A Song of Lesser Days

Book I

Chapter 1

Mist clung to the hills, as if trying to veil the macabre scene from mortal sight, but the wan, sinking moon and the gradually brightening east gave light enough to expose the wreckage of humanity that littered the ground. A few brave stars fought to stay visible but the waxing day was quickly foiling their valiant attempts, unlike the dead in the dell below, they would live again come evening. Kaolin sat her mount and looked sadly upon the scene before her. The Kings of Grubar and Ithalia had met in battle and both sides had been devastated, as evidenced by the myriad men and horses that lay unmoving amidst the carnage below. It was not the first battle Kaolin had seen the remnants of, for such had been happening over and over again for the last two centuries.

When she was a young girl the world had been prosperous, peaceful, and densely populated. There had been people living not only in the south, east, and northwest but throughout the Tithbian Plains, and they had been pressing ever deeper into the Northern Wilds. But now civilization had been shattered, the population greatly reduced, and humanity had withdrawn again to its ancient strongholds in the south and east with a few brave souls lingering yet in the north countries. Prosperity had bred indolence and pomposity, which led to squabbling among neighboring countries and even plots within the kingdoms themselves to overthrow the powers that be. Soon enough one country was at odds with another and war spread like the plague, which soon followed upon the very heels of war.

The Brethren had been everywhere in those days trying to negotiate peace, stop wars already in progress, tending the wounded and broken, teaching of the Master and His ways, and helping to rebuild lives shattered by great sorrow and loss. Humanity had been decimated as one country after another fell into the madness that spread like an epidemic whose result was utter ruin. Several countries never recovered and simply vanished; the rest were decimated and forced to turn their attention inward lest they also fall. The Brethren were reviled by those that saw them as meddlers and a hindrance to their own power; some with shattered lives welcomed the light they brought back into the world, but others turned away and wanted nothing to do with such things. Their numbers began to decline as lives were lost in battle, to disease, and taken by those that would be free of their influence. As the population dwindled and the public regard for the Brethren and the Master waned, so too atrophied the number of students coming to Astoria and thus the recruitment rate of the Brethren. The people were distrustful of the Master in those days, blaming Him for bringing such disaster upon them or at least for not stopping it from happening. The people turned their back on the Master and as His servants became scarce, His memory slipped into legend and was regarded as myth by many, but the Brethren were still abroad, if much fewer in number.

Kaolin had been sent to discover what had come of the Lady’s advisors to both Grubar and Ithalia; their last correspondence had spoken urgently of brewing war but nothing was ever heard thereafter. She could see quite well what had been the result of the rashness of the two kings. The dead lay everywhere and she was quite certain neither country, especially Grubar, could afford to lose so many men. She sighed and asked her mount to continue down the hill and through the carnage. The stench of death hung heavy in the air and grim, black buzzards and many crows hopped about the corpses seeking an easy meal. They however were not the first scavengers to descend upon the scene.

After the battle, the survivors had fled. A few of the more noble had helped some of their wounded comrades escape the battlefield. The less severely wounded hobbled off seeking a place to rest and heal. The folk who had followed the armies and some of the great hearted locals came out to see what they could do for the more gravely wounded and carried away many to heal or die as they would, but they dared not remain long, for human scavengers would soon descend upon the scene and do as they pleased. Soon the bandits, mercenaries, and other opportunists came to gather all that might be of value: armor, weapons, and any stray valuables among the deceased. Any they found yet clinging to life they happily dispatched that they might not be accused of stealing. After they had picked over the battlefield, it was left to the avian scavengers and the whims of time.

Kaolin soon left the grim scene behind and approached a village just visible in the distance. She needed to find the survivors and learn what had come to pass. She found several soldiers standing outside the inn but as she made to enter, they barred her way. The captain said, you will not disturb his Majesty the King of Grubar.

Kaolin said, I ride for the Brethren and was sent to learn what was passing in your land and what has come of my comrades in your country.

The guard laughed coldly, your Lady’s advisor to the King is dead, so go home and tell her your grim news.

She said, what of your King, the King of Ithalia, and the outcome of the battle?

The guard smiled sardonically and said, the King of Ithalia died alongside much of his army. Our King lies abed gravely wounded but victorious. Grubar triumphed in battle though our losses were great. Now be gone.

She persisted, let me see your King, perhaps I can offer him some comfort in his failing hours.

