The Tamer And The Shield Maiden

CHAPTER THREE

Bronson felt the flames from a lich’s spell scorching the back of his grey death robe as he ran across the stone bridge. Newly resurrected, he was making his way back to his belongings deep in the belly of the Fire Dungeon. In hind sight, he thought, tea and potted plants may have been a better choice.

The molten lava flowing below gave off a much needed red glow; enabling Bronson to see his surroundings for a few moments. As he rounded a corner and turned to the west he was plunged into semi-darkness once again.

Bronson paused in the gloom of the dungeon tunnel to catch his breath and get his bearings. He could hear the battle echoing off the walls somewhere ahead in the distance; the shouts of men and the roaring of their pets mingled with the clang of weapons.

As he cautiously continued, Bronson’s bare foot brushed against the cold still body of some unfortunate warrior. The dead man was probably overwhelmed by a wave of creatures guarding the altar of the Semidar Champion. Or worse, he could have been a victim of the human evil which lurked in the shadows.

The tunnels of this Felucca dungeon were crawling with those without honor. In the murky pathways they waited for the chance to murder and loot the unwary adventurer who wandered too far from the group.

As if conjured up by the thought, Bronson heard the whispers of men just ahead. He inched forward, pressed against the damp stone wall of the tunnel. The murderers laughed quietly at some shared jest before they moved off.

Bronson began to advance with renewed wariness. He had not traveled but a few yards further when a strong arm grabbed him around the throat. In an attempt to break the murderous hold, Bronson threw his weight against his attacker. But the man was larger than Bronson and soon they were struggling on the ground. The assailant forced Bronson onto his back as they wrestled. And then Bronson saw the flash of steel in the man’s hand. He felt a sharp blade penetrate the flesh of his shoulder, at the same time his fist slammed into the murderer’s face. Bronson heard the satisfying sound of a nose being broken and a muffled grunt of pain. But before he or his opponent could deliver another blow, a voice nearby shouted. “Hold!”

The murderer was removed from Bronson’s chest with a violent kick. His attacker hit the wall and lay on his side groaning. Clutching his wounded shoulder, Bronson rolled away and instantly came to his feet. He remained in a crouched position, ready to defend his life.

From beyond Bronson’s range of vision came a voice, which was at once familiar. “Well, well. A fledgling from the forests of Minoc has been snared in our net.”

Bronson squinted into the pitch black of the tunnel. “Jack?”

The man cast a spell of night sight upon Bronson. “In Lor”

Immediately Bronson could see as if the sun had risen. There before him stood his older brother Jack. He was dressed in black clothing and boots. His head was shaved except for a shock of red hair at the crown of his skull. A top knot. The style favored by scoundrels through out the land of Felucca. Jack was the black sheep of the family; the middle child who’s malicious and dangerous nature had caused him to be an outcast even as a boy.

Jack  saluted Bronson. “At your service, brother.”

They studied at each other for a moment before Bronson smiled and clasped his sibling’s hand. He had not seen Jack in two years. His wayward brother had left Minoc one morning and none had heard from him since.

“I see that you are still in constant need of aid.” Jack said, as he shook Bronson’s hand.

Bronson glanced at his brother’s wounded henchman on the floor.
“And you are still in constant need of reprimanding.” Bronson said, no longer smiling.

Jack’s soft laughter echoed off the walls. “Well met, brother, well met.”
Bronson’s hand returned to the bloody wound in his shoulder. The reality of his brother’s presence in this place overshadowed the momentary joy of their reunion.

“Found your calling, have you?” Bronson asked.

“Aye.” Jack said with a smile. “There is no greater thrill than that of hunting the most dangerous creature of all.” His eyes narrowed with an evil glint. “Man.”
The groaning assailant started to sit up. But Jack casually strolled over to the man and placed his booted foot upon the criminal’s chest. With little effort he knocked the brigand back down onto the slimy floor.

“There is a fair amount of gold to be made.” Jack continued as he pulled the blade from the murderer’s hand. “But the hunting of men… That is what keeps me coming back for more.” Jack wiped the blade clean on the man’s shirt and tucked the knife into his own belt.

“It is a dishonorable profession.” Bronson said in a somber voice.

