The Gods square (chapter 1, Balion)

As he stood, looking out the window onto the scenery surrounding his secluded home, Balion felt foreboding creeping up on him. He wondered, as he often did, were there acts of impulsion that lead to goals hidden in the subconscious? If in some way one could work to an outcome that is presently unknown. It’s said the Gods work through man himself, more-so the Gifted. If that is true, then who, in the end, is responsible for the actions of man? What is the right thing to do when faced with challenge and difficulty, should one do as he can, all that he can? Or should he, knowing that his acts in the end could only add to the fount of distrust that cocoons him, decide not to act? Would he then be wrong for declining his possible help, or would it be an act of the gods? 1

Balion shook himself out of his pointless revere, he didn’t believe in the Gods, he made and chose his own actions.2

“Come, lets go.” Said Balion to his friend, reaching over the chair for his cloak. “If we’re lucky we should make it to the village by sunrise.”3

Michal stretched his arms and looked down sadly on the now empty bowl. He sighed as he got to his feet.4

“You know how much I hate having to move after eating,” said the towering blonde young man. “Its not good for me.”5

The night passed in a blur of shadows as the two young men made their way in the dark, both constantly gripped their cloaks as wind rippled through the large oaks surrounding them, trying in vain to relieve them of the small comfort of keeping warm.6

Balion was thankful of the moon, which was near to full and giving of enough light for them to be able to make there way along the twisted turns and unsteady ground of the forest floor. It was a pity Michal didn’t take more care to note where he put his feet. Throughout the night his blond headed friend would trip, which would quickly be followed by loud curse, then trip again.7

“Move over to the left, you will trip less.” Said Balion after his friend had finished his latest tirade.8

The dark couldn’t hide the glare Michal shot him when he got to his feet.9

“And how will that bloody help? Are there less holes on that side?”10

“No,” said Balion over his shoulder as he turned and carried on. “But you will be able to see the holes a little better on this side. The moons over there,” He pointed off to his right. “It might not seem it, but the light given off is stopped mostly by the trees on the right side of the trail. The left is a little brighter.”11

Michal looked incredulous, “It all looks the bloody same! I’m gonna end up with a broken neck long before we reach the village.”12

Balion was more worried about getting to the village than his friends complaining, it wasn’t like he had asked Michal to come out and get him, his night would have been a lot more pleasant had he not.13

Balion admonished himself for being unfair. His friend was only doing what was asked of him. It wasn’t Michal who wanted Balion at the village. Actually, Balion didn’t know who it was that wanted him. But they came with a letter from his grandfather, which meant only one thing. Trouble.14

He had warned his granddad, before he left on his journey to Rallion, that he felt unease at the summons to the Hall. Maybe he was hoping at the time his granddad would tell him it was a foolish worry, The Four knew he thought it was a foolish worry himself. But his granddads only reply was “These are dark times. There are changes coming, we must be ready.” and what that meant he had no idea.15

Balion shrugged. “Do what you want, but I’m telling you, the left is easier to negotiate. Do you see me tripping over every other minute?” 16

Michal glanced at his friends back with a scowl, then moved over to the left, deciding the broad shouldered young man with flowing black hair might have a point.17

Through the night Michal seemed to become more sure footed. He didn’t admit to Balion that he was in fact correct. There was a little more light on the left, not much at first, but after a time it was enough to prevent the untimely slips that were so annoying. It was the difference between shades of black. Michal had come to recognise the darker the shade the more likely-hood of a hole.18

If his mind hadn’t been so preoccupied with the worry of what would happen when he reached the village, Balion would have took pleasure in seeing his friend learn something new. It wasn’t easy trying to teach Michal.19

After covering most of the distance in the suffocating black of night, the sky was gradually easing into a lighter shade of blue as a tired Balion, and a near collapsing Michal, came into view of the stout wooden settlement of the village.20

