Another One. :) Part VI

The Autumn months turned into Winter. Snow began to come in, fast and hard, and with it came the annual situation: The passes closed, full of building-high snow drifts. All seven of the villages were completely isolated from one another and from the rest of the country. The townspeople had to look after each other or all would parish. It was a very hard winter, especially for Liana.
She watched as Tammello, son of Thire, played a game of Pieces with her little brother, Feldon. It irritated her. Her sister, brother, mother and father had so easily excepted Tammello. They had all instantly fallen in love with the boys helpful attitude , sad face, and work ethic, but she did not like him at all. The boy had caused the death of her brother, whom she had loved so much. With a zeal that rivalled her mothers kindness, she hated him. As she watched them laugh and play together, she tried to avoid grinding her teeth. It totally infuriated her to see that. He should be treated as an outcast and servant, not a member of the family. Unable to stand it anymore, she stiffly walked off to her own room.
Mersona continued to work the bread dough as she watched Tam shake little Feldon's hand again. Tam was doing a great job of teaching the lad good strategy. Well, good strategy as far as she could tell. She didn't know much about that kind of thing. The front door slammed, and her father walked through the door out of the snow and shed his thick leather robe. "Hello Feldon, Tam. Mersona, whats for dinner tonight?" he asked. Mersona smiled and ran to him, giving her father a big hug like she had ever since she could remember. "Goat stew, cheese, that new wine that Tam brought home, and some fruit and vegetables from the storage." Father smiled, "Sounds wonderful, dear. Tam, after dinner, you and I are going to talk about the Rebellion of Kybore, three hundred years ago, and how they won that war. We will show the strategies of both the Imperial armies and the rebel armies." Tam smiled, "I've read about that war, sir. I look forward to it." Mersona listened for awhile, but then lost interest. she had dinner to make while mother did the repair work on the blankets.
Feldon listened closely to the conversation after dinner from his hiding spot around the corner from kitchen. His father and Tam were deep in the conversation, talking about ancient battles. Tam was saying, "but if the rebels had used the standard skirmish formation to see where the enemy soldiers where waiting to ambush them before reaching the main Imperial forces, then they would have lost an entire brigade of there best javelins and crossbowmen, wouldn't they?" Thire spoke, "Yes, but that would have been a small price compared to how many they actually did loose by marching right into the ambush and then being swept away by the main army who came marching up the road in a battle line. How would you have led this operation, Tam?" Feldon listened intently. Tam had taught him about these formations earlier. Skirmish was a very long thin line used to cover a lot of ground and discover the enemies strength in numbers and the type of soldiers they have. Battle line was a standard line in battle, good both for charging and holding against enemies. They had several different variations, like double line, and angled formations. There was column formation, used on long marches along a road. There is shield wall, a very tight formation for holding against enemy infantry charges. Feldon listened intently as Tam spoke again, "Why use a skirmish line or march right along the road into the ambush? Both would cost precious lives. If the terrain is perfect for an ambush, scout it or just plain avoid it." Thire chuckled, "The battle was inevitable, Tam. They had no other choice." "Oh I know, sir. But why did the rebel general, the famous General Kelson, get almost his entire the command killed by letting the enemy choose the ground. Why didn't he form his lines in the corn fields and let the enemy come to him. His objective, after all, where to stop the enemy from reaching Moguthrun Fortress for as long as possible while supplies were being gathered and war machines were being built." This made Thire smile appreciatively. "Well then Tam, what would have been the best possible solution to this problem in your eyes?" Tam answered with all the confidence of a horde general, "Kelson should have had some of his troops begin to dig earthworks while the others stayed prepared for battle. Either the enemy would have held their position or they would have attacked. The rebels may have been outnumbered eighth to one but they had the superior fighting skill and the better provisioned army. They may have even had some 'earthworks to fight from. This would have, not only saved countless lives, but also allowed for far more supplies to be gathered and more siege weapons to be built at the fortress, thereby altering the outcome of the entire war." Feldon's eyes began to droop. Thire said, "Well done, Tam. You are correct. Now, off to bed. You need your sleep." Feldon heard the chairs scrape against the floor as the two men got up. Silently, he crept off to bed.