“But it is the life which I have chosen and intend to continue, brother.” Jack answered, walking away from the now disarmed attacker “Do not waste your breath preaching salvation to one who does not wish to be saved.” Jack smiled again. His expression reminded Bronson of a snake.

Bronson shook his head sadly. “The family would like to see you…” he began.

But voices echoed in the cavern ahead. A band of warriors were approaching from the west. Jack’s smile faded and he grabbed his injured comrade’s arm; hauling him up off the floor. Jack pushed the groaning wretch into a small side tunnel and started to follow him through. But for a second he looked back at Bronson. Jack held his index finger against his lips, cautioning him to silence. Then, with another wicked grin, his brother escaped.

 
Although saddened by Jack’s choice, Bronson could not afford to be distracted by emotion now. He must concentrate on finding Seamus and his gear.

The spell of night sight wore off quickly and once again Bronson found himself in the dark. He continued his trek through the maze of passageways, but in some areas he could see nothing at all. He felt his way along the wall; following the voices of warriors and gargoyles in combat.  The echoes from the battle were growing louder.

Bronson began to weaken from loss of blood, but without regents or yellow potions he was unable to heal himself. Suddenly he saw something in the pitch black which made him crouch down close to the wall. Evil, red eyes appeared; accompanied by harsh and heavy breathing. A creature from the pits of hell was coming directly at him in the darkness. Without a weapon Bronson knew that he was at the mercy of whatever monster had cornered him.

Feeling around on the ground for a rock, his hand touched on a piece of sharp stone. Bronson picked it up, gripping it tightly, ready to fight. He raised his arm above his head prepared to crush the skull of the monster. But instead he was knocked onto his back by a heavy blow to his chest.

Before he could recover, Bronson’s face was lipped and snorted upon by the creature standing above him. A thunderous roar erupted from the creature and a hoof slammed against the floor beside his leg.

“NOX!!” Bronson laughed. “Mistress Nox!”

 
He grabbed hold of the nightmare’s neck and tried to pull himself up on legs which seemed to unsteady to support his weight. Bronson got to his feet and leaned against Nox for support.

“Twas your turn to come looking for me.” he said with a shaky laugh. “I may yet survive this journey, my evil beast.”

 
Nox tossed her head and snorted.

Bronson gathered the dangling reins and was about to drag himself up onto the mare’s back, when the squeaking bark of an imp came from only a few feet away.

“Nox kill!” he commanded. The nightmare attacked the imp with the full force of her anger. But the imp darted past Nox and hit Bronson with a poisonous spell before succumbing to the deadly hooves. The wounded warrior felt the toxic magic pulsing through his body, paralyzing his lungs.

Bronson slid down the wall as he started to suffocate.

 
“Daemon dung.” he wheezed with his last breath.


“An Nox! In Vas Mani” Seamus’ voice penetrated his foggy brain.

 
Again Bronson floated away from the edge of death and found his brother standing nearby.

 
“In Lor!”

Bronson could see the moldy walls of the tunnel. He could see Og swaying back and forth, not ten feet away. And just behind Og was his own dragon, Bront, crushing a harpy in his jaws. A small army had come to his rescue.

“This is getting to be a habit with you, lad.” Seamus said, dropping a bottle of cure potion into his lap. “Up on your feet, now. The battle is near over and here you sit resting.” 

Bronson's pack and gear landed beside him on the floor with a thud.

“I am hardly resting.” Bronson grumbled. “How did you know where to find me?” Bronson asked, feeling his shoulder. His wound was totally healed.

“Your mare told me where you would be found.” Seamus answered as he dragged Bronson to his feet.

 
“What?” Bronson choked out.

Seamus chuckled at his brother’s surprised look.

“ALL FOLLOW ME!!” Seamus commanded and strode back towards the chamber of the Champion. All of the pets, including Nox, roared and followed after Seamus; leaving Bronson with a confused look upon his face. He quickly put on his armor and ran to catch up with his rescuers.



The scene around the altar was like a vision from hell. Dead Daemons and Succubi lay in piles alongside the bodies of the brave warriors and their pets. Those who survived the final wave of monsters were clustered together in small groups. Tamers using bandages on their pets were battling the army of monsters, while melee warriors, who fought with sword and shield, huddled close together, healing each other. Their shields formed a steel wall around them.

