Wizard's Apprentice
Jack Knapp
The Wizard’s Apprentice
A Novel of Fantasy
By Jack L Knapp
Books by the author:
The Wizards Series
Combat Wizard
Wizard at Work
Talent
Veil of Time
Siberian Wizard
Magic
Angel (a short story in the Wizards Series)
The Darwin’s World Series
Darwin’s World
The Trek
Home
The Return
Defending Eden
The New Frontiers Series
The Ship
NFI: New Frontiers, Inc
NEO: Near Earth Objects
BEMs: Bug Eyed Monsters
MARS: The Martian Autonomous Republic of Sol
Pirates
Terra
Hybrids (forthcoming)
Novels of the Southwest
Jacob Jennings'
Edward Jennings
Edward Jennings: War and Recovery
Edward Jennings: Cattleman
The Territory
Fantasy Novel
The Wizard’s Apprentice
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Copyright
The Wizard’s Apprentice
Copyright © Hands, a novella, 2014 by Jack L Knapp
Copyright © The Wizard’s Apprentice, 2021 by Jack L Knapp
Cover by Jack L Knapp; illustration, courtesy of Jim Cooper/Pixabay
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Disclaimer: The persons and events depicted in this novel were created by the author’s imagination; no resemblance to actual persons or events is intended.
Dedications
To the memory of Captain Warren E. Stewart, my long-time editor and friend, who did not live to see the ending; and to Jim Ness and Joe Ingraham, who did.
Thank you.
And also to those who follow the dream, my fellow members of the Society For Creative Anachronism. For learning how to speak forsoothly, and also many nights around the campfire sharing “No shit, there I was…” stories when the day’s heavy combat was done, this one’s for you too!
Notice: portions of this novel were published earlier in novella format under the title, Hands, which had a good beginning and a better ending, but lacked a middle section. The Wizard’s Assistant corrects that deficiency.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Excerpt, Combat Wizard
About the Author:
Prologue
I wonder if Will Shakespeare had the same issues writing plays that I’ve had writing The Wizard’s Apprentice?
Holisz’ tale, you see, is told by a bard. The normal convention when writing his words would be to begin each short paragraph (another convention flouted, that of longer paragraphs, in an effort to write as a tale-teller would speak) with a quotation mark.
Yet I soon found that cumbersome, even a bit silly; I ended up with double quotations when the bard was quoting the words of a character, and double quotations plus an apostrophe (“ “ ‘) when the sentence began with words such as “ ‘Twas”.
Which might seem strange at first, and pretentious; but would such as “ ‘Twas the night before Christmas” sound better had it been composed “It was the night…”?
Nah.
I tried several approaches, beginning the bard’s narration with an apostrophe for example, and separating breaks with a centered *** symbol. Yet even then, I found I needed something else. I finally settled on ~~~ to indicate when the bard stepped away from the story (to indicate that his ale-cup was empty, or to visit the jakes), with the *** as an indicator of action breaks in the tale.
Such are the fussy concerns of a writer of tales who writes about a teller of tales who tells the story of a most unusual hero!
Know ye, that the writer was forced to relieve his stress during the writing about the telling by inserting witticisms, broad humor, and when it all became unbearable, even a pun or two!
Ah, the shame of it!
But enough about my travails! Fill your leathern jacks with good ale, for ‘tis time to begin the tale of The Wizard’s Apprentice!
Chapter One
In which we meet the bard, and also the hero of this tale: Holisz, orphan, kitchen boy, and stable-hand.
~~~
The sign, a carving of an enraged swine with tusks a-flashing and slaver a-dripping, advertised the Crashing Boar, a tavern where men of the village came to drink better ale than they’d get at home, and enjoy better company too for the most part!
This evening, the tavern held but one patron. Others there would be, but for the nonce there was only the one.
Gray he was, and sparse of hair upon his pate. Yet was he known far and wide for his ready wit and endless fund of tales, some designed to inspire listeners with great deeds of bravery, while others were told merely to amuse the tavern’s patrons, that they might provide the ale that kept the old man’s tongue loose.
Bard he was, or such did he claim himself to be, and well regarded he was in the villages around. Envied by some, deplored by others, yet disparaged by none, for he possessed an awesome ability to guzzle ale. Yet was he always welcome when he visited, and the old bard was at his best when the ale flowed freely. So it was that none among his audience would carp and quail at the reckoning when ‘twas presented by the tap-man at the close of an evening of such entertainment.
This day he had come to the door, seeking entry, and the tavern keeper quickly provided him a joint of beef, a loaf of fresh-baked bread, and a jack of ale. ‘Twas well received by the bard, for the old man’s wants were few.
Far agone were the days when he had gone a-venturing, aye, as welcome in the company of heroes then as any other warrior! But time had done what the swords and lances of foes never could. His warring days now long a-gone, the old man sustained himself by the sharpness not of sword but of tongue and wit.
The taverner was well pleased to provide his best, that the old man might remain. 'Twas an investment, for the village’s men and boys would soon learn that the old bard had stopped this day at the Crashing Boar. Then would they wend their way to the tavern, hungry for entertainment after a day in the fields, and prepared to remain until the last heroic tale was told. Some would purchase their own joint if their purses contained silver coin, while others of less means would content themselves with naught but a jack of the tap-man’s excellent ale. All would remain content while they gave heed to the words of the bard.
Tavern-keepers are not known for their charity! Yet ‘twas a fine investment, did the tapster reckon; a leathern jack of ale and a joint of beef, to hold the old man in the tavern until the village’s men should arrive with their coin! Copper of a certainty, silver belike, even a gold or two should a noble lodge at the tavern!