Leona watched Tam work quickly and efficiently from her vantage point in the kitchen. Every morning, the goats were fed, watered, and milked. Every morning, the inventory was counted and the armory was cleaned. Every other day, Tam took a trip into town. When it was far too vicious out in the snow, Tam stayed near the house and did other chores, such as cut firewood, watch the goats, and he was often seen using a knife to carve small figure for the game, Pieces. He carved soldiers, civilians, cavalry, siege machines and towers, buildings, and other small implements of the game. Leona watched him now as he came back toward the house. She smiled and opened the door for him, asking as he stepped through, "How is it out there, Tam?" Tam stomped the snow off of his boots as he replied, "Its pretty mild considering how it's been for the past few days." Leona smiled up at him, "Are you going to take a trip into town?" Tam nodded, "Yes I will." Leona laughed and looked at the young man slyly. Tam raised his hands disarmingly,"What? Does that surprise you?" Leona just shook her head, asking, "So what are we low on now? Wine? No that's not it. Flower? I don't think so. Weaponry care items? No. What is it this time?" Tam blushed a deep red and looked away, saying, "I was going to ask Merrick for four or so sets of horse shoes. I wanted to know if Thire would let me buy a few of the horses and one of the donkeys off of Councilman Galaar. I would need horse shoes for them. The only thing is that I need somewhere to put them. Since the barn has empty stalls, even when it's full of goats,I was going to ask Thire if I could keep them there." Leona just couldn't help herself. She burst into uncontrolled laughter. Tam just shuffled his feet. Leona regained control of herself and then turned back to the turnips she had been washing, smiling confidently. Tam began to walk out the door, and Leona called after him, "Say hello to Parrisha and her family for me." Tam's natural color didn't return until he reached town.
Thire and the other members of the council watched Tam walk into town. They were on a break to get some fresh air and to enjoy watching the snow fall. It was a beautiful thing to behold, especially when the wind was still. Thire rubbed his mustache and neatly trimmed beard, thinking about the young man he was training to be a Minister of War. The boy was a natural when it came to leadership, strategy, tactics, battle, and combat in general. He was far more than qualified. But there was one requirement that Tam had not quite fulfilled. He was not married. Every councilor was required to be married for several reasons. A man's wife would help keep him accountable, could also keep him motivated, and also support him. The wives of the councilors had a decent amount of power, even though they were not encouraged, though not prohibited, to speak while the council was in session. Truth be told, Thire was not too terribly worried. Tam had been spending a lot of time with Narrath and his family. Galaar stood next to Thire, a smile on his hawkish features. "Tam has been spending some time with Parrisha." Thire grinned, replying, "I know, Tam has dinner at their house at least once every several days." Just then, Tam walked out of the Inn, the Sleepy Pup. Parrisha was on his arm. Both were smiling and laughing together. Thire chuckled as Galaar asked, "Now, why would they go out into the cold and go to another place when her mother is considered one of the best cooks in the town?" Thire just shook his head.
Parrisha watched the man at her side. Tammello, son of Thracken and apprentice to Thire had become very special in her eyes. When she was betrothed to Turgon, she had liked Tam. He was a good leader and a notable warrior with a bit of a fiery and passionate temper. Turgon was a real man in her eyes at that time though. Turgon had always been able to keep his temper in check and was always unwilling to take total and complete responsibility, thinking that it would overwhelm him and he would fail. The betrothal had been arranged. Then, on a hunting trip, Turgon was slayne. At first, she was devastated. It had taken several months for her to recover. But then, she had walked through the doors of the inn and saw Tam standing there, his head down and tears dripping off his face. Her heart went out to him and she decided that she was going to get to know him more. Now, she more than liked him. He had become very dear to her and it was obvious to all that he felt the same way about her. "Are you alright, Parrisha?" he asked. She snapped out of it and looked at him, smiling sweetly. "Of course I am. I'm with you." He was always so considerate and always made sure she was comfortable and safe. He smiled and said "Come on. There is a nice little place on the other side of town." Parrisha cocked an eyebrow. "Isn't there only a few houses, an abandoned manner, and a little warehouse there?" Tam winked. "Yes. That's right." Parrisha smiled and leaned on his arm. She trusted him with her life.
Merrick looked the inside of room over one more time. It was set up with tables, chairs, a large fireplace and a new cellar, freshly dug. The old warehouse had been fixed up and turned into a tavern, complete with new walls and a new cellar. One of the rooms had been turned into a boarding room as well. Everything was perfect and ready for the first two costumers to come in. With a smile of satisfaction, Merrick took a seat by the fire, thinking back to the day when Tam and Merrick had met. Some merchants from the lowlands of Sappia had come in and were selling fresh crops that could not be grown in the mountains. Some of the merchants brought their children. One family, a family of jewelers, where selling some very well made rings. Tam had been looking at him with his father. His father told him, "Meet me back here when you've had your fun." Tam nodded and ran off. Merrick was with his father at their booth, selling weapons to the merchants. Merrick got bored and wandered off. When he found Tam, he had been pinned in a corner by the jewelers' sons. They were teasing him and shoving snow in his face. Merrick went up and said, "Hey. Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" The three boys were smaller than Merrick, but they did not figure Tam would fight, seeing as how he was only eight. But he did. The three converged on Merrick. The first two tried to pin him and got driven back by his sheer size. But then the third and oldest blackened his eyes with a blow and the fight was on. Tam leaped onto the smallest ones back and began to use one hand to hammer the boys head while Merrick took the other two, blow for blow. Tam and Merrick had been friends ever since. The man smiled and said, "Sir, my lady. Would you be interested in our special tonight?" Parrisha laughed and hugged Tam hard around the young man's brawny chest. Tam was speechless.