Seamus and Bronson had taken control of a small area south of the altar. They used bandages, healing wands and magic to keep the pets alive. At the same time they tried to stay away from the sharp claws and deadly spells of the attacking monsters.

A Succubus targeted Bronson, casting a flame that took most of his life force away.

 
“An Lor Xen!”

Seamus made his brother invisible to the creature long enough for her to focus on Og. Quickly Bronson drank a heal potion and cast greater heal on himself as he continued to bandage Bront. His dragon was fighting two daemons and a stone gargoyle while Nox exterminated the Succubus.

As a daemon or succubus would fall to the ground another would spring up from the altar to take its place.

Three more Succubi began to attack Nox. Bronson tried to help her with a healing wand while using his veterinary skills on Bront. But it was not enough. Nox crumbled to the ground. Her spirit stood calmly beside Bronson waiting to be resurrected. But he could not take time to restore her without losing his dragon. So the mare was left in limbo. All around the altar the ghosts of brave dragons, wyrms and mares stood motionless. Some were resurrected only to be killed again immediately in their weakened state. The hordes of deadly monsters descended upon them tearing their bodies to shreds.

Suddenly a cry went up among the warriors.
“The Semidar!!”

There was a surge of movement towards the altar and a shower of arrows flew at the Champion from every direction. The mages cast their most powerful spells in hopes of killing it and gaining the highest rewards as the Champion began to move through the crowd of fighters and dragons; cutting them down like blades of grass.

The mages and archers continued their assault as Seamus and Bronson charged forward with the rest of the tamers. The bodies were piled so high that Bronson could not tell where the Semidar was standing. Bront fell with a crash forcing Bronson to leap out of the way.

And then mounds of gold appeared on the ground covering the entire area in which the altar stood. A black moongate opened in the middle of the altar. The Champion was defeated!

Chaos erupted. All thoughts of destroying remaining the Daemons and Succubi were lost as the warriors scrambled to claim their share of the gold.

Seamus and Bronson scooped up as much as they could carry in their leather packs, healing the surviving wyrm at the same time. Og finished off a pair of daemons and none appeared from the altar to replace them.

The gold disappeared quickly. Immediately there was a mad rush towards the black moongate and safety.

   *******************************


A red moongate opened near the Luna stables. Seamus and Bronson emerged from it with their pets now fully restored to health. It was early evening and the city was still active. They stabled their pets and headed for the bank nearby.

“I saw Jack.” Bronson stated as they climbed the sandstone steps.

“Aye.” Seamus said quietly. “It would not surprise me if he were skulking about in that Felucca dungeon. So now you know the truth of our missing brother Jack.”

“The truth is difficult to accept. He is lost to the land of Felucca.” Bronson said sadly.

“Cheer up, lad.” Seamus told him. “Jack leaves the dirty work to others. He’s far too clever to soil his hands. At least not to the point where he cannot move freely throughout Trammel and Malas. You will see him. We will both see him, no doubt, soon enough.”

“You have spoken to him?” Bronson asked.

 
“Of course! He owns the stable next door to my pub.” Seamus relied. “Didn’t you know that?"

“I fear there is much I do not know about this family.”

The two men entered the bank to deposit the spoils of the dungeon battle.

“Well, brother, what do you say we head over to the Tree Fellow Pub for an ale or two.” Seamus said. “Just to wash the taste of dungeon dust out of our mouths.”

Bronson looked down at his nearly destroyed cloak and armor. Half of his belongings were missing. And his feet, inside his boots, were covered in slime from his marathon run through the tunnels.

“I think that more than my mouth needs washing.” Bronson answered with a good natured grin. “And aren’t you forgetting about our most dangerous adventure, yet to come?"

“And what might that be?” Seamus laughed.

“Tea and potted plants, brother. And the lady who waits at Mountain View.”

“Amanda Rose will understand.” Seamus said without much conviction in his voice.

Bronson laughed. “Let us hope so. For both our sakes, brother. She is, after all, a grandmaster mage. And I have been scorched enough for one day.”