The first customer soon entered, intending but to quaff an ale ere he wandered off home. A bit of a wastrel was he, noted less for his ability to work than for the allowance given him by his father; yet was he always welcomed by the tap-man, for ‘twas also known that he was free with his coin.
He was young and unseasoned, but even so had knowledge of the entertainment to come. He soon purchased a second foaming jack, this one his gift to the bard. The old man nodded his thanks and buried muzzle and even a bit of his luxurious moustache in the mug.
“Hast a lusty tale for us this night, good Bard?” the young man asked. “Belike a tale of Arthur, who did cut so many corners, even the ones on his high table, that men called it round? Who did make for himself a fortress of the place wherein the Saracens kept their beasts, the place known thereafter as the Camel-lot?”
“Nay, lad,” demurred the bard; “that tale is too often told, even by inferior tale-tellers and bards who are undeserving of such name! This evening do I offer ye the tale of Holisz, who faced great tragedy and even japes by the gods, whose sense of humor is oft cruel, as all men know! Yet did the hero Holisz not allow such to daunt him! Aye, Holisz did more than that! Untried and unprepared, he attempted great sorcery, and thereby fell victim to the displeasure of the very gods themselves!
“Know ye, ere that fateful day, Holisz, then a mere boy albeit a strapping one, was beneath the notice of the gods, even as I once was! But know ye also that tale-telling be thirsty work, and my tongue shall need wetting from time to time, lest my words dry up and I feel the need to go a-wandering to the next village and tavern, where the ale may be equally pleasant to the taste and the customers more free with their purses!”
Even as the youth conversed with the bard did other men arrive at the Crashing Boar. ‘Tis a wonder, the speed whereby news passes in a village as wind doth stir the corn!
The newcomers looked pointedly at the youngster, and he grumbled, as oft he did when called out for his stinge, but soon brought another jack of ale that the old bard not expire of thirst.
After a deep guzzle and momentarily, a prodigious belch, the old man smiled at his eager listeners and began his tale:
~~~
Know ye, life was good for Holisz. Comely was he, stalwart, strong, and of good disposition! A way with horses had Holisz, and if he was not yet a seasoned warrior, still he prepared for the day when the need should find him.
Men and women found him agreeable; if any grumped, why, most oft ‘twas the old wizard, he who was Holisz' master in the study of arcane arts and who was otherwise employed by the baron to protect his lands. And none marked his words especially, for ‘tis well known that wizards be a grumpy lot at the best of times!
Such an agreeable life had not always been so for Holisz! Hard-working his parents were, but poor as the beggars who wait outside the cathedral door, albeit more honest as a rule.
‘Tis said they were not above forgetfulness when the baron’s tax collectors came by and demanded half their grain, but doubtless such tales had their origin in the knowledge that his parents were no longer able to deny such slander. And by such inventiveness did the baron’s men-at-arms seek to cast aside any hint of sloth, that they did fail by lack of attentiveness to their duty to protect the baron’s tenants!
Holisz’ ill-fortune came to pass by a sudden raid, such that he found himself losing in bare minutes family, friends, and home! Aye, ‘twas a day to break the stoutest of hearts, and for a child, ‘twas a misfortune beyond reckoning!
The small boy had been out and about, playing as young boys do, ere he was frightened by the loud noise. Quick to attend was Holisz, for he scurried into hiding beneath a growth of gorse; face upon the ground, unseen and unseeing, he remained there until the raiders left and quiet returned.
Know ye, he thought only of survival at that time, for while sight had he not, still did he hear the war-calls and death-screams.
Eventually the hoarse shouts of the victorious raiders died away in the distance, along with the hoof-beats of their horses. Then did Holisz bestir himself and depart his covert. The village was not silent; nay, the sounds revealed the horror of that scene.”
The old bard wagged his head at the image, quaffed deeply from his jack of ale, and wiped his gray mustache ere resuming his tale.
If Holisz sniffled, who can blame him? Not all were yet dead, ye ken, and well did they bemoan their ill fortune on that black day! But Holisz’ family called not, for the raiders had ended their lives, father, mother, and older sibs.
Holisz, know ye, was alone, a child who seemed destined to die as had the others, but mayhap a slower death of starvation or the chance encounter with a wolf or cat. And might the raiders not decide to return?
What to do? Holisz, even then, was not loath to act, for he slipped away in the brush, seeking and finding the small openings where a full-grown man would not dare to go. As long as he dared, he followed the shallow stream that flowed laughing through the brush and on to the village, leaving that scene of horror behind.
Wading, crawling, betimes wriggling as does the legendary clapper-tailed serpent, fleeing to the north as chance would have it, Holisz crept away. ‘Twas the distant sounds of crackling flames and the weak, fading screams of the dying that drove him on.
Why, ye may ask, did this future hero not attempt to aid the survivors?
His father was dead, and with never a chance to fight back, that much Holisz had seen; he knew not what had happened to his mother or sisters, but the screams he’d heard while hiding must have come from them and the other women of the hof, for such were the shared farmsteads called in the land where Holisz dwelt. And what could an unarmed boy of barely nine summers do?
Holisz was young, affrighted, and alone, but withal, wise. He fled.
He found a few fallen nuts that evening and an overripe peach the next day; ‘twas not enough to sate the gnawing in his guts, but ‘twas all he had. Perforce, he went on. So it was that Holisz was tired and very hungry when he stumbled onto the road. He followed it north, for that was the direction he had chosen when he fled, and all directions were the same to him.
He soon encountered a patrol, come hither at the command of Baron Georg of Baldwin’s Junction. The patrol-leader, a serjeant, listened to Holisz’ tale, then sent him on his way to the castle with a small escort of troopers that he might repeat his story to the baron, while he led the remaining men-at-arms on to investigate Holisz’ account of the disaster that had befallen the hof.