The guards exchanged an unreadable look and shrugged, you take your life into your own hands but so be it.

She bowed her head in thanks and entered the inn. She found the King with a terrible wound in his side; it was obvious to both he was dying. He growled at her, what do you want? An armed woman can only mean one of the Brethren has come to disturb my final hours. Be gone, I need neither your pity nor foolish tales. I know you do not look with favor on what has come to pass, for I had your Lady’s advisor put to death as a traitor when he would not relent in his nagging about the dangers and evils of war! I was triumphant in battle and will die victorious. I will not humble myself before your so-called Master; I am not sorry for what has transpired. Ithalia will be long in recovering but the King’s son will succeed him, whereas Grubar has no heir and will surely fall into war and chaos, weak as the plague has rendered it, it will not long stand. I am glad I will not live to see the last days of my own country. I will die victorious and my people must fend for themselves. Selfish, yes but I care not for such affectations as yours. Be gone, I need none of your fairy tales. Yes I know you think I face eternal darkness but better that than being a mindless slave to an imaginary lord!

She made to speak but the soldier beside his bed drew his sword and herded her from the room. The guards upon the door laughed her to scorn. She mounted and rode towards Grubar to see what was passing there. The city was in upheaval when she arrived. The surviving nobles were fighting amongst themselves and much of the populace was already fled. It was not long before the country utterly collapsed, the last victim of the terrors that stalked the world. Most countries had been shaken by war and the plague, which struck sporadically but wrought devastation wherever it appeared. Kaolin wondered how the late king could find joy in his seeming victory and impending death yet cared nothing for the destruction of his own realm.

She turned her mount and rode to Ithalia to see what had come of that country’s defeat. Word had reached them with the returning soldiers of the death of the King and the loss of most of their army. The King’s eldest son was crowned and immediately began implementing measures to ensure the survival of his crippled realm. Valgo, the Lady’s advisor to the King of Ithalia, wished to advise the new king as he had done his late father, but he wanted none of the man’s advice, having witnessed his father’s scorn for it, at least pertaining to the war. He would occasionally draw the man forth for advice but seldom heeded it, eventually he was relegated to educating the children of the court, including the King’s offspring, but little more. When Kaolin arrived, the King refused to see yet another of these so-called truth mongers and left her to Valgo to entertain. They met in Valgo’s chambers and discussed recent events.

Kaolin said, Grubar is in its death thralls. What of Ithalia?

Valgo shook his head, the late King would not heed me when I advised him against this foolishness and his son is just as stubborn. I shall remain and do what I can but his ears are deaf to my words. He is at least determined that Ithalia survive and is thus turning all his attention and resources inward. I think we will have no more risk of war, at least in the next decade.

Kaolin nodded grimly, there are now few, if any countries that can risk war without ending as Grubar: a glorious but futile suicide. Now we must weather the plague and then perhaps humanity can again return to its senses! Is there anything you wish me to tell the Lady?

Valgo said sadly, only my apologies for failing in my efforts to prevent this conflict.

Kaolin smiled gently, you did all you could, do not grieve yourself over the failings of others. He nodded and each took comfort in the presence of the other.

Early the next morning Kaolin rode for Astoria with her grim tidings. What awaited her was even worse. The wars had not spared the Brethren but they had never threatened Astoria itself; the plague had ignored them, but no longer. Kaolin found the gates closed, a thing never done in living memory. But it was the threat within rather than a threat without for which the gates were shut. The plague had finally come to Astoria and lest it spread elsewhere, the Lady had ordered the gates shut until the threat was ended lest any enter the city and become infected. Those within were allowed to leave initially but most remained for fear of somehow contaminating their own families. Once it was raging in full, no one was allowed to enter or leave, save those sent out to bury the dead who then returned after their grim duty.

Kaolin’s mount reared and paced, not liking this irregularity any more than his mistress. A warrior on the walls above said, I will bear what tidings you have to the Lady and see where she would send you next, but none can enter lest they also fall victim to the plague, for it has seized upon even the Lady herself. Tears of grief stung Kaolin’s eyes and the guard’s voice. She passed along her news and waited for her next assignment. The guard returned quickly and said, the Lady bids you ride for the foothills of the Impassable Mountains and there meet a group of colonists determined to cross the mountains and start their own settlement away from war and plague. They have requested someone to teach them and advise them as they begin their new life. Another will be sent after to aid you if we have anyone left to spare. May the Master ride with you! Kaolin smiled sadly, thanked the guard, turned her mount, and rode west. The guard continued his watch upon the walls, wondering what the future held for the Brethren and all the world.

