A Dwarf's Tale: Will of a Silver Coin

The winter solstice is nearly upon us. Trees have long lost their leaves, the ground hardened a bit from a few frosty nights, and the grasslands, once lush and green, start to turn various shades of brown. But, work was still to be done on the farm. The animals still needed to be fed and watered and their stalls cleared out. We all worked hard and put in our share, but for these past weeks, no one worked harder than Steve.

He was up before anyone else was. He made sure that the coffee was brewing, tea was warming, and was already out to the barn working his chores. Ever since that late afternoon a few weeks ago, he has been so motivated. He would be done with all of his chores by mid morning, go nearby and spend time with the old sage Kosser. Then, by mid afternoon, he would be back and further training with use of the staff. At first, I was teaching him how to hold and wield it, showing him moves and maneuvers. After a week or so, he went to sparring with his siblings. They absolutely enjoyed their time together, honing their skills. Also, I constructed several other bows. They were smaller to be sure, being about three feet in height, but it was of good and strong wood. They would practice shooting arrows into bales of straw. At first, their arrows went wide, as it would be expected. But soon, they were getting used to using the bows. In days, all of them would be able to hit bottles at one hundred feet with the arrows. And they encouraged each other constantly. Renewed bonds of siblinghood. They understood one another now. And, more importantly, they accepted each other.

On this day, waking up with a cup of coffee in hand, was to be different. Calvin and I were going to Stalvinport. There were goods to be bought and traded for. Several of the bulls and a couple of pigs, were ready for slaughter. Also, we decided last night to take the chest of old coins with us. If nothing else, it would be nice to get the value appraised. And, of a personal nature, I had many pelts to sell and trade for. Rabbit, fox, deer, raccoon, and even a couple of wolves were available. These were extra stock, as I have given all of the previous cured pelts to Talma. She was extremely happy and grateful, as she made fine clothing and boots from these. Each coat, cloak, gloves, pants, and boots that she made, was less they had to spend for. What I was going to bring, was extra to sell in Stalvinport. I must admit, I do miss having money available. I do not count the chest of coins, since that belonged to the family. I do not mind earning my own way. It is the only way I can think of living.

Going outside with dawn about to break, I could see Calvin loading up one of the large wagons. Two of the pigs were in the back, and the three bulls were tethered in tow. Four of his finest horses were going to draw the wagon. As I loaded up the last of the pelts, I heard a god awful squawking moan. Griff? Gods, she has gotten fat. I really hadn’t noticed until this morning. She was laying on her side. I went over to her and patted her head. “What’s wrong with you this morning girlie?” She tried to coo, but I could see it was too painful. What was wrong with her? I turned back to the house to get Talma. I really had no idea what was going on.

“Talma, something is wrong with Griff.”

“What’s wrong?”

“She is in pain. I think her stomach is distended from something she ate”

Talma laughed softly. “Yes her stomach is distended, and I know she is in pain. But it isn’t from food.”

“Oh? What is it then?”

She looked at me squarely in the eye. “You are not this dense. Think about it: Female hippogriff, nest, eating like a horse.”

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I have been a pure idiot. Griff is pregnant!”

“And, wow. Ok, that means, she is going to have..a foal? Griffling? What do you call a baby hippogriff?”

“I like griffling. Don’t worry. I’m already making preparations. The kids will be with her. This will be a good opportunity for me to teach Stella at least how to be a midwife. You and Calvin go take care of business. With a bit of luck, we’ll have additions to the Randoss family when you both get back.”

Salt of the earth woman. To describe Talma as anything else, in my mind, would be a slight against her character. I nodded to her and left the house to go back to Griff. I sat down next to her head, putting her head in my lap. I know this is a part of nature, but, I’ve grown fond of this beast. I guess beasts gravitate towards each other. I stroked her feathers; it seemed to help a little. Stella came from behind the lean-to with a couple of blankets in hand. Setting the other blanket down, Stella folded the blanket over and over again until it was a small square. She made a makeshift pillow for Griff. She handed the pillow to me and I nodded. Lifting Griff’s head up gently, I moved myself away and set her head down on the pillow. Stella went behind Griff’s head, and covered her with the other blanket. This will be an experience. Also, do hippogriffs have milk for their young, or do they feed them like birds feed their young? I guess we will find out soon enough.

“Don’t worry Tor. Mom and I will take good care of her.”

“I’m sure you both will.” Seeing Calvin around the corner, I looked at him. He was putting the last of the items in the wagon and checking the cargo when I was with Griff. With a nod of his head, that was my cue to join him. Taking my place at his right side, he drew up the wagon and we started off. With the cattle in tow, it would take us some time to get to Stalvinport. True, it was twenty miles away. But it still would mean four or five hours. If we get there before noon, and head out by six, we’ll make better time coming back.

We talked about various topics, from how the winters usually are to his aspirations of what he wanted for his kids. I believe this to be typical of all fathers that they want to make sure they do everything possible to launch their kids into the world. His chatter made me muse about what my own parents wanted of me.

“Tor? Tor? I know I can be a lil boring, but..”

“What? Oh, no, it isn’t you at all Calvin. You talking about your kids, what you want for them, made me think about what my parents wanted of me. That’s all.”

“Ah. Well, I didn’t mean to bring anything up. Do you remember anything at all yet?”

“No. It is all still a complete blank.”

“Bothers you doesn’t it? I supposed it would eat away at me if I were in yer shoes.”

“A bit yes. Your wife Talma thinks I’m a king of kings. But what kind of king? Heck, maybe I am just a freak and no king at all. I could be a pillager and murderer for all I know.”

