Loveless; Novel

[Henric Lee]

PROLOGUE

le guerrier sans amour

This is not just a book.

Sometimes, it is a portrayal of sorrow.
Sometimes, it’s a record of a person’s life.
Sometimes, it is a list of events.
It could even be a terrible secret sealed within leather binding.

But sometimes, perhaps it’s just a book.

 

[Henric Lee]

CHAPTER; I

The hazel brown eyes scanned the meadows poised upon them. And the owner of those twin orbs stood up on its hind legs and twitched its ear. The rabbit could hear its predator coming – but where? Cautiously, it sniffed the air, and then paused. Nothing; it was probably some other small animal in the meadow. Content, the rabbit reached up to paw at its long ears. Suddenly, two firm hands fell upon either side of the rabbit’s waist and heaved it upwards; the rabbit’s eyes darted about in alarm, then its eyes fell upon the face of a young farmboy barely seventeen, standing in front of it.
“There you are Bunny...” He exclaimed softly, picking up the brown-furred rabbit and looking into its eyes sternly. The rabbit sniffed this boy, and then nibbled lightly on the boy's finger before wriggling and attempting to escape again.

The farmboy heaved a sigh and sat down heavily on the meadows; he released the rabbit near the ground, and it dropped gently to the grassy floor below; it sat down, content, and gazed at the endless greenery. "It's beautiful isn't it bunny." The boy murmured as he admired the view atop the hill he was on, then he glanced up. The skies were dyed baby blue in color, fluffy clouds wafting past lazily. He smiled slightly, lying flat on the grass and closing his eyes. He didn't have a worry in the world.

As if in response, a light breeze wafted around the farmboy and his pet rabbit.

But even before the farmboy had known something was wrong. He got up slowly, bewildered; sweat trickled down his forehead - Odd. The boy sniffed the air, then his eyes opened fully in alarm. Sweating in cool weather was strange, but the smell of flames and ashes in such an isolated place was even more uncommon. The rabbit perked up it's long ears and stood up, alert. Slowly, the boy got up himself, stroking his rabbit as he picked it up.

Then he saw it.

Huge, ugly clouds of black smoke rising from the distance, far away, but present, the nauseous smell of burning wood, hay, and flesh. Without even thinking, the boy turned away from the spot and ran as fast he could towards in the opposite direction - where his village was; they had to be warned. Heart pounding, adrenaline coursing through his body, he slipped once, but kept on running. The rabbit needed no direction, it bounded off after it's owner, racing along at a pace where he kept up with his master despite being able to go faster.

The boy had already realized it; he didn't even need to hear the bowstring being pulled and the arrow loaded; he knew he was in mortal danger. He rushed into the cover of the woods, desperately running around the trees for cover. He saw it at last - the old cobbled path that led to his village, just a few more steps; he put on a burst of speed, soon he would be in the safety of his village-

Twang.

With the sickening sound of metal upon flesh, the arrow lodged itself in the boy's thigh. The farmboy barely managed to utter a scream before he collapsed upon the floor, still a long way from his village. If only he could find cover - He frantically scrabbled at the bark, pulling himself up; he cringed as the sharp pain shot through his leg, and fell over again. The rabbit halted in it's tracks, realizing it's master was no longer with it, and turned, confused, only to see it's master in pain. "No! Bunny! Go back, go back!" The boy hissed, his hand lingering around the spot where the arrow had struck, too scared to pull it out.

Twang! Twang! Twang!

This time, the farmboy's piercing scream hit the air; a constant flow of tears ran down his cheeks, he bit his lip and reached out with his arm, still attempting to pull himself to the relative safety of the cover behind the large tree bark. The rabbit had sprinted over to it's master, canting it's head worriedly, the rabbit moved forward slowly. "No!" The boy shouted, making the rabbit pause in alarm, "Go back! Understand bunny? Go back to the village - Go!" He yelled, unwilling to let his pet die. The rabbit turned around and run off towards the cobbled road swiftly, barely avoiding an arrow that whizzed past.

Dark red blotches appeared on the cloth shirt the boy wore; he could see three arrowheads sticking out of his back, he felt it gingerly and spread out his fingers, the crimson stained around his palm. He could feel his breathing slow; his eyes fluttered despite his stubborn attempts to stay awake, pain throbbing in his back and leg.
Barely able to see the men walk through the clearing, the boy squinted as the sunfight reflected off their armour; one man stepped up to the boy, and drew his sword. Before the blade had even been fully drawn or touched his floesh at all, the farmboy already knew his struggle was over.

And he let go of all restraint and cried as hard as he could for the last time.

