The Heart of The Mountain

Nice!

He arrived at the appointed time, clean and presentable and was ushered into Nasha’s presence. The setting and her attire were a touch more formal than before, and her smile while genuine a bit more distant. What lay before them was a matter of importance, and as before he dropped to a knee in deference to her position. At a nod the guards withdrew beyond the doorways, close at hand but not privy to the conversation.

Seeing he grasped the seriousness of the discussion her smile warmed a bit. “You look well,” she said and gestured for him to rise.

The Mountain returned the smile as he stood, “And you look regal.”

Nasha inclined her head, accepting the compliment. “I have found several who I believe may be what you seek. All are interested in meeting you. It is nice to have the luxury to meet both the needs of the Court and the happiness of my family. Though should you marry and make them miserable…” the tone was light, almost joking, but the stated threat most real.

He nodded in acknowledgement.

“Very well. You shall be our guest for the next three days. During which you will spend time with each of them and by the end of the third day I expect an answer. Should it be marriage, we will arrange for the happy occasion quickly. Should you not find what you’re looking for, then once again you leave with our thanks.”
“I have told them this is a matter I am considering and by no means certain. Each knows there are others I am considering but not necessarily who, though they may guess. All are talented, well-educated and beautiful. Treat them well,” she pauses a moment to ensure the instructions are emphasized before continuing.

“The first you shall meet is Arya. She is ambitious and aids in the running of the Court. Few have her knowledge of the various individuals who seek to apply their influence here either from within or without. She is also a talented musician with a beautiful voice.”

“Next you shall meet Roshni. Her interests are varied, lacking a central focus. This breadth has made her an excellent tutor for other members of the family. She’s more impulsive than the others but is one of the brightest and most helpful.”

“After Roshni you will meet Shirin,” she smiled a bit as she mentioned the name. “Shirin is a warrior, trained to fight from horseback and afoot. She may offer to spar with you but be warned, she is known to show up those who underestimate her.”

“After Shirin you will meet Vashti. She has followed her father into the merchant trade. Her father is a well-known and respected horse trader. The tack that Vashti makes and provides is all any true horseman can ask.”

“Finally you will meet Ruana. She is the most studious of the five and fascinated by the First City and its history. Though a bit more reserved in general than the others, she is as passionate as any with the things that truly interest her.”

“You will learn more of them when you speak, but I thought it well to provide some background before beginning. I have provided each of them some information about you and answered their questions within reason. Do you have any questions before meeting Arya?”

The Mountain paused for a moment considering. “How will I meet the next one and what happens when I’ve met all of them?”

“Once done with one of them the guards will help arrange for your next meeting, either bringing them to you or taking you somewhere to meet them. Once you have met each of them, you may request more time with any of them and arrangements will be made. They may also send you messages which will be kept until an appropriate time. They are aware that you’re not literate and that any message will be voiced aloud.”

“Will I see you over the next three days?”

Nasha shook her head. “Not unless the need is great. There is much I must attend to.”

The Mountain nodded then remained quiet.

“Very well. The guards will take you to the gardens to where Arya awaits you. We will speak again soon.”

Dismissed The Mountain once again offered his respects and left. Two guards met him as he stepped outside the room, one leading and one trailing. He was reminded of the long tunnels he would go through to enter the arena and wondered whether Larissa would smile upon him and bring him victory in his pursuits. Only time would tell.

To be continued…

Thoroughly enjoying the story. Looking forward to the next instalment.

They made their way out of the gardens and back into the palace where they headed upstairs to one of the suites. The lead guard knocked then stepped aside. A female voice from inside called “Enter,” as The Mountain reached the door. As he entered the room the trailing guard took up station on the other side of the door within easy call but once again out of earshot.

As with the other suites he had been in this one was luxuriously appointed, though he had little time to notice before discovering the sole occupant of the room semi-reclined on a large couch. While he had been assured all of the women would be beautiful, Roshni was truly breathtaking. He paused, caught off-guard by her appearance, which granted her the opportunity to smile and rise. Standing she was taller than Arya, her thick black hair artfully arranged and large brown eyes that called to be drowned in. Her outfit was designed to flatter and impress and while not as provocative as a Larissan’s, it was enticing.