***********************************


Seamus and Bronson approached Amanda’s house a few minutes later. It was a large three story sandstone which rose up against a backdrop of Mountains.

Graceful arched windows spilled golden light onto the green lawns and manicured potted shrubs which surround the house. Two tall lamp posts flanked the wide steps and walkway leading to the massive front doors. The sound of harp music drifted out into the darkness of a cool evening.

“Well, this is it.” Seamus said as he pulled open one side of the double door. “Sounds like the dinner party is already started without us.”

Bronson followed him into a wide hallway. A male servant met them just inside the door, taking their filthy cloaks. “Good evening, milord.” He greeted Seamus.
The clink of tableware and the polite laughter of ladies could be heard from somewhere above them.

“Evening, Owen. Are the dinner guests already seated?” Seamus asked in a low voice.

 
“Aye, milord.” Owen’s gaze traveled over the two extremely foul smelling men. “You will be wanting a bath brought up to the guest room as well, sir?”

“As soon as possible, man!” Seamus ordered as he hurried into a small alcove off the main entrance. “Tell my lady we will join them as soon as we are presentable.”

“Very good, sir.” Owen said, with a nod. The servant went in the direction of the main staircase.

Bronson followed Seamus into the alcove. “We will use the gardener’s teleport to the roof.” Seamus whispered. “No need to disturb the guests.”

“Or your wife.” Bronson whispered back with a grin.

“Aye, that too.” Seamus answered pulling his brother behind him.

Bronson caught a glimpse of a large room with heavy furniture and a huge fireplace. But before Bronson could see more of the ground floor he was teleported up to the rooftop garden.

Seamus was already hurrying away from the teleporter to the stairs leading down into the house when Bronson appeared. The rooftop garden was bathed in the golden glow of lamp light and he could see a small pool of water in the center of the roof. The pool was surrounded by green grass and flowering shrubs. Rows of potted plants lined the wall which bordered the stairs leading down.

Seamus disappeared into the stairwell. “Make haste, lad.” he called back from the floor below.

Bronson did just that. He trotted across the garden.

For a moment he was reminded of the many times in his childhood when he and his two older brothers had returned to the family tower through the roof entrance. The trio would sneak out and have amazing adventures all night. Seamus would leave a rope hanging over the side of the building and, before the light of dawn, the boys would scale the wall. Seamus would lead them down the stairs and safely back to their rooms, undetected. They would be snug in their beds when Mother came to wake them in the morning. Seamus had not changed at all over the years.

Bronson laughed at the memory as he entered the elegant sandstone stairwell at full stride. He made his way passed arched windows and more potted plants to a landing on the next floor. Just off the landing was the entrance to a large room.

Seamus’ voice came from somewhere deep in the room. “This way brother!”

Bronson saw that these were the family quarters. The apartments consisted of a cavernous living room, with a cheery fireplace, and comfortable furniture. The family room was decorated with polar bear rugs, more arched windows and more potted plants.

A row of doors on the far side of the family room marked the bedrooms. The sound of Seamus rummaging through chests came from one of the bedrooms. Bronson followed the noises and found his brother throwing clothes out of an armoire onto a large bed.

“Something here will fit you, lad.” Seamus said. He pulled his head out of the armoire and looked at Bronson. “Don’t just stand there!!” he barked and went back to his search.

Bronson smiled. He had never seen Seamus look so concerned before. Not even three bloods and a poison could rattle his brother like this. The wrath of his wife must be terrible, indeed.

The rustle of silk announced the arrival of Amanda Rose. She hurried across the family room. An angry frown marred her pretty face.

“Seamus!” her voice was a harsh whisper. “Where have you been?!” 

Amanda stopped and drew a lace handkerchief from somewhere in the folds of her yellow dress. She held it to her nose; the lingering stench was familiar.

Amanda answered her own question. “A dungeon crawl!!”

Seamus stopped his frantic search and smiled sweetly at his wife “You look lovely tonight my dear.” he told her.

“Hmmmphf.” Amanda Rose answered, waving the handkerchief in front of her nose.

 
“Hello, Bronson.” Seamus’ wife smiled and made a move towards her brother in law, the start of a hug. Amanda stopped halfway and drew back, the handkerchief covering her nose once more. “So good to see you again.” she blinked her eyes as they started to tear up from the odor.

