The next thing she knew was the door slamming shut. Opening her eyes from the slumber she had fallen into, she had her first good look at the man who had rescued her.
Impressive, was the thought that came instantly to mind.
He was tall, much taller than average, with a muscular build to match. It was no wonder he’d been able to lift her so easily in the alley. Dressed in some kind of white leather trimmed with luxurious fur of the same colour, he was certainly equipped for the weather. In contrast to his clothes, his hair, once he took off his oversize white hat, was black as night. Dark eyes smouldered from under strong eyebrows, which only added to the rugged good looks of the square jawed face below. The handle of a huge sword protruded over one shoulder, nearly scraping the ceiling, and another smaller, but still large, blade swung at his hip. The man filled the room, dominating it with his presence.
He knocked his knee high boots against the wall, dislodging snow, and examined Velvet for a moment. Passing over her, he turned to Nurn and finally spoke.
“Nothing.” His voice was deep, yet not overpowering. He stepped forward and looked down at Velvet, who smiled nervously.
“Hi,” she said, waving a hand. . “Thanks for rescuing me. I appreciate it.”
The man studied her for a second more and then nodded. “You’re welcome,” he said finally, before speaking to the Grey again. “We’ll stay here tonight, move tomorrow and look in a different part of town. Someone must know him.”
“I already know someone,” said Nurn. He pointed at Velvet. “Our guest knows. Every good turn, I think you humans say.”
“Mmf.” The man raised those thick eyebrows. “Well then.” He stood still for a moment, as if at a loss for what to do next, before breaking out into a smile, showing perfect white teeth. “In that case I can rest for a while.”
“Er…” said Velvet, suddenly nervous.
“Don’t worry, little one,” said the man. “I shall rent another room. Come, Nurn!” He paused for a moment more and spoke to Velvet once again. “Stay here, don’t let anyone in. We’ll come for you in the morning.”
So saying, he opened the door and strode outside. Nurn winked at her and followed, closing the door behind him, leaving Velvet wondering what she’d become mixed up in.
~ * ~
Daylight managed to filter in through the dirt on the window, casting its wan light over Velvet and waking her from strange dreams involving talking white bears and fuzzy goblins. She opened her eyes and lay still, puzzled for a moment at the strange environment she found herself in.
A knock on the door interrupted her musings. “Girl? Are you awake?” The voice was of the funny little creature, Nurn.
“The name’s Velvet,” she replied. “And yes, I’m awake.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed and looked for her shoes.
The door opened, and the small Grey walked in. He was wearing a robe with the hood pulled back. He grinned at her. “Are you ready to go?”
“I need to use the toilet, and I could use something to eat, but apart from that, yes.” Velvet finally found her shoes and pulled them on. They were still a little damp from the snow the night before.
“The facilities are down the hall,” said Nurn. I’ll wait here. He climbed onto the recently vacated bed and sat on the edge of it.
He was still there when Velvet returned, washed and refreshed. “So, where are we going?” she asked, pulling on her cloak. “Where’s your master?”
“He went out earlier, he’ll be back soon,” he replied. “He doesn’t really sleep much, and he was restless. As for where we’re going, you tell me. You’re the one that knows where this wizard lives.”
“Very well,” Velvet said. She walked over to the window and peered out. The worst of the storm had passed, though there were still light snowflakes drifting lazily down. The city she could see was blanketed in white. “It’s going to be a bit of a walk though.”
“We have horses,” said Nurn. “Come on, let’s go.”
They walked down the narrow stairs of the inn and outside. It was still cold, but the wind had dropped and the sun shone down, albeit weakly, warming Velvet slightly. The snow reached up to her knees, and was almost undisturbed this early in the morning.
She looked left and right. She was in a street she’d never been in before, though it seemed from the squat old buildings around them that they were still in the southern district, which was mainly filled with residences and smaller shops. The road was wide enough for a single carriage, though still with plenty of room for pedestrians, not that were many of them about. One large figure was approaching, piling through the snow like it didn’t exist. The Lord of All walked towards them, as imposing in daylight as he had been the previous night. He was leading three horses, all tethered together.
She turned to Nurn. “Does your master have a name? What shall I call him?”
“Traditionally the ruler of All takes on its name,” the Grey answered. The snow reached his waist, but he didn’t seem to be uncomfortable.
“So I call him All?” Velvet asked. “It sounds a bit strange.”
“Well, his formal name is Lazarus Brutus Amorllian Riia Forman Lupal the Eight Hundred and Fifty First,” said Nurn, “but that’s a bit long. People usually just call him Lord.”
“An old family line then,” Velvet said dryly.
The Grey shrugged, and then turned to his master as he stomped up to them both.
“I bought you a horse,” the warrior said to Velvet, indicating a medium sized dapple mare.
Velvet’s eyes widened. “You bought me a horse?”
“It seemed better to me that you had your own. Mine is rather large, and Nurn’s is overly small,” said Lord. “Is it not suitable? I can buy a different one if...”
“No! No, I mean, well, no. This one’s fine. For me? I can keep it, I mean?”
“Of course. I just said so, didn’t I?” The Lord of All looked slightly confused.
“Well, er, thank you,” she said. “Your Lordship.”
“Lord is fine,” said the man, climbing on to his own giant horse.
She took the reigns of her animal, her animal! somewhat overwhelmed, and looked it over. Her knowledge of horses was limited, but it looked like a good beast. Its flank was spotted with dark brown patches, but otherwise it was an even orangey-tan colour A fine leather saddle and matching saddlebags were slung over its back. It seemed to be only slightly smaller than average beast she usually saw on the streets, though it was dwarfed by All’s mount, which he was now sitting comfortably astride. His was the biggest horse she’d ever seen, matching his stature, and it loomed over her. It was all white, and wore studded leather barding, making her wonder if it was a war horse. It certainly looked like it could be one, as it glared at her haughtily.
Nurn’s mount, in comparison, was short, squat and grey. Mostly donkey, it was busy trying to find something to eat under the snow. Nurn grinned at her from his saddle, and indicated she should mount.
Velvet hesitated for a moment. She’d ridden of course, most people had at one time or another, but it had been a while. Patting her horse, her horse! she managed to lift herself onto its back with no serious mishap. It snorted, but otherwise remained still.
“Which way?” asked the Lord of All.
She opened her mouth to speak, but then paused, trying to orient herself. Where was she exactly? She looked about, trying to find a landmark, and finally spotted a familiar tall dark red brick building, which she recognized as being near the local market.
“That way,” she said more confidently, pointing right.
Lord nodded, and turned his horse in the direction she had shown. Velvet kicked her horse with her heels and pulled on the reigns. Whether it was responding to her, or just following the large white stallion, she didn’t know. Nurn brought up the rear.
Comments (8)
See all