An Original by MJB. Hope you all like it!!! :) : Part V

Tam walked from booth to booth, mentally going over his shopping list. He needed to by several loaves of bread, some fresh fruit, a few lengths of cord, and some long sheets of cloth. He also needed some bees wax and a few sharpening stones. With a practiced eye, he went from one booth to another, eying the different kinds and sizes of bread. Sourdough or barley loaves? Loaves or rolls? Which would be more cost effective and economical? After buying several very large loaves of sourdough and a few smaller of the barley rolls, Tam trotted on over to the bee keeper's booth. The man was short, plumb, and jolly. He had a completely white beard and hair and always war a big, toothy smile. Tam ran up, "Hello there, Zander." The man's smile got even larger. "Tammello! How are you, son? If has been many a week since I've had you as a customer." Tam shrugged, "Thire is kind enough to have taken me into his home to work for him for awhile. I need a jar of honey and a few good sized chunks of wax. Do you have any?" Zander laughed, "Do I have any?" He reached behind the window of the booth and pulled out the largest jar of honey Tam had ever seen and several sizable chunks of bees wax as well. "Excellent!" Tam said, "How much?" Zander replied, "Three for the jar, and one for the wax." Tam looked at him questionably, "That's it? The jar must be near a gallon and a half, and those bees wax would fetch far more if bought by the bow maker." Zander just winked, "Aye, but your not the bow maker. Besides, Thire is a friend of mine." Tam smiled and handed over the money. Then he carefully wrapped the wax and put both it and the jar in his pack. Thanking the jolly fat man, he walked towards the bow maker's, store. The bow maker was like the bows he made, long and skinny. He was also a very serious looking fellow, which belied his very dry sense of humor. Tam walked into the dimly lit room. "Hello Tam. How can I help you today?" asked the man behind the counter. "Can I have a couple dozen bowstrings?" The man nodded and pulled several lengths of string made from the sinews of deer. Deer sinew made the best bowstring. "Do you need bees wax today for your strings?" Tam shook his head, "No sir. Thank you. I think we are good for the time being." The tall, thin man just smiled and said, "Zander gave you some didn't he?" Tam just laughed and payed for his bowstrings. After bidding the bow maker good day, Tam was about to head home when he thought of visiting Thire's daughters at there wagon. After stopping at the Wolf's Belly, a tavern that was also a trade post owned by a family of Sapian merchants, Tam trotted off towards the direction of the barracks, munching on some stick candy and drinking a small skin of fresh cider from the flatland provinces. On the right side of the barracks was Merrick's smithy, where he made weapons and armor of all kinds. Swords, axes, lances, spears, halberds, shields, and all manner of other weapons and several suits of armor covered the walls. Merrick grinned massively through his big, bushy beard. "Tam! How is the new life at Thire's?" Tam smiled, "Better than I thought it would be." "Good, Good. I'm glad to hear that. Make sure you come and visit us though." Tam smiled, "Of course I will." To the left of the barracks was Thire's wagon and his daughters. Liana stood in front of the wagon seat. In the wagon was Merssona. Tam was about to walk up and realized that he could not think of a good reason to do so. After a few moments, he strode up and said, "Could I have a few strips of goat jerky, please?" Merssona smiled and lifted down to him three strips of the smoked and salted meat. Liana looked at him expressionlessly and said, "That would be one copper a piece." Tam nodded and handed her the money. She thanked him and pretended he wasn't there, but Merssona asked, "Did you remember to get the skins of drink that father wants, Tam?" Tam smote his brow, "Plagues!!! I forgot. Thank you, Merssona. Your father would not be pleased if I came home without those. Have a wonderful day, my ladies." He hustled off to the cold house owned by Alucard. The man was getting on in years, but seemed to have lost none of the energy and vigor that he was known for as a youngster and a man. As Tam jogged up, the old man leaped up, "Tammello, son of Thracken! Are you looking for a cold drink? I have some new wine I got from a small group of flatlanders. Actually, they were lowlanders and lived in the wet areas of our fair kingdom. It's a wine made out of rice and cranberries! It's marvelous. Please come and try some." He grabbed Tam's arm and hustled him inside. It was cold in the building. Skins, barrels, bottles, and flasks hung from rafters and sat on shelves. Each one was neatly labelled. Alucard pored to earthen goblets of wine that was mostly clear with a slight pinkish-purple tint to it. Tam took the goblet and said, "Thank you, Al." The man was to busy drinking to answer. Tam took a sip and felt fire go down with the liquor. It was very sweet and strong. Tam downed the rest and put the vessel on the table. Alucard was about to pour him more, but Tam shook his head, chuckling, "I can't have too much Al. Thire would not be pleased if I came home drunk." The man nodded. "True, very true. What are you buying today, Tam?" Tam listed several skins of wines and a few bottles and flasks of other drink. He was about to leave, but then turned around and said, "Al, how much are you selling a large skin of that new rice and cranberry wine for?" The man grinned, "I knew you would ask." he scurried into a back closet and brought back a massive skin that could have been an entire goat. "This is yours. How about twenty coppers? The merchant I got it from told me that it was a hundred years old." Tam nodded. The older wine was, the more expensive, and potent, it was. Tam handed the money over, slung the skins and flasks that wouldn't fit in his pack over his shoulder, and walked on out. With the fire of the liquor still in his veins, he trotted towards one more stop before he headed home. It was a large inn, the Sleepy Pup it was called. It was run by a family of four. The father and mother were very good people. The son was a stout lad who was known for being quiet, strong, and rather deliberate. Tam walked in and saw the three of them standing behind the counter. The old man smiled at him, "Tammello. How are you in these waining fall days?" Tam walked up to the bar and sat on a stool, "I am well, thank you Narrath. I just wished to offer my condolences and my apologies for the death of Turgon. It was my fault." The old man sighed and pulled out a bottle and four glasses. "I know. I appreciate the gesture, though. Come let the four of us drink to his good memory." Tam, Narrath, his wife Tarah, and there son, Boon drank of the good wine. Tam set his glass on the counter and said, "I think I need to get back to Thire's home." Narrath nodded and bid him good day. Tam turned towards the door and saw the fourth member of Narrath's family walk in. Narrath's oldest daughter Parrisha was eighteen years of age and was considered by all to be one of the most beautiful young women in the town, with large green eyes and long brownish red hair. She was betrothed to Turgon. Tam froze, and then lowered his head. Parrisha walked up to him and stood, looking at him. After several moments, Tam looked up into her eyes. They were sad and tears were about to spill out. Tam cleared his throat. He tried to speak, but no words came out. A few tears leaked down his own cheeks. All he could manage was, "I'm so sorry." Tears fell down Parrisha's face. Tam walked by her and was about to exit when she said, "I forgive you, Tam. Please forgive yourself." Tam froze for a moment, but then walked out and made his way back home, the words of the young lady who was to be married to his best friend, still ringing in his ears.
For several months, life went by without event. The scrolls and papers that Tam had recovered were sent to the royal court in the city of Carfan, the capital of Sapia. Tam and Thire's family grew closer. Only Liana stayed distant to him. As Autumn moved into Winter, Tam continued his work. After a few days, Thire began to teach him how to use the large sword that his father used to wield, as well as strategy, diplomacy, interagation, and negotiations, all of which were necessary for a minister of war. Tam visited the barracks regularly and trained in all forms of weaponry and combat under the watchful eyes of both Thire and Merrick. One day, Tam was sitting in the Sleepy Pup, playing a game of Pieces with Albor, Narrath's fourteen year old son. The game was made up of a large amount of metal, wood, and clay pieces, each one either white or black. Every piece had a specific purpose, and the mke and model ment something different whether it was for battle, siege, supply line, civilian or building. The game was created to help teach strategy and tactics. Albor was slow and deliberate as always, and his moves were very effective. Tam had already lost several games. Now it was Albor's move again. Rubbing his chin, the boy finally took a piece representing a sharp shooter with a crossbow, and moved it into range on the edge of a tower of Tam's general. Tam watched carefully. If his general was slain, he would loose. Albor rolled the dice to see if he would score a hit. With a satisfied smile from Albor, and a sigh of resignation from Tam, Albor tipped over Tam's general. Tam smiled, "No more. You have beaten me soundly, again." Albor nodded and shook Tam's hand. Parrisha came in and asked Tam, "Would you like to stay and eat with us tonight, Tam?" Tam smiled politely at her and said, "I would love to, but I need to ask Thire's permission." The man's deep voice startled him from behind, "No you do not. You are a man now, Tam. As long as you get your chores and your studies done, you can do as you will." Tam nodded, "Thank you, sir." The man smiled and walked out of the inn, whistling. Parrisha smiled, and Tam's heart skipped a beat.