“Tor, a man, and a dwarf, can be many things. I dunno much, but I do know you ain’t got a murderin heart, nor a pillager, or any other criminal sorts in your bones. A man, is defined by his thoughts and actions, guided by his heart. Your mind may have made you forget who you are, but your bones and especially your heart hasn’t. Saw this from the first morning I saw you.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Two reasons. One, I’ve always been a good judge of character. Been around all types while captain of Stalvinport for many years. I’ve dealt with all types of men and women: human, dwarves, elves, halflings, half ogres, even a minotaur and a giant here and there. Merchants, warriors, politicians, clergy, scouts, thieves, and other creeds and professions, I’ve seen many types of each. I know what drives people to hate, anger, greed, despair. And when they have it, you can read it on them. People are like books, ready to be read. You just have to understand the language that they are written in.”

I knew Calvin had to be adept at these things. You do not become captain of the guard for any place without these qualities. I nodded to him. “And the other reason?”

He reached into his shirt, and pulled out a necklace with a small piece of onyx. “This, can detect if anyone I deal with has evil doings. When someone of evil intent comes near me, it buzzes against my skin. Really useful when trading too.”

“Tor, here’s the thing. I like you. You have been good to my family, have helped me more than I would of dared to hope, and you never impose. You have been with us for three months, and already, you are one of my family. I know one day, you will have to move on-you have unfinished business of your own. But always know, no matter what happens to you, you will always have a home with Talma and me.”

“Nice bauble you have there. I can see why it is useful.”

“I never leave home without this necklace on.”

His words, gave me comfort on this chilly morning. I knew I was welcomed in his home and family. But the comfort came of not knowing myself. It was gnawing at my very spirit. His words ran true to my spirit. That I was a good dwarf at heart. It is simple comfort, but a good strong comfort, knowing that I won’t go crazy and go on a rampage if and when my memory returns to me. Yes I know, it seems silly. And it is silly to think of that from time to time. Well, I hope to think about it no more.

“Thank you Calvin. Truly, for everything.”

“The same I can say for you Tor-and I do thank you, for everything.”

We rode for several hours. Our conversation switched topics to more mundane issues: what to purchase for the farm, what we need to do to finish preparations for the coming winter, the amount of money we are estimating for the selling of our goods, and of course, what we will decide to do when we get that chest of coins appraised. Calvin had waiting on going go Stalvinport, since money matters were not pressing. He decided to combine the trip with his fall solstice travel. He truly was content on just being on the farm and working it.

“Ever since I retired from being in the guard, I’ve really have had no desire to travel elsewhere. It isn’t because I am afraid of anything out there. I just have encountered all that I needed to in Stalvinport.”

“I’ve heard the basics about the town.”

“Yep, it is a port town. Residents are about four thousand. It maintains a guard of about three hundred, with an extra one hundred to maintain a navy of five small ships. Stalvinport is surrounded by a stout wooden wall ten feet in height equipped with archer towers and gates. The river of Hook’s Neck is a large river that empties to an ocean in the east. I’ve been to that ocean several times. Sometimes we’ve had to negotiate with other towns, some diplomatic functions-I’ve always hated those. Some occasions were to bring in larger ships to Stalvinport from the ocean port of Tansinlia. Then, there have been the occasional attacks upon the town. I keep calling it a town, it is a small city actually.”

“The mayor is voted in once every four years, as well as the 15 members of the city council. In addition to the militia, there is a constabulary, 50 if I remember right. There are also 3 judges that hear all cases. Fortunately, crime is low, Most everyone just wishes to get along and make a living. Of course there are a few who always want to take advantage of others.”

“Again, merchants of all types reside here in Stalvinport. There are several small churches too. Then, you have your taverns, your sleep-ins and the like. Most of the roads are paved, but some are well worn dirt roads. There are farms that surround the city, and two fisheries that do quite well. There are massive wooded areas to the northwest and west, so trappers, hunters, and furriers are do all right too.”

I nodded. “So, you never explained why you retired, or why you moved so far away from this city. Mind if I asked why?”

“Simple really: I wanted a new life. If Talma and I started up a farm near to the city, I would have had militia and politicians come by constantly. I would always be dragged into the dramas occurring in the city. Crime may be low, but drama is always high. I didn’t want it. I have given fifteen years of my life to Stalvinport. I do not regret a day of those years. I just wanted a new life for Talma and me. I wasn’t getting any younger either. I felt it was time for a younger man or woman to take my place. I was given the option of having a yearly pension of thirty gold or land of my choosing. I choose the land. Since I was very far out, the townspeople agreed that I should still be given a pension of twenty gold per year.”

“That was extremely nice of them. You must of done great things for Stalvinport.”

“I did all right.”

That’s Calvin for you. He doesn’t talk about his past much, or when given praise, he downplays it. I felt like he was a well respected member of this town still. Sorry, city. Oh whatever. It is still a town, no matter the size. Still, his humbleness was an endearing quality of his-even if it did irritate me once in a while. I am not saying I am boastful, nor should others be. But take pride in what you accomplish, no matter how big or small it is.

He continued to talk about more mundane aspects of Stalvinport. I took it all in. By the time he was done, we could actually see Stalvinport off in the distance. The scene is almost exactly how he described it: walled city with archer towers and a couple of gates, a huge river, farms dotting the countryside. I looked at the sky, and estimated it was before noon. We had made good time making it here. I always like to keep a schedule. Schedules change I know, I still like to keep one. It is good to organize on the day at hand, and anticipate the days to come. Because, that is how you do not live with the previous days filled with regret.

We were coming up to the gate of the south. There were a fair amount of people outside of the town: travelling merchants visiting the farmers, kids at play. There was an armored man leading a dozen of young men. Training session for the militia was my guess. They were heading out of the south gate, and proceeding towards the west. There were the scents of food coming from the city. The smoking of meats was coming from the city. There were also various aromas of wood, metal, leather as well. I recognized the wood and leather a bit. Woodworkers, tanners, smelters, blacksmiths, seemed to exist here in this city. All of this is useful information.

We came up to the gate, where a man, about Calvin’s age, was positioned there. Calvin stopped the wagon, got down and went to the man. They clasped hands in warrior’s greeting. “Well Tomas, it is great to see you again.”

“You as well cap’n. It has been a spell hasn’t it?”

“Aye, it has. Any news Tomas?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary. A few robberies the past weeks, but nothing new there. What about you cap’n?”

