The Protectors

Another flash and he was in the cold woods as snow fell softly around a strapping young boy who had just killed a wild dog that attacked his sister. Covered in the animal’s blood the boy stood triumphant, he had used his bare hands!

When he awoke Dukemis found himself back in his bed the events burned into his mind and he knew these were the three men, still not grown, who would influence the young prince.

Soleus, Mage to the king and grand wizard of the realm, felt the presence of a greater power and hunted it down to the newborn child’s room.

He entered to see the nursemaid sleeping soundly in the chair next to the crib and a broad muscular figure draped in the robes of an Arch Mage. He was standing over the sleeping prince his massive arms crossed in front of him.

He spoke without turning. " Come in Soleus join us." The figure invited in a calm soothing tone.

The royal wizard crossed his arms behind his back and walked up to the side of the Arch Mage, a man a third of his age. This figure Soleus had watched that day in the tower when he overcame three of the best the tower had to offer. Soleus remembered being intimidated that day as he felt the power of this man in the council chambers. Now with him only feet away he could feel the raw energy as it emanated into the room.

" It is an unexpected honor mighty Dukemis to see you here." He greeted carefully.

He glanced at the nurse but Dukemis waved him off.

" Do not worry she will sleep well and feel rested later, besides, we are here to take care of the little one are we not?"

He winked at Soleus who smiled slightly and asked.

" You have seen something?" He knew full well that it was the only thing that would have brought the man here like this, quietly and without using the front door.

" Yes I see his future and the role I will play in it. As well as the others from the legend," He paused and then he asked. " You do know the father will die before the child is ten years?"

Soleus was taken aback. " No I was not aware of that, why?"

Dukemis shrugged. " It is written there is nothing you can do to stop it." He explained trying to soothe the older wizard’s pain.

" Do not be sad for them Soleus the mother will live a long time and will rule for our little Prince until the boy is ready. When he is fourteen and the year of his quest is at hand, the three will come. I will return at that time, to help see him through it."

Soleus looked at the wall above the baby. " What have you seen for me if I may ask?" He waited quietly and Dukemis smiled softly.

" Do not worry my friend you are going to become Arch Mage in several years," He paused again as if seeing something far away.

" And as he comes to power you will be appointed to the council."

Soleus almost passed out, what news it was, every wizard dreamed of the council some day!

Soleus bowed to the Arch Mage.

" I thank you sir for telling me."

He bowed reverently, as he straightened up the Arch Mage Dukemis was gone!

Two years later Soleus was appointed Arch Mage and as the boy grew to ten years of age his father died in a hunting accident.

The year the young prince celebrated his 14th birthday and would go on his quest of manhood, required of all men who inspired to be king, Soleus was appointed to the high council in the tower of Wizards.

The old man, seeing the words of Dukemis coming true, kept an eye on the young Prince while he waited for the return of the great Arch Mage.

2.

The Blue Boar Inn.

The inn was full of travelers as they tried to dry off and evade the storm that rocked the trees in the forest.

Mcmanus, the owner of the inn, looked around at the mix of customers. He recognized most of the locals but also noticed many strangers in the assembled crowd as his two barmaids struggled to keep up with their orders of food and drink. He noticed the huge northerner sitting alone at a center table and eating his third helping of stew.

The stranger was average in height but broad, larger then any two other men, with long jet-black hair and bushy mustaches that grew down along the sides of his mouth. Sitting beside him, propped against the stool, rested a great two-handed broadsword the northerner had placed there when he came in.