To be continued...

An Original by MJB. Tell your friends about it. :) : Part IV

Tam and Merrick sat outside of the barracks where Merrick lived and Tam had spent the past seven years of his life. The six chests that contained all of Tam's belongings sat beside them. Both men were silent as the sun sank. The sky was a beautiful red and the wind blew, ushering in an early winter. Tam sniffed, smelling the coming of heavy snow. He did not mind the snow. In his childhood days, he had played with all of his friends, practicing at throwing snowballs, lighting fires, and other things which, though they were fun, were also practice for what life would be when they grew to adulthood. Merrick nudged Tam out of his trance and pointed down the path. Thire was walking towards them, leading pair of oxen that were pulling a cart. Tam recognized it as one of the Kyborite carts. Thire pulled up and the three men began to load without a word. When all six chests were in the back, Merrick gripped Tam in a crushing hug. As the two embraced, he whispered in Tam's ear, "Remember, Tam, that you are always welcome here. Whenever you can, come back and train and visit me in my forge in the market place. " Tam nodded, tears being squeezed from his eyes. Then Merrick let him go and put his hands on his shoulders. Merrick was only five years older than Tam. He sniffed and said in a very husky voice, "Live life to the fullest, and treat everyday as your last. Treat every act as a service to Almighty God, and thank Him for the blessings he has given you. Good by for now, my brother." Tam cleared his throat and managed to say, "I will. Thank you for your hospitality, Merrick. May god bless you for your kindness to me." They two of them shook hands and then Tam climbed up into the wagon seat next to Thire. Thire nodded to Merrick and said, "Good night, Sir Merrick. In the next few days, I will be ordering a special set of swords. I will bring you the description soon." Merrick nodded and bid them both a good night. On the way back to Thire's home, the elder man began to explain what Tam's duties would be, "Your duties will start when the sun hits your mirror. You will be staying in Turgon's room. They will start with feeding, milking, and watering all of the goats. When that is finished, you are to go to the store house and take inventory and organize it. When that is finished, go to the armory and clean, polish and repair all of the weapons and armor in there. After this, ask my wife Leona what you can do. She will probably have you run go into the market square for something or another. You will work until she gives you nothing else to do. When I get home from my daily business I am going to educate you on what it takes to be a Minister of War. I will also train in the old styles of fighting and strategy that very few know in the mountain villages these days. After this, you have time to do as you please, but I must warn you, make sure you get your rest." Thire steered the wagon in between his large house and his even larger barn. He unhitched the oxen and lead them into the bard while Tam pulled the first chest out of the wagon. Suddenly, the door to the house opened, and out stepped four shadowy figures. One was Thire's wife Leona. She was tall and beautiful. On each side of her was a young woman. One was probably fifteen and the other closer to eighteen. Both were also very lovely. A young boy was down in front of Leona, no older than ten or eleven. Tam pulled another chest out of the wagon as Thire walked up and said, "Hello family. This is Tammelo, son of the great warrior Thracken, former Minister of War. he is coming to help lighten our burdens. Tam, come and meet my family." Tam set the chest down and walked stepped closer to them. He had seen them all before, but he could not pick them out by name except the boy, whose name was Feldon. Turgon had brought the him along on a lot of the older boy's games, if only to watch and to learn. The young ladies, he had only seen a handful of time, he just remembered standing back with Turgon and Feldon, watching as the other boys ran races for their attention. Thire walked up and put a gentle and affectioned hand on each of their shoulders, saying there names as he did, "This is my wife Leona, this is my eldest daughter Liana and my second eldest, Mersona, and you know my son Feldon." Tam nodded and said, "I am glad to be serving you and I truly, deeply regret your loss." Leona stepped up to him and took his face between her hands, forcing him to look her in the eyes. After a few moments she smiled at him and said, "Welcome to your new home, Tammelo. Thank you for being willing to help us. You will be put into Turgon's old room. Now let us get your belongings into there." When she released him, Tam bowed low, smiling and with tears in his eyes. Then He and Thire put his belongings in Turgon's room. After that, Tam was alone. He lay out close for the next day and then took off the close he was wearing. He flung himself onto the mattress, and lay there for a long while, thinking of his friend Turgon and the times they had shared together. When he finally fell asleep, the pillow was damp with tears.
Tam woke the next morning with the sun full on his face, as it was reflecting off the mirror. He rolled out of bed and stretched his muscles out. Then he slipped into his clothes and left the house without making any noise. His first task was to feed, water, and milk all the goats. The task was not difficult, but it took three hours as the family of Thire owned forty dairy goats, eighty meat goats, and thirty shaggy goats. The buckets of the milk he stored in a cellar. Inside the cellar were long trenches of water that kept the milk in the buckets nice and cool. After Tam came out of the dark cellar for the last time, he shut it, and stretched his back and arms. He never imagined that buckets of goat milk could get so heavy. With a sigh, he made his way toward the cellar when Leona suddenly called from the kitchen door, "Tammelo, come and eat some breakfast or else you won't make it throughout the day." Tam grinned and ran full tilt towards the house. When he made it to the door, Leona smiled at him, "Come on in, the food is getting cold and breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Tam nodded and went to the table. Thire sat at the head of it while Leona set at the foot. On one side sat Liana and Mersona and on the other sat Feldon and Tam. As soon as everyone was seated and the table was ready, Thire said a prayer for the food and for the family. He also thanked God for the new member of there family and prayed a special blessing over him. With an "Amen" the family dug into the food. There was sourdough bread, good rice, cheese, milk mixed with a black drink made from the beans off of trees imported from a far southern land called Nesromaut, and fruit that was bought