“Please Tomas, it is just Calvin ok?”

“Ok cap’n Calvin.” Tomas joked with him giving a crooked smile. “How’s Talma and the kids?”

“The kids are growing like reeds in a swamp. David is about ready. He’ll be coming here in the spring to join the guard.”

“Well then, you tell that boy of yours, I’ve got an extra room if he wants it.”

“Janine won’t mind?”

“Naw, she’ll be happy to have ’im with us. Stella still lookin to be a cleric too?”

“She is her mother’s daughter.”

“She’s a fine lass. And she will do well enough here. What about Steve? How is he doing?” Tomas’s expression softened when he spoke of Steve.

“Actually Tomas, he is doing great. He’s spending time with Kosser and finally is learning how to defend himself with the staff. Och, I’m being rude.” Calvin gestured to me to come over. “And here is Steve’s teacher in the staff, Tor. Tor, meet Tomas. He’s a long time friend and was my second in command when I was captain here.”

I shook the man’s hand. Age did not weaken this man’s arm, that is sure. “A pleasure to meet you Tomas.”

“And I you. Bly me, I didn’t realize you are a dwarf. And a biggun too!” Tomas looked at Calvin. “I thought you would have been teaching the lad Calvin.”

“Tomas, Tor and I sparred, and let me tell you, I am still have my pride stung from the defeat.”

Tomas looked at me with a new look.”Anyone that can best the cap’n, has to be someone worth their mettle. But boy, molds were broken when the dwarven gods forged you Tor. Please be thinking nothing by my surprise. With you being nearly six feet and over half as wide, you are a sight to behold.”

At first, I was a bit put off by Tomas’s greeting of me. However, that quickly passed. I suppose I should get used to it.

Tomas snapped his fingers. “Tor, how long will your business be here?”

“About as long as Calvin’s. We will have to get back to the farm tonight.”

“Ah, day visit then. Listen, there is one bit of news. There is an open fight match in the public square. There is an ugly brute of a man, fully seven feet tall, challenging anyone to matches. So far, he’s been undefeated. Twenty gold to enter, and if he can be bested, his manager will pay out one thousand gold. The towners have been bettin on different fighters to best this brute. Tor, if you have any interest in this fight, let me know. I’d love to wager on you.”

“What kind of fight is it?”

“Unarmed. Doesn’t matter if punching, wrestling, or whatever. No weapons. Just leather gauntlets, clothes, and boots. When one is unconscious or submits, you lose.”

I looked at Calvin and back to Tomas. “Maybe later. Right now, we have much business with Stalvinport.”

“I understand. The matches start at five in the afternoon inside the town square.”

I nodded and shook Tomas’s hand again. I have to admit. One thousand gold was no small amount of money. It appealed to me. I went with Calvin back on the wagon to go past the gate with him.

“You are thinking about fighting this person aren’t you?”

“Certainly.”

Calvin chuckled. “I can tell you like to fight.”

“I am not looking at the ‘liking to fight’. I am looking at the following. One: Griff is going to give birth soon. I will have to have money to take care of her and the young griff. Two: I still would like to go back and explore that underground cavern. I need gear for this, and I do not wish to impose on you. Three: is the most important reason of all.”

“And that reason?”

“Someone is undefeated.” I gave a grin to Calvin.

Calvin guffawed loudly. “All right, let’s see if we can get business done quickly so you can have yer fight.”

The first place we went to, was to the butcher. Calvin talked to the shop keep, and negotiate a fair price of ten gold for the pigs and the cattle. With a much lighter load, we went to a couple of restaurants and granaries. He got five gold for the pickled and bushels of vegetables. We went for a ways and got to the tanner shop. I went down, and talked to the shop keep. I showed him all of the tanned furs. He nodded his approval, and I was rewarded with thirty gold for my wares. I was quite satisfied and pleased with this. I climbed back on the wagon, as we headed for Stalvinport’s town hall.

The town hall, was a massive wooden and stone building. A fair amount of steps lead to the entrance. Calvin stopped the wagon, tethered the horses, and paid a young man a silver piece to look after the horses and wagon. The lad nodded, and set about feeding and watering the horses. I took the chest of coins and followed Calvin inside.

The inside of the town hall, walls were made of mahogany and cherry. There was a half elf woman at the front of the desk. She looked up, saw Calvin and smiled. “It is good to see you again Mr Randoss. What brings you here?”

“Hello Almeria. I am here to stake a claim on coins found, and then, to get the coins appraised.”

She pulled out a couple pieces of parchment and handed these to Calvin as well as a quill. “Sure thing Mr Randoss. Please fill this out and I’ll get the processing done right away.”

“Thank you much Almeria.” Calvin took a minute, filled in the necessary information, and handed the papers back to her. She took the papers, looked it over, nodded, and then came over to me. “I need to inspect the contents.”

I nodded, opening the chest. She looked inside, moved some of the coins about, and nodded. She stamped both papers and handed one to Calvin. “Completely in order Mr Randoss. Please take this down to the Hall of Records. Fortunately, Goper has returned and he should be able to appraise this quickly for you.”

“Thank you Almeria. Come on Tor.”

We walked to the Hall of Records. Calvin knocked on the door. “Come in.” Opening the door, we saw a gnome working at a desk. It was really a quite funny of a sight: seeing a three foot tall gnome, sitting in a special chair to get him even with the desk. Still, we were here for appraisals.

“Hello there. Goper I take it?”

“Welcome welcome. Yes, I’m Goper. What can I help you with?”

I put the chest on the desk. “We found this chest of coins. The coins look to be old, very old. We wish to know what the worth of the coins.”

