The Return of Ana and the worst blow.

The master introduced Bjorn to Melki, who was gallant and kind, but more preoccupied with his bride to be than with anything else. The master explained how he had met this young half elf in the market place one day, after Bjorn had left and seen how well he could handle himself in making deals. He, needing a skilled trader to manage the business in Quanx, had invited Melki back to his estate, to work at the plantation. As the two worked together the bond had strengthened and Melki became the son neither Bjorn or Korok had ever had the chance to be. Tutored by the master, with his natural acumen, Melki had taken over the affairs of the plantation and run it so smoothly the master had finally been able to retire from his work and become the well established Lord of the North he had always dreamed of being. Now, he was lord over a vast empire and he had acquired a new position. As leader of the Northern Province, he had the right to appoint men to the position of knight and he, after hearing of Bjorn’s actions in saving the Lady Lashir, had bestowed that honor on Bjorn.1

“It will have to be approved, of course, Bjorn, but I do believe that will be no problem when the sovereign hears how you saved his niece as well as the day and the empire,” the master laughed. “I will be honored to stock your barns with horses, and all manner of farm animals, for yourself and your men. I will see to it, as well, that you have all the starts of grapevines, fruit and nut, trees, vitoemin and any other crops you need to get yourselves well under way. This is a fine and noble undertaking you have appointed yourself to Bjorn. I am sure the men will have a fine life here in the north.” The master went on and on about how life would be here for him, but his mind was caught on one thought. If he had not gone off to war, he would have been trained and obtained the position young Melki had acquired and he might be marrying Lashir. Something of fate seemed to rob him of every happiness he had ever wanted in his life. He had lost his village and family. He had lost his happiness on the master’s plantation, and he had lost some of the best friends and teachers he had ever known as well. He sighed at the thought. Then he brightened. Well, at least he still had his greatest friend and brother, Korok who would always be there for him. He turned to the master in time to hear him say, “Now, go and join your friends. They are down at the town.2

The mention of a town puzzled Bjorn. When had a town come to the North-lands? He went off to see what the master was talking about and when he saw it, the beautiful little oasis there in the rugged lands he was sure it must have been well received and needed by the people. The merchants were already building two story brick and stone buildings around the original tent structures and there was an inn and a fine community house with ales and , wines, staffed to serve all who came into the dining rooms. The elegant facilities even spilled out into wide verandas where the rangers sat resting at the oak tables spread across the cobbles edging the plaza in the main square. Bjorn found Korok sitting at one of these tables, basking in the warm summer sun, drinking ale and he dropped into a chair next to him. Korok could see disappointment on Bjorn's face and had no problem guessing what the cause was. He poured him a glass of Ale from the keg he'd purchased and slapped him on the back in an attempt to cheer him. "Have a mug brother Bjorn and we'll be getting ourselves on our way soon. The other men have been out buying trade goods and staples for the trip to the woods. It was indeed gracious of the Lord to present us with all that land in the mountains. Only the best of the knights and rangers are being invited to reside in the Spinea reserve and we'll be the first from the war to take residence there. Think of all the times we'll have, hunting the high country and mining the caves. I can't wait to set up a forge and start smelting iron and smithing weapons. I hear all the best smiths are there to learn from, though what they could be teaching you, after the commander’s tutelage, I could never guess. And, you and I, free men, free from toiling in the fields and free from the war as well. We'll travel together brother, to the Gulem to fish and to travel the southern seas. And, we can go even down the Golumbia to the grass sea. There are sights that I have never seen, and what adventures you and I will have. “And, he nudged Bjorn's shoulder; 3

“there are beautiful women of every type and description. You will have no problem finding all sorts of willing partners for anything you desire." He winked and slapped Bjorn on the back. "Don’t be troubled brother," he finally sighed in desperation. The emperor must do what he must, to keep the empire together. The Lady Lashir was meant to marry a nobleman. That is just the way of things. But, the master tells me you are a knight now, one of the chosen of Nartac. And, you're a wealthy man," he said, remembering the huge chest of gold. Best of all, you have fine horses, especially that mare, . Such a horse she is! How I wish I could own so majestic such as she."4

* Bjorn Maltac looked up at the last words and smiled at Korok. "Yes, I see you are correct brother. I must stop hungering for that which is not to be had by the likes of a poor knight, “and he laughed aloud, "or even a rich one." He picked up the mug and hoisted it in a toast. "Here's to being a free man and to having a fine steed and time and the will to ride her anyplace I wish." They drank deeply.5

Then he looked at Korok and smiled. "And, a horse is it. I should think that a man such as yourself would be wanting a fine steed and what am I to do with this money. I should be about outfitting you sir with the finest mount in all the land. We'll go into the market place then, and we'll be about making a purchase of the best of the horse flesh there. Yes, that is what we will do." And he was up gathering in his weapons and Korok was picking up his spear and bow and joining him as they moved on. 6

They arrived in the market place and began looking over l the horses on sale there. There were varieties of mountain pony and great mustangs from the open fields as far south as the grasslands of Sherma. There were fine strong horses from all over the realm and Bjorn and Korok searched all that afternoon to find one that seemed just right for the giant. Finally, they settled on a great coal black stallion, almost the image of the commander’s favorite, but much longer of leg. It was a breed which lived in the grass sea. It was many hands high and only Korok could have mounted it so easily. The stallion, which he immediately named Borok, (brother of Korok), was as full of fire as any horse either had ever seen and it seemed the perfect mount for the great hunter. 7