Amanda took a couple of steps backwards before continuing. “Well, at least you are both here now. I will have Owen see to the bath water.” she smiled at Bronson again. “Join us downstairs at your leisure.”

With another rustle of silk Amanda Rose withdrew. She opened a window on the far side of the family room and fled to the fresh air on the next floor.

“There now, brother.” Seamus said, looking quite relieved. “That wasn’t so bad after all.”

*********************************************

Bronson lay back in the warm water, a wash cloth draped across his face. His arm dangled over the side of the bathtub and his fingers loosely held the remains of a mug of ale. He heard the chorus of greetings from the floor below as Seamus made his appearance at Amanda’s dinner party. But Bronson never wanted to leave the  quiet, comfort of this chamber. Two days with Seamus and he was ready for a long rest.

“Oh well,” Bronson thought, as he dragged himself out of the tub. “Tis only a simple family dinner and then I will have a good night’s sleep.” He couldn’t wait to stretch out in the large bed of his brother’s guest room.


Half and hour later Bronson walked down the stairs to the dinning room. He was dressed in Seamus’ white shirt and black pants. He was clean and had carefully groomed himself after his day of adventure.

As he descended the stairs Bronson could hear Seamus’ voice booming. “I deeply regret that we were so unavoidably detained, my dear. There was nothing I could do to sway my young brother from this venture. The lad insisted we challenge the Champion of the Fire Dungeon and I could not, in good conscience, let him go alone. Thus, did I promise to guard his back, despite the fact that we were expected for dinner.”

The dinner guests laughed. Apparently everyone here knew Seamus well enough not to believe that tall tale.

Bronson chuckled at Seamus’ lame attempt to placate his wife, as he entered the dinning room. Amanda left her seat at the end of the table and rushed over to him; taking his arm and leading him forward.

“Our guest of honor is here at last.” she announced to a table full of guests. “Bronson, I think you know just about everyone here.” Amanda said, as she steered him towards his seat.

Bronson looked around the room, nodding to his cousin Kayla and Katie Rose, Amanda’s sister. But his gaze settled upon a man dressed in black, sitting at the far end of the table. His brother Jack stared back at him with that same wicked grin that Bronson remembered from their encounter in the dungeon.

Then Bronson’s smile froze on his face. He stopped in his tracks, pulling Amanda to an abrupt halt. Sitting right next to Jack was someone he never thought to see here. The beautiful woman at Jack’s side dimpled and blushed as she smiled up at Bronson.

It was the mysterious lady in blue.

**************************************



The Tamer And The Shield Maiden
Chapter Four

T’was the early hour of the evening, just after dark. A fire burning in the hearth painted the sandstone dining room walls with a warm golden glow. Two female servants brought in a large roast pig from the kitchen and placed it on the sideboard for carving. The platter of meat was complimented with bowls of potatoes, peas and corn. Another sideboard offered fresh baked breads, cookies, and even doughnuts to the hungry dinner guests.

Seamus was seated at his customary place at the head of the table. The setting on his right was reserved for Amanda Rose, the Lady of the House and to his left the guest of honor, Bronson. Already seated at the opposite end of the table were his brother Jack and Amanda’s cousin, Jeanne Rose. In the middle were seated Amanda’s younger sister Katie Rose and her husband, Patrick. Opposite them were cousin Kayla and Amanda’s youngest sister, Shana Rose.

As she led Bronson to the far end of the table, Amanda introduced the woman who seemed to have already captured his attention. “Bronson, I would like you to meet my cousin, Jeanne Rose.”

“A pleasure to meet you at last,” The young woman said as she extended her hand.

 Bronson curved her delicate fingers over his and brushed his lips against them.
“The pleasure is mine, my lady,” He said, smiling into her eyes “Haven’t we met before?”

 
“I think not, sir,” Jeanne answered pleasantly, “for I would surely recall the occasion if we had.”

Bronson’s mind was reeling. Here was the lady he had been thinking of so often since their chance encounter yesterday but she didn’t remember him at all! He could see it in her eyes. She thought no more of him than a total stranger.