“I see I see.” Goper actually stood then on the desk and opened the chest. “Oh my, you weren’t kidding were you? Coins from all over.” He started taking the coins out, and making small piles, grouping the coins by their stamps and separating from gold and silver. “Oh my, some dwarf coins, human, elven coins, some halfling coins.” When he finished grouping, he took each gold and silver coin from each stamp. Bringing each to his mouth, he licked and bit down on each of the coins. I hope the gnome didn’t have any illness to pass: I wouldn’t want to catch anything. “Pure gold and pure silver too. Not the mixed versions.” He started writing on another parchment, very intent and studious in his work. He hopped down from the desk, and went over to several shelves, picking out different books. He rifled through the pages, making additional notes. After fifteen minutes, he brought back his notes. “Far as I can tell, the weight worth of these coins is three thousand five hundred gold. The worth of the stamps, would be much more: closer to ten thousand gold.” He looked at us. “I am authorized to offer you half of that amount: five thousand gold. Of course, you can try to see if anyone else in Stalvinport would give you more: you may find collectors here, as the winter festival is taking place. What would you like to do?”

Ten thousand gold? That is a fortune. Five thousand is nothing to sneeze at too. And if it wasn’t the fact that we were on a schedule, I know I would find these collectors. But, this was Calvin’s decision.

“Five thousand huh? Well, then, I’ll take the five thousand Goper.”

“I understand. I will draw up the necessary papers and have your money ready for you by mid afternoon.”

“Goper, I would hate to ask, but would you mind handing me one hundred gold for right now? Please deduct it from the amount. We need to still shop for the coming winter.”

“Of course of course, there is no problem with that.” He opened a desk drawer, counted out one hundred gold, and handed them to Calvin. “If I can just have you sign for it, again, I will have all of the documents done by mid afternoon and your money ready by then.”

Calvin signed the form presented, and took the money. They shook hands and we turned to leave. We left the town hall, and went to the wagon. “Well, that was a good bit of business there wouldn’t you say Tor?”

“I think it was good business. Now, since it just at noon, how did you want to proceed?”

“I think, we’ll have our purchases of supplies done within several hours. Things seem to proceed faster with you here rather than my wife Talma. Er, don’t tell her I said that.”

I laughed. Even though I called Talma a salt of the earth woman, she was still a woman. “Your secret is safe with me Calvin. Lead on, and let’s get our supplies.”

Calvin nodded. I will not go into all of the items purchased. We were going from merchant to merchant, shop to shop, and buying what was needed. The young lad watching over our horses and wagon, I gave him a gold piece. He looked at me. “Please watch over things.” He nodded and whistled. A friend of his appeared, told him what was going on, and he nodded as well. “No worries sir, we’ll watch over your things.” I nodded, feeling pretty good about things.

In a couple of hours, our wagon was overflowing with goods. We tied the items down and secured them. “You know Tor, I worked up a wicked appetite. Lunch?”

“That sounds like to be in good order. Where is a good place to eat?”

Calvin talked to the two lads, and handed them each a gold piece. They nodded and sat at the wagon, one lad at the reigns, and one at the rear. We walked to down the street to a place with a wood plaque of a mermaid was hanging from the doorframe. “The Singing Mermaid will do. My treat Tor.”

Going inside, there was music playing from a couple of minstrels in a corner. The maids were waiting on customers seated at the tables. And what manner of customers. I could tell many were travelers, wearing different garbs marking who and what they are. A full one hundred patrons were in this place. Calvin found us an empty table and we took our seats. Within a minute, a maid came to our table and placed a menu before us. “What is your pleasure gentlemen?”

“Two ales, two coffees, and some breadsticks to start with. We’ll decide quickly what to order when you get back.”

She nodded and went on off. Looking over the menu, it was a good selection without getting complicated. I knew what I wanted. “Roast beef and bacon with potatoes and gravy. Should be a good meal until we get back to the farm.”

“I agree, and like your style. We’ll get two of those.”

As I nodded my agreement, we heard a bellow several tables down. “You call this food? This meal I wouldn’t even feed to my dogs! Bring me something else!”

“But sir, you already went through the whole menu. We do not have anything else to offer you.”

“I don’t care. Find something else from someplace else and bring it to me.”

“Sir, I can’t do that.”

“Sure you can. Where’s the owner!”

An old man appeared at the table. I still could not see who was making all of the noise. “I’m sorry sir, I’m sorry for all of the trouble. Please, do not worry about paying for anything. I just would ask you to leave.”

“Leave? I have my drink here. The drink is good, but the food is bad. Bring me something to eat that is good.”

“But sir, as Patricia told you, you have tasted and eaten all of the items on the menu.”

I found that this man’s behavior really started to anger me. The patrons in the tavern were also getting fidgety. I wonder why. I stood up so I could see who is making all of this noise.

He was a huge man, and an ugly man to boot. His head was that of like a bear in size, his eyebrows came together in one brow, he hadn’t shaven for weeks, and his clothing had food stains all over him. He had hands the size of large cooking pans, and his arms were huge. Also seated at this table, was a young wiry man of about thirty. He was dressed in fine silks and cottons. His cloak had a myriad of colors to accent this getup.

“I know that. Go down the street, and buy and bring to me smoked meats.”

“I can’t do that sir.” I could tell the patrons were really getting nervous. I started walking around this, to get behind this gross huge man.

“Are you trying to make me angry? You didn’t hear of what happened to the last place that made me angry?”

“Yes sir, I know too well. That is why I’m offering the food and drink for free. So that you can just leave.”

“You deaf old man? I like your drink, I just HATE your food.”

“I know sir, please, I do not want any trouble.”

“Then go get me the smoked meats you old goat!”

I made my way behind this gross man. “You know, someone as ugly as you, really ought to have some manners.”

He spun around in his chair. Gods, he was damn ugly. He had a battered face, and a toothy grin, missing several teeth in that gigantic head of his.

“Who are you little man? Are you looking to get yourself beaten up?”

“Not at all. This fine man has offered you a complete free meal, and you turn it up in his face. Your mother really didn’t know how to raise your right did she?”

At this point, this brute stood up. He was over seven feet tall, and noticed his legs and chest were just as large as the rest of him. “No, my mama didn’t raise me. But my dad did. And dad always told me, that if someone is bothering you, knock that someone out of the way.”