‘Twas a waste of their time, ye ken; bodies there were, and scavengers too that fled at their approach, but none among the habitants yet lived. The snug farmstead that had sustained the boy from birth was now naught but a gutted, roofless shell. The men took time to bury the bodies, as is the custom of civilized men, before leaving. Not one looked back as they departed on their way to Castle Baldwin’s Junction to report.
Hardened warriors they were, who quailed not at the sight of fresh-spilled blood, yet none ever wished to recall that scene on another day!
Such was the tale Baron Georg heard from one of the men-at-arms, of thievery of the worst site and murder, even massacre! Of man, woman, child, even the dogs and a few luckless cats who lost what lives they had left ere that day!
Temperamental was the baron, but kindly too, unless in a fit of temper. Such was not the case this day, so he took pity on the orphan. “Put him to work in the kitchens for the nonce,” decided Baron Georg. “Cook will doubtless have suitable chores for him to do, and I’m sure he will apprehend the chance to steal some of my food, aye, more than is given to others already grown to proper size!”
The audience chuckled appreciatively. ‘Twas always best to laugh when the baron essayed a jape, but woe unto him who laughed at the wrong time! The baron, know ye, had but a small fund of humor!
Unless, of course, he himself had ventured the jest, in which case laughter was...well, mandatory, lest the sobersides find himself in turn the subject of the baron’s humor. To his great woe!
~~~
The bard tipped up his jack and allowed the last of the ale to disappear down his gullet. He looked mournfully at the empty mug, and such was the woe on his countenance that the tavern-man himself brought a fresh jack! ‘Tis not oft such occurs, for tavern-keepers be a cheap and chiseling lot for the most part, as all men know!
The young man forbore to smile, and clutched his purse tight. Mayhap, this time he might go home with a bit of silver yet inside!
After drinking, and smacking his lips, and casting an appraising eye over his listeners, the gray bard resumed his tale.
~~~
Seven years passed, and Holisz prospered. As the baron had forecast, he snatched bits of food, and oft-times more, but from his arrival Cook and the other ladies of the kitchen made of him a pet, so that he had less need to filch his food. Indeed, he was oft permitted the liberty of tasting new dishes ere they were served, and some of those dishes had meat intended solely for the Baron’s head table!
Holisz had a talent for tasting, ken ye, for oft did he sample, frown, taste again, and taste thrice ere he suggested that perhaps a bit more thyme was in order. And after such improvement did he taste again, ere pronouncing the depleted dish fit for the great man himself.
So it was that the boy grew rapidly, and aye, put on muscle during this time. Know ye, as the baron had forecast, did Cook often put him to work lugging the heavy pots hither and yon at her command, even after they were filled. And from time to time he carried in fresh-killed game animals, brought down by the baron and his guests, quailing not at the heavy burden.
And ever did an appreciative Cook save for him bits of toothsome heart and liver and kidneys, oft preparing them in stews and pies especially for Holisz’ supper. ‘Twas said among the kitchen staff that Holisz ate as well as did the baron himself, ay, and sometimes better!
But none repeated such, that the baron might take due offense at such a thing! For ‘twas as I said, the cook and her kitchen ladies did make of Holisz a pet. They could have chosen worse!
‘Twas soon noted by the baron that Holisz had become strong enough to carry an entire deer, even one of the great boars that the baron and his guests hunted! Lesser youths, even most men, required help to accomplish such a task, but ever did Holisz scorn such assistance! Indeed, he gloried in his strength, and if maidens swooned, whyfore should they not? For there were none who dwelt in the castle’s grounds who were Holisz’ equal in strength, aye, and manly beauty!
There was more, in time. The younger kitchen scullions also made a pet of him, although not in the same way as Cook and the older women, nor for the same reason! So it was that Holisz soon gained a reputation amongst the comelier wenches for ability, stamina, and discretion.
Unfortunately, the young ladies were not so discreet as Holisz. Nature had not endowed them with the ability to keep their activities secret, so their tongues did wag! In a word, they bragged.
So ‘twas that Holisz came to be reassigned one spring day. “Get him away from the kitchens and put him to work in the stables!” bellowed Baron Georg. “He has cost me the services of yet another serving wench, at least until she be delivered of her brat! Would that they grow up so strong as their sire, albeit with less of the ability to get offspring upon wenches that be yet unwed!”
‘Twas but a small eruption from the baron. Such incidents were known to happen frequently, know ye, for the baron suffered from gout. Aye, and this despite the best efforts of his wizard to hold the condition at bay. When the pains came, as oft they did, ‘twas best to avoid Baron Georg lest he take out his ill humor on whichever unfortunate soul came to his attention!
The baron fumed most oft at Holisz, for he harbored great suspicion of the stalwart young boy. But there was no certainty, know ye; perhaps the quickening of the latest kitchen helper ‘twas the doing of one of the slyboots guards, who had also visited the wench. Mayhap, ‘twas he who had gotten a child upon her!
The guards said naught, nor did the disappointed wenches.
So it was that Holisz left for the stables, new duties to undertake. The horses, hopefully, would be less susceptible to his charms!
Woe to the baron, who forgot that others visited the stables now and again! And woe to Holisz, but that will become clear later in my story.
~~~
The old bard glanced meaningfully at his empty jack, then led the way outside to the jakes to relieve himself of the ale, that he might partake of more ere resuming his tale.
Chapter Two
In which Holisz prospers for a time, before earning the displeasure of the baron’s wizard.
~~~
The bard led the way back inside, and the tavern-keeper noted that more returned than had left! For others among the townspeople had observed the parade, and some searched for hidden coins that they might be welcome among the patrons while listening to whatever tale the bard might spin.