The Lady lay in her chambers, a weak and failing shell of her former self. She lapsed in and out of sleep, troubled often with fever and delirium. During one such bout, she found herself without pain or weakness seated in a misty glade. The Master stood before her as she knelt before Him, though physically unable to rise from such a position in the waking world, she was not so bound here. The Great Unicorn looked upon her a little sadly and said gently, child, you will die. She nodded, unsurprised at His words. His next utterance however froze her heart as He said, I will not raise one in your place immediately, as has ever been My custom since the inception of the Brethren.

She looked upon Him with troubled eyes but His peace overwhelmed her and she knew that she must trust His will though she did not understand. She said, is this to be the end of the Brethren?

He said, time will reveal what it will but you must not lose your faith in Me. It will not be easy but I shall be with those who continue to trust in Me. You must have one last Oathtaking before your time comes and then the surviving Brethren must be dispersed to every corner of the earth to give what aid they can in the coming years of doubt and darkness. This will try the hearts of many but there is ever hope to be found in Me. Go, for soon I shall call you home. She bowed her head once more and suddenly found herself awake and in her right mind but knew her strength was fleeting. She called her servant and he nearly thought her in a delirium with her demands but he dared not disobey and ran to fetch the Council of Six.

The Six quickly assembled and she said, my time is short and the Master has commanded that one final Oathtaking be held ere the end.

Ibis asked, a final Oathtaking?

She nodded grimly, the Master has said He will not raise up another in my place to lead you, at least not immediately.

All looked grim and Ibis asked, is this the end of the Brethren?

The Lady said quietly, do not despair my friend. Trust in the Master as you have always done and as we must always do. No matter what befalls us, you must not let your faith fail. As long as even one of us lingers among the living, we must continue to do as we have vowed. After the Oathtaking, all of the Brethren are to scatter abroad to give aid as they can in the coming years of doubt and darkness. We will wane but we must not allow humanity to forget its Maker as long as we have even one voice left to speak. I will leave it to your discretion as to who shall go where, but even the Council of Six is to go and do what they can.

Ibis asked, what of Astoria, the townsfolk, and our students?

The Lady said, the townsfolk will do as they wish. Astoria might fall to dust for all I know. Our students are now very few but they may remain if they wish, for I shall leave someone to tend to the Library, but all others must disperse. The Council nodded in understanding; the Library contained all the knowledge and history collected over the years and any who came after would need it to continue on if there was no one left to teach them. The Lady said, prepare for the Oathtaking and have everyone so interested gathered in one hour. My end is nigh. They bowed deeply and ran to make preparations.

There were now few students in Astoria, for few were those that now came seeking instruction and those that were there previously had either joined the Brethren or gone elsewhere once their education was completed to their satisfaction. A dozen interested individuals were found among the remaining students and even a few of the townsfolk joined them. These were brought before the Lady and she gave them her blessing. They then gathered upon the walled lawn with a great rent marring the hilltop upon which the castle sat. The Lady lay limply upon a sofa, unable to stand, but she valiantly began the ceremony and a dozen individuals joined the Brethren that day. Afterwards, she weakly asked that Skye and Mina be brought to her.

The pair stood sadly before her as she said, all the Brethren are to ride to the furthest corners of the earth and give what aid they may in the coming darkness. You two alone shall remain here to tend the Library and preserve the very heart of Astoria. Any students that wish to remain will aid you in your work but very soon I fear you shall be very much alone in your endeavors but never lose heart nor your trust in the Master…

She trailed off and said no more. The gathered Brethren wept for the loss of their beloved leader but wasted little time in putting her last orders into effect. She was buried and there was much mourning but their preparations continued despite their grief. The Council of Six prepared messages for all of the Brethren yet abroad and were deciding where to send whom. They dared not release anyone until the plague had run its course and then all would be sent forth, perhaps never to return. Finally, the wrath of the plague was abated and the Brethren dispersed. The townsfolk were appalled at the disappearance of the Brethren and wondered what might befall the city in their absence. Many decided to pack up and move on and see what else the world might hold for them. Many were the folk lost in the plague and the survivors were loath to remain in a place so full of recent sorrow and uneasy memories. They were happy to have a reason to go and most went.

