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Joining the Rangers
It wasn’t really one day but a period of days. but my lack of sleep at the time made me often think of it as one whole day. And in many ways that day had yet to end. I could still feel it breathing down my neck.
It had started like any other day I was working as duty captain at the main Ranger camp. We had been receiving reports about raids on the cattle at small farmstead near the edge of Arden. I had been particularly worried since my sister Pwyll lived on one of those farmsteads. She oversaw the running of her husband’s estate while he dealt with his knightly duties at the castle and the surrounding countryside. Which was why I had assigned it to Ethan Garret. Ethan as about my age and he was incredibly ambitious. So I expected he would look hard for the trouble and solve it. Anything to get another glowing report from his superiors, his men and the local who lived on the edge of Arden.
He stood very relaxed in the duty captain’s office. I looked up at him not smiling. I often had to work at the Ranger stoicism. Particularly when I was around someone so alive as Ethan. We weren’t close although we often friendly towards each other. I wonder now if I had been closer to Ethan I would have been better able to judge his caliber. If I had I would never have sent him on the mission. But one does not expect to find cowardice among the Rangers. Perhaps in the military or among the navy, but never in the Rangers. We all had that bias.
“So what’s the story this morning?”
“There have been reports of slaughtered livestock along Grazing Road. The farmers have been complaining to the local authorities. Their response is that it had to be something from Arden. Which meant we have been called in. It could be dangerous as the indication is that the livestock is being killed by rather large wolves.”
Ethan nodded clearly taking all of this in. I wrote as I spoke making sure the duty logs showed I had clearly informed him of the fact of danger.
“Wildmen haven’t been reported in that area?”
“No but they’ve been ranging farther and farther each spring so I’d be careful and keep a good eye out..” I replied. I knew Ethan had been one of those calling for a strong force to go through Arden to hunt the Wildmen in mass. That they needed to be quelled. I wasn’t so sure we had enough Rangers that we could spare for such a campaign. Particularly without reliable intelligence on the size of bands and how well organized they were. I had been arguing containment with more forays to gather information for some time now. I think my position had more support than Ethan’s. Of course I wasn’t looking for glory.
Ethan nodded and leaned over to sign the duty log. He smirked at my marking indicating that there was possible danger and to use caution.
“Oh my tracker is ill, do you have anyone you could send in his sted?”
Without a tracker Ethan was used to I had to be careful. If there was a threat I would have to make sure whoever went was good. So he could spot it in time to warn Ethan. I looked at the lists of names, one jumped out at me immediately.
“Jordan Nightwing is in camp.” Jordan had been my mentor after I had joined the Rangers. We had grown close and I had learned to trust his judgment over anyone’s. I figured Jordan would be a good addition to a team unfamiliar with the tracker. He was well liked and respected throughout the Rangers. Jordan had always shunned advancement. Saying his skills and calling was as a tracker, and he would be happy to die as one.
Ethan saluted me and headed out of the office. I watched him go and waited for the next Ranger to come in for assignments. I hated the paperwork, I much preferred being out in the forest or on patrol. But I had a talent for this sort of work as well. And details and organization was something that could be overlooked far to easily.
I thought nothing more of Ethan Garret or his assignment for the next three days. That was until Ethan returned alone. he was bruised and bloody as he made his way to the duty captain’s office. I looked at from the reports as he entered. I knew this was not a good sign. His eyes were wild as he looked about the room.
“All dead, attacked by Wildmen. I managed to get away to carry warning.”
He was out of breath. I left him alone in the office to summon aid. I also had to send a warning out to get more Rangers over there. A larger much stronger force would be needed. The farmers were in danger. I could see to Ethan’s full report later. I ran out and grabbed one of the watch.
“Find Captain Greentree. Tell him that there are Wildmen over on Grazing Road. We need a large contingent to make sure they don’t cause any more damage.”
The Ranger nodded and ran off looking for Captain Greentree. I sent another Ranger who happened by to rush for the medics. Than I went back into the office. Ethan was sitting on a chair and looked exhausted.
“What happened?”
“There was no warning they came out at us when we reached one of the houses. They were laying in wait there. We never even heard from Jordan. I assume he was dead when we got there.”
