lord Valera said, motioning go one of his retainers. “As is my right under Imperial law, since both you and he have brought harm and injury to my subjects, I ask that you depart from my lands as quickly as possible and not return without an Imperial writ.”
“Of course, my lord,” Rin said. Kurt grabbed Rin’s arm.
“That man is responsible for selling guns to not only criminals, but to the Purists!” Kurt whispered angrily.
“We’ll talk about this later,” Rin said in a quiet voice.
“Why did you agree to leave his lands without arresting him or something?” Kurt asked, nearly apoplectic. “I thought you were some kind of constable.”
“Not now,” Rin whispered angrily. Kurt wanted to say more, but yelling across the courtyard stopped their conversation. Marteen emerged as two soldiers prodded him with halberds. He looked much as Rin expected. Marteen’s long brown hair was greasy and unkempt, brown eyes were bloodshot, and his normally tall body was stooped with fatigue. Marteen was dressed in only a pair of soiled breeches that may have been tan at one time. Familiar scars crisscrossed his torso. Marteen’s medallion hung loosely around his neck on an iron chain. Manacles were clamped on each wrist and each ankle.
Marteen blinked as he stepped into the courtyard, as if he hadn’t seen the sun for some time. He looked sober enough, with maybe the early hints of a hangover. In Rin’s experience, it was probably about four days since Marteen’s last drink. It usually took Marteen that long to dry out from one of his alcohol-fueled rampages. Marteen spied Rin and Kurt. He gave them both his familiar grin. No, the hangover hadn’t set in quite yet. Something to look forward to. The soldiers cautiously removed the manacles. Marteen gave them evil looks as he rubbed his wrists. Then, as if nothing was wrong, Marteen straightened and walked over to Rin and Kurt.
“Goddess of Light, is that you, Rin?” Marteen boomed before clapping Rin soundly on the back. “Damn, you got old. Must be you though. This thing started thumping something fierce this morning. So, Sonya sent you to fetch me?” Rin grimaced as Marteen’s sour breath wafted over.
“As I have promised,” Lord Valera said. Rin could see the concern in the elf lord’s eyes. He wanted them gone from his home and lands as quickly as possible.
“Where are his clothes, his effects, and his sword?” Rin asked.
“He’s wearing what clothes not destroyed in his altercation with my soldiers,” Lord Valera answered. “Everything else except his medallion and sword was sold to take care of the men he injured and repair the damage he did to my home. The sword was sent back to Lisandra as proof he was here when I offered to negotiate for his release.” Rin looked down at Marteen. The elf just gave him a confident smile.
“I see,” Rin said. He turned to the smiling Marteen. “He can’t travel like this. We’ll have to go back to Black Cove to get you at least some clothes.”
“I would be more than happy to provide Hero Madrigal with some basic clothing,” Lord Valera said, quickly. “In return for a small favor, of course.”
“What would that favor be?” Rin asked, cautiously.
“To deliver a message to Lady Sonya,” Lord Valera answered. Rin contemplated for a moment. He wasn’t sure who this Lady Sonya was, but it must be someone high up in the Imperial government.
“One of us will make sure your message is delivered,” Rin said, looking pointedly at Kurt. He certainly had no intention of going anywhere near the capital unless absolutely necessary.
“My thanks,” Lord Valera said, and motioned to one of his soldiers. The elf dropped a wrapped package at Marteen’s feet. Rin looked at the package for a moment.
So, this was the point of locking up Marteen. Bring someone out here of sufficient importance to bring back a message. I hate elven politics. Rin wasn’t sure what was Lord Valera’s goal, but he was sure it wasn’t something good.
“The message?” Rin asked, nonchalantly. He could probably send Kurt and Marteen off to deliver it while he continued hunting Smythe.
“Would you please inform Lady Sonya I will not be able to support her with my attendance in the Diet at this time?” Lord Valera asked, “With the Purist activity so high, I don’t feel I could leave my lands at this time. I would feel much better returning to Lisandra if the Frontier Army was more vigorous in rooting out those people.”
“Of course, Lord Valera,” Kurt said, “I must warn you Lady Sonya will be most displeased by your absence.”
“I can weather her displeasure,” Lord Valera replied, “Just as I have weathered her displeasure when I detained Hero Madrigal. What I cannot weather is that rabble running loose on my lands. Of course, if conditions were to change, I would re-evaluate my position.”
“I understand your position,” Kurt said. “I will discuss it with Lady Sonya.”
“Excellent. Now, if you will kindly be about your business and leave my lands?” The three Heroes let themselves be escorted out of the keep and back to the road.
Chapter 6