Built in a semi circle at the bottom of a rock face, the village was in a perfect spot to weather the yearly winters and forcing gales. It was also the most defensible position in miles, with a strong wooden wall encasing the village against the rock. It was said in the book of “Amoran” that it was a number of village’s similar to this that were the backbone supporting the invasion of the “50 Year War”. Balion remembered the account that spoke about the betrayal, it was an interesting counterpoint to well known history.21

Balion looked across at his friends drawn face, black circles outlined bright blue eyes and long lashes, he had almost feminine features.22

“You don’t look well, I think you should go get some sleep.”23

Michal gave a tired sigh.24

“After, lets go to Jerry’s first.”25

Since there was no need for vigilance in the last five hundred years, Balion and Michal entered the village of Blueban through the open and unguarded gate. The villagers agreed they had better things to do than to stand watch against the invisible shades of their fallen enemy.26

Balion steeled himself as he headed for the inn, putting in place the mask which was his usual countenance among the people of Blueban, a calm indifference which was his armour against the searching looks and furtive glances. He knew it was only natural for people to be wary of something they didn’t understand, even afraid. Maybe they had the right to be afraid of someone who could, with nothing but a thought, end their lives. It made little difference that he could also help. The natural instinct to threat was common to all, survival was valued above all else.27

There was a small positive though, and that was the time of day. At least this early in the morning it wasn’t likely he would run into too many people. Hopefully, he would not be here long.28

With Michal at his side Balion felt grateful to his friend. He was the only one in the village who hadn’t treated Balion as an outsider as he had grown up among the other children of Blueban. While he no doubt had his faults, Michal was a good and loyal friend. 29

When they reached the Inn, Michal pushed forwards and the door swung open, roasted meats and ale assorted their senses with a pleasant sample of warmth, leading Balion to realise that he was seriously hungry.30

The room was all but empty, tables that during the evening would be full were now empty, with the odd exception of two men sitting in the far right hand corner of the room.31

Michal nudged Balion in the direction of the two men and they made their way across the inn. As they came closer, Balion wondered if he had ever seen two men so unalike. The first sat with a goblet of wine in hand while he surveyed the room with a satisfied smile. His opulent robes were a mixture of bright purples and dark blues, giving him an almost flowery appearance.32

The other, a man only slightly less broad than Michal, sat with a wicked short scimitar across his lap. He looked up with a frown when he saw the two young men approaching, his eyes resembling nothing more so than muddy puddles. His face of sharp angles and the flowing black locks that cascaded down his back gave a fearsome aspect.33

“Ah ha! There you are young man, and about time too!” Said the flowery dressed man to Michal. Michal gave only a brief nod as he looked down on the smaller man.34

“Oh yes!” said the stranger when he looked at Balion “You would be Balion, yes? I can see the resemblance. Indeed I can. Come lad,” the funny little man waved his hand absently at the table. “Take a seat. The food here is reasonably good.” He took a sip from his goblet. “And the wine too!”35

Michal and Balion pulled up chairs and sat. Balion noticed how his friend and the dark skinned stranger were staring at each other.36

“I was told you have a letter from my granddad.” It would be best to finish this and get back to his cottage, thought Balion. There was no need in spending more time than what was needed here in the village.37

The stranger in the robes regarded Balion with piercing blue eyes. The was intelligence in those eyes, more so than he realised from his first evaluation of the man.38

“Indeed young man, I do have a letter for you. But first you should eat, and your friend too.” There was a smile in his voice as he looked at Michal, who hadn’t waited for the offer, but had grabbed the whole leg of venison and sat with his mouth full and stared ahead. Most pointedly at the dark skinned stranger.39

Balion’s tolerance of this situation was rapidly coming to its end. He was tired, both mentally and physically, and just wanted to get back home.40

“Who are you?” asked Balion instead. And despite how he felt, his voice was civil. “And why would you have a letter from my grandfather? Maybe you could explain that to me. And no, I prefer not to eat just yet.”41

The colourfully dressed man, who was a little chubby in the face but by no means overweight, looked across to his companion. The dark stranger smiled enigmatically.42

“Traveller say he maybe be like this. In fact, he say he likely be like this.”43

His companion nodded his head, “Indeed.”44

Balion kept quiet, waiting for his answer.45

The smaller of the two men turned back to Balion, and with a theatrical sigh answered.46