 
“And what of me?” Jack laughed as he leaned closer to Amanda’s pretty cousin. “Is it not pleasing to see your older brother again?” Jack extended his hand in greeting forcing Bronson to release his hold on Jeanne.

 
Yet another shock to his senses! Here was his murderous brother, Jack, dining with these innocent ladies as if he were an honorable knight of the realm. Bronson stifled the urge to scowl at his serpent of a brother. How could Jack be so devious?

 
Bronson shook his brother’s hand and said. “Aye, it is a pleasure. But don’t expect me to fawn over you, for you are simply not as attractive as other members of this family.” He winked at Jeanne, bringing another dimpled smile to her face.

 
Everyone laughed. Everyone except Bronson. This whole situation was not what he expected at the end of a very long day.

Bronson took his seat between Seamus and Kayla at the other end of the table, and turned his attention away from the far end of the table where Jack was entertaining the pretty young woman in blue.

“Now that we are all here,” Amanda said, returning to her seat at the head of the table next to her husband “I wish to welcome our guest of honor, Bronson.”

Seamus raised his glass of wine. “A toast! To my youngest brother. May the road rise up to meet him and may the wind be always at his back.”

“To Bronson!” the guests chimed in unison as they raised their glasses.

 
“I thank you Seamus,” Bronson replied, raising his glass “and many thanks also to your lovely bride for preparing this fine feast for us tonight.” he nodded his head to Amanda and then sipped his wine.

 
“Aye,” Seamus said “you have quite out done yourself, my dear. So let us not waste another minute. Bring on the food!” The servants quickly rushed forward and began serving large portions of each delicacy to every dinner guest.

 
“Bronson,” Katie Rose asked from across the table “have you met my husband, Patrick?”

 
“No I haven’t but I’ve heard many a tale from Seamus about their dangerous exploits in the dungeon Doom.” Bronson answered. “It is nice to meet you, Patrick.”

 
“I have heard much of you, as well, Bronson.” Patrick smiled. “I understand you were among the challengers of the Champion in the Fire Dungeon today. It is little wonder that you were late arriving to dinner.”

 
“Aye, it is true.” Bronson replied, with a grin “And I do apologize to Amanda for persuading Seamus to accompany me in the fight. But as it turned out he saved my life more than once. I hope you will forgive me My Lady.” he raised his glass Amanda.

 
Amanda rolled her eyes. “I’m sure that it took very little to persuade my adventurous husband to do a dungeon crawl in Felucca.”

 
Everyone at the table, including Seamus, laughed.

“So what are your plans for tomorrow?” Patrick asked, as he filled his plate.

 
“Seamus is my guide,” Bronson replied, passing a bowl of potatoes to Kayla.

 
Seamus looked up from his plate with a gleam in his eyes. “I was thinking that we might battle our way through the Gauntlet of Doom,”he helped himself to another slice of meat. “If that suits you, lad.”

 
“Doom!” Bronson exclaimed. “That is one dungeon I have yet to master.”

 
“No single warrior masters Doom, my boy.” Seamus corrected  “It will take all the friends that we have and some we will meet in the Gauntlet to be victorious. If the Doom Gods are smiling we might get lucky and coax an artifact from one of the Doom Bosses. Does that interest you, boy?”

 
“Indeed it does brother. When do we depart?” Bronson laughed.

 
“Right after breakfast,” Seamus said, smiling at his brother’s enthusiasm.

 
“It sounds perfect. I will meet you at the stables,” Bronson grinned. He vigorously finished his first platter of food then reached for a second helping of pork.

 
“May I come along?” Amanda asked. “I have not been to Doom in ages.”

“Of course, my dear,” Seamus answered, “In fact, you are all invited to join us. A large group is most welcome in challenging the Doom Bosses of the Gauntlet.”

 
“I wish that we could join you, Seamus,” Patrick said “but Katie and I are going into Britain to sell some of the weapons we harvested on our last hunt.” he smiled and took his wife’s hand. “My lady wants to do a bit of shopping, as well.”

 
“I am sorry to hear you won’t be joining us,” Seamus said, “We could always use another strong arm and a ready bow in our quest to defeat the Dark Fathers. But when a woman has set her mind on shopping there is little a man can do to change it.”