from merchants from the cities who traded it for other various items. Thire looked up from his plate and asked Tam, "How are the goats doing today?" Tam swallowed his mouthful and then answered, "They are all fed, watered, and milked. They all appeared to be healthy and the shaggy goats' wool is coming in quite nicely." Thire cocked an eyebrow, "How do you know so much about goats?" Tam smiled and said, "My father wanted to be a goat farmer like you, sir. He wanted to pass his title on to me as soon as I was married and he would simply build a house, raise some goats, and live happily ever after. He learned as much as he could and taught me a lot also." Thire sipped his drink and then said, "Very good. What of the store house and armory?" Tam shook his head, "I have not gotten there yet, but I plan to as soon as I have finished eating. Is there anything I can do once I am done with those tasks?" Thire nodded and swallowed his mouth full. "Yes. I need you to go into town and buy some fabric, some leather, and some good quality sharpening stones. Leona will give you the money. If there is any left when you are done with your buying, you may use the rest to buy yourself something. I would recommend the small baker shop or the tavern if you are hungry, and anything between Merrick's forge and Vron's carpenter shop for other items." Tam nodded respectfully, "Thank you sir. You are generous." Thire just smiled, "You are family now Tam. you can expect to be treated as such." Tam felt a lump in his throat. He quickly drank some of his brew to force it down. As soon as the meal was done, Tam headed for the store house. The building was another cellar except it was far larger and had many more items in it. Everything was in organized chaos. Different herbs and seasonings hung from random rafters, barrels and casts were everywhere and boxes, jars and skins of different liquids were everywhere. Tam was about to get to work when he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Laina standing behind him, holding a tablet with a parchment on it. It contained all of what should be in the store house. "You may need this, Tammelo, son of Thracken." she said dispassionately. Tam bowed and said, "Thank you, Liana, daughter of Leona." She turned away and headed towards the house. Tam watched her go and then turned to his daunting task. For the next four hours, Tam checked and rechecked the stock, organized everything, from herbs to barrels, to jars, to boxes, to skins. He checked off the last thing and found that the family seemed to have one more wine skin than they should. He picked it up and looked at it, wondering what to do with it. Then he heard Leona calling from the kitchen again, "Tam, come and eat some lunch." Tam tucked the wine skin under his arm and ran to the door. When Leona looked at it questioningly, Tam said, "According to your records, this one is an extra." Leona looked at it again and then said, "Well then you can have it. Drink it through the day and it will keep you awake and energized, but do not drink too much too fast, or you will intoxicate yourself." Tam nodded and said, "Thank you." He hung the skin by the door and sat in his seat at the table. Thire had left for the council lodge several hours ago. Leona set a plate of fish on the table and then frowned. Walking to the door she called, "Feldon, come and eat, please." Within a few moments, Feldon came running in, covered in dust and hay and straw. He grinned and plopped into the chair next to Tam and said, "Hi Tam, watcha doing?" Tam smiled and ruffled the young boys hair, saying, "Well now I'm eating lunch, but then I am going to the armory to clean off and polish up all the weapons and armor there." Feldon's eyes went wide, "Wow! My father doesn't let me in there alone. Can I come with you?" Tam looked at Leona, who said, "No Feldon. You need to finish taking care of the horses, oxen, and donkey. When you are done with that, you have your education to work on." Feldon pouted a little and Tam said, "Feldon, an education is far more important than any old weapon. Without the know-how, you cannot use a simple stick, much less a mighty war sword. Tell you what, when I get my chores done and you get your studies done, I will teach you a few tricks with the wooden stick and perhaps even the short sword." Feldon's grin returned and he dug into his fish. Tam was about to also when a thought occurred to him, "Leona, you do not mind if I teach him that, do you?" Leona shook her head, "Oh know. By all means. Turgon was going to, so you owe Feldon that much in a way." Tam nodded and took a big bite of fish. The young women came in and sat down. Liana was silent, but Mersona talked as much as she ate. "Mother, what do you want us to bring into town? I mean besides the normal products. Is there anything extra?" Leona shook her head as she chewed. Mersona said, "Tam, when you come into town today, could you bring me something to eat and drink?" Tam swallowed and said, "Yes I can, but it may be some time. I need to clean the armory first and that may take awhile." Mersona nodded and took a bite of her food. As soon as she swallowed that bite, she had another question, and so it went for the entire meal. When Tam was finished, he went to the armory, which was the room across from Turgon's room. Tam opened the door and beheld more weapons in one place than he had ever seen. Swords, bows, glaives, spears, axes, knives, arrows, halberds, and even a few odd ones that he had never seen before but suspected them to be in the whip and chain family. There were also three suites of armor, each one slightly dusty. Inside a small cabinet, Tam found a rag, some small pots of oil for the swords, some skins of water, an empty bucket, and a dark substance that Tam suspected was homemade polish. He set to his tasks with a will. He dusted, cleaned, and polished the blades until he could clearly see his own reflection and then he sharpened them on a rolling grinder until he could shave with the blades. The wood he cleaned and polished the wood until it shined brightly. The cloth and leather objects he scrubbed the then rung out and pressed. The armor, he took apart and cleaned and polished piece by piece, putting all back together correctly when he was finished. When he was finished, he took the polish, oil, and water bottles and put them away in the cabinet. Then he noticed some smaller doors inside the cabinet. Pulling each one open, he found bars of bees wax, extra oil, sharpening stones, files, and extra bowstrings, feathers, and arrow heads. How very resourceful, but I may need to ad bees wax and bow strings to the shopping list, he thought to himself. When he was finished putting everything away he took the rag and rinsed it in the water bucket and then dumped the water out. That done, he went to Leona and she gave him the money and sent him into town.