The remaining students lingered for a time but most grew weary of their now self-led studies and quietly vanished into the wide world. Eventually none but Skye and his wife Mina remained in Astoria. As the years passed, contact with their comrades became less and less frequent. The Brethren continued to dwindle further in number yet they never lost hope in the Master nor wearied in their mission. Skye and Mina tended the library assiduously and did what else they needed to maintain themselves but the city fell into neglect around them, but as long as they lived the Library would be well tended and only waited for the time when it would again avail the Master’s servants.

Kaolin rode as quickly as she could to the far side of the world where the intrepid colonists prepared for their impossible quest. Finally, she arrived at a makeshift village at the foot of the mountains where many young women and their children met her. They welcomed her eagerly and listened with grim attention to her news of the wide world. They had fled various countries and places torn by war and plague and hoped to make a new and better life on the other side of the intimidating mountain range. The men were all on the other side making preparations for their families, who would attempt the journey in the spring when the weather improved. There was a broad stretch of hospitable land between the mountains and the sea. Some had thought to attempt the journey by ship, but seasoned sailors had warned that no sane man would try sailing in that part of the world thus they opted to attempt the mountains. The men had crossed over last spring and were clearing land, building houses, planting crops, and all the hundred things needed to sustain such a settlement.

Kaolin had arrived in midwinter and the waiting women eagerly listened to her tales and wisdom as they waited the coming of spring. Finally, spring came and the mountain passes were cleared of snow, witnessed by the men who had returned for their wives. Thus was the journey begun. Some were lost in the crossing but most made it over and settled in with a will to make their attempt a success. They were determined to avoid the wars that had so recently rocked the world. Kaolin was much help in drafting their laws and constitution. She also instilled much wisdom in the people. She spent the next fifty years in Westria, but no one ever came to help her and she died of old age before another of the Brethren came again to that isolated country.

The Brethren were scattered to the four winds by the Council of Six. Advisors were sent to all remaining countries, the Warriors ranged the wilderness driving back fell beasts and renegade men, the Teachers gave hope and wisdom to the distraught populace. As the years wore on, their numbers began to atrophy but as long as even one remained their vision and quest would not die. It was a dark time in the history of men. The nations were reduced to little more than the merest shadows of their former glory; men grew cautious of strangers and distrustful of the Master. The plague continued to rage for another few years but even it finally abated and left men to gather up the shattered pieces of their world and rebuild civilization from amidst the dust and ashes, but such is the tenacity of man that he picks himself up and begins anew after even the greatest disasters.

During this time, men traveled little and cared nothing for things beyond their own borders. Their minds shrunk to encompass only their daily survival and much of common knowledge and the philosophical arts would have been lost save for the perseverance of the Brethren, whose words were often scoffed at or ignored but ever they pressed on in their vital quest. As their numbers dwindled and the population more familiar with them aged, they passed into myth and legend along with their Master. Thus the Brethren and all the world fell into a disquiet night, awaiting the day when again a light might shine among men. They dwelt in the twilight and some forgot the dawn had ever been or might come again.

Chapter 2

Jaran was holding forth in a little inn somewhere in the north, telling tales to the indifferent collection of scoundrels and rogues who filled the common room. By day he was a Warrior who chased fell things back into the wilderness and hunted down criminals who wished to prey upon others in these troubled times. At night, he told tales and passed along wisdom to any who wished to listen or might accidentally hear. It had been two years since all had left Astoria and yet no word had come that there was any change or hope for the future, but ever he would press on until new orders reached him or death ceased his strivings. He had just finished one of his tales when his unicorn, the faithful friends and noble mounts of the Brethren, alerted him to trouble in the stable. He withdrew and was not sure anyone noticed his absence. Most of the inn patrons seemed asleep or in a drunken stupor or lost in shadowy conversation; it was not the most reputable of inns.

He entered the stable and found three men trying to steal the few horses therein. He saw the stable boy lying to one side with a great bruise growing on one side of his head. One of the thieves was trying to get a halter on the fractious unicorn. Jaran bared his sword and was about to say something noble and courageous when he felt a blow to the base of his skull and darkness engulfed him. He awoke to a terrible headache and the rhythmic trotting of a horse beneath him. He felt his mount’s relief at his resumption of consciousness. He painfully opened his eyes and glanced around him. The wan light of dawn was filtering through the trees as they rode along an overgrown road going in a northerly direction. He was bound fast to the back of a trotting horse that he might not inadvertently fall or escape.