 

[Henric Lee]

CHAPTER; II

Kael grunted as he pulled with all his strength; the rope tightened, but the load didn't budge. After another few minutes of his futile attempts, the young man gave up and sat down heavily on the ground, panting. Kael felt for his bottle and unclipped it from his belt, putting it to his lips and quenching his thirst. He wiped his mouth and stood up, hands on his hips as he gazed at the cart loaded to the brim with bricks in front of him, a strong rope lying at it's side like a serpent, tied to the front of the cart.
Two other young men approachd from the desolate road Kael was on, laughing and joking with each other. They were as different as two boys could be, one was tall and lanky, and a sallow, rather handsome face; while the other was shorter, but strongly built, with a plump, jovial face.

"Raemer." Kael greeted when he saw the wiry, handsome young man walk forward, while wiping droplets of sweat from his forehead. "And Jasof." He added when the other one appeared at the first boy's side. "Stuck pulling a horse-cart with no work horse - that say something don't it, Kael? - You need a horse to pull a horse-cart, or two friends eager to help." Raemer chuckled, squatting down beside Kael and prodding his chest playfully. Kael frowned, "You know my father's idea of training a young man is by acts mostly impossible for said young man, other than Jasof there, of course." Jasof merely smiled ruefully at the compliment, taking hold of the rope and tugging on it slightly; the horse-cart moved forward sluggishly.
"Look at that, to think I've been trying to make it move for ages." Kael said with mocking resentment, accepting Raemer's outstretched hand and scrambling to his feet. "Town?" Jasof asked in his deep, helpful sort of voice, holding up the rope while Kael dusted his clothes. "No." Kael replied hastily, "My father will skin me alive if I ask you to help again. By the way, what are you two doing here? I don't think you came all the way out here just to chat with me with my ... chores."

Jasof was already tugging the horse-cart across the road, Kael opened his mouth to protest, but Raemer clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Your father asked us to come bring you back, that, or he knew we were going to sneak over and help you anyway."
Kael turned, puzzled. "Call me back? What for?" Raemer shrugged and walked to the horse-cart to help Jasof, "Had something to do with an Imperial Edict or something."

"An Imperial Edict? Here?" Kael said suddenly, surprised.

Raemer shrugged again, "Your father's the only constable in the village anyway, so he'd know more about it."

"My father won't tell me a thing even if I ask him. It's always 'you have to figure things out yourself' with him, so who got the edict?" Kael asked again, eager to find out more.

"Apparently the Village Elder got it, he wasn't too happy either." Raemer grunted, trying to push the horse-cart from the back.

Kael moved over to the duo to help them push the horse-cart, "So we're being called back to see the Edict? That's it?"

"No, the entire village, farmers, woodcutters, everyone. Looks like something big came up." Raemer panted, "By the Gods, this thing is heavy - what the heck's in it Kael?"

"Bricks - But don't change the subject, if everyone's coming back, does that mean she's coming back too?" Kael asked, aware of the stupidly hopeful tone his voice had unwittingly assumed.

Raemer blinked, then smiled a rather sly smile, "Who?" He asked, in an extremely well faked voice.

"You know who." Kael said, frustrated, walking beside Raemer and Jasof. "Just tell me if she's coming back early as well!"

"Well is this 'she' the daughter of the village herbalist, whom you have been hopelessly smitten with for the past few years or your whole life, apparently?" Raemer asked innocently. Jasof pointedly looked away, his sturdy face marred with a funny looking expression and goofy sort of smile.

Kael halted in his tracks, taking a deep breath, then he murmured lamely, "Yes it's Sara, now tell me if she's coming back from the hills earlier than usual."

"Tell you if you help push the cart." Raemer offered.

Hurriedly, Kael went to the side of the horse-cart and heaved it along; it really was easier with Jasof helping him. "Well?" He asked again.

Raemer sighed, "Oh all right already - Yes Sara's coming back early, and you're not going to see her till you play at least five rounds of cards with us , you owe us one or two already."

"I hardly see her!"

"You owe us a favor!"

And the argument continued till the trio reached the peaceful village of Iben, snugly housed in the hills of Uenor.

 

[Henric Lee]

CHAPTER; III

Iben came into view with a lazy sort of slowness; it was surrounded by hills, and a wide cobbled road led to it; on either side of the road were two hills, and a sturdy wooden gate had been constructed there. Most of the villagers called it Heimer's Pass, because the village's founder, Heimer, had been to one to personally supervise the construction of the wooden gate for the protection of Iben. Though the gate had been repeatedly repaired and rebuilt many times, the name had remained the same. In addition to this, a sprawling river ran around Iben in an almost perfect circle, it ran out into the vast Scylla Sea; this was another feature that had made Heimer start a little community that grew into a thriving village.