to be continued...

An Original by MJB. Comment as you will:) : Part III

Tam stood on the dais in the arch of the crescent shaped table in the council lodge. The six members sat at the table with there wives standing behind them. They were smiling and congratulating Tam for his success.
"Well done, young man. You have done very well. Your father would be proud." said Rozzel, Minister of Foreign Dealing, the oldest, and considered wisest member of the council. He had known Tam's father, Thracken, when he was a boy.
"Yes. Just from a quick glance, I can tell that the supplies and items you took from the Kyborites will be more than enough for a good amount of time, perhaps all of winter and into spring when pooled with our other supplies." said Deviss, Minister of the Town's Stores, Taxes, and Finances.
"You have clearly redeemed yourself and even gained a healthy amount of prestige, my boy." said Galaar the spokesman of the Council, and indeed, the entire Wold tribe of the Sappian mountains.
"Yes and the horses and wagons you brought will be very useful. No the doubt the warriors who don't keep them will sell them for a fair price. They will help will carting goods to the other seven mountain towns." said Levet, Minister of Construction and Transportation of Goods, the youngest member of the council, but not at all the least valued. It was he who organized the construction and repair of buildings and other structures needed the the town.
Thire, official Minister of Education and acting Minister of Military Affairs, sat on his seat with his elbows on the table and his chin on his hands. He stood and began to pace, as he did when teaching, "You have done very well Tammelo, son of Thracken. Your father would be very proud of you. Now I wish to bring up to you the offer you made me when we were last in this lodge. Marcus, would you please read it for us from the records?"
Marcus was the recorder of the council. He was the most educated member save perhaps Thire and wrote the best and the fastest. He went to the shelves where all the documents were kept and pulled out a book from close to the end. He flipped to the last page and cleared his throat. With a strong, clear voice, he began to speak, "Tammelo, son of Thracken took a knee and said these words, 'I plea for the chance to redeem myself for the failure to provide meat. For the life of Turgan, I offer my life, such as it is. Do with it as you will'" Marcus closed the book and bowed. Thire nodded respectfully, "Thank you, Marcus. Tammelo, does that offer still stand?" Tam took a knee once again and nodded, "Yes sir." Thire walked over to him and helped him to his feet, saying, "Very well. As soon as my business here is done, we will go to your quarters at the barracks and gather your belongings." Tam bow and stepped off the platform. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Galaar called, "come." It was Keller, a sharp eyed young man who scouted for Tam on the raid on the Kyborites. "Begging your pardons sirs, but I have here something that Tammelo found on the raids." He ran up and handed a large leather document case to Tam, who, in turn, handed it to Thire, saying, "You should look at this, sir. It is very important." Thire nodded and said, "Thank you. In the mean time, go to the barracks and gather your things. Be ready for me by nightfall." Tam bowed and left the lodge.
Tam walked in a bit of a daze back towards the barracks. The beautiful evening was lost on him. When he reached the massive building, he stopped on the outside and took a long look at it. Merrick's family had built it as a large house and as a combat training building. The top floors were a home, with a living, dining, and kitchen area. The bottom floor was divided into twelve large rooms. Nine rooms were dormitory rooms with basic closets and beds. One was a hand-to-hand combat room with swinging bags from fifty to a three hundred pounds of small stones or sand. The bags themselves were made of rough canvas. The second was a long narrow room, used for practicing archery and other ranged weapons. The third and final room was racked from wall to wall with wooden practice weapons and swinging oak logs for practicing with weapons. Tam walked through each room, pushing the swinging logs and bags, stroking his favorite training weapons, and remembering all the good times. Merrick taught me what my father couldn't do for me after his death, he thought, and a flash went through his mind, Tam swung his fist at the bags, slashing his hand on the rough canvas. "Exhale as you strike, not too early, not too late." said Merrick. Thracken stood next to him and said, "Yes, but put your hips into it. Don't use only the power of your shoulder, but also the energy from your twisting hips. Relax, you are not big and strong like Merrick is." A tear went down Tam's face as he made it to his own room. Inside were six large wooden chests. Three contained clothes, one contained all the things that his father had left him, and two had weapons in them. Tam looked around the small room, a lump in his throat. With a shuddering sigh, he heaved the chest with his father's heirlooms and tried to settle it on his shoulder. It was heavier than it first seemed, but Tam persisted. As soon as the chest was on his shoulder, he walked out to the path and set the chest down. The second chest was even more difficult, and when he went back for the third, Merrick stood there, a chest on each shoulder. Tam just nodded in thanks, the lump in his throat even larger. Tam grabbed the last chest and the two walked out together. After they set their cargo down, the two just stood there silently. Then, Merrick said, "I never showed you what was in your father's chest. He gave my father the key. Now I will give it to you. Take a look at your father's gifts." He handed a ring of keys to Tam, who knelt down and opened the chest without a word. Inside were many valuable things. A large leather bound book with another lock on it, a golden ring with an insignia shaped like a howling wolf's head cut out of a ruby, a smaller box with an odd puzzle combination lock on it, a suit of flexible scale armor made of high quality steel, and a long, curved sword. Tam looked at it all for a long time. Then he took the ring and slipped it on his finger. The sword, he pulled out and drew from its scabbard. It was obviously a two handed weapon, the like of which Tam did not know how to use. The blade had to be at least four feet and the handle was nine inches and tinted a very dark silver, almost a shiny black. The wrapping of the handle was tanned wolf skin with silken cord for a good grip. The scabbard was also black. Tam choked, remembering watching his father walk away with his very sword on his hip, and remembered him coming back being carried on a stretcher. He would never forget that day. He sheathed the mighty weapon and place it neatly back in the box.

To be continued...