Recovering from his surprise he offered her a glorious smile, and pulling himself up to his full height announced himself. “I am…The Mountain,” he stated boldly.

Roshni grinned at his statement and moved to stand close before him. “Good afternoon, The Mountain. I am Roshni, and very pleased to meet you,” reaching out she took his hand and tugged gently. “Why don’t we sit and be comfortable, hmmm?”

She led him over to the couch and once seeing him seated retrieved a plate and goblet of wine and returned with it. “I thought you might be hungry, so I assembled some choice selections for your pleasure. I hope they meet with your satisfaction.” She sat down close to him on the couch, her leg next to his.

“I’m sure they will.”

“Wonderful! Then you should have some now,” and she picked up one of the delicacies before he could reach for any and brought it to his lips. “Allow me,” and with a nod of ascent she began to feed him. It was done at a slow pace allowing him to savor the various fruits and foods, while providing him commentary on what they were.

“I heard you were a tutor. What do you teach?”

Roshni smiled mischeviously, “Why whatever I think they need to learn. I’m sure there are things I could teach you as well.”

“You teach what all those funny squiggles mean?”

She laughed. “You mean writing?” The Mountain nodded.

“Yes, I speak eight languages fluently and write in them as well. I’ve studied history, religion, art, architecture, music and a variety of other subjects. Whatever catches my interest I pursue passionately,” she noted pointedly.

“You for instance have me intrigued. I’ve seen several of your bouts here in the First City, including the one where you got that lovely champion’s chain,” as she spoke she reached out and glided her hand down the long headspine and down part of his chest before withdrawing it. “I have heard of your exploits in Almeric, in Milandir and even here within the First City and the various children you have entertained and assisted along the way. I can name the opponent you faced where you got this scar on your arm,” tracing it with her finger. “You strike me as a powerful man full of life, compassion and conviction. You have a flare for the dramatic, and an unflagging energy,” she rested a hand lightly on his arm, “that is most impressive. Should we be matched, I will certainly do my best to keep up. Still, I understand that may be difficult, so I may need assistance.”

Roshni clapped her hands twice and a door to one of the inner rooms of the suite opened. Stepping out of the room was a beautiful, provocatively dressed dancer likely from Milandir or Almeric. Amongst her various jewelry was the golden coin holy symbol of Larissa dangling on a short chain around her neck. She smiled invitingly at The Mountain, though addressed Roshni. “Your will, mistress?”

Roshni glided across the room recovering an instrument and looked at The Mountain. “Given your penchant for pageantry I thought the lovely Brigit would make a fitting and energetic opening act, with myself as the main attraction…” her voice trailed off and her bold confidence faded as she looked at The Mountain.

Up until Brigit entered, The Mountain had been curious and had been very attentive as Roshni had explained her training and teachings. It moved to puzzlement when she stood and clapped, then surprise when Brigit entered. What was evident through his surprise was the mixture of emotions behind it. His posture became more guarded, eyes narrowing, there was a flash of anger, disappointment and others less distinct, in the end his expression softened. He stood, “I think it’s time for my next appointment. Thank you for spending time with me.”

His dismissal finally stirred movement in Roshni again, “I’m sorry. I didn’t see, I thought but it didn’t… can we talk?” Her speech was fragmented as if her mind’s thoughts were triggering the next utterance before the former could be completed. Her demeanor spoke of sincere regret.

“Those who rely too much on the sight of others often fail to see what is before them,” he replied. Mixed with the rebuke there was a note of sorrow in his voice and while it was the same voice it was spoken differently.

He offered her a bow as a sign of respect for her position, then opened the door and stepped out without another word or glance back. As he came through the guards on either side of him nodded then fell into position as they headed away, The Mountain paused and asked, “Can we get something to eat? I’m hungry and don’t want to meet someone on an empty stomach. What if my stomach started rumbling? That would be bad.”

With a chuckle the guards changed course and headed for lunch.

To be continued…

This time The Mountain was led to a workshop. Inside a woman stood tools in hand finishing up a bit of detail work on an exquisite saddle. Sensing their presence she put down the tools, smiled warmly and stepped forward. She offered an appropriate gesture of respect, “Welcome. I am Vashti, and well pleased to make your acquaintance.” Her gaze was steady and open. Her hair was a light shade of brown and sun kissed. By height she was the most imposing of those she had met, easily taller than Roshni. She was well, a beautifully worked sleeveless white leather jacket over loose fitting white garments chased in gold. While her ensemble was exquisite, it was practical allowing her to work without impediment and ride without issue.