One of the five scruffy men riding in the party noticed him coming round and dealt him another blow. The unicorn screamed in rage from somewhere among the pilfered horses but otherwise Jaran knew nothing before he fell again into darkness. The unicorn had allowed himself to be captured when he realized the men intended to take his fallen master with them. His great heart bid him find a way to free his captive master or die trying. It was dark when Jaran again awakened, this time bound fast to a tree rather than to a horse. One of the scoundrels leant over him and made him drink some foul tasting brew that cleared his head and felt warm in his stomach.

The man said, you have had quite a day. It is not good to go poking into things that are none of your business. Our master will know what to do with you. We would have killed you outright but you seem a learned man and that may be of interest to our master.

Jaran worked moisture back into his mouth and asked weakly, and who is your master?

The man laughed, you will learn that soon enough. Satisfy yourself in knowing he is a man of great intellect, influence, and wealth. He considers himself something of a collector and preserver of all sorts of knowledge, art, and skill in these dark days. He may just add you to his collection.

Jaran asked, what does that mean?

The scoundrel laughed, that you must discover for yourself when the time comes. It is another three days before we shall reach his manor.

Jaran said, and what do you fine fellows do for this master of yours?

The man grinned and showed only three teeth, saying, whatever he asks of us. Usually we are out gathering useful or valuable items to finance his plans or expand his collections. Very important work that! Jaran could only smile grimly and shake his head at these ill-guided philanthropists.

They rode for three more days as predicted; the unicorn made such a fuss that the fiends finally allowed the beast to act as Jaran’s mount, after which he promptly quieted. Jaran was grateful to be reunited with his friend though such circumstances would often be far easier if the faithful creatures were not so touchy about their masters’ honor as well as their own. The noble creature would sell his own life for his master’s if he was allowed, and sometimes even when his master denied him that chance if the creature was persistent.

As night was falling on the third day, a great but crumbling house loomed before them out of the darkness. It was certainly the home of some great lord in better days but who dwelt there now Jaran did not yet know. The whole stretch of country through which they traveled had been abandoned by civilized men for decades. The guards upon the much-mended gates watched them pass coldly and smirked when they met eyes with the captive. They drew rein before the great house and a bevy of grim but efficient servants ran out to secure their mounts and the stolen horses. Jaran asked his mount to cooperate and the creature reluctantly agreed to act as the normal horse he appeared. Jaran smiled grimly, the creature wished nothing but to die in glorious battle with his master. They might very well die yet but Jaran wanted to at least attempt to find a way out of this situation. He allowed his captors to lead him into the dilapidated house, curious to see what mysteries waited within.

The master of the house met them in a dining hall lavishly furnished. The guards bowed deeply and Jaran managed to do so as well but to a lesser degree. One of Jaran’s captors said, we were stealing horses out of the stable of an inn when this clown walked in upon us, determined to make a nuisance of himself. We would have killed him already but he seems to know a thing or two and we thought your lordship might like to acquaint yourself with his knowledge ere we kill him.

The refined looking master of the house looked upon Jaran with interest and said, to arouse the curiosity of my less than intelligent minions must speak highly of your own wisdom. Who are you, what learning have you had, and would you consider yourself an expert in any area of philosophy or knowledge?

Jaran said, I am a member of the Warrior sect of the Brethren and thus trained in Astoria. I am familiar with all that is required learning for one of our fellowship but I am no Teacher or Philosopher that I might count myself a master of lore.

The cultured man laughed, saying, I had thought all of your brotherhood extinct! This is an excellent chance, though I would have certainly preferred one of your more knowledgeable colleagues, I will content myself with you for now. We can always kill you later. Is Astoria truly destroyed as rumor holds it to be? It would be a shame to lose such a library.

Jaran said, the Brethren were scattered two years ago when the Lady succumbed to the plague. We were sent out to give what aid we could to the floundering world. The city yet stands, unless some terrible tragedy has befallen it since, but some were left to tend the library that our gathered knowledge not be lost even if all else should fall to dust.

The distinguished gentleman smiled, excellent, it pains me to think that any knowledge might pass out of remembrance. As long as that trove still exists and is well tended I will not trouble myself further on its behalf and may continue my own efforts. He motioned to one of the guards and they cut the ropes binding Jaran. All but two of the men then withdrew while Jaran and his erudite host seated themselves on one side of the great room. Now, said the gentleman, what are we to do with you?