An Original by MJB. Tell me what you think!!! :) : Part II

Tammelo, or Tam as his friends called him, stood on a clifftop, looking at the caravan of Kyborites below him. Next to him was a sharp eyed scout named Keller, who rattled off every detail he could pick up from the carts, "Fifteen wagons total, twelve are marked by an unknown symbol, probably a private merchant, and three are marked with the Kyborite military symbol. It looks fifty-one soldiers, one is obviously a knight or noble of some kind, and there are about thirty drivers. They are heading towards the forking passes." Tam scratched his chin thoughtfully, taking it all in with his own sharp eyes. "Go back to the men. Tell them to put twenty on one side of the pass about two hundred paces before the pass forks and twenty on the other side at the same distance before the pass, and tell them not to come out unless I draw my sword." Keller nodded and trotted back to the men, passing Merrick who walked up to Tam. "What do you have in mind?" Tam loosened the scimitar in its sheath and said, "I'm going to go talk to them. Come with me if you will." Merrick pulled the glaive from the case on his back and tested its edge. Then they went down to the paths. The two Sappians stood on the path as the oxen-drawn-wagons pulled up. When the wagons halted, Tam called out over the crowd, "Who is your captain?" The Kyborites were still, until a tall man on a gorgeous white charger rode up to the front to meet Tam. Tam and the rider looked each other up and down for a few moments. The Kyborite was tall, thin, and very pale. The rumor was that they also had fangs. The man inclined his head respectfully and smiled, revealing that the rumor was true. "Greetings, Sappians. I am a Paladin of Kybore. These man-at-arms and I are carrying supplies for the soldiers of Sappia who are combating rebels in the Naith region." Tam inclined his head as well. Something is not right here, he thought. "Understood. It is our duty to check all visitors who come through the Sappian Mountains. We just need to see your papers and you can be on your way." The Kyborite nodded and pulled a large document case out of his saddle bags. After opening the case, he urged his horse forward and handed the papers to Tam, explaining each one, "There are three: One from the king of Sappia, one from the king of Kybore, and one from the private merchant, who has graciously allowed us to use his wagons." Tam took each document and held them up with their backs to the sun. After closely examining each one, he handed them back to the Kyborite, saying, "I'm sorry, sir. I am afraid that there is a problem. The document with the King of Sappia's seal on it is missing the seal of our nations Grand Commander Dessimus. I am afraid we cannot let you through our mountain passes." The Kyborite noble went speechless and then stammered, "There must be a mistake. None of the documents have any other seal on them." Tam nodded, "Of course they do, see." He pulled out a document from his own pocket, and held it up. A large seal showed through the paper, set there by water mixed with a special kind of plant pulp. The Kyborite turned his horse around and conferred with two of the soldiers. Suddenly, as if on a sudden impulse, he drew out a long, leaf-bladed broad sword and charged at the two men, hefting his shield at the same time. Tam whipped out his scimitar and arrows flew seemingly out of no where. The paladin caught them on his shield and swung at Tam's neck. Tam parried the blow and was about to strike when Merrick took the Kyborite's head off with a single sweep of his glaive. At that moment, the howls of many wolves sounded as the Sappian warriors under Tam's command charged, dressed head to toe in wolf skins and armed to the teeth. The battle went fast and hard. At first Tam found himself charging the main group of Kyborite soldiers, but he suddenly found himself facing two of them. One wielded a mighty two handed sword while the other flourished a hammer and a shield. They attacked as one, driving Tam back. Tam caught a hammer blow with his sword and deflected a strike from the massive sword. To gain time, he kicked the swordsman square in the chest, knocking him back off his feet a few paces. The hammer man came in, swinging his weapon at Tam's head. Tam ducked under it and slashed at the mans feet. The leaped above it and struck. Tam blocked with his sword and slammed his shield into the mans face, just as the two-handed swordsman got to his feet. Tam leaped at him and slashed with perfectly angular strikes, driving the man's back against the cart. The man made a fatal error and over exerted his swing. Tam slid under it and cut the man from shoulder to hip, spinning immediately after in order to face the man with the hammer again. The man jabbed with it and caught Tam in the shoulder of his sword arm. Tam inhaled sharply and dropped his sword. Instinctively, Tam grabbed the hammer and wrenched it from the mans grasp, dropping his shield at the same time. The two opponents grappled, trying to maintain control of the Kyborites large kite shield, until Tam swung his fist, catching the man on the chin, and ripped the shield. the next few moments were all a blur. Tam and the man separated and exchanged skillful punches and kicks. The man was taller, but Tam was faster and stronger. Within a few short seconds, the man lay on the ground, with Tam on top of him. In one act of desperation, the man kicked Tam over and grabbed a knife of a fallen warrior. Tam saw his sword laying next to him and swept it up. The Kyborite charged, knife pointed straight at Tam's chest. Without thinking, Tam slapped the blade aside and stepped past the man, decapitating him as he past. Tam turned to face his opponents and saw them lying dead on the ground. With a choked gasp he staggered back against one of the carts. I have just ended the lives of two soldiers. They may have had families, he thought. Suddenly he felt sick and vomited. Merrick came around the cart and slapped him on the back, saying, "Complete victory. We lost none, but a few of the boys are injured. The Kyborites lost the paladin, twenty-eight soldiers and nineteen wagon drivers." Tam looked at him, still slightly dazed, "You killed the drivers? Were they armed?" Merrick nodded, "By the time we got to them they were. The rest are at the back of the caravan, disarmed and armored and waiting to be dealt with." Tam shook himself into a better sense of awareness said with a bit more confidants, "Good. Well done, my friend. Find the white horse and get those documents for me, please. Take an inventory of all the weapons, armor, supplies, and livestock," Merrick saluted and lumbered off to make sure that the orders were carried out. Tam took a deep breath too steady himself. He began to walk around the sight, encouraging wounded warriors and wrapping bandages. Keller, the sharp eyed scout, ran up to him and handed him the document case. Tam nodded in thanks and pulled himself into the seat of a wagon. Inside the case were the three documents he had already seen. Inside were also lists of all the contents of the wagons. Tam smiled, that will save us some time. He then pulled out a package that was sealed with the Kyborite royal symbole. Tam broke the seal and looked at the contents. The Sappians had just finished writing down the weapons and armor used by the Kyborite soldiers and the livestock when they heard Tam yell, "Men, to the rear of the caravan and form up." They all gathered their papers and hustled to obey the command. At the rear, Tam strode up and down the ranks, complimenting and praising his men. After a while, though, he turned to the prisoners. "You were not sent to supply our soldiers, but the very rebels that they are trying to stop." he said with obvious authority, "For this, you are to return to your homes without weapons, food, or armor. You will also go without your wagons or supplies. They are ours now. Go." The Kyborites got up and began heading back the way they had come. Tam turned to his warriors, "Well done, men. Mount the horses and the wagons, we are going back to our town with fresh supplies." The men cheered as they rushed to obey their orders.
The council members of the town stood with their wives as they watched Tam, mounted on a handsome white charger, leading a caravan of wagons drawn by oxen into the town square. The people laughed and called out congratulations and encouragement to the young man, who simply smile and raised his hand and bowed his head. After several moments of this, Tam dismounted his horse, opened the saddle bags and pulled out the document case. With quick strides, he walked up to the councilors and bowed. He then presented the case to Thire, Minister of Education and acting Minister of War. The man took it and said, "Well done, Tammelo son of Thracken." Galaar nodded and said, "Come let us talk in the council lodge, Tammelo." Tammelo bowed, turned to his Merrick and whispered, "Make sure all of the items are accounted for and store them in the empty warehouses. You and the men can find a way to distribute your shares evenly tonight after the correct percentage is selected by Deviss, the Minister of Town Storage and Taxes." Merrick nodded and gave Tam a slap on the shoulder. Tam stepped quickly to keep pace with the men and women around him.