 
At this remark the men laughed.

 
“It would be wise for a husband to remember that.” Kayla added, giving the ladies cause to smile and nod.

 
“I have never been to the Doom Gauntlet,” Jeanne Rose said. “Shall I meet you all at the Luna stables tomorrow morning? What resources should I bring?”

 
Seamus laughed. “As many bolts, arrows and bandages as you can carry,” he looked directly at Bronson “and plenty of greater cure potions.”

 
“Jack? What about you?” Amanda smiled at her brother-in-law “Will you be joining us?”

 
Bronson listened intently for Jack’s answer. Would his murdering brother join in on a dungeon crawl where the warriors could not be assassinated and looted?

 
“Sorry Amanda but I must beg to be excused,” Jack said. “I made plans to hunt another dungeon tomorrow. Perhaps next time.”

Jack returned his attention to Jeanne, amusing her with more stories of Ilshenar adventures, keeping accounts of his Felucca crimes to himself for obvious reasons. Bronson kept a wary eye on his brother Jack who flirted with the young woman for the rest of the night.

“Shall I play my harp for our guests?” Amanda’s youngest sister, Shana Rose offered. “I could use some practice. I am studying to be a bard and must play music several hours everyday.”

 
“That would be wonderful!” Amanda replied. She motioned to the kitchen maids to clear the dinner plates and begin serving dessert.

 

Amanda’s twelve year old sister, Shana Rose, left the table and went to sit behind the large harp, which was placed in the corner of the dining room. Unlike her fair haired sisters, Shana’s locks were blazing red. With fair skin and rosy cheeks, she made a lovely picture in her green velvet dress. Shana plucked at the strings of the harp, slowly at first. Her gazed wondered to the far end of the table where Jack was seated, more than once and she blushed each time he smiled at her.

It became apparent to Bronson, as he observed the reaction of the young girl to his brother, that Shana had a school girl crush on Jack. Did every woman in this family find Jack irresistible? He wondered.

 
As the evening wore on, the guests were serenaded with songs from the cities of Vesper, Ocllo and Trinsic. Shana Rose concluded her impromptu concert with the very popular theme from the City of Minoc.

 
The Minoc melody brought back happy memories of Bronson’s youth. He had been raised among the indomitable miners and lumberjacks who carved their livings from the forests and mountains surrounding the busy little hamlet. He noticed Seamus smiling too, and knew he was reminiscing about their childhood home as well.

 
Everyone applauded the youngster when she finished and Shana responded with a curtsy before rejoining them at the table for dessert. Her pretty face flushed with pride when Jack complimented her talent.

Jack continued to monopolize Jeanne. Although Bronson could not help himself from glancing at her more times than he would care to admit, only once did she look his way.

When their eyes met, Jeanne smiled and he felt that she was about to say something to him about their previous meeting. But Jack launched into another story about some recent hunting adventure which recaptured her full attention.

Bronson noticed that Jack neglected to mention his favorite prey. Humans!

 
As the evening ended and the guests began to depart, Jack offered to escort Shana, Kayla and Jeanne Rose home. The offer was accepted with much giggling from young Shana and many thanks from Amanda. Bronson could not help but feel that perhaps the fox was being sent to guard the chickens; but he kept his thoughts to himself. He mustered a smile and bid a fond farewell to the ladies as they made their way to the front door.

Bronson lingered over Jeanne's hand as he bid her good night. But then Jack was suddenly there behind her putting her cloak around her shoulders in a very possessive manner.

 
“Until we meet again,” Jack said to Bronson as they shook hands. But the evil gleam in Jack’s eyes told Bronson that there would be no mercy the next time they confronted each other in a Felucca dungeon. Bronson returned Jack’s evil grin with a glare. He would be ready as well.

 

***************************************************

Seamus and Bronson took their brandy to the rooftop garden. The sky was clear and full of stars. The brothers sat across from each other at a small table to enjoy the night air.

 
Bronson’s somber question broke the silence of the night. “Why haven’t you told Amanda about Jack’s occupation?”

“What would be the point?” Seamus asked, leaning back in his chair. “Do you think this family is in danger from our brother?”

