The Mad Raven's Tale (The Accarian Chronicles Book 1) Andrew Walbrown (early readers TXT) 📖

noticed the rabble that is flooding our streets and taverns? Yes? Well, the Count has promised a hefty reward for anyone who brings her head to him. So naturally, every jackass with a blade is going to offer his services.”

Ulam grunted in amusement, he could feel Captain Karraman’s disdain for the quality of “soldier” that had taken up the sword. “So tell me, why have you chosen to recruit us and none of the others?”

Captain Karraman thought for a minute as he washed down the rest of his drink. Using the sleeve of his tunic he wiped the foam from his mouth and then turned towards Ulam again. The burning embers from one of the nearby lanterns brought light to the other side of his face for the first time, illuminating a deep gash that ran the length of his jawline. The way the flames flickered his irises appeared almost bright yellow for a second, before becoming dark again.

“I was there, in the market,” he said, his voice quiet yet firm, “I watched the mob try to take your heads.”

Amantius laughed. “Yes, they definitely tried. They didn’t do a very good job, though.”

“No, they didn’t.” Captain Karraman replied, his voice much more hoarse than before. “I saw two things during that charade. First, neither of you begged for your lives, nor did you try to run away. You both held your ground, determined to either win or die fighting. That riffraff you see on the streets? They’re farmers with pitchforks and bounty-hunters; they’ll run at the first sight of true danger. And trust me, lads, if we are sent to find the Mad Raven, we will look into the eyes of true danger.”

Although the tavern’s walls were still filled with laughter and merrymaking, Ulam felt as though the entire building had become deathly silent. He was not one that scared easily, nor was he scared at that moment, but something unsettling was behind Captain Karraman’s eyes when he mentioned the Mad Raven.

“And what is the second thing you saw?” Amantius asked.

“You two have a brotherhood about you; a sacred bond that compels you to face all obstacles together. That is something we have been missing in the castle for quite some time, unfortunately, and it is something I’d like to reestablish, if possible.”

“What does joining entail, exactly?” Ulam asked. Even though their food and coin reserves would be drained within the week, he was cautious.

“You train in the yard with some of the other men, learn your weapons if you haven’t already. You protect the Count if you see him, though I am usually by his side. You will patrol the castle grounds, and you follow orders if given any. In exchange you get some coin, equipment, a place to sleep, food, and drink.”

“Doesn’t sound too bad,” Amantius commented with a smile. “You have yourself a deal, then. We, or rather I, will join your ranks. I’m sure Ulam will too.”

Ulam grunted, but it was so quiet that it was practically inaudible. He was a little irritated that Amantius volunteered without discussing the proposition with him first. However, he knew he was not going to get a better opportunity elsewhere, especially if the rest of the continent was as hostile towards Orcs as Silverwater had been so far.

“Very well, I welcome you to the Castle Guards then.” Captain Karraman shook Amantius’ hand before turning to Ulam. “I can see you’re more cautious than he is. If you choose to join the Castle Guards as well, report at sunrise with your friend here.”

Captain Karraman shook their hands once again and then exited the building, disappearing into the night. An hour later the barkeep evicted everyone who had not paid for lodging, leaving only Ulam, Amantius, and a few other travelers in the building. Ulam was thankful that neither of the strangers seemed interested in him, although he would still sleep with one eye open tonight. He did not want to wake up with a knife in his throat.

The loft had many rooms, far more than either Amantius or Ulam expected. Though the straw mattresses in their room were not of the best quality, they were much more preferable than the swaying cots in the hull of the smuggler’s vessel. After the longest day in recent memory, the moment Ulam’s body made contact with the mattress his muscles ached in joy. He would have been fast asleep if not for Amantius, who would not stop talking.

“See, Ulam, all our problems are solved!” He began with excitement beaming in his eyes. “And you were worried about our future!”

Ulam grunted. He had been thinking of Captain Karraman’s offer since it had been given. He could not deny the positives of guaranteed food, shelter, and drink, but he also felt as though he was about to be trapped. He wanted to come to the mainland to explore, to find other Orcs and possibly even his biological family. By joining the Castle Guards he felt as though those things would never happen, that he would be stuck in this city for many years to come.

“Everything is still not settled,” Ulam muttered.

“Oh, come now,” Amantius replied. “At the very least, it’s far better than walking this unknown world with no direction. Besides, if we are close to Count Aldamar then there is a chance we will be able to overhear any news of Accaria. Maybe if we are lucky we will be able to return home soon.”

The last comment saddened Ulam, not because he was homesick, but because he believed Amantius was delusional. There was no returning to Accaria, at least not as long as King Varian reigned. To set foot in Accaria would mean to forfeit not only their lives, but their mother’s as well, and that thought was too much to bear. Perhaps someday, if the King died or one of his brothers usurped the throne, they would be able to return. But who knew when, or if, that would ever happen.

“You are such a