“Well now, you must be the fighter the town is talking about.”

He stopped a second. I could tell thinking was hard for this brute. He did finally figure it out. “Yeah, I’m Pox. I am the bane of all who fight me. Do you wish to fight me little man?”

Pox huh? Well, he was one hell of a sourpuss that’s for sure. Ugly too. I do not like the supposed strong people bullying those who are weaker. I may not have my memory, but I do know in my bones, as Calvin put it, that wrong is just wrong. And, it seems it is time to right a wrong.

“I suppose I do. You are the fighter who hasn’t lost yet have you?”

“Yes he is.” The thin wiry man addressed me. “I’m Kafil, Pox’s manager. We have fought in many cities and Pox is undefeated. It isn’t a healthy habit to interrupt Pox at his meals. Men have had their bodies broken in two for doing that. You are either brave, or stupid.”

I shrugged. I could care less what this sniveling man thinks or says. My business was with this brute.

“So you’ve killed people for sport?”

“Naw, dead men don’t tell any tales. They don’t move around much though.”

Even worse, he maims them. He takes away their manhood, their pride, their self worth, all for sport. I tried to quell my blood from boiling over.

“I was going to see what these fights were about. It had my interest before. But now, it seems that I have to avenge all of those you have broken. I indeed want to fight you brute.”

Pox laughed raucously. “You got guts little man. All right, town square, five o’clock.”

Kafil pulled out some documents. “I need you to sign some disclaimers. You know, you don’t hold us liable for what Pox will do to you and the like. Rules need to be followed.”

I looked at this Kafil. “What are the odds?”

“Odds?”

“Yes. According to both of you, there are many men defeated. How many so far?”

“One hundred fifty men have been bloodied by Pox.”

“Then, let’s have a bet.” Calvin came up to the table.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Tor’s manager. How much are you worth?”

“Worth? A lot more than you have commoner.”

“That may be true. I heard some long odds though. One hundred fifty against. Tell you what, let’s do a bet. Twenty to one odds that your Pox will be beaten. I’ll put up two thousand gold. Do you have the guts.?”

The patrons in the tavern were gasping. The old tavern owner came out with a round of drinks. “Please please, I do not want any trouble here. Let’s just all drink up and forget about this whole mess.”

Kafil looked wide eyed. “You would put up two thousand gold? Of course, if Pox loses, I would be wiped out. But Pox never loses. I will leave that decision up to Pox.”

Pox sat there thinking. He really did have a hard time putting simple situations together. Finally, I saw the realization cross his face, and a real evil looking grin came across his face. He looked at Kafil. “The usual right? I get half?”

“Yes Pox. Of course.”

Pox looked back at me. “Then, I can go and get my own tavern and have food in there that I want. All right little man, you have your wish. Five o’clock then.”

“Four o’clock.”

“What?”

“Four o’clock. I do not want to hold up my manager. We have things to do you know.”

“You are really eager for your death wish. Ok, sign these papers.”

I looked over the papers. It was standard enough. I would not charge Pox any crimes. I would not seek monetary compensation for any damages done. I noticed there as a bit of space. “Do you have a quill?”

Kafil looked at me, and produced a quill. I penned in some language of my own. Kafil and Pox would not seek any monetary compensation from me or the Randoss family. Regardless of the outcome of the fight, they would not hold any more fights for sport period. We would not be charged in any crimes as well. If accidental death occurs, we would not be held accountable. I finished my words and signed it. I put a two lines there, one for Kafil and one for Pox.

“I’m done. But I need you both to sign what I wrote.”

Kafil took the document and read it. He was trying not to burst out laughing. “What Kafil? What did the little man wrote?”

Kafil turned to Pox. “He said that we would not be charging him with any crimes or looking for money should you lose. Also, should you lose, you would never fight for sport again.”

It took Pox a few seconds to digest Kafil’s words. He then laughed loudly. “Little man, you are funny! I will enjoy breaking you. Sign it Kafil. I will have a good dinner tonight and wenches after this fight.”

Kafil signed the document for both of them. They were still laughing.

“Good, I’m glad you both agreed. One thing I would ask. Leave this tavern. Leave this old man and his workers alone. I will see you at the town square at four.”

“You ask a lot little man. Ok, I agree.” Pox picked up one of the ales that the old man brought, and drank it down. “I hope you have your coffin ready little man.”

“There will be no coffins today Pox, nor ever will there be coffins.”

He laughed again leaving the tavern, with Kafil in tow.

“You think you can beat him?” Calvin came up to me asking of me.

“Thoughts have no longer any place. I have to.” I turned to the tavern keep. “Old man, how much did that brute consume?”

“Oh don’t worry about it. I’m just glad he is gone.”

“But I do worry. How much was his bill?”

“Two gold six silver.”

I drank the ale he brought, and handed the keeper three gold. “Keep it. You will need the extra to get that stench out of your tavern. Let’s go Calvin.”

“What about food?”

“We will eat after. We’ll come back and enjoy a hearty dinner before heading out.”

“Sounds like a plan. Ok let’s go. But where we are going?”

“Back to the town hall. Your money should be nearly ready, and I have some documents of my own to do.”

Calvin nodded. While taking the short walk back to town hall, I already knew what I wanted to do. And this port town will do nicely.

Heading back inside the town hall, Almeria smiled in greeting. “Goper told me you would be returning. Everything will be complete in a few minutes.”

I nodded. “I am here for another piece of business. I was wondering if you could help me?”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“Is there a healer here, who could mend the maimed?”

“There is one. Woodard would be able to.”

“May I ask you to fetch him? Tell him, a humble fighter would ask of him a favor and propose a proposition.”

“Uh, sure. Mr Randoss, can you make sure nothing happens? I should only be a couple of minutes.”

“Of course Almeria.”

She nodded and scurried off. Calvin elbowed me. “Woodard was Talma’s mentor. He is the high cleric of his church.”

“Excellent. Excellent indeed.”