“My name is Ludo.” He pointed to the man at his side. “This is Xzen. I have no doubt you already know I’m Gifted.” Balion nodded. He had known since before they had entered the inn that there was someone with the Gift inside, that was just another of the reasons why he felt so edgy.47

“We are both from the Hall. I am a Meister, and Xzen is the Captain Guard. We have both known your grandfather for a very long time.”48

Balion kept his face impassive.49

“And why would you be here now?”50

Ludo leaned back and scratched behind his ear.51

“Well lad, that’s a long story. One that cant be told in such a public space, nor in the time you have before you collapse of exhaustion.”52

Balion waved away the reprimand. 53

“And what proof do I have that it was my grandfather that sent you? For all I know, you could be leading me down a fools trail.”54

It was Xzen who spoke.55

“Caution is good. And what you say maybe true, but we do have the proof you require.” Arms rippled with sinew and muscle reached into the pouch at the mans waist, and pulled out a smaller, yet by far more intriguing pouch.56

“Your grandfather said you would know how to open this.”57

Balion sent out his senses, just a miniscule touch on the inky black pouch was enough to confirm his granddads trace of the Gift.58

“I do,” said Balion as he received the small pouch. 59

It was a simple matter, something he and his granddad had long ago practised. It was a shield set to a person, rather than a shield of working. With this particular shield, there was no way for another who was not the intended recipient to pass and leave the contents intact.60

His granddads use of this particular shield worried Balion immeasurably. While his granddad was often at the Hall these days, Balion had noticed him becoming more and more withdrawn. Like a great burden was resting on him. One Balion had tried in vain to understand.61

Balion emptied the pouches contents into his hand. A ring and a note.62

He read the note.63

“The fool is not he who treads the trail knowing it’s a trick, but the one who tried to trick that is the fool for failing to fool what he thought was a fool.”64

Balion smiled nervously at his granddads ditty. It was something they had once argued heatedly about.65

"Balion, m’boy. 66

Now listen to me closely. The man who bears this message is Xzen of the Karu-ni. You will know it is him by the missing finger on his left hand."67

Balion glanced over the note. There was indeed a finger missing from the strangers hand. The smallest finger on his left. He read on as his heart raced.68

"With him is Ludo, who is one of my closest friends in the Hall. You can trust both of these men as if it were me, on this I give you my word. Now down to why I am writing to you. Its both simple and complex. The simple thing is that you are in danger. There has been a serious incident at the Hall, and more so throughout the Kingsland. You must leave Blueban. Go with Xzen and Ludo to the city of Allution, on the Parroway crossing. Xzen knows where it is. There I will be awaiting you. I’m sorry I cant come to you myself, but there are things I need to sort. 69

M’boy, I’m sorry for being so circumspect, but you know I wouldn’t ask this of you if it wasn’t important.70

See you when I see you.71

Julian, meister of the Hall."72

Balion was silent a moment while he digested what he had just read. An incident, what kind of incident? He got the feeling it was either something very important, or, as he was more inclined to believe, something very bad.73

Something must have registered in his face, for Michal had put down his food and was watching Balion carefully. Balion passed his friend the note, which elicited raised eyebrows from Ludo.74

“Ok,” said Michal once he had read the note. “When do we leave?”75

Ludo shook his head emphatically. “Ah, no lad. There is no “we“, you will be staying here.”76

Michal shrugged indifferently. “You have no say in what I can or can’t do. I say I’m going where Balion is going, and that is where I will go.” He looked at Xzen. “Unless you want to try and stop me?”77

Xzen’s face didn’t even register the open challenge, he looked more amused than anything. Balion spoke up.78

“If Michal wants to come, then he can. I see no trouble having him around, especially with the feeling I’m getting from this little meeting and my granddads note.” He wondered absently why his friend would want to leave Blueban. Then he thought about his friends family, of which he was the youngest of three brothers, and a drunk for a father. Maybe he had good reason for wanting to get away for a bit.79