The Mountain pulled himself up into an arena pose. “I am… The Mountain,” he announced, returning her warm greeting. At a nod from Vashti, the two guards withdrew, leaving the two to their discussion.

Looking at the saddle, The Mountain’s eyes went wide. “Wow! That’s very pretty. Did you do all that?” and he looked at her expectantly. If the question troubled her, it didn’t show in her demeanor or answer. She smiled without indulgence or condescension.

“Yes. I am a master leatherworker and devote my craft to gear for horses. I get to combine two of my loves.”

“You made your jacket though, right?”

“Why do you say that?” Vashti asked curiously.

“The flourish on your collar. That’s like that point,” and he pointed at a section of the saddle trim.

Vashti smiled and looked impressed. “Good eye. Yes, I made the jacket. I do things for myself and on occasion for others. It’s a nice change of pace and a challenge.”

She considered The Mountain. “Do you ride?”

The Mountain shrugged. “Yes, but not well.”

“Allow me to share my joy with you and provide a few tips that could help make your future travels, easier,” the pitch was easy and hard to refuse.

“Ok. Sounds like fun. Where do we get horses?” he looked around as if expecting that they would appear in the room.

Vashti smiled broadly, “Come. I know where we can find some.” She rested a handly lightly on his arm and pointed to a different door. “This way.”

“Um, Firuz? We’re going off riding. Ok?”

The guard moved through the door when The Mountain called out and nodded. “We will await your return here.” Firuz looked at Vashti. “If it would be better for us to meet him elsewhere, send word.”

She inclines her head in acknowledgement. “Of course, Firuz. We will be some time, so feel free to seek refreshments while we’re gone.”

Firuz nods his thanks.

Vashti applies only the slightest pressure on The Moutain’s arm to guide him towards the door and off they went. The journey wasn’t overly long. Eventually they reached the stables. “Select your mount from among these,” as they walked past a variety. There were impressive looking stallions and as they passed the first one Vashti smiled. “A fine stallion, three years with impressive strength and speed,” The horse snorted and The Mountain nodded his consideration though kept walking. A few more down the line a gorgeous bay caught his eye.

“Excellent eye!” Vashti commented, “She’s a favorite of the Golden Court and often taken out. She runs like the wind itself.” Once again he nodded and moved on. They moved past more than a dozen other horses with Vashti providing a comment or encouragement before The Mountain stopped. He stood before a large black stallion though notably older than the others. He considered for a moment.

“This one.”

She looked at him curiously. “Why this one?”

The Mountain looked at her like a very serious child, “This one is older and wiser.”

“Oh?”

“There’s a bit of silver in his coat and he seems nicer. And he’s big and strong enough for me,” he concluded.

Vashti nodded then smiled. “Older and wiser it is. Meet Batmognke, prized stallion of Delgerzorig who along with his fellow Takomir rode down and broke the final line of invading demons guarding the gates of Jappa.”

The Mountain reached out his hand for Batmognke to become familiar with him before reaching up to pet him. “He’s a nice horse.”

She laughed. “And more mellow now than during the war. Come let us be off.”

Vashti gathered tack and harness for both the stallion and her mare before they made their way off. Their conversation was engaged and animated and ranged from horses to his travels to her business and that of her family. She seemed more interested in the places he had gone and the people he had met than with the fights he’d had along the way. She asked about the chain he wore and he happily told her the story. It was done with the same gusto as earlier, though far less acrobatics as they rode rather than being on foot.

At times during the conversation she would alter the pace or shift a bit suddenly, though gracefully. Though hard to distinguish at first, it became more apparent that they were tests of his abilities and she began providing suggestions for how better to respond.

“Are you testing me?” The Mountain asked after yet another odd shifts.

Vashti grinned and smiled. “Just feeling out your limits and potential. You seem to have the natural grace and talent to excel, though appear little used to riding.”

“That’s true,” he replied nodding solemnly.

Eventually they returned to the stables and passed off their horses to grooms to care for. As they approached the room where they met, Vashti stopped and looked up at The Mountain.