 
Bronson said nothing. Perhaps Seamus was right. Jack had not murder him when the opportunity  had presented itself. Yet Bronson was still troubled by Seamus’ passive acceptance of the situation.

“Lad, you must understand,” Seamus tried to explain “our brother is not out murdering children in their beds. Jack is taking his chances against the seasoned warriors who inhabit the wilds of Felucca.” He took another sip of brandy. “I am not saying that I approve of his behavior, but Jack has made his choice and I have accepted it...for better or worse.”

 
Bronson took a deep breath and let it out, “I think I know what you are trying to say, Seamus. Yet there is something about the way he looks at me; looks at all of us in fact, that leaves me feeling like his prey and very ill at ease in his presence.” Bronson sloshed his brandy around in the glass. “The ladies should not be exposed to him.”

 
Seamus chuckled, “The ladies? Or one lady in particular?” he grinned at Bronson. “Did I detect a bit of rivalry at the table tonight?” Seamus leaned forward with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes “Have both of you set your sights on Jeanne Rose?”

 
“You are out of line, Seamus.” Bronson protested. “I hardly know the woman!” 

“Well, perhaps I am,” Seamus got up and stretched. “But I will tell you this, and then say no more on the matter. I decided Amanda would be my wife on the very day that we met.” Seamus patted Bronson on the shoulder as he started towards the stairs. “When something is right, you just know it.”

“Good night, Seamus,” Bronson said quietly “And thank you.”

“Good night, lad,” Seamus yawned “Get some rest; for you will sure need to be alert on the morrow.”

  ***********************************

Nox was bursting with energy as the stable boy tried to lead her out of the stall. She roared and reared up, pulling the poor lad off the ground. Then Nox lunged forward dragging the boy right to where Bronson stood in the doorway of the Luna stable.

 
“Patience, Mistress Nox.” Bronson cajoled her, as he caught the bridle in a firm hold. “I promise you many kills this day.” he waited until Nox quieted down and then swung himself up onto her back. As soon as he was seated the mare charged out of the stable and into the courtyard. Bronson bridled Nox to a spinning halt. He laughed at her antics for a moment before he realized that someone was watching him.

 
Several feet away Jeanne Rose sat upon her ethereal steed. She was staring at him with a startled look upon her face. Bronson saluted her and Jeanne urged her mount forward until she was beside him.

 
“It’s you!!” Jeanne exclaimed.

 
“Aye it is me.” Bronson laughed. “Are you ready for the Doom Gauntlet, my lady?” he took Jeanne’s hand and kissed it. But she clung to him when he would have released her. She continued to stare at him with a bewildered look.

 
“My lady are you ill?” Bronson asked, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze.

 
“You are the warrior who rescued me from the wild nightmare,” she exclaimed. “I recognize the Balron’s mark upon your mare.” Jeanne gestured with her head to the faded scars across Nox’s shoulder. “And you were wearing that green hooded cloak.”

 
“Aye,” Bronson grinned. “So you do remember meeting me?”

 
“Of course I do!” Jeanne told him “You saved my life! But you had the hood of your robe pulled up around your face, so I did not get a clear look at you.” she smiled shyly, letting go of his hand. “Thank you, Bronson, for your help.”

 
“It was nothing, Jeanne. Really.” Bronson spoke the truth. For Nox had attacked the wild nightmare of her own accord. Jeanne’s rescue was not his pet’s goal. Nox simply wanted to fight the other nightmare.

 
“I am only glad that you were unharmed.” Bronson gave her his most charming smile

“Your skill with the crossbow is remarkable.” He nodded towards the weapon, which was slung across her back. “Indeed, in the end you may have been the one who rescued me. Thank you, my lady.”

 
Jeanne beamed at the compliment. “You are most welcome, sir.” she gazed at him with a new found respect in her eyes.

Bronson smiled back at her noticing the way her lovely face….

 
“ALL FOLLOW ME!”

 
Seamus’ thunderous command broke the spell of Jeanne’s smile. Bronson looked up to see Seamus and Amanda Rose entering a blue moongate which had been cast in the middle of the courtyard. Their white wyrms trundled along behind them.

“After you, Jeanne.” Bronson stood aside and then followed the Jeanne into the magic portal.


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