Ludo huffed in exasperation. “What do you think, Xzen? Should we let him come?”80

Xzen shrugged. “Julian said he would not take no for an answer. I will make sure he doesn’t get in the way.”81

“Oh really?” Asked Michal through a drawn brow. Xzen simply nodded.82

Ludo threw his hands in the air. “Well, now that we have everything in order, how about eating some food? We have only an hour before we leave. Xzen, I suppose you better sort out that other horse. You two can ride, yes?”83

Balion glanced at Michal, who suddenly paled. Ludo roared his laughter.84

“You look like The Four had just appeared asking for a drink. What’s wrong, you cant ride?”85

“I can ride,” said Michal indignantly. “I just don’t like horses… and they don’t like me. Ever been kicked by a horse?”86

Ludo stopped laughing. “No, no I haven’t. Well, Xzen will make sure to get you a docile mount.”87

Xzen smiled wolfishly.88

Balion and Michal ate their fill from the table while Xzen went about finding a horse for Michal. Jerry the innkeeper was quick to offer his new guests the best of his blueberry wine, which both Ludo and Michal accepted graciously.89

“I always thought drinking alcohol was dangerous for those with the Gift,” stated Balion as he watched Ludo drink. Ludo shrugged.90

“Its like anything. Once you do it enough, your body becomes accustomed, it adjusts.”91

“But the Gift is more about the mind, not the body.”92

Ludo gave a knowing smile. “Is it really? Then were does your Gift come from, your body, or your mind? Or, maybe both? Which ever it is, does it really matter? The mind is just one component of the body, albeit an important one. And like every other muscle that improves with use, so to does the mind.”93

Balion was sceptic. “I’m not sure I would be calling that an improvement.”94

Ludo grinned mischievously. “Oh really? But a fine wine is like a sunny winters morning, the stars at night. It is one of life’s great pleasures. Personally, I would certainly call it an improvement. It is all just a matter of point of view. Mine tells me its good.”95

Michal laughed. “And I agree. After a long day, there is nothing better than a cool ale to help one relax.” And so saying, he took a large mouthful of ale.96

Ludo offered his agreement with a tilt of his goblet and a pleased expression.97

“I agree with Balion,” said Xzen, who had came in during the conversation. “Alcohol does nothing but slow your wits. To be slow in a fight is to lose.” He looked at Michal. “And that is something you will learn, in time.”98

Michal’s eyes narrowed, but he kept quiet.99

Balion was thankful that his friend kept quiet. While there was no doubt in his mind that Michal was more than capable of looking out for himself, Xzen exuded an almost palatable air of authority and competence. Balion doubted his friend stood much chance if it came to a real fight.100

While Balion was almost of an equal height with Michal, and stood at the same height as Xzen, he was sadly lacking both men’s brawn. It wasn’t that he was skinny, because he wasn’t. But where the other two men were both broad of chest and strong, he was athletically slim and fast.101

It wasn’t long before the food was gone from the table and the four of them were preparing to leave the inn. Michal’s eyes were tired, his posture tight. Balion was feeling the effects of the nights run, and wondered how his large friend would be fairing after having run twice the distance. He felt suddenly bad for Michal.102

“You ok?” 103

Michal gave a grim smile, “I would be fine, if I didn’t have to sit a damn horse.” he looked with a scowl at the two men. “I don’t like these two, they seem odd. I don’t think I trust them.”104

Balion gave a small nod to show his friend he heard and understood, although he didn’t totally agree. He thought his friends lack of trust was more based on the challenge the two could cause if they chose to do so. Balion had no such worry.105

While Ludo no doubt knew more than he did about the Gift, Balion knew that he was more powerful than the colourful man. If it came to it, Balion was fairly sure he could overpower both men without much concern.106

At least, that’s what he thought.107

“We should keep our eyes and ears open, see if everything is as they say. If something big has happened, we are likely to hear about it on the way east. But at the moment I’ve got no choice, I have to go with them.” 108

Outside Xzen awaited them with four horses and saddle bags.