The tavern-man smiled, and rubbed his hands together in satisfaction.
~~~
One day, an old man walked into the stables and watched Holisz work, even as he shoveled out used horse-bedding from the stalls. The man observed, but said nothing, although Holisz attempted a greeting as polite young men do. Eventually the old man departed and Holisz saw him no more for a fortnight.
Anon returned the old man, and this time with a gift for Holisz. He had a crystal in his hand, of no particular color nor appeal, but pierced through with a hole near the small end through which a leathern thong had been passed. The thong had a cunningly-tied knot, which Holisz adjusted until it was near the crystal so that the thing might be worn in comfort. As the old man directed, Holisz placed the leather strip around his neck and concealed it beneath his long hair, allowing the brown curls to fall into place afterwards. The crystal he dropped into the opening in the front of his jerkin, so that it was also hidden from view.
Polite, was Holisz; he thanked the old man for the gift, despite the lack of worth of the trinket, for ‘twas clearly not an object in which even a stable-boy might take pride! “Know ye, lad,” the old man said, “that I am called Johannes the Wise, for as all men know, I am. ‘Tis my duty to ward this castle, and also those who dwell within, against arcane threats and ill fortune.
“I have oft seen you in your work, and betimes, by scrying, when ye be at other deeds Baron Georg would not approve of!” The old man tittered. “Like sees to like, ye ken!
“Even have I sensed something within you that leads me to believe you may have some of mine own ability for tapping into the gift of the gods! I propose to offer you a position as my apprentice, to teach ye the art and craft of wizardry! What say you, young man; would it be your wish to accept my offer?”
Holisz did pause, for as all men know, wizards can be a tricky lot! “What would ye have of me if I undertake to be thy apprentice, Master Johannes?” Holisz asked cautiously, and concealed thereby his deep suspicion of the old man’s intent.
But upon this occasion, if on no other, did the old wizard speak truth.
“You shall study long and hard, lad,” the wizard said. “I will make available to you certain tomes that I have found of use in mine own learning, come down to me through long, uncounted ages! Canst read, lad?”
‘Aye, Master,” did Holisz respond, for as I have said, he was ever polite. “Cook taught me, that I might better assist in the kitchens, though I do not consider myself skilled in the art.”
“Ye will gain the skill, lad, lest ye find yourself awishing ye had! Know ye that wizardry depends on accuracy, for a wizard does but call upon the gods for their help. Mispronounce a word and ye will wish you’d studied harder...aye, if ye survive! Know ye that the gods be not amused when their gift is scorned by the inept!”
“Does the offer come with pay, Master?” Holisz asked.
“Nay,” did the old wizard scoff. “I give learning, not coin, as reward! Know ye that wizards have no need for common pay, for only mountebanks and charlatans depend upon the largesse of nobles! Other than to accept a paid position as I have done, for such is honorable for one of my calling.”
Then did the old man cough. Doubtless something had become lodged in his throat, ye ken.
“Nor have we need to sell our abilities, to employ the spells that we enjoy the use of! Know ye that such spells, and the knowledge to use them, are the gift of the gods, and such are not to be bartered for bits of metal!
“Crystals, now, they be worth of another sort. Know ye that crystals are precious to a wizard, and worth having even by such a skilled and powerful mage as myself, and are a suitable reward for service.”
The old wizard hawked, and spat a gobbet of green slime upon the floor. 'Twas doubtless why he had coughed but moments ere, or belike, ‘twas an undesired gift from the gods as a sign of their disapproval!
“Know ye,” the wizard went on, “that the one I have given you is special, and through my arcane arts it is now attuned to you alone! Wear it always, by my command, for one day ye shall find use for it, and ye shall know that need when it arises.
“Never take this, mine gift, for granted! Never remove it from thy neck except under the direst of need. Give me your oath that these conditions be met, lad, and that ye shall undertake to be mine apprentice.”
“I do swear, Master,” Holisz replied. “Even do I swear to study diligently as ye command. Must I also tend the horses and shovel their shit?”
“That ye must, lad, for such is your given task, as all who dwell in the castle have, and do ye not gain food and shelter by the doing of it? Ye be no wizard yet, and mayhap ye shall never become one!
“The use of such arcane wisdom and ancient knowledge depends on how hard you work at learning! Your abilities will flower as you progress through the studies I shall prescribe for your undertaking, but those studies must be done after your work in the stable has ended at the close of each day.”
The old wizard went away, and Holisz saw him no more that day.
Indeed, he came not back for the next fortnight. Perhaps he had but made a jest; ‘twas a pity, for Holisz thought the offer greatly interesting.
Aye, motivated was he, enough even to sneak books from the baron’s small library for to practice his reading and gain the skill he would need. Few enough books there were, in sooth, for the baron had more interest in hunting, and swiving the occasional lady who visited without her husband, than ever he had in reading of the books!
Holisz came to understand that books filled the shelves because a man of the baron’s standing was expected to own books, and not from the joy that reading brought to him! ‘Tis a conceit shared by many, who know not what joys and wonders lie undiscovered between those unopened covers.
Eventually did reading the baron’s books grew old to Holisz as well.
After the second week of such, his interest flagged; he concentrated instead on grooming the horses and tacking them up so that noble family members and guests could ride when such was their pleasure.
From time to time, always with permission, Holisz exercised the horses by riding them. After a few weeks of practice he even rode the baron’s spirited charger, Arrow, for that noble beast loved to run and the baron came but seldom to the stables.
Truth be told, the baron was not the man he once had been, nor the warrior. As his girth waxed and gout troubled him, so did his enthusiasm for riding and warring wane.