“You wouldn’t mind sharing with me what you are scheming?”

“Not at all. Simple really. I will ask Woodard if he could go to each of the one hundred and fifty men to heal them of their maiming. Also, I would ask of him to give each of these men their twenty gold back. I will offer to him twelve thousand of the gold: three thousand for the men, one thousand for his travels, the rest, he can have for his church or himself. I don’t care. Men like Pox and Kafil really bother me. I am going to right wrongs here.”

Calvin put his hand on my shoulder. “You do not need your memory Tor. With honor and spirit like that, you are truly a man.”

“Don’t praise me yet. I still have a fight to win.”

With that, Almeria had returned with a man following her. He was dressed in priest robes, elegant in whites and grays, but not ornate. His face, a man about sixty or sixty five, had a kindness written all over him. He carried a cudgel, the only piece about this man that was ornate. It was his weapon, and his casting piece. I get that.

“I am Woodard. I am assuming you are the dwarf Tor?”

“Indeed sir. Thank you for coming.”

“Almeria here said you had a proposition?”

“Yes sir. I believe you know of this brute Pox?”

“Yes, and I also know you are going to fight him this afternoon. I can have my healing station ready for you.” He said that with a touch of disdain and disgust. News appears to be travelling fast.

I waved my hand. “You miss-understand why I asked you here. Yes, I am going to fight this brute. But I do not require your services for me.”

He looked perplexed. “Then, why did you ask me here?”

I looked to Almeria. “Can you write up what I am about to propose?”

She nodded, ready with quill and parchment.

I turned back to Woodard. “Men like Pox and Kafil irritate me. They give fighters a bad name. Also, there are one hundred and fifty men, some or all of them broken that they cannot be fighters anymore. When I win this match, I wish to hand you twelve thousand gold. I would ask you to gather than names of all of the fighters from each of the towns-I’m sure Kafil has all of those records, and I wish for you to travel, or have each of the men brought here. I care not how it is handled. If any of these fighters are maimed, I would ask you to restore them. I want you to also hand each of the men twenty gold that they put in for fighting this monster. I estimate one thousand gold for your travels. The rest of the money, you can have for your church, or for your personal wealth. I do not care what you do with the rest of the money. Do we have a deal?”

Woodard let my words sink in. “Tor, you are a good dwarf. But this is a monster of a man. I gladly accept and pray that you will win where so many else have failed. My own nephew, I still am mending. He fought this beast two days ago. I know what kind of punishment this Pox deals.”

“Your nephew? Bram fought the brute?” Calvin asked with pure concern.

“Yes Calvin. He fought him. And I was surprised he survived. He had multiple ribs broken, both of his arms and legs were broken, and his spine was snapped. It was amazing that he lived.”

“I’ll kill him!” Calvin was enraged suddenly.

I put my hand on Calvin’s arm. “Let it go. I will deal with Pox”

Calvin fumed. “Bram was the one who replaced me as captain of the guard here!”

Interesting. From what I knew of Calvin, he would not allow inept hands to carry on his work and his position. That tells me, this Bram was of good renown. To hear how battered he was left after fighting Pox, gave me an idea of the type of monster I would be fighting.

“Woodard, I am glad we have an accord. The only reason why I am having this parchment drawn up, is so you will have the authority and acceptance of this town’s resources. Also, the money will be here so that Goper can attend to these financial matters. You will do that for me won’t you Goper?”

At the mention of his name, that is when Goper made himself known. I knew the gnome was standing off to the side. He almost went unnoticed by me. He did startle the others though. “Yes Tor. I will gladly do that for you. My fees, I will waive them.”

“You do not have to do that.”

He ran up to me, and grabbed my arm. He was very angry. “I want that scum Kafil to pay! Bram has been my friend since I knew him as a child. It nearly killed me when I saw him broken and beaten! I want that Kafil to pay badly. He was laughing with each blow Bram suffered.”

Woodard turned to Goper. “Do you really think Tor and win?”

“Not only will Tor win, but he will exact retribution for everyone! I’ll personally get all of those fighters here. I don’t care. You do not break the spirits of men when there is so much in this world that has to be fought for!”

This Pox is aptly named. He is a pox that must be dealt with. “Goper, how do the battles go with Pox?”

Goper turned to me. “At first, he taunts them. He allows each of the men to hit him a few times. He laughs and taunts them further. He will then suddenly go into a fury of blows when he sees their guard down. His face will transform in pure evil glee. And he does not stop until they do not move.”

I nodded. Typical bully tactics, but, his short address told me much. He allows the opponent’s guard to go down. When the opponent sees that he cannot damage this brute, the fear and hopelessness sinks in. Good fighting tactics. But the fact that the brute doesn’t stop, means he takes on a torturer’s role. And why shouldn’t he? They did sign a piece of paper didn’t they?

I disengaged Goper hold on my arm. “What did he do to you?”

Goper actually blushed. “He, kicked me. I ran over to Bram after the fight to help him. He looked at me, smiled, and he kicked me, sent me sailing across the square. I don’t care about that though. Bram is the one that needs vindication.”

I added this bit of information to my already made decision. “Then, it is settled. Time for this pox to be cured.”

Woodard shook his head. He didn’t think I could do it. And why should he feel otherwise. We finished up the legality of the proposition and the earlier transaction. All of this took time, but finally, everything was ready. Calvin got his money from the chest of coins too. He pulled out a pouch, and separated the two thousand gold and filled the pouch. The rest of the money, he put into another pouch and secured it inside of his backpack. I nodded in satisfaction, and looked at the time. It was nearly four o’clock. “Let’s go.”

Woodard, Goper, and Almeria followed us. As we walked to the square, the whole town was buzzing. A challenger had come to take out Pox. When arriving at the square, I saw Kafil taking additional bets. I whispered to Calvin. “Make sure Kafil doesn’t get away.” Calvin nodded towards me, seeing Tomas, went over to Tomas and talked to him. Pox, sat on a huge rock. He was still acting raucous. I went and stood at the opposite end of the square, standing there patiently. Pox equipped his gauntlets. The town crier came to me with a set of gauntlets. I held my hand to him. “I won’t be needing those.” The crier nodded, and set the gauntlets down. He went to the middle of the square.