Jaran smiled, that I cannot aid you with for I know nothing of you or your quest.

The man said, I am called Stern and I am determined to preserve as much of mankind’s former knowledge and accomplishments as I can in these fading years. When civilization begins to grow and flourish I will bequeath them my trove that they might not have to learn again that which they once knew but may begin again where they left off before war and disaster befell them.

Jaran asked, what kind of things do you collect and preserve?

The man smiled and said, anything and everything, including people! My barns are full of every type and breed of domestic beast, my library is vast, I have much in the way of tapestries, paintings, and every kind of weapon and tool.

Jaran gave him an odd look, an admirable mission I am sure but how does one ‘collect’ people?

Stern said, you Brethren and your moral conundrums! You have done an admirable job of preserving and disseminating every type of knowledge since the foundations of the world but no longer. You are scattered and leaderless and I shall usurp your favored place and reap the rewards when the time comes. I have no qualms about keeping captive any who have a certain knowledge that I may someday wish to exploit.

Jaran stared at him aghast, you hold anyone you please against their will simply for the knowledge they possess?

The man smiled, why should a man be treated any differently than a book? Is it not every learned man’s duty to serve his fellow men thus in such a dark time? Besides, if I have no use for such individuals I simply have them killed so I think captivity is a much more humane approach.

Jaran stared in astonishment, what drives you to collect such knowledge in whatever form you find it?

The man shrugged, knowledge is power and the more I have the more powerful I shall become. It will not be long until men will come begging me for the knowledge I possess and I can demand of them whatever price I will. Now let us see if you possess enough wisdom that I might keep you alive until I find someone to replace you. He spent the next hour quizzing Jaran on various aspects of knowledge and seemed well pleased to learn he was far wiser than he had originally given him credit for. The man smiled and said, excellent, I shall add you to my collection. Jaran did not look happy about the pronouncement but had little choice as the two guards came forward to escort him to his new abode.

They unlocked a strong door in the depths of the house and tossed him into a darkened room; the door shut with a menacing thud behind him. As he picked himself up from the floor, a voice said, who is it?

Jaran said, I apparently am your new roommate. What passes in this place of madness?

Another voice said, not much. We sit here like old tomes in a library and sometimes Stern remembers us or puts our knowledge to some use. Otherwise here we sit.

Jaran shook his head and introduced himself. There were two others in the room and neither knew if there were other such captives about the great house. Geryl was a renowned bard and had once held a place in the court of Grubar but since its fall had been forced to roam the wilds earning what he could performing in inns and on village greens; he had fallen afoul of Stern’s thugs nearly four months ago. Harn was a master of law and had been on his way from Ithalia to Cantara to advise the Queen when he had been taken nearly six months ago. They spent most of their time in the room but were allowed a half hour of supervised exercise each evening in a walled garden adjoining their room. They were amused to learn their new companion was one of the Brethren.

Geryl said, I had hoped if such a fool would find himself in our midst that at least he would be a master of the musical arts!

Harn laughed grimly, you are lucky that he is not for they would kill you if he were more talented than you.

In the faint moonlight streaming in the window, Jaran could see Geryl scowl and say, I suppose you are right.

Jaran said, how long will this madman hold us?

Harn shrugged, he will keep us until he no longer finds us useful, then he will kill us. Do not underestimate him, for he is no madman. He has a keen and calculating mind and does not long suffer fools.

Jaran paced the length of the small room, I would almost rather have him kill me outright than remain here while the world languishes around me.

Geryl scoffed, easy friend, you are not as important as you might think. The world will go on without you.

Jaran shook his head, it is not that I am important but that my message is. Our numbers dwindle and there are few now to keep the world from falling into chaos and grief. I am not meant to rot in this dismal little room awaiting the whims of a monomaniac while people perish for lack of hope and suffer at the hands of evil men.

Harn shook his head, there is little enough you can do. I would relax if I were you and not fret for it might irritate our master.

Jaran said firmly, I have but one master and that is the Master of All. I will not bow to lesser men. I must find a way out of this trap ere I go mad.

Geryl laughed, the more fool you are then. It is not such a bad life. We are provided with every provision and wish and left mostly to ourselves while the world without is all astir in toil and torment.

