The Hammer of Champions

  CHAPTER 1

  KING GOLDEN

  “The people in my lands are starving while this so called Earl lives in opulence so great it’s almost disgusting” Baron Cohenny said as he slammed his fist down on the table. “The mine he found in his lands should be for all nobles to enjoy, what he is doing with it is disgraceful. Commoners are rising up and believe they are at the same standing as we are just because they have a few coins in their purses. The so called Earl cannot even call himself a true Ketian, just four years ago he was at the head of an invasion force. With all of the riches and self-sustainment of his lands and with both of you being so new in your power, who is to say this Earl would not try to seize power for himself? After all, he rarely if ever comes to court even for a big event like the marriage of your son.”

  King Golden took a deep breath as his wife, Queen Caroline squeezed his hand. Caroline had nothing but respect and faith in the Earl of Tox. Twenty five years ago he had been instrumental in not only saving her life from multiple assassins, his actions severely crippled the former nation of Tavor and directly led to them being absorbed into the Ketian Empire. King Golden on the other hand grew up with the Earl of Tox, although their relationship was severely strained. Golden’s sister Mary had been married to the Earl, she unknowingly to Golden had been tortured under the direction of the former King. The former king tasked the Earl with destroying some of the mage schools in Tavor during the war and promised he would see to it Mary would be well taken care of. The former King had blackmailed the Earl into the mission by holding Mary hostage. Golden was trying to care for his sister but according to the former King, Mary did not want to be cared for. When left alone she would refuse to eat or bathe and even cut her hair and attempted to harm herself regularly. When the Earl finished his mission he would be mortified at the appearance of his wife. Unfortunately Mary had saw herself as a weakness and thought the King would continue to use her to get to her husband and ultimately ended up taking her own life. Although the Earl and Golden were best friends at the time, he never forgave Golden and refused to be anywhere near him. He didn’t come to his wedding with then Princess Caroline or when Golden was coronated as King when the former King died and Caroline’s mother abdicated. The Earl had somewhat decent relations though with his wife Caroline and his children Carolina and Tanner. The Earl had always had little respect for fools or blowhard nobles, Baron Cohenny was picking a fight against someone not only higher in rank, but who would challenge him with little provocation.

  “Listen Baron Cohenny” Golden said with a sigh. “The Earl sends in all taxes taken from his mines and his fields and it a considerable source of wealth for the kingdom. Why should I interfere? If he splits it even more then the Kingdom overall would be weakened. Surely some peasants with money does not offend you that much, especially when they are nowhere near your lands.”

  “That is just it your Majesty” Baron Cohenny explained. “He is giving all miners and farmers half of everything they mine or work for. There are a lot of newly rich families in his lands and the word has spread, many of my merchants have left to set up in his lands. Not only that but a lot of my field hands have also left since they are getting land for free and keep half of everything. He is wrecking my economy.”

  “I do not see how exactly that is his fault Baron Cohenny” Queen Caroline interjected. “The Earl was raised to that position by right of being adopted by the former King. He grew up a peasant so it would reason he would make life easier for his own peasants. Tell me have you ever met with Earl Tox?”

  “He does not respond to any missives I have sent him” Baron Cohenny replied. “Listen your majesties, I am not the only noble with complaints against the boy Earl.”

  “Earl Tox is far from a boy Baron” King Golden replied. “I grew up with him, he is 41 summers, do not let his appearance fool you.”

  “41 summers?” The Baron Exclaimed. “I saw him four years ago and he didn’t look a day over 20 summers at best. If I had to take a guess I would put him at 17 then, now he should be about 21 summers. What brand of magic is he practicing?”

  “That would be between you and him to figure out” Queen Caroline replied.

  “He doesn’t answer any of my missives and is aloof as far as nobles go” Baron Cohenny replied. “Why he didn’t even answer me back when he was invited to the coming out ceremony of my granddaughter Lena. At only 17 summers she has the talent like you do Your Majesties and would make anyone a fine wife.”

  “So your outrage is coming from the fact he ignored an invitation to court your granddaughter?” Queen Caroline asked.

  “Well yes, I mean no your Majesty” Baron Cohenny explained. “By not even responding he sent a great insult. The Duke of Haggerty is showing off his daughter Jessica, although she is practically an old maid at this point at 22 summers, the Duke has not found anyone he would be willing to marry her off to.”

  “Caroline was 22 when she married High Mage Edmonson” Queen Caroline spoke.

  “Well a Princess will always find suitors Your Majesty” Baron Cohenny said and caught himself smoothly. “Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to marry into the royal family?”

  “Whatever the case, I try not to involve myself in the nonviolent dealing of my nobles” King Golden replied. “I will warn you though, Earl Tox is not an enemy you wish to make. Ask the former leadership of the defunct kingdom of Tavor.”

  “Your Majesty, with all due respect I doubt the so called Earl did half of what is attributed to him” Baron Cohenny said dismissively. “The only reason I have come to you is because not all of your nobles are of Ketian birth, they are content for now to bicker in our circles outside the monarchy. However they are fed up with this Earl and the disrespect he shows. It would go a long way of building bridges if he were at least seen in public, especially since it is rumored he was the cause of us losing the land that now makes up the five kingdoms. It is now filled with former traitors who bow down to the barbarian kings.”

  “Thank you for your candor Baron” King Golden replied. “I will think about what you have said and will see you next at Haggerty’s party for his daughter.”

  Golden watched as the Baron bowed deeply then left the room. Tanner was his own man and quite frankly it was easier not dealing with his former friend since Tanner had made it obvious that he wanted nothing to do him. Ever since Golden ascended the throne, Tanner had not been hostile and had not struck him like he had at his father’s funeral, but he wasn’t exactly welcoming either. Golden’s children got to know and love him though, Tanner had taken his son hunting, something the future king of Ket enjoyed. He had also insisted Carolina join him whenever she was in town and her husband only had great things to say about Tanner and how he acted similar to Golden just without the filter on his mouth.

  “The Baron may have a point” Queen Caroline said as she faced her husband. “Most of the skilled farmers are jumping at the chance to own their own land for free if they can farm it. This is creating a void in other parts of the kingdom. Not to mention Tanner has been buying up the land belonging to other nobles too blind to see the big picture. Tanner’s people are mostly well off, in other parts of our kingdom this is not so with most of the skilled peasants deciding to move to Tox. Him at least visiting another noble would go a long way. Besides I want to meet this Tara.”

  “Tara?” King Golden asked confused. “Who is Tara?”

  “Tara is the girl that has Tanner’s favor right now” Queen Caroline replied. “When Carolina was visiting she snooped and noticed a dress hung up in Tanner’s wardrobe. Not to mention there was a certain servant around who did not seem to have a job. She also seemed too comfortable talking to Carolina, like she was used to conversing with
nobles. Of course, I had to ask Stephen, Tanner’s bodyguard/manservant and he swore me to secrecy. Stephen is of the mind Tanner will stop this romance if too many people are in his business. I loved Mary but I for one am happy he is at least trying again.”

  “Tanner has a girl?” Golden just replied shocked. “What do we know of her, what can we do to cultivate this relationship? After all he has been through he deserves a little happiness, he has mourned Mary long enough.”

  “I already asked that” Queen Caroline replied. “Stephen thinks the best thing to do is leave it all alone. Tanner can be downright hostile if he thinks people are as he says, sticking their noses where it doesn't belong.”

  “Well it will probably go over better if you invite him to Haggerty’s” Golden replied. “We are still somewhat estranged to put it nicely.”

  “I will send Carolina and even our son to hand deliver my note if need be” the Queen said as she gave her husband a kiss. “We both know there are those who loved King Edward when he was king and who really don't want us on the throne. Worse, our Tavorian nobles have had talks about trying to form their own country again and elect their own king. You were born a commoner and my parents were from Tavor. We really can’t afford to make any new enemies, especially because of something like Tanner refusing to play nice with other nobles.”

  CHAPTER 2

  “So are you gonna stand there all day looking like someone stuffed you with horse cock or are you going to come in?” Tanner said as he stared at the son of his former friend, King Golden standing at the door.

  “Uncle Tanner, I know I came a bit unannounced but” Prince Tanner said before Tanner cut him off.

  “Don't you try all that fancy talk with me boy” Tanner said with a smile. “I’m not those bollock brained nobles you are used to dealing with. You are family, you can have the run of this place whenever you want. Where is that little missy who was stupid enough to marry a brute like you?”

  “My wife is at home Uncle, we are expecting and the carriage ride makes her sick” Prince Tanner explained. “She sends her apologies.”

  “You tell her as soon that drops she bloody well owes me a drink” Tanner replied. “Now come on in and tell me what this visit is all about. Don’t make me box your ears by telling me some kind of porky about how you were just in the area. I may not look it, but I am still a lot older than you.”

  “I couldn’t hide it could I?” Prince Tanner asked.

  “Not when you are looking like the cat who just got caught eating the family dinner” Tanner replied. “The fact they sent you here to deal with me means whatever you are going to ask me is something I would tell almost anyone else to either bugger off or get stuffed. I am amazed they didn’t make the girl come with you.”

  “Well Uncle, you see” Golden said before the door opened and in walked Princess Carolina with her husband Edmonson.

  “Aww pit, you even got the jinx flinger tied up in this” Tanner said as he looked over Edmonson. “I think I better fix myself a little drink before I say no to whatever it is you lot are selling. You might as well come on in, I was just having dinner.”

  Tanner led the trio to his dining area, his servants who he normally ate with started picking up their trays to go elsewhere. Tara, the daughter of one of the miners looked unsure at first but quickly picked up her plate and followed the rest of them out to eat in the servants’ quarters. As Tanner set down other servants came by and slid plates of food in front of his guest complete with wine. Tanner himself was having an ale.

  “Who was that girl Uncle?” Carolina asked.

  “What girl?” Tanner replied. “It matter nowt, now tell me what this is all about.”

  “Mother and father are in a bad situation” Carolina began. “Their position is a little shaky and other nobles have been talking about how you run your lands.”

  “You tell these other nobles whoever those tossers are if they have a problem with me I am not too hard to find” Tanner said as he took a sip of ale. “That's why I don't hang around those barmy twat waffles, always trying to find an angle and crying about perceived insults. I don't know how your jinx flinger keeps himself from setting