“Hear ye hear ye people of Stalvinport. Today, we have a fine fight for all of you. We have a challenger that comes to us to fight the reigning undefeated champion!” I looked around at the crowd. Was it my imagination? Or was it that ever resident was present? No matter. “Off to my left, you know this fighter. Undefeated, leaving prone bodies in his wake. His fists are like steel, his arms built from the gods themselves, his body impervious to pain! You may like him, you may hate him! But there is no denying this fighter’s reputation. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the destroyer Pox!”

There were cheers and boos, probably more of the latter. Pox stood up, and let out an unearthly bellow, his arms raised, panning the crowd. After a minute, he crier got everyone’s attention and they settled down. “To my right, is the challenger! He arrived but today, coming in with the former captain of Stalvinport. The dwarf, Tor!”

I simply stood where I was at. The crowd were courteous in their applause. There were some whistles and catcalls. It didn’t matter. I wasn’t here to please a crowd. I am no entertainer. In fact, in a weird way, I came in as a healer. This town was afflicted by a Pox, and the town needed a cure.

“Fighters approach me.” We both approached. “Now, as you know, there are no weapons, and no killing. Other than that, anything goes! Fighters are you ready?”

We both nodded. The crier backed away. “On the count of three. Everyone, join with me. One!...Two!....THREE!” The crier disappeared into the crowd.

“I’ma going to enjoy this little man.”

“I hope you do brute.”

We both put up our hands in guard positions. He was waiting for my advance. I was waiting for his.

“Come on little man, you wanted to fight me. What you are getting second thoughts now? You should. I broke every man I fought.”

I still stood there with my guard up.

“What’sa matter? Wanting your mommy? Your mommy will come to help you, after I’m done with her!”

I still stood there with my guard up.

“Come on little man. You want to beat me up, I know you do. Well, here I am, come get me.”

I remained where I was. The brute’s taunting meant nothing to me. After a couple of minutes of his taunts, I could see he was getting angry real quick. He wasn’t used to this; this much I could tell. “Come on, fight me. I’m getting hungry. My supper is getting cold!”

“I am waiting for you Pox.”

“Oh ho! You want me to attack you. You are asking for it!” He threw out a wickedly fast right punch. For all of his rude behavior, the big man had speed to him. My left arm came up, and I caught his fist, holding it there. He looked surprised and jabbed with his left hand. I caught this too in my right hand. We were now in a locked position. “Oh ho, I’m gonna crush you into the ground!” He put his full weight and strength down. I grunted. There is no denying the strength of this monster. My arms wavered a bit, and he did force me down to one knee. I gritted my teeth. Fortunately, these months on working on a farm, kept my muscles and body in shape. I grunted again, and forced myself out of the kneeled position. Looking up at the brute, my arms extended forward, going back into the previous locked position.

Pox had a look of pure disbelief. Snarling, he jutted his head forward, head butting me in the face. That sent me reeling a bit. In response, I went back into a quickly kneeled position and twisted around, flipping him into the air as he landed on the ground. I stood back up, and so did he. I could feel a trickle of blood running down my nose. I hope it wasn’t broken. That would really piss me off. I tested my nose. Nope, not broken. But man, it did hurt. “Cheap tactics won’t win you this day brute.”

Pox looked at me, and smiled, this time, a true genuine evil smile. “I don’t need cheap tactics. I don’t even need tactics!” He charged at me, punching and jabbing at me with those huge fists and arms. I blocked each blow deftly. Any one of those blows could of caused me serious injury. As he came forward, I fell back, meeting each one of his blows, doing a slow round backward dance around the square. Suddenly, Pox’s leg came out with a kick. I grabbed his leg, spun him upwards, and he landed again on his back. Pox got up, and looked at me. He face, where he smiled before, was contorted into a slow burning rage. “That’s it. You are dead little man!”

He came at me again, his blows even stronger than before. A couple of times, his blows made my arms buckle here and there. He was down to business now. Out of nowhere, his knee came up to my groin. My midsection exploded with pain, Grunting in satisfaction, he followed up with more knees to my torso, his arms locked with mine. I couldn’t block the blows, each one threatening to take the wind out of me. I lost count how many blows he gave me-fifteen, twenty? They just kept coming. Then, he picked me up and threw me down to the ground. His huge body was upon me, punching me in the head and body. Each blow threatened to break my bones. Also, the way he was sprawled on me. I was pinned down. His legs were on my arms, his huge body sitting on me so I could not get up. One of his blows connected to the center of my chest, knocking the wind out of me. He then strictly punched at my head and face, I felt more blood come down. After another minute, he got up, and roared.

The crowd groaned. Kafil was laughing hysterically. “Good job Pox, good job! The winner is Pox, the winner is Pox!”

I opened my eyes. They were puffy, but I was not blinded. The brute thought he had one. I picked myself up. The crowd gasped. Kafil looked in horror. Pox stood there, a look of pure surprise on his face. “Your blows are good brute. However, the key to fight, isn’t how hard you knock people down. It is how hard you get knocked down, and able to get up again.” I gathered myself up, cracked my neck and arms, loosened from the beaten I just received. Down, but far from out. “Up to this point, you shown me you have good offense. Now, it’s my turn.” The crowd erupted in excited cheers, their hands clapping and feet stomping.

I ran to the brute, spun around, and kicked at his left knee. I had the pure satisfaction of feeling it yield. Pox roared in pure pain, now standing on one leg. He tried to swat at me, but I batted the blow away, spinning around, and kicking his other leg, feeling it yield as well, making him knee. For the first time, we were at eye level. I looked into his eyes. “One hundred and fifty men. I gave you two kicks so far.” I released a flurry of punches, battering his body, his head, his face, his arms. It took me less than a minute to deliver another one hundred and forty eight blows. I heard Kafil screaming, “Stop the fight, he’s killing him!” Completely to the contrary. In Pox’s own words: Dead men don’t tell tales.