Jaran laughed grimly, I am no refugee from want. I would rather starve in the wilderness accomplishing my purpose than waste away in comfort while the world marches towards darkness without me.

Harn said, the Brethren are certainly fools but I must say they are dedicated fools. Come, it is time for bed. We have nothing but time on the morrow in which to mull over such futilities.

Jaran sighed and surrendered himself to grateful sleep, eager for the light of day that he might learn more of his prison and perhaps discover a way out. But no escape was evident. The room had a single window, which looked out on a small, walled garden. The window had great iron bars across its face to prevent them from breaking out into the garden and the garden itself had very high walls that were unclimbable, and at their top rested cruel iron spikes to keep any from gaining a hand or foothold upon the top of the wall. They were well fed and provided with any book or amusement that the house might provide. Occasionally Stern would have one or all three brought forth to amuse him in some way. Life went on in this tedious fashion for a month and Jaran felt he might burst with frustration but for the strength he found in the Master. He felt his mount of similar mind, confined as he was to the stables with much energy and nowhere to spend it. He was never taken out for exercise or use because he would let no one handle him.

This matter was brought to the attention of Stern, who oversaw even the most minor details in his house. He had Jaran brought to him and said, there is a most peculiar horse in my stables, captured the same night as you. My guards tell me that he is a recalcitrant beast and made a great fuss on the journey hither until you were allowed to ride him. I have heard strange rumors of the mounts of the Brethren and wish to know if I indeed am in possession of a unicorn?

Jaran smiled in spite of himself and said, I am afraid you are correct in guessing his lineage but wrong in your thoughts of possession. He can be no more ‘yours’ than I or any other thinking creature, less so perhaps for such a noble heart cannot stand captivity without a great cause. He abides in your stable of his own choice for he will not willingly be sundered from me.

Stern said, how is it that you can claim his allegiance then when I cannot?

Jaran replied, his race was brought into being to serve the Brethren in just such a capacity. We have given our lives in service to the Master as he and his kin have given their lives into our service. He serves no man unwillingly and they will not serve one not bound to the Master. If something happens to me or if I bid him, he will escape or die trying. It would be very unwise to try doing anything to violate the will of such a noble creature.

Stern sighed, you are most certainly mine. Your very life lies in my hands! I may do with you as I please.

Jaran shook his head, you may hold me captive and may end my life on a whim but I am certainly not yours. I am sworn to the Master and to Him alone do I belong. You can do nothing to the core of my being, that which is truly me though you may do as you wish with my mortal shell.

Stern smiled blandly, you are quite vehement in your metaphysical maunderings I see. I wonder how the Brethren can be so learned yet not see the folly in their own beliefs? It is my efforts to preserve the knowledge of humanity that shall benefit the ages to come, not your paltry attempts to ‘save’ the souls of all men. How do you fare with your roommates?

Jaran said, save for you, I have yet to meet any more hardened skeptics. Why do all men think us fools who believe in naught but a myth?

Stern laughed coldly, is it anything more than wishful thinking and fever dreams? Yes there are stories of strange happenings, visions, odd gifts, and other such phenomenon but I see nothing miraculous in it, simply something we as yet do not fully understand. Is not humanity itself varied enough to keep your interest? Why must you add superstition to the mix and thus distract what otherwise might be enlightened minds? While I appreciate your efforts to preserve and disseminate wisdom I cannot but think your kind a menace to enlightened society. Your deliriums certainly did not aid mankind when he fell into self destruction of late or in all the millennia before.

Jaran said, you blame the Brethren for man’s fall into folly?

His hosted laughed scornfully, no, but you certainly did little enough to prevent it.

Jaran said grimly, we can only speak the Truth and fight for justice, it lies in the hearts of all men to decide what they shall do with our words. I think the world would be a far more horrible place had the Brethren not worked as hard as we have in the past.

Stern smiled coldly, that may be but it is a question no one can answer so instead of debating ‘what ifs’ I think we must discuss your future in this house. You say your beast will not tolerate any but yourself? That is a pity, for I would greatly love to possess such a creature. I shall give you your freedom if you command him to stay with me. The man had thought to receive humble thanks but was disappointed and a bit annoyed to be met with laughter. He growled, what is so funny?

Jaran smiled and said, I can ask no such thing of him, neither will he agree to your scheme. He will either leave of his own choice or die trying. As will I.