Holisz learned to stick upon the warhorse’s back like one of the ticks that found the horses from time to time. Bare-back, aye, without saddle or blanket, even without headstall or reins, Holisz rode. None saw him when he rode the baron’s personal mount, because the hour was always late.
The baron might need to ride during the day, ken ye, and none dared guess that it might not be so. So the great stallion was kept ready from morning until evening, should His Excellency the Baron call for him. And thereby grow restive in his stall, and desire to run free!
Holisz soon became more to Arrow than a cleaner of stalls and bringer of hay and oats; he was the bringer of freedom, albeit for only a few hours.
So it was that when the better sorts of people of the castle sat down with the baron to table in the evening, Holisz was absent. None noticed, for he was among the lowliest who were employed in the great fortress.
Whilst others ate, Holisz and Arrow were enjoying a spirited gallop through the forest. In the doing of such, Holisz guided and controlled the war-steed’s path by weight-shift and leg-pressure alone, so great had his skill become. Holisz accomplished this pleasurable activity whilst others put tooth to meat in the castle’s great hall.
Even as they dawdled over another ale or glass of wine, or sly attempts to discover what diversions might please their table companion later in the evening, Holisz walked the stallion to cool him down, then brushed Arrow’s coat carefully and inspected his hooves. So it was that he took his meals later in the kitchen when the tasks were finished, whilst the staff cleaned up after the quality people’s dining was done.
Know ye, that despite the lateness of the hour, Holisz ate very well, for he was still well-remembered by all who worked in the kitchen.
‘Twas a month, mayhap a bit longer, before Johannes the Wise reappeared in Holisz’ small cell, and then ‘twas after his evening’s work was done. This time did Johannes carry with him, carefully wrapped that the cover might be protected from eyes who might wonder why a lowly shoveler of shit would be interested in such, a large tome.
“Within these covers there be but simple spells, Apprentice,” did Johannes say. “Yet must ye learn them, ere ye can safely progress to the mighty spells that I have mastered.
“Know ye that the stronger the spell, the more dangerous it’s if it should go wrong! The spells in this book, being simple, are rarely dangerous; they permit none but the easiest manipulations of natural laws, as the gods permit, and even a small child could learn them if his master led him through the procedures.”
Then did the old man look about him at the poorly-kept room with distaste, for it must be admitted that Holisz was no house-keeper. He cleaned the room when needed, ye ken, but that need never came ere spiders had set up housekeeping, that they might hunt the bugs that stirred the dust whorls in the room.
“Ye shall ruin your eyes, boy!” did Johannes thunder. “One spell I have for ye now, that can give ye better light to read by, and betimes, discover the condition of thine hovel! See that ye make good use of it!”
Then did the old man look upon the candle that illuminated Holisz’ cell. A snap of his fingers caused the candle to flare brightly and burn steadily, without consuming wick or wax!
“Ye must be able to do this yourself by tomorrow,” did Johannes say. “Your first task must be learning how to undo what I have done, then to do it again at need. The answer is to be found in the book, Apprentice. Read, for there is magic to be found in this as in all books, if ye but seek it.”
Holisz read, and discovered the secret of undoing the perpetual fire enchantment. He soon mastered the ability to do for himself what Master Johannes had done, in that he could by wrapping his hand around the gifted crystal cause the candle to blaze brightly. Pleased, Holisz studied diligently and his eyes appreciated the illumination.
Know ye that the candle ne’er had such brightness ere Johannes did make upon it an enchantment, for ‘twas not one of the beeswax candles kept for the exclusive use of the baron! But by means of this small enchantment, Holisz’ candle shone brighter without being consumed, and also smelled better!
Alas, Holisz’ diligence lasted but a short while. He soon learned why the old man had kept his clenched hand at his throat, the one not involved in snapping his fingers to execute the spell. The wizard himself wore a crystal, albeit much larger than the one he’d given Holisz!
***
As he avoided his studies, Holisz found distraction, and his studies suffered even more thereby. 'Twas both benefit and curse, ye ken, for without his distraction and the intervention such led to, his tale would have taken a different road. Aye, Holisz might have ended his days as yet another wizard of no great renown, even as was the estate of old Johannes the Wise, his master.
Mayhap ‘twas the result of intervention by the gods, for had they not, heroism, ever scarce, would not have developed as it should. Yet can tale-tellers such as I ne’er be certain, for mere chance plays a leading role in the affairs of men, as all men know!
The baron’s daughter visited the stable often, and always with her entourage of guards and escorting ladies. They loved to ride about the baron’s lands, just as Holisz did, and always did they ride by day, as Holisz rode when the sun did yawn and hide his face in the west. 'Twas by the baron's command, ye ken, for raiders did infest the borders of his lands.
In truth, Holisz minded not the extra work involved in the currying and tacking up of suitable mounts for the ladies. For they were always friendly to the stalwart young man with the open, pleasant face and the curly brown shoulder-length hair. Or belike, ‘twas the wide shoulders the curls did brush on, and the muscular tanned arms that descended therefrom, arms and hands that made light of heavy saddles and the many other tasks that were Holisz’ lot.
The guards, unwilling to trust saddling of their mounts to a mere lackey, cared for their own animals. They frequently arrived early to tell Holisz how many horses the ladies required, and convey to him particular requests for horses or saddles.
Know ye that the guards, being of higher station, were arrogant to Holisz, a mere lackey suitable only for shoveling horseshit. Holisz noted this, but cared not, for he had better things to do. Was he not also a wizard’s apprentice, even though that fact was not widely known?
For old Johannes had told the castle seneschal of Holisz’ apprenticeship, and that faithful man had passed the information on to his baron; but since Holisz was but an apprentice, no other notice was taken.
In sooth, there were many apprentices in the castle; the seneschal himself had two, although it must be said that much of their apprentice-ship consisted of running errands for their master!
***
Some of the ladies, the older companions to the baron’s daughter, preferred the sidesaddle. The younger ones, including the baron’s daughter herself, favored certain saddles with built-up pommels. These allowed them to ride astride, though this was considered most unseemly, even scandalous! But by riding upon such, the ladies could gallop at speed, and the built-up part stopped them from sliding over the horse’s head if the animal should suddenly balk.
Indeed, Holisz was admirably suited for the dual tasks of groom and stableboy. A willing worker, he got frequent opportunities to do the tasks that should rightfully have gone to two, even three men. So ‘twas, that the preferred saddles were always ready for the ladies when they were ready for an exciting gallop.
The horses balked but seldom, for Holisz exercised the animals well and reinforced their training. Even so, did the young ladies practice oft should such misfortune occur, by checking the pace of their mounts, that they could be assured that the pommels would function as desired should the need arise.
The study of wizardry had taught Holisz the gift of observing, and betimes, it came to his notice that when the young women came back from their rides upon the special saddles they preferred, they frequently had very flushed faces, much more than was warranted by the wind of the gallop! Holisz said naught, but filed the information away in memory.
And smiled as he did so, for he had become well experienced in the ways of young women while working in the kitchens! 'Twas a wondrous jest, to learn that high-born ladies, even the baron's daughter, shared much with the lowest scullions in the kitchen!
Betimes, it came to pass that Holisz smiled more often yet, and the baron’s daughter was frequently the cause. She had initiated such by smiling first at Holisz! It is not to be wondered at, for both were young, and smiling at the opposite sex comes naturally to such.
The lady’s smiles, it must be said, were admiring. Holisz was not only young, he was in the prime of health and well-favored by nature and the work he did. Even his detractors were forced to admit the comeliness of Holisz’ appearance, even while they snidely deplored his laziness when not working with the horses!
Sadly, there was a certain amount of truth in their complaints. Holisz now spent much of his free time in the evenings daydreaming, instead of studying assiduously within Johannes’ book of wizardry. He had worked his way through the book once, then repeated the reading and practiced while doing so, for he hoped to become more master of the spells than dilettante.
Three times did he continue, ere he felt himself master of the simple exercises. When, he asked himself, would Johannes teach him more advanced arts? He felt himself ready for such, for Holisz had found in his practice the ability to feel his thoughts as they meshed with the crystal he wore. Even did they bounce about, growing stronger with each repetition!
Could old Johannes have been wrong? Was it the words he had worked so hard to learn, or was it the strength of mind that allowed a wizard to seek favor from the gods?
There was considerable practice with his new knowledge, but not new learning, for Johannes visited him but seldom, and said naught. Holisz considered trying his hand at something different magically, but remembering Johannes’ words of caution, he decided that was best left until he had proper guidance.
Unknown to Holisz, Johannes the Wise appeared from time to time, unseen, and smiled to see Holisz at work, finger following the words upon the page of the ancient tome as he puzzled out the archaic language. During such visits, the old wizard was pleased to find Holisz studying with such diligence, and hoped that at some point he would progress to a level of knowledge that he could safely attempt greater spells.
This, too, might have been part of a design by the gods. For Holisz, having progressed farther than Johannes knew, found other interests, and Johannes, who had other interests himself, knew it not.
Such things are commonplace when the gods intervene in the affairs of men, although again, pure mischance cannot be ruled out. Ever is it so when men discuss the doings of gods!
Later on, Johannes visits became more infrequent, and he smiled less often. Holisz devoted less time to his studies, and even practicing the simple skills he’d learned failed to distract, and his learning no longer progressed. Master Johannes, it must be said, upbraided his apprentice each time he found him daydreaming, and his scolding bore fruit.
Sometimes for as much as a whole week.
Of such simple events are great tragedies born, and sadly, such was to be Holisz’ fate.
Chapter Three
In which Holisz prospers for a time, before gaining the enmity of the guardsmen and earning the baron’s displeasure.
~~~
The bard swallowed a hearty draft from his jack of ale, belched his pleasure, and resumed his tale.
~~~
One day, the unthinkable happened.
Lady Kendra, the baron’s lush daughter, arrived at the stables without her escort. She found Holisz busy at one of his usual tasks, this time inspecting and picking out rocks and mud from the horses’ hooves.
“My lady?” Holisz asked, confused by her lack of attendants but ever polite to his betters.
“Saddle my animal, Groom!” Lady Kendra ordered. “I shall ride this day, and my companions are not ready!”
“But my lady, what of your guards?” Holisz asked, clearly alarmed at the risk the lady seemed determined to ignore.
“You shall ride with me in their stead,” Lady Kendra decided. “Have you not done your required practice at the pell and fenced with the weapons-master, as required by my father’s order?”
“Aye, I have, my lady, as have all in your father’s hold,” Holisz admitted. “But I am poorly skilled as yet, unable to execute the complicated moves that the weapons-master has tried to show me.” Holisz rubbed his pate ruefully. “He has given me incentive often with the flat of the practice blades!”
“I am armed,” Lady Kendra revealed. “I have my own sword, and you will hang my buckler at my saddle’s cantle in readiness should I have need of it. I shall permit you to go armed with sword and round shield while you accompany me this day, despite such behavior not being allowed in the usual course of things.
“As ye well know,” the lady went on, “possession of private arms is forbidden you by your birth and station whilst ye dwell within Castle Baldwin’s Junction. Arms, by my father’s command, are for none but nobles and sworn guards unless the castle be invested by raiders and other lowlife scum. But this day I grant you dispensation for the duration of my ride. Forget ye not your proper place, and do not abuse my generosity!”