After purchasing the horse, they bought draw horses and a large wagon and filled it with all manner of iron vessels, smithing tools, grain for the horses, and months worth of dried meats, flour, salt and spices, sugar and barrels of ale, wine and oil. They had just affected the last of their purchases when Bjorn, tying down the load, noticed someone he could never have forgotten there in the market place. Standing amidst the stalls as naturally as if she owned the market,, haggling with the elves and humans with absolute mastery, was the beautiful Elvin lady, Ana.8

He rushed over to her and laid a hand gently on her shoulder, hoping she would remember him. As she turned a puzzled look was quickly exchanged for one of gladness.9

"Bjorn”, Anna cried out, “how wonderful to see you.. You have survived the war." She laughed at her own comment. "Yes, of course you have, or you wouldn't be standing here this day. And, such a fine strong man it is standing here this day. I must say, the service life has been good for you Bjorn. It is indeed wonderful to see you, and I have wonderful news for you. Yes, I do."10

She leaped off the stack of boxes where she'd been auctioning. "I and my brothers have found the best home. We have all been taken in by a Baron here in the north- lands. We all work for him, myself and my oldest brother that is. My younger brother, still to young for work this day, is at home playing with all the children of the workers on the great farm. We have been coming to the market now for six seasons each,, the autumn, spring and summer markets with great success so says the master, at bringing home the best prices ever to him.11

Excited by the news of Ana’s good fortune, Bjorn was none the less wondering what part she had in all securing work for her brother. . "Ana, did this have something to do with the expertise you displayed at the market the day we met? . If I recall, you sent my profits soaring in our short encounter before the war.”12

Ana smiled and blushed, "Well, you might say it was a bit of a catalyst, and I helped my brother to learn to deal with all the tradesman too. I interjected a bit of veteran trading technique and advice here and there, and a bit of magic didn't hurt either." she winked, tossing a handful of stones up and catching them. 13

"Ana, you haven't changed a bit." Bjorn laughed. 14

He could not forget her trickery in dealing with the Elosian.”And, you are a merchant trader too?" He was amazed. 15

"Yes, the first woman ever to do so, I am told, but that is fine by me, I don't mind working the mans trade. In fact, it is a bit of an aid, what with men thinking I am a push over in sales and trading. They soon learn otherwise, I must tell you." and she laughed. "But, they don't seem to mind." and Bjorn imagined this was true. There was after all something in this lovely elfin lady which would charm any and all with her winning ways. She was meant to be a trader in the market, if anyone ever had been and the skill had certainly served her well. She was dressed in fine pastels of silk, obviously from the workings of the Elosian looms. She wore a tailored cape and a dagger hung from her side in a beautifully stitched leather sheath. Her tam was of virgin wool and died with butterfly dye; no doubt another of the works of the Elosian women of the far kingdom. Yes, this was the finest lady he had ever laid eyes on, and he forgot the pain in his heart for Lashir. He watched her as she chatted in her good natured way and wished for a second she was his lady and that she could be wisked away to the high lands of Spinea. Shaking his head at the thought, he reminded himself that she was a princess and would one day marry a man of the proper station. And, he smiled and inclined his head, sighing at the thought of never having a fine lady of his own.16

“And, the best news of all,” Ana was saying, “Is the future marriage of my wandering brother. I know many hearts will be breaking this day, when they find that he has been taken.” She smiled and laughed. “Yes and the lady is a beautiful woman indeed, with a treasured name, which will be well received by the folks of the Nartac Empire,” she sighed. 17

“I believe you may have heard of her Bjorn, as she is of the high royal family of Nartac itself” 18

Ana playfully touched a finger to the tip of his nose, “ The Lady Lashir.” 19

Ana went on, happily chatting, unaware of the bolt she had just shot into Bjorn’s wounded heart. Not only had he lost his one great love in life, but he had lost her to the brother of the woman whom he admired above all others. He had heard her speak of her brothers often but had never met either of them. Now, he learned that the eldest of them had taken the woman he had dreamed of marrying. He gritted his teeth and drove his fist silently into his knee, not wanting to allow Ana to see his frustration and his torment.20

“And, so, now I will have to get along. The master is not to be kept waiting. Yes, he will be wanting us all back at the north estate as quickly as possible so that the marriage can be consummated.”21

Then, the final nail was driven. The place he had dreamed of being was taken by the man who had taken the one woman he had dreamed of wedding. And, now, she would reside with him, at the home of the master. And, when he was gone, she would be the wife of the administrator of the largest plantation and business in all the northlands. Bjorn, felt himself growing queasy and ill. 22

“I do hope you will want to be there for the wedding, Bjorn,” she was saying. “You can be my special guest. I’ve always wanted the two of you to meet. Now, we can be friends, all of us. And, the Lady Lashir is a beautiful and most wonderful, charming woman as well. Won’t it be grand?”23

Bjorn could hardly contain his grief but he held himself in check. 24

“No doubt I'll be seeing you at the market, Anna said. Let me know, if you wish to come to the wedding, and I can have some proper attire tailor made for you by the plantation seamstresses, for the occasion.” She smiled and winked, and before he could think of anything to say, she was waving over her shoulder and hurrying off. 25

The rest of that day, Bjorn felt pain shooting through his body with every breath, it seemed, as the thoughts of it all caught up with him. On the journey to the reserve in Spinea he kept his mind on his business, watching the road as he led off towards the north-land. . Deep inside him there grew a feeling that he had been cast into an abyss from which there was no returning, and would forever watch the days and the world turning before him, unable to grasp and be a part of it again.26