I stepped back and saw my work. You could not recognize him anymore. He was a bloodied mess. But, I wasn’t yet done. I went behind him, took his arms, put my foot into his back, as I pulled. I felt both of his shoulders release the arms, dislocating them He yowled in even more pain. I released his arms, and faced him again. “Now you know how each of those men felt. You feel your body broken, your pride crushed. Do you have any fight left in you, or do you yield?”

He looked at me. He was a sight to pity now rather than fear. “Kill me. I do not want to live like this.” “Do you yield?” “Yes, I yield. Kill me.” I shook my head. “Dead men do not tell tales.” I pushed him back on his back, and stepped away. There was utter silence in the crowd. The crowd then erupted in pure cheers and clapping. I held up my hand, wanting to crowd to quiet down. I could see that Tomas and Calvin had Kafil firmly in hand too. He was going nowhere.

“People of Stalvinport, hear me please. Do not cheer for me, but put pity on those who ought to be pitied. Do not sink to that level. This is an example. An example of how to live. If you are strong, do not mock the weak, but protect the weak. If you are smart, do not belittle the stupid, but help them learn. If you are rich, do not down trod the poor, but help them. I came to this city, and I have seen good people. Do not give up that goodness. Keep it close to you. Cherish it, share it, enjoy it. You had a pox placed upon you. That pox is no more. But there will be other ailments that will fall upon you. Do not cower or despair. Those who are weak, will band together, becoming strong. Those that do not know, will come together, and share what they do know, expanding their knowledge. And those that are poor, but rich in spirit, will come together, and share that spirit to those who despair. This fight today, I will admit, I took a certain pleasure. Not for myself, but for the men that their strength had been robbed. This was no sport to test mettle, this was a sport designed to kill spirit. Never, ever, let this affliction go unchecked.”

The crowd was quiet, stunned by my short speech. I walked over to Kafil and motioned to Woodard. “I will have my money, and the money owed by the best you have made. You will work with this man, either travelling with him to the fighters that have fallen, or you will work to have them brought here. You have until the first day of spring to get this accomplished. If I hear you do not finish this, or you give this man or any other citizen grief, I promise you, there will not be a hidden corner of any land I will not find you and exact due payment. Do we have an accord Kafil?”

The wiry man, looked at me, completely realizing what I was saying. And, by his own signed documents, if I want to take his life, I could and would never be charged with a crime. He knew he was beaten. He could only nod.

“Good. Now, go with these men. I wish to have my payment from our agreement.” They led him away. I went back to the brute of a man. I turned him over, and put his shoulders back in place. He yowled in pain, but at least, he could move his arms and hands again. I helped him to a sitting position. “Why didn’t you kill me? You hab every right, and you could of dun it easily.”

He had a hard time talking, as my blows nearly swelled his lips and several times, I came close in breaking his jaw. “I came to this fight as a punisher and a teacher, not as an executioner Pox. You were being used by Kafil. And, this was the only life you have ever known. I challenge you Pox, but to something else. Change your life. You have potential Pox. It is time you determine your own life and your own fate. But I challenge you to do so while in defense of others. I challenge you to better yourself as you are to better others. Do you accept?”

He looked at me with one eye, the other swollen shut from the blows I dealt him. Pox sat there in thought. This time, it was contemplative thought. After about a minute, he asked. “Is the cabtain of the guard here? I can’t rebember.”

Near us, a man with a cane approached. “Yes I am here.” Pox looked up at the captain, his name Bram, with that good eye. “Cabtain, aftur I heal, can I join your guard?”

Bram looked thoughtful. I added to this thinking. “You could do with much worse Bram. Pox could train your guard to become effective hand to hand fighters.”

Bram nodded, and motioned for several of the town’s folk. “Bring a cart, and take this man Pox to the infirmary.” Pox held up his hand. “I am no longer Pox. That was a name that Kafil had given me. It is not my name.”

“Then, what is your name?”

“Torid.” Bram nodded and address the townsfolk. “Bring Torid to the infirmary.” This is where I raised my hand. “No need, just show me where it is.” I picked up the big man, and hefted him easily on my shoulders. I heaved him forward, so his legs would not touch the ground. Bram and the townsfolk gasped as I hefted him. Torid was a full four hundred pounds or more. I simply walked him down, following Bram, to the infirmary. Behind me, the crowd cheered and clapped their hands. I was led to a building next to one of the churches. I recognized the cudgel, and realized where I was at. Bram led me to a room with a very large bed. I set the big man down as gently as I could, and maneuvered him putting his legs gently on the bed. As I was about to turn away, Torid grabbed my arm. “Tor, I thought about it. I accept your challenge.”

I smiled and understood. I shook his hand too. “If you put half of the energy into my challenge that you put into fighting, you will do well Torid. For once in your life, determine your fate. Do not let others determine it.” He nodded. On a table, was a bottle of human spirits, whiskey I think. I propped the big man up on the bed, opened the bottle, and brought his lips. He drained half of the bottle. Several attendants came in then. I put the big man back down on the bed, and left.

By this time, I had worked up one hell of an appetite. The growls coming from my stomach nearly matched the roars of the former Pox. Getting my bearings, I headed for the Singing Mermaid. I figured that Calvin would meet up with me soon. Upon entering, I was given cheer and claps. At the table I sat earlier, there was a spread there of various meats and vegetables along with flagons of ale. The old man greeted me at the door, and personally sat me down at the table. “Compliments of the house Tor! Drinks for everyone!” Another cheer rose from the crowd. I smiled, and hefted my flagon. “A toast!” The crowd stopped and held up their glasses. “Peace and prosperity to the folk at Stalvinport!”

“To peace!” they replied. One added, “And to you Tor!” I nodded, and we all drank our drinks. Looking out the window, I could see snowflakes starting to gently fall. Winter has made itself known to the town on its solstice.