“May I ask a question?”

“Uh, didn’t you just do that? And you’ve asked lots, so why ask about asking?”

She smiled at the humor. “What are you looking for?”

The Mountain looked at her blankly. “What do you mean?”

“Our meeting today, meetings with others. I understand you may wed one of those you spend time with. So, what are you looking for?”

“Someone who sees me as me,” he stated firmly and nodded.

“And what do you offer in return?”

“Why, being me!” he then realized she might be referring to something else. “Oh! Do you mean like gifts? Gifts are nice. I could get you one. Is that what you’re talking about?”

Vashti shook her head. “It’s important to be a good judge of character as a merchant. There is more to you than our conversation would warrant. You have excellent instincts such as with Batmongke or aren’t as…” she paused reconsidering her words.

“Yes?”

“You grasp things or react more quickly than many might expect.”

“Oh?”

Vashti smiled and placed a hand lightly on his arm and with slight pressure they resumed their walk. As they returned to the room she looked at him. “Shall we meet again? I don’t feel like we’ve reached an understanding yet, and I would hate to leave unfinished business.”

The Mountain nodded. “Ok.”

She rested her hand on his arm, “Until then,” she said.

He nodded and called out for his escort who promptly opened the door.

“Good bye!” he returned and then followed Firuz towards where he would meet the last of the women, Nasha had arranged for.

To be continued…

Firuz and Parviz led The Mountain through the Palace and up to a large library. Within was a woman more formally dressed than the others he met, though the clothes seemed designed to be comfortable and not hamper movement. She stood at a table, various scrolls and tomes spread out, quill in hand making notes and engrossed in her work. Oblivious to their arrival, The Mountain had a few moments to study her.

She moved with purpose, hands reaching to different materials before making additional notes. Her black hair was pulled back and kept away from her eyes by a jeweled hair pin. Her intensity added to her presence and bearing. Her bare arms pointed to a more active lifestyle than the present setting suggested. Almost overlooked was an ornate, though ancient looking scimitar hanging from a belt on the chair behind her. While exquisite, its craftsmanship spoke to a weapon made to be used rather than simply worn.

“I am, The Mountain,” he announced in a quieter voice in deference to his surroundings. Having announced his presence he dropped to a knee as a sign of respect. The guards were also more precise in their salute, their respect evident.

She looked up, eyes quickly moving to take in the newcomers and came to some assessment. Pulling herself to her full height she stood as tall as any he had met, perhaps even taller. She projected a sense of authority and her eyes shone with intelligence. She smiled politely. “Greetings The Mountain. I am Ruana, Loremaster of the Maghir, assistant to Kaveh. I am pleased to meet you.”

The Mountain grinned as he stood. “Me too.” His eyes strayed to the table with all the books, manuscripts and scrolls.

“Tell me, what…”Ruana’s question was cut off as The Mountain moved over to the table.

“Wow! Lots of books with squiggles,” The Mountain moved around then sighed. “None with pictures,” he concluded sadly.

The interruption and being ignored didn’t go over well with Ruana especially given The Mountain’s commentary. She looked poised to issue an angry retort and then stopped and watched him closely. He continued to stare at the various documents at all sorts of angles, scanning to make sure he hadn’t missed any illustrations.

“Are you unfamiliar with the written word?” The Mountain looked up confused. “The squiggles?” She stared deep into his eyes as he nodded. “And you’d like to see…pictures?” Her voice was cool and detatched, though not cold. He nodded again. “Very well.”

Ruana moved to the table and scanned across the various works. She rolled an ancient scroll to a different part, showing what might have been a depiction of the First City from ages past, though impossible to tell if real or imagined. The Mountain immediately became interested and moved over to review. Watching him she moved to another work – this one a folio, and found a battle scene focused on an impressive man wielding vast elemental power. She repeated the process until she had a half dozen illustrations of varying sizes laid out on the work table, then stepped back to allow him to examine them.

With each of the illustrations, The Mountain approached the work from the correct angle as it was clear which way it should be viewed. Through his process as he studied them, she studied him. As he neared the fifth illustration he asked, “So what is it that you’re learning about?”