Though called a village, unlike other small villages, Iben was rather large - about the size of a small town. Also unlike other villages, Iben was not only marked on the regional map, but also on the world map; the village had received an Imperial Edict the year before, stating that the Imperial Empire had recognized Iben's status, and wanted to set up a tax-and-government system in Iben. In return, the Empire would open trade routes with Iben, and would build the cobbled path from Iben to the neighbouring town of Norim.

That had been a time of much celebration, the village became much more wealthy, the people of Norim turned out to be a hardy, friendly folk, and trade flourished with the new road's completion, the Village Elder Jezi had been appointed as leader of the village and retained his position instead of losing it to some government officer, the village had celebrated for ten days in a row. This time, however, the mood of the village wasn't jovial at all. Kael noticed this immediately when he entered the village with Raemer and Jasof, and they left the cart with one of the Gatekeepers who promised he would have take it to Kael's father later. "Looks like almost everyone's back ... They look grumpy don't they." Raemer commented mildly as people filed past, none with happy expressions. Indeed, Kael felt he stood out a little, the only one who had a cheerful grin on his face at the thought of seeing Sara later.

"Jasof!" A farmilar voice called; a burly, muscular man wearinga bloodstained apron stormed forward across the road, making people jump out of the streets in alarm. "Hah! Kael!" The same man roared, clapping a hand the size of a platter on his back, forcing Kael to dig his shoes in the ground to prevent himself falling over. "Me son help you with ye father's ridiculous chores again? Hah! I like the man, but he needs te' relax dun' he lad? I been waitin' for me son t' come back with ye." Jasof's father, Yuman, was an amiable giant of a man. Like his son, he was shorter than most men, but he made up for this with bulging muscles and a never-give-up attitude. Yuman was a good person to have on your side in an argument, and not so good to have on the opposing side of the argument. "So ye gon' see the board then?" Yuman begun, pointing a fat finger to the Elder's house.
The Village Elder, Jezi, kept a large board mounted in front of his house; he posted the daily mundane news there, like someone's chicken being stolen, a lost pet, or some sort of other piece of gossip or news. This time, however, as Yuman led the trio of teenagers towards the board, Kael felt something was terribly wrong, women were crying and beating on their husband's chests, and several young men, some of whom Kael knew, were staring solemnly at the board in front of them.

"Oh dear 'lawd." Yuman gaped at the board in front of him, his non-talkative son, Jasof, gave a barely surpressed grunt of shock. "What? What?" Raemer asked as he struggled to read the large sign pasted on the board past the crowds of people milling about there. "What t- Kael!" Raemer called, urgency ringing in his voice. Kael scrambled up front to read the sign; it was like a morbid announcement of someone's death, the handsome Empire's seal and crest on the right hand side of the sign, and in hastily scribbled words the sign read:


'IMPERIAL CONSCRIPTION, EMPIRE ARMY DRAFT

In the name of the Empire, the Great Emperor of the Kingdom, conscription is to be carried out in every province of the Empire's jurdistinction. Men who evade conscription will be dealt with most severely with the impeding crime of Desertion of Army; military armistence and supplies will arrive in all allocated towns and cities before one week's time when this sign has been sent. The Magistrate, Mayor, Official, or hence stated Leader of the Community, will take it upon himself or herself to announce this to citizens under their jurdistinction. The organization of the Imperial Draft is up to the official regime of the village, or said leadership.

Small-Sized Town (Population 500-2999 Minimum) - Male population of ages 16-22 to be conscripted; at least 150 must be drafted.
Medium-Sized Town (Population 3000-7999 Minimum) - Male population of ages 16-22 to be conscripted; at least 1200 must be drafted.
Large-Sized Town (Population 8000+ Minimum) - Male population of ages 16-22 to be conscripted; at least 3000 must be drafted.

All Cities are expected to produce 1/2 of their male population of ages 16-22 to be conscripted, excluding nobility or aristocratic families, or merchant families, or mobile tradesmen or servants hired.

Provincal Administration will expect the conscripts to turn up no later than the Sixth Day of Aquarius, fully armed, geared, and prepared.'


Kael almost fell to his knees in shock, he felt a hand on his shoulder, but he didn't budge. "Let's go lad." Yuman urged, but still, Kael didn't move. Only when he saw his father's face watching him solemnly from the window of the Elder's house did he get up; his father gave him a sharp nod, and he turned to enter the Elder's house with Yuman and Jasof, Raemer running off to find his own family. They passed the two men guarding the door, and entered Jezi's residence.

 

[Henric Lee]

CHAPTER IV

"This is outrageous!" Jezi croaked, waving a bony fist in the air with as much venom as his frail, ancient body could muster. "How can they? This is not our war to fight!"