To be continued...

An Original by MJB. Hope you all like it!!! :) : Part I

Tammelo slammed his hands and feet against the weighted bag again and again. Black rage ran through him like molten iron. "Why?" he snarled under his breath, "Why did it have to happen this way?" Tammelo, or Tam as he was called by his friends, stood six feet and two inches tall and weighed two hundred pounds. Now he stood, punching, kicking, kneeing, striking the bag as hard as he possibly could. A layer of thick, oily sweat covered his lean, muscular frame and dripped from his fiery red hair into his startling blue eyes. After several hours, Tam's tortured body could take no more of the rigorous activity. He sank into an awkward sitting position, gasping like a fish out of water. As he sat there, he looked over himself and noticed the blood oozing from the black and blue cuts and bruises that covered his hands, feet, knees, elbows, shins and forearms. There was even a nice red bruise on his forehead from slamming it straight into the rock filled bag. As Tam reviewed the self-inflicted damage, the barrack-room door opened and in stepped Merrick. Merrick was a giant of a man, standing seven and a half feet tall and four hundred pounds of iron hard muscle. His entire body, from his head to his ankles was covered in brown hair. He took one look at Tam and shook his head. With a few long strides, he walked over to Tam and lifted him effortlessly of the floor, saying in his deep voice, "Tam, beating yourself to death helps nothing. Whatever happened could not have been your fault." Tam slowly began to hobble around, spitting out through clenched teeth, "Did you hear what happened, Merrick? Have you any idea what I caused?" The giant shook his head slowly. "I only heard that the hunting trip did not go well." he said softly. Tam began to walk in a circle, testing the strength of his battered legs as he spoke, "We had a large group of wild boars surrounded in a large clearing. It would have been simple just to shoot them there. We had them dead to rights." As he spoke, his voice increased in volume, until it was a wrath-filled roar, "But I, being the idiot I am, wanted to get slightly closer, and I stepped on a twig, snapping it. The boars began to run, and Turgan, the son of Thire, was killed by one of the stampeding boar." Merrick stood silently for a few moments, and then said in a soft rumble, "Even so, it cannot be your fault entirely, Tam."
Tam blurted, "I was the one put in charge of this hunt. I was the one who stepped on the twig. It was one of my men who died. I failed in every possible way." Merrick lost his patience. He strode over and grabbed the seething young man by his shoulders. With a growl like that of a bear, he spoke, "Listen to me, Tam. Whatever happened, happened. Staying in here, beating yourself like is not the way a man would take his failure and helps nothing. Now put some clothes on. The Council wants to see you." Tam sat there, glaring at Merrick, but then hobbled over and got into his tunic and breaches. Tam knew that his older friend was right. Five minutes later, the barrack room was empty.
The council lodge stood near the center of the fairly large mountain town. It was a long house, lit only by a large fire on one side of the lodge, crackling gloomily in the fireplace. Inside the lodge was a dais with a crescent shaped table sitting on a dais. At the table were seven chairs, six of which had men sitting in them and their wives standing behind them. Six large timber wolves, which had been raised from pups, prowled around the lodge. A knock sounded on the large, oaken doors of the building. "Come." said Galaar, spokesman and representative of the council, said in his booming voice. The doors creaked open and Tammelo, son of Thracken entered the room. He slowly, half strode, half hobbled to the dais and stood in the arch of the table. After a few moments, Galaar spoke, "Tammelo, son of Thracken, you have been called before us to answer for your failures on the hunt. They are twofold. One: You failed to bring back meat for town stores. Two: One of the men, Turgan, son of Thire, was slain under your command. You failed in your responsibility to protect him." Tam stood there, blinking back the tears of both shame and sorrow at the loss of his friend. After a pause, Galaar continued, "Under the laws of our town, you would be given a single chance to redeem yourself for the failure on the hunt, but the death of your man complicates the issue. For that, you would be stripped of all rank and privilege and confined to a place where you would be tutored by your father until he thought that you were ready to regain your rank." Tam nodded. Thracken, Tam's father, was the minister of war, whose now seat stood empty at the council table. The man had been slain in a raid on enemy Carthonites who were invading the kingdom of Sappia, the mountains and southern border of which, Tam's people guarded. Tam had been eight years old at the time and stood eighteen in front of the council now. Galaar continued, "Seeing as how your father is no longer with us, you pose a unique issue." Galaar went silent and looked at his fellow councilors. Each one, in turn, looked first at Galaar, and then at Tam. After what seemed like an eternity, Galaar turned to Tam and asked the one question Tam did not want to hear, "What do you think should be done for your actions, young Tammelo?" Tam gulped and then bowed deeply. He spoke in a trembling voice, "I plea for the chance to redeem myself for the failure to provide meat. For the death of Turgan-" and he turned towards Thire, the Minister of Education and the current Minister of War, "-I offer my life such as it is. Do with it what you will." and he took one knee and bowed, head down. A few wayward tears dripped on the the carpet. The council began to mutter together. Their wives spoke as much as the men did. At length, Thire stood up and began to pace the dais as if giving a lecture, "We will consider your suggestion, Tammelo. In regards to your opportunity to redeem yourself, I believe that you should be given this chance." Thire turned his attention back to the other councilors and said, "There is news of a Kyborite caravan coming through our section of the mountains. They will be here in two weeks. I suggest that we allow Tam to lead the mission to investigate." The councilors all looked at each other silently.
Tam walked out of the lodge and met Merrick, who had been waiting for him. the big man asked eagerly, "Well, what is going to happen." Tam looked at his large friend and grinned, "Do you want to go on a raid with me?" Merrick just grinned.