Ruana had calmed down from her initial irritation and her voice was neutral when she replied. “I’m interested in the fall of the First Imperium and the state of the empire before the Theocracy of the Cleansing Flame swept to power. Large portions of the city were destroyed during the time of Leonydas val’Virdan, but before it the city was intact. Much of that original city is still here in the various levels of ruins and debris.”

She moved to the picture of the man wielding vast power. “Before the fall of the last Imperator, he had at his disposal a cadre of magicians that served him whose descendants became known as the Eryunellian Battle Mages. It was a time before the coming of the Sorcerer King of Ymmandragore, when the use of such powers were not considered anathema or heretical. It is an interesting time in history for as much as the churches’ teachings speak of the use of that power being a usurpation of the gods’ will and pure hubris, it was an accepted part of the fabric of life within the Imperial Court.”

She looks across the various documents as if seeking something. “Buried somewhere I believe are the keys to understanding the complex history of the interaction of priests and sorcerers. What caused the Battle Mages to fall out of favor? Was it the failure to protect the last Imperator? Was it their failure against the Myrantian Hegemony and were they blamed for the destruction caused by the war? Was it the hubris of the Sorcerer King and him being responsible for the beginning of the Time of Terror? Could it be that the churches were always against that channeling of the god’s power, but the will of the Imperators shielded them to operate as they saw fit? Was use of magic by those others that priests accepted by the population at large or were they feared even then?”

Ruana shrugged. “So little survived the time of Terror and then the Sorcerer King’s harvesting of both people and things of power, that there is little to go on. I have worked out a deal with Ambassador Tukufu who’s the proprietor at the Litera Scripta Manet to share research as well as access to rare tomes in the interest of discovering more about the Imperium of Man. These” as she gestured at the various works on the table, “are all I have been able to find discussing those times. The Ambassador has graciously offered to forward me any related works for a small fee of course. However, as interesting as that time and that particular peculiarity is, there is much to the ruins to be discovered of the heritage of at least five previous empires living here.”

Her voice had gained strength and passion, and both were clearly dear topics to her.

“Do the Eryuni…men Battle Mages still exist?” asked The Mountain, caught up in her tale.

She eyed him once more and shrugged. “It is said the last perished in fighting the Sorcerer King and the Myrantian Necromancer Lords. It’s possible that their descendants yet found sanctuary somewhere, hidden away from the plight of their brethren and away from the vast destruction the Time of Terror brought on. They would be a very interesting find as would any ruins or relics from their past. Sadly, any remains of note most likely can be found in the dusty tombs of Myrantia or upon the Isle of Tears.”
“Can you go and get the stuff from the dusty tombs? A good broom would get rid of the dust and make the stuff you’re looking for easier to find.”

Ruana looks at The Mountain a bit incredulously and then chuckles. “The capital of the Myrantian Hegemony sank into the Kraldjur Morass near the border between the Malfaelen’s of the Fellglade and the Ss’ethregoran Empire. It would be a bit hazardous to get there.”

The Mountain’s eyes got big. “More than a bit! Walking between two people fighting is a bad idea and walking between a lot of two people fighting a REALLY bad idea,” The Mountain moved away from the table and stared at the far wall. “Wars are dangerous places,” he noted thoughts far away.

She regarded him for a moment before walking over to him. “Why don’t we sit?” and she gestured to where a set of chairs and couches were arranged for a discussion.

“Ok,” and he walked over and took a seat on a couch. Ruana followed and sat in a chair opposite from him making talking easier.

“You fought in the 6th Crusade of Light as part of Count Felix’s Irregulars, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I may be good at fighting, but I don’t like war. Too many people die.”

Ruana nodded sympathetically.

Switching topics, The Mountain gestured to the scimitar. “Have you used that?”

It took her a moment to place the question in context. “Yes. I have helped sponsor expeditions into the undercity and elsewhere. Often I go along to see what I can learn or find. Lots of times the journeys are fruitless, empty corridors and rooms, dusty or damp or filled with mud. At times though we find new inhabitants who don’t like their homes or nests disturbed.”

She goes over and recovers the scimitar. “This is an heirloom that has been passed down from generation to generation and kept by the Loremasters of the Maghir. We are defenders of our people and more importantly the ways of our people. I have used it the defense of myself and others.”

“Keeping people safe is good.”

Ruana nodded. “I find it curious that Nasha thought I might be a good match for you. Why do you think that might be?”