"It will be." Mavon Watchman replied quietly. He struck an imposing figure even in his old age; his muscles were still visible, his casual clothes tight fitting, and his brown hair streaked with gray tied into a neat ponytail. He eyed his son, who was looking down blankly at the floor form his seat. Mavon did not blame his child, the news had caught them all off guard. He turned his attention back to Jezi, the village elder, who was being helped onto a chair by Yuman and Jasof.

"We must comply; one male child from every family, or provisions provided by those with no scion."

Jezi shook his wrinkled bald head, "We cannot betray the villagers like this!"

"Elder, we betray no one." Mavon replied harshly, "The Paardian barbarians threaten us all."

The murmur of gossip floated outside the Elder's residence, Jezi pressed a bony palm to his forehead and shook it like a disgruntled dog. He raised his head at the name 'Paardian', and whispered something in a hushed voice to Mavon. The tall man nodded gravely, and the two engaged in quiet conversation.

Kael looked up, trying to distract himself from his chaotic train of thoughts. He caught sight of a man in elaborate armour strewn painstakingly together plate by plate, greave by greave. The splendid armour was matched by an elegant helmet with a small jewel embedded into the core. The armoured man caught sight of Kael looking at him, and returned the gaze. Kael had the distinct feeling that he was sizing him up.

The armoured man paused after a moment of this analysis, apparently satisfied. He smiled benignly at Kael, who quickly looked away, heart pounding. Who was this man?
But his question was answered no less than a minute later.

"Well then, Sir Gaesair?" Mavon beckoned.

The armoured man walked forward at once, Kael's eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of the huge longsword swaying along in it's scabbard at the Imperial Knight's side. It was the first time he had ever seen a real weapon other than his father's sturdy spear he took with him on patrols; compared to the elaborate longsword, the spear looked like a toy!

Jezi and Mavon looked expectantly at Gaesair, and the Knight removed a scroll from his breastplate and handed it to them. "Will you sign, Town Leader?" The Knight asked politely.

Hand trembling, Jezi barely managed to dip the quill in ink, much less scrawl untidy words across the parchment. The Knight folded the scroll up, satisfied, enquiring once more, "You do not use a stamp?"

"This village isn't really that structured." Mavon replied with a wry smile.

"Wai' wai' wai'." Yuman rumbled, getting up hastily. "Wots' going on now 'den?"

"Iben will join the Imperial Kingdom's armed response to the Paardians." Mavon replied swiftly. "I'm sorry, Yuman." He added, clapping a hand over his friend.

The Knight was talking to Jezi again now. "... We'll have the provisions and equipment delivered by the week. Again, I'm terribly sorry about the current state of affairs ..."

"A hundred men." Jezi said firmly, his voice cracking.

"A hundred it is." Sir Gaesair agreed, "I will ask for no more than what you have graciously given." With that, the Imperial Knight strode out of the residence. The two guards outside of the residence promptly followed the Knight. All three mounted their stallions waiting for them in Jezi's stable, and galloped away. Kael swallowed as he realized the group of armoured men he had seen outside Heimer's Pass when he entered the village weren't the usual watchmen.

"Let's go home." Mavon said simply, taking hold of Kael's hand and attempting to lead him out.

Kael remained seated.

Mavon tugged again, and Kael got to his feet, much to Mavon's relief. As the two walked silently across the cobbled path where everyone was rushing about, Kael finally said something to break the silence settling over them. "Father?" The word was raw, and new to him. He had never been close to his father, the legendary veteran soldier who had chosen a quiet life in a rural village.

Mavon seemed every bit as taken aback as he was at the sudden family formal title, but he kept whatever he thought of it to himself as he replied solemnly. "Yes?"

"Why?"

Kael knew how unclear the question was, but he had always been vague, having no real prior knowledge of voicing his thoughts. He had inherited that much from his emotionless, blank-faced father. "I don't know." Mavon admitted.

They walked on in silence for another good five minutes, nearing the small cottage nestled against the river that they called home. The horse-cart full of bricks had been placed beside the cottage walls; Mavon grunted in approval when he saw it. "Will you be alright?" He asked suddenly.

Taken aback by this sudden question, Kael stuttered, "I- I don't know."

"It won't be for long - well - it will - but you'll be okay."

"How do you know that?" Kael asked, feeling a lump in his throat, and butterflies in his stomach. "I've never fought before."

"What?" Mavon replied, surprise showing in his voice.

Kael was equally bewildered. "What, what? I thought this was the subject of me going off to war?"

"You're not." Mavon replied through gritted teeth, "I won't let you go to war. You're too young."

"Father everyone is going. We can't escape it. Didn't you agree- ?" Kael begun, but he was cut off by his one of his father's rare smiles - grimaces, really. "You're not going." He said with an air of finality.

Sensing his son was about to ask another question, Mavon cut him off mid-speak.

"You're not going - I am."