“Very well, my lady, and certes, I shall behave with due regard for your safety. If such be your will, I shall obey as best I can.”
“See that you do! Forget ye not, ye are only my guard this day, and not my companion! I shall tolerate no impertinence!”
Holisz bowed, not that the gesture would have caused more than titters from the courtiers who perfected such courtly behavior, but Holisz was unaccustomed to the manners expected of lowly folk in the presence of their betters.
Still, he had tried, and done as much as he knew.
The Lady Kendra nodded and accepted this as her due, while waiting impatiently for the grooming and tacking up of her mount and that of her ‘guard’.
Raids of the sort that had orphaned Holisz ten years past were rare, but not unheard of.
Not a few would-be raiders of low birth and scant worth had found usefulness in the way they ended their lives, being executed by command of the Baron of Baldwin’s Junction.
His headsman was ever close, and he always carried with him the Sword of Justice, but that was reserved for nobles or special cases. The bandits became graphic warnings by being hanged out-of-hand inside the border of the baron’s lands, then left to dangle and rot. The bodies were visual and olfactory reminders to future bandits of what awaited them in the lands where the baron exercised the right of high justice!
Forsooth, raiding became an unpopular pastime in the lands around Castle Baldwin's Junction after the gentlemen of irregular estate gained knowledge of the way in which the baron administered justice! Lady Kendra need therefore have but small concern, so long as she remained away from the great oak forest to the east.
There, among the tangles and thickets where the baron and his guests never ventured, were found not bandits, but disaffected members of the barony’s folk who found temporary refuge in the forest from the baron’s flights of temper.
Serious transgressions such as theft, murder, or annoying the nobility by an untimely fart, such ill deeds would not be overlooked by Baron Georg! Yet his tantrums rarely lasted long; a new lady would arrive betimes to monopolize his attention, so the hidden ones need only avoid the yeoman foresters until the baron forgot his pique, and soon they could resume their interrupted lives.
If the baron later recalled what had vexed him, he never said; perhaps he understood that pressing such minor issues was rarely good business. After all, he needed people to work his lands as well as care for his game and his timber holdings. He lived very well, did the baron, and profits from the labor of the serfs and yeomen on his lands kept him in wealth.
Impulsive was the baron, but withal he was shrewd as well!
So the part-time outlaws who dwelled in the great wood took care that their offenses remained minor, that in time the disaffected ones would rethink their options and return to their labors, as is proper behavior for such. Besides, none in the forest would offend or endanger the lady Kendra, who was well thought of by the barony’s folk.
The players well understood the game, and each followed the rules of his station, or tried to; there were, after all, worse barons. The people had heard tales of just how bad a noble overlord could be, and had no desire to experience such a one for themselves!
All understood the rules, especially those of low estate, save only one.
***
Some among Lady Kendra’s companions complained to her, that she announced her intention to ride after changing into riding costume herself, without regard to allowing her companions time to do so. But an imperious look from the lady soon quieted such, and ever did she proceed on her way unescorted.
‘Twas on just such a day, when her companions had once again failed to appear on time, that Lady Kendra grew bored at being forced to wait, for her horse was not ready when she arrived.
Eventually, without intending such, her gaze was drawn to the stalwart young man who was currying her animal and adjusting the blanket just so, that she might be secure upon her horse and her animal not be uncomfortable during the ride.
Those muscles...the line of the young man’s back and the way he held his head...
So different! The young men of her own station were not so well-favored, nor had they the physical skills and coordination that this young lackey displayed so effortlessly! Lady Kendra forced her eyes to look elsewhere, examining most carefully indeed the pile of dung that Holisz had raked up and heaped outside the stables.
Finally, the horses were ready; the young man held his hands in position and Lady Kendra put her boot into his palms, straightened her leg, and felt the power of the muscles she’d been admiring as the groom-turned-guard lifted her into position that she might mount.
Aye, this day did the Lady Kendra have a flush on her face, even before the rhythmic galloping of her steed began!
The ride went very well. Upon their return, Holisz assisted the Lady Kendra down from the saddle and she seemed much calmed by the experience. In sooth, she was an excellent rider, well able to move with the horse and keep her seat without effort.
Holisz also had no trouble with his mount. The beast wasn’t his preferred riding animal, but the outing was still most enjoyable. After riding the baron’s highly spirited favorite, no other horse needed much effort on Holisz’ part to control it. His only challenge this day was in forcing the recalcitrant animal to exert himself, that the Lady Kendra and her mount not run off without them!
But there was yet work for Holisz to do when the two returned. The Lady Kendra, escorted to the castle’s entrance by Holisz as he walked in his proper place two paces to the rear, dismissed him. After his pleasant ride, he soon returned to shoveling shit. There were also the tasks of spreading fresh bedding in the stalls and grooming the other horses before finally he found a late-evening opportunity to ride Arrow where he wanted to go, instead of where the lady wished!
And of course, after such a trying day and the late hours working to make up the time he had lost guarding her ladyship Kendra, Holisz found himself too tired to study matters wizardly. Still, he managed a very satisfying fantasy before finally falling asleep! Some things the nobility could control, but dreams did not fall within their purview.
If other persons also had dreams, very satisfying ones...well, ‘tis better not discussed. Due care and discretion mean that even such a one as this lowly teller of tales not presume too much and risk the ill humor of one’s betters!
The Lady Kendra returned to the stable two days later, but this time Holisz had gotten sufficient notice beforehand and the horses were saddled and waiting, except for the animals assigned to the guards. Those warlike men had heard something, in some mysterious way that only people who dwell in castles can ever understand, of how Holisz had presumed on their duty!
“They glowered their displeasure this day, and vowed privately that despite his youth and regardless of the orders he’d received, something would be done! Jumped-up lackeys, fit only for smelling fresh horseshit, must not be permitted to threaten the established order of things!
Holisz knew naught of this. His only surprise, one that caused the guard commander sheer astonishment at the breach of protocol, came when the Lady Kendra indicated she wished Holisz to serve as her mounting-block instead of stepping upon one of the guardsmen. So Holisz knelt and held his hands in position, then lifted the young lady to mounting-position.
If two of her companions tittered at this, well...perhaps they had also heard about the unescorted rides Lady Kendra had taken?
The riders eventually returned, and most agreed ‘twas a wondrous-fine outing. Holisz lifted the Lady Kendra from the saddle, as she bade him do, and awkwardly bowed as the entourage left the stables.
The guards were not so pleased as the others; dark indeed were the looks they gave Holisz, but he attended them not as he returned to his duties.
***
That night, Holisz ended his day in the usual way by filling the mangers with sweet hay, before extinguishing the lant-horns; such small chores were usual, and he thought nothing of them.
Yet despite his wandering attention, he came alert when two shadowy figures rushed from the surrounding darkness with the intention of teaching Holisz his proper station!
In sooth, it must be wondered what that station was! For in the space of bare moments two forms lay unconscious upon the ground as Holisz, nursing a bruised eye and bleeding nose, escaped toward the castle’s courtyard.
More shadowy figures came into the stable behind him and dragged away the attackers, two guardsmen who had found much more than they bargained for when they sought Holisz in the dimness.
The guardsmen, including the serjeant who’d sent the small party to remind Holisz of his proper role in society, grumbled.
They blustered, threatened, and vowed to do a better job when they could catch him away from a place he knew so intimately! Clearly, a semi-trained lout, no matter his size and strength, could not be permitted to stretch trained armsmen on the ground amidst the horse-shit and piss, with bruised faces and bodies! Nay; it must have been Holisz’ knowledge of the stable layout that had given him unfair advantage in the dimness!
Dark indeed were the thoughts of the armsmen; terrible were the looks they gave Holisz when next they saw him, this time in daylight.
Holisz worried not, because he was oblivious of their stares. He whistled as he carried out his duties in the stables and even smiled when he was later chided for clumsiness by the baron’s weapons-master.
A few days later, one of Lady Kendra’s ladies-in-waiting found herself without a suitable escort for a ride; Lady Dolores followed the example of Lady Kendra and ordered Holisz to be her guard. And found the ride very enjoyable, very enjoyable, indeed!
Bemused, Holisz wondered if all noble women were so very similar to the kitchen wenches he’d found so willing? Even eager?
Such rides were pleasant, the happy endings afterwards more so, but Holisz worried; such encounters, despite being demanded by the lady involved, could cost a common young man his head if they be found out! But then, the refusing of such a demand could also cost him his head. Truly, it was a conundrum, and vexing!
As I revealed earlier, Holisz was, despite his lack of years, wise. So it was that one evening, when his betters were at table, Holisz and Arrow galloped east so that Holisz could examine closely the trails and coverts that would convey a fugitive, undiscovered, to the great oak forest that served as boundary to the baron’s domain.
The woods, know ye, were kept as a preserve, where the baron and his noble guests could hunt. Yet lesser men might glean fallen firewood for cooking and warming their hovels, for the baron was ofttimes generous in such small ways. Indeed, sooth being revealed, all those who dwelled in the castle benefited from having the woods so near!
Farther to the south, the great spreading oaks grew no more, for rain came too seldom for such a forest to thrive. Indeed, less than a week’s ride in that direction lay true desert, the home of raiders and all manner of fell beasts. ‘Twas a place not suitable for civilized folk!
Even so, despite there being a southern ending to the trees, an enterprising man could live unobserved and undisturbed for years in the depths of the forest.
Some did.
The baron understood this, but since the only way to eliminate the coverts and hiding-places was to clear the trees and thereby lose his hunting grounds as well as a source of firewood for his serfs, he gnashed his teeth and ignored the trespass.
***
After many late afternoons spent exploring, Holisz came to know the area well.
His vision, sharpened by the study prescribed by Master Johannes, saw what others did not. There were already shelters that could be seen by the discerning eye, cunningly built hutments of bark and branches that had been used by temporary residents in the past. Some of the shelters, being cozy and better built, were used frequently. In sooth, many had been home to a succession of persons wishing to avoid discovery until their offenses had been forgotten, the new resident moving in as soon as the older had vacated.
Holisz came to know of several such, as well as places where others could be created at need should it turn out that the assiduously-searching yeomen were equally familiar with the pre-built shelters!
This study Holisz pursued most diligently! For the gallop with Lady Dolores was soon followed by other outings, and equally exhausting rides with the Lady Rose. Despite the names, Dolores was not sad, certainly not after an adventurous ride with Holisz! And the Lady Rose...well, perhaps she no longer smelled quite so sweet, even though prickly described her ride if not her nature!
A fine rider, Lady Rose, even if she posted in the saddle during the gallop as well as during the trot! So enthusiastic a rider was she that such small lapses in style could be forgiven.
But such changes might be attributable to their exertions during the long rides, and besides, ‘tis best not to discuss the personal affairs of the nobility! Certainly not if one wishes to retain his head upon his shoulders!
Holisz now visited the kitchens earlier, and remained later. He possessed a prodigious appetite these days, and many a kitchen lass wondered if Holisz had returned to his previous habit of visiting the serving wenches. Curious servants spied, watchful eyes watched, and hidden ears listened, but none ever found Holisz in his former quarters, in the area just off the kitchen where the wenches also lived.
As for Holisz, everyone knew that he now slept over the stable in the hayloft and no one ever visited there except sometimes the old wizard Johannes the Wise.