“You’re good at telling stories, right?”

“Yeeesss….”

“I love good stories!” The Mountain adds with a bit of excitement, the somberness transforming into happiness once again.

She just looks at him. “Anything else?”

“Well, I like to travel and help people. So I go a lot of different places and find all sorts of strange things. I’ve been to the Haina Empire, through Almeric, Milandir, the Coryani Empire, the Hinterlands, the,” she cuts him off before he continues to run down what might be a very long list.

“I see. Do you like to tell stories?”

“Uh huh! I have all sorts of stories. Do you want to hear them?”

Ruana settles more comfortably into her chair. “Please.”

“Ok! So this necklace is a champion’s chain. I got this after beating a REALLY BIG ss’ressen. He was even bigger than me, though not by a lot. Both of us had beaten a lot of opponents to get to the end. And there we were, he with his axe and me with my trident. The battle was really tough! It wasn’t supposed to be to the death, but he wouldn’t give up and I didn’t want to die. He killed all of his other opponents. That’s sad. So we started out by waving to the crowd…”

For the second time that day he launched into a beloved and often told tale. From there he spoke of different adventures he had been on and the places he’d visited as well as the unusual people and creatures he’d encountered. At first Ruana just listened, but as he got further along in his storytelling she began asking more questions, probing at details and descriptions of places, people, the languages they spoke or how the speech sounded. He was sometimes able to remember a word or phrase from the conversations. Though not always clear what the words originally were, Ruana was able to identify each one. At a lull she seemed pensive.

“You have given me a lot to think on, The Mountain. Thank you,” and with that she stood up. “It is getting late and I believe we both have things we need to do.”

The Mountain stood as well, then dropped to a knee in respect. “Thank you for the time as well,” before standing back up.

“Can we talk again?” he asked her. “I’d like to hear some of your stories.”

Ruana nodded. “That would be nice,” she decided.

The Mountain smiled and headed for the door. As he stepped through he glanced back and saw her at the table moving one of the tomes that she had opened to an illustration had badly creased one of the folio pages below it. Cursing quietly she moved the book on top and slowly smoothed out the page below with her hand. When she was done it was if the crease had never been there. She glanced up as The Mountain finished moving through the door, aware that he had likely seen what she had done. He shut the door and looked at Firuz and Parviz.

“Can we get something to eat? I’m hungry,” and as if on queue his belly rumbled.

“Of course, The Mountain,” Firuz responded. “I expect you’ve had a busy day and with that they headed back towards the kitchens for a late dinner.

To be continued…

Still good! And I even geta shout out to Tukufu.

But what’s the secret The Mountain whispered to Nasha in the beginning? I’ve wracked my mind but can’t come with anything better than “And she must love dogs.” I’m pretty sure that’s not it.

Eric,

It seemed hardly fitting to include a scholar living in the First City whose unaware of Tukufu! Likewise I would hope that should music be the subject Vincens or at least his Academy would come to mind as well.

I’m glad you’re still enjoying the story. Right now I’m about a third of the way through telling it at least in terms of “scenes.” Not sure how long in terms of actual word count. I’ve sketched out in a couple sentences each of the next 10 chunks and would guess there are probably another 5ish and an epilogue beyond that.

As for what The Mountain shared with Nasha, that will come out much more clearly over the next 10. There are hints within the story so far that I hope at a minimum will be able to be put in context in hindsight. He is taking risks in going through this process and sharing any secret requires trust especially given the limited time frame he has to work with. The introductions gave each party a chance to feel out the other and get more of a sense of why they were there. Each realizes to some extent that they were picked and has to ask themselves, why them? amongst other questions.

One thing I’m striving for is that all the notable NPCs have plans, ambitions, and a story that this one is simply interacting with. Ideally I’ll bring them to life enough that the choices they make make sense for them, even if they’re not the ones the reader would make. I’m currently working on the impressions of The Mountain that each woman was left with after their initial encounter and will likely do the same for him. The impressions and questions they have will shape how the next encounter goes.

The end isn’t written yet except in the broadest sense. Writing through the next sections will provide more clarity to us where the story’s going and how it will end. I have some other work to do that I want to get done this week that will eat into my time to work on this story, so I expect the pace of posting will slow until I’m through that. For the delays I ask your patience.

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul