The Protectors

Shen Kuei had thanked the powerful dragon and had walked from the cavern the prize in his hands, not realizing what he had gained or lost with the sword now in his possession. He did think that someday he would find out, for there had to be a price for possessing such a weapon as this with a life of its own.

He turned back from the window placing the wine glass down and slid back into bed, it was time to sleep some more, the days ahead were going to be busy he was sure of that.

Shen Kuei was not the only one awake tonight, young Prince Julian also could not sleep.

It was the first time he had ever been gone on his own and he had some of his own doubts. He looked over again the equipment his servants had placed out for him to use on the journey. He had his own sword, made especially for him by the court armorer and balanced to match his hand. A bejeweled dagger lay next to the sword its handle and blade matching the other. He had his bow and quiver full of newly made arrows bristling with the colors of the royal throne.

Julian was excited and scared all at the same time as he looked at the weapons and what they represented to him. Soon he would leave his home with three men he had never met before yesterday and didn't know to well other then by reputation.

Oh what a chill had gone through him yesterday when he thought he would have to face the great warrior Dolan.

He had heard from his father and others of the reputation Dolan had in battle and he knew he would not have been a match for the older stronger man. Julian had been surprised when no one had come forward right away to defend him. He now realized he needed to earn the respect of his men and could not simply expect it simply because he would be crowned King some day. It was the first very important lesson of his short life, something no one had ever told him in his studies and he promised never to forget it.

The chill he had suffered from the fear of possibly facing Dolan had faded. It had been quickly replaced by a surge of adrenaline when he realized Dukemis had brought a champion for him and the man was no other then the Dark Warrior.

The famous Shen Kuei, a master warrior from the Island of Mists. What a figure the Dark One had made, dressed in his black cloak the never changing look of concentration on his face as he stood proudly waiting for a move from Dolan or a word from the Mage.

Julian’s weapons trainer had spoken many times of the reputation the Dark One. He was well known for his weapon’s abilities and gaining a great following. Whenever he would fight crowds would gather to watch.

Today for some strange reason Alan had pulled his men out before the challenge could be met and part of Julian was disappointed that he couldn't see the Dark One in action.

Then there was Torsvold, the massive Northern warrior who could eat more food then any other human Julian had ever met. He carried a great double bladed ax and two handed broad sword, it looked like it would take two regular men to carry. He had talked to the big man who despite his size moved as nimbly as an acrobat and found out that Torsvold’s father was chieftain of the Northern tribes.

He was a man Julian had met several times when the older Norseman would visit his father. He thought over what he knew about the Northern tribes, they were a rough self sufficient people who lived in the cold northern woods and defended the border of Alturia from its enemies and marauders. They lived in great log homes called Long Houses and had a great penchant for food and drink often sitting for hours telling of the deeds of past heroes and gods. Julian remembered his father had a great respect for the northern people and reminded his son many times that they were a very important part of the kingdom.

The one Julian was most anxious to meet was Samir the well-known son of the chieftain of the Western tribes. The nomadic plainspeople were well known as magnificent hunters and riders whose skill with the bow was legendary. It was said that before a child was old enough to walk his father would have him riding and shooting from the saddle. Julian had seen the polished Horn Bow Samir carried and had heard the stories of the power and accuracy of the weapon. It was believed the Horn Bow was three times as powerful as the ash bows the other peoples of the kingdom carried. It was the hidden sacred art in the manufacture of the weapon that allowed the horn of the wild plains Bison to be used and mated to the cherry wood risers. It combined to produce the powerful driving energy of the limbs. Julian decided he would get to know Samir very well and maybe the warrior would help him with his archery.

Over all, Julian thought, he couldn't have found three better men to accompany him if he had interviewed every warrior in Alturia. If anything this quest, if he survived, was going to be exciting!