I couldn’t believe that. Not that Jordan was dead. That was always a real possibility in the Rangers. Much more unbelievable is that Jordan had to have left a warning. He always did. He had drilled it into me so many times it was part of my nature. Letting your brothers know there is danger is more important than saving your own life.
“He even missed the dog tracks we had seen the day before.”
Ethan was up to something. Only I couldn’t figure out what it was. Seth Greentree entered the hut along with two other captains. Ethan looked up at them.
“Why didn’t you tell us there was possible danger in the area?” He asked his voice full of anguish and pain.
I said nothing trying to recover from the shock. I had it in the day logs. Ethan had even signed it. I walked over to the desk to show him the book. I flipped to the page. It was different. My handwriting noting the reports of attacks and danger was still there. But the next entry stating I had told Ethan was not. Instead there was a signed entry saying Garret to patrol Grazing Road region. Jordan Nightwing assigned as tracker to replace sick tracker.
Captain Hrothgar took the log from me and looked down at it. He scowled at me.
“We can solve this later. We need to brief a force to send out there. Recover bodies and save what farmsteads are left.” Captain Greentree announced. Is was his levelheadness that Lord Julian and Ruadhan had always respected.
Ethan repeated what he had already told me. And gave greater detail of where the farm was located. I breathed a sigh of relief it was not where my sister lived. And it was at least a days ride further west.
I could tell Hrothgar could not decide to focus his anger on me for not doing my duty or on Ethan for leaving his men behind. Most of the officers would like to think in the same situation they would have stayed to die while they sent someone else back. Of course during an ambush you might not have that option. Only they shouldn’t have been ambushed. I was trying my best to hide my anger at having sent Garret. I should have known ambition was a dangerous thing to rely upon. Could he also have been a coward?
“Captain Flint take yourself and two other units to the area. Hrothgar sound the recall. We should respond strongly and quickly. That should calm the civilians and quell the Wildmen in one blow. I will stay here and wait for the medics and make a report to Ruadhan. Hopefully we wont have to disturb Lord Julian with this. And we shall decide what to do with you Snow.”
Greentree called me Snow because he was mad. No one called me Snow as a favor. Well, no one but the first Ranger to do so. A Ranger whose voice I had never been able to place in ten years. Flint and Hrothgar ran out of the office. Hrothgar leaving the log with Greentree. Greentree looked down at the log in disgust, confirming what he believe was inexcusable sloppiness.
A medic finally arrived and started caring for Ethan. Everyone in the room could tell his wounds were only superficial. It was hard not for me to blame him for how he behaved. He must have ignored the warning Jordan had given. He also must have run at the first sign of trouble. Otherwise the Wildmen would have hunted him down. They knew about our penchant to get warnings off. And certainly they wouldn’t want to be caught by a larger and better equipped force. I imagined they had already melted back into Arden. They could boast for months of their victory. It would certainly afford them respect among their kind and any other thinking creature in Arden who hated the Rangers.
Shortly Ruadhan himself arrived. Ruadhan is often thought of has an extension of Lord Julian. Particularly when Julian has royal duties or is not in Arden. Ruadhan is certainly more approachable than Lord Julian as no one would want to bother such a mighty individual lightly. I could expect more mercy from him then the Lord Ranger. I had a brief flash of being hunted by his hell hounds as he rode after me on the great Morgenstern. I’d be dead in five steps. Ruadhan listened to Greentree recount what Ethan had said and he then looked at the log.
“We can do this one of two ways Snow. We can have a formal hearing, or you can resign in disgrace.”
I knew the ramifications of a formal hearing. If I was proved responsible it could mean my life. But much worse it would be obvious to every Ranger. My shame would be complete, also faith in the leadership would be shaken. Besides, I thought to myself, Rangers would find themselves taking sides and such a split could take years to heal if it ever did.
“Speak up boy, and tell me why you made such a stupid mistake.”
I gave no answer thinking how to formulate one. I could explain how I did tell Ethan about the danger. That somehow the logs had been changed. It would mean accusing Ethan. Such a man did not deserve to be a Ranger. But worse he was a leader of Rangers which would be much more dangerous. How many more of my friends and brothers would die under his leadership.
I think we all turned at once as Lord Julian entered the room. I almost shrunk as he did. His presence was overwhelming. And I could feel the nerves of every man about to break. Ethan turned very white, even if I did not speak up to accuse him he would have to explain how he alone had survived.
“I require no formal hearing. I took an oath and will honor it in every way.”
The medic, Arthur, Captain Greentree and Garret looked confused. I don’t think they knew what I meant. Ruadhan did I could see it in his face. Which can only mean that Lord Julian did as well.
“Hand over your insignia,” Ruadhan commanded. I did and he crumpled it into a lump in his hand, his powerful hands. “Such a dishonored insignia should be melted down for scrap.”
“Nightwing and Bloodworth would be so disappointed in you now Taelsin,” Greentree muttered. As if to show it he seemed to slump himself. We had liked each other, but I knew my disgrace would leave no place in his heart for me. His statement did not carry the sting it might have. I knew they would not be disappointed they too would have understood why I did what I did.
“You are no longer our brother. You are worse than stranger since you are now an ex-brother. If you had retired come your time you would be family. Now you are little better than a dog in our eyes. Such will be told to all Rangers, so they will hold that thought in their hearts and minds.” Ruadhan’s speech carried no emotion. He recited as if he had said it often. I knew he did not, most Rangers would prefer death to this. But if the same result would happen at hearing it was better done in private.
I handed my weapons to Greentree. I watched as Lord Julian stood there unmoving. I assumed even though he had come in late he already knew the full story. I also wondered how much of the truth he knew. All I knew was that I should not have sent Garret. I turned to leave. I did have a few personal possessions. But they no longer mattered to me.
“Sell or use what I have. It was given to me when I was a Brother. I am not now, I do not deserve it. I do not follow the oaths I had once taken any longer.”
I said the last and looked at Ethan Garret. I doubt if he understood what that meant. If he had he would have tried to kill me there. And if he had believe those oaths he would never altered the logs to condemn me. To condemn me the same way he had his own patrol and my closest friend.
“Ethan I am no longer your brother, remember that next we meet.” I didn’t add the rest, sworn to protect you at risk of life to myself. I had already made that sacrifice for Ethan Garret, now thanks to Ethan I did not ever need to make it again.
“Silence, you have no right to speak to Rangers in such a tone.” Again Ruadhan had no emotion in his voice.
I turned and walked out of the office. I hoped the Rangers sent out would return safely. I knew life would go on among the Rangers. I prayed quietly to Silvanus that the forest would watch out for Jordan. And that it would show it’s own tender mercy to Ethan Garret. This spring day I was truly alone for the first time in my life. I knew I could not go back to Snowdyn Manor. A disgraced adult son would not be welcome. Somewhere in the city I could find a place to live and survive. Perhaps I would never thrive again. But I would continued to live and for now that was enough.
That day is now over three years in the past. I have lived my life in rooming taverns since then. Making money where I can. Many people are interested in paying for my skills. I still think that perhaps some day I will find and do something better. But already at twenty-five years I dispair of that ever being true.
I walk downstairs and look at the land lady. She is busy wiping down a table. Her name is Ruth. She is a good woman trying to make ends meet after her husband died at sea. Her two teenage sons, Burt and Sty, aren’t much, I think they run with some of the dock gangs. I haven’t tried to find out because if I knew I would feel obligated to do something about it. Her eleven year old daughter Ginny has a crush on me. Ruth doesn’t mind when I’m slightly late with the rent. She figures having me around provides safety. And know she tries to pretend I am a better man than I really am, that perhaps I will be a good influence on her boys.
“Ah good to see you up Master Taelsin. It looks like it will be a glorious morning.”
I nod to Ruth. I move over to a table with the morning coffee and try not to think about the dream. Today remembering the past has not helped at all. Perhaps I need to add something new to the events I remember. Maybe there is another day that sticks strong in my mind. Another day that will help me go along. Two burly men entered into the tavern. Ruth noted their entrance as they came over towards me.
“Taelsin?” The smaller one squeaked in a high pitched voice that did not fit his body.
“Who wants to know?”
“Gruffud of the Loaders Guild.”
He could have worked on the docks. But then they weren’t guildsmen. What he said was a euphemism. He was part of the community that preyed on the unvoiced. Both worlds I had never seen growing up. Even Arden could be more humane than humans preying upon their fellow humans.
“I’ve heard of you Gruffud, what can I do for you?” I sipped my coffee slowly, carefully. I looked both men over carefully. Enforcers were often huge and muscular. Figuring the image could put fear into their prey. Whether or not the enforcer actually knew how to fight was a different matter.
“Not here,” he responded.
I finished the coffee. I wondered if this would make me late for my meeting with Finney. I hoped not the man seemed to think that time was only invented for him. I followed Gruffud out, his friend walked behind me. They foolishly thought it gave them an edge. I noticed the second man carried a dagger in his left boot. He also had a brace of throwing knives that lined his cloak. Gruffud went about unarmed. I assumed that was because he knew the Amber city guards would roust so notorious a personage if they even thought he was carrying a weapon. He also prided himself in being able to remove problems bare handed. I figured both of them probably carried garrotes in their pockets. The second man might try to use that first.
We walked out of the tavern and down the street. I assumed they would jump me in some alley. I wondered how long it would take before their bodies were found. I also hoped they were working free lance at the moment. Life would be a lot easier if that was true. If the organized elements wanted me dead, life would get a lot harder and shorter. I might even have to leave Amber permanently. Of course the list of people who would pay a hired killer to attack me was not particularly long.
At least I could be assured that they would take me to some prearranged place. Hopefully that meant there would not be a lot of witnesses. So I would have no problem disposing of the bodies. We walked for about ten minutes I was slowly being led to a warehouse by the docks. I knew the warehouse. It had an outcropping over the water. I assumed they planned on killing me and then dropping me into the water. I wondered what they had planned to do with Ruth. She would have to be made to keep quiet. Although there were at least a dozen ways that could be accomplished.
We entered the warehouse which was empty and had been for some time. The three of us moved to the center of the warehouse. I could sense both of them getting nervous and tense. They should be I had better training and they were just common thugs. More used to preying on untrained and unskilled civilians.
The man behind me started to move first. I was right, he had pulled out a garrote. I ducked down underneath him and dug my elbows into his solar plexus. He let out a muffled cry as the wind rushed out of him. Gruffud turned around. I released the spring loaded dagger attached to my wrist.
It cut into Gruffud’s knee cap. He grasped it in pain. I dug my left hand into Gruffud’s groin. The other man tried to recover his wind as I spun my right hand around and my wrist dagger cut into his belly. Blood was spurting all over the place. I remember thinking why did they have to wait until morning. I also hoped Ruth would keep her mouth shut. She probably would at the cost of me becoming more involved in her son’s lives.
I pulled my dagger from it’s waist sheath. The sharp blade sung as it whipped out. It found rest again quickly inside the back of Gruffud’s neck. He slumped to the ground. I spun on his friend who was rolling in the dirt clutching his belly. I kneeled down beside him.
“It will be long slow and painful. Talk and I will end it quick for you.” He knew enough about gut wounds to understand. I saw the look of pain and fear on his face.
“Who?”
“Not official,” he gasped looking at my dagger. His eyes were watery and huge. I wondered what he was thinking about, knowing he was going to die.
I leaned closer to him trying my best to look more menacing. Hoping that would give him need to talk. I knew there wasn’t much more I would be willing to go, but then he didn’t have to know that.
“Finney, Rat Catcher.”
I guess it wouldn’t matter if I was late to the meeting. He wasn’t expecting me at all. What bothered me was that I would not have figured him to send thugs to kill me. Now I had to decide if I believed this man. The look on his face made me feel I could. So I slit his throat and ended his pain.
Then I moved both bodies over to the water dump. I looked at them and tried not to think about what I would have to do to make sure it would be some time before they rose. I cut open their rib cavity. Then I carefully found chunks of stone that were laying about the warehouse. Slowly I tied the stones to their bodies. Then I pushed the bodies into the water. They would be found eventually. But by then I hoped the city guards would have moved onto bigger concerns. Two less thugs would hardly be missed. But I was hardly the status of someone who could kill with impunity from the law.
Quietly I washed the blood off of my hands and clothes. The water was ice cold and salty. Neither was to my liking, but I had little choice. I cleaned my daggers and made sure they were resecured in their resting places. Then I began to debate the merits of meeting with Finney. If I didn’t, he would learn I was alive and fear I knew he had ordered the contract. Better to show up late and play dumb. Then I could gather more information and try to determine if it was a casual attempt or something much more serious and deadly. Now I had another name I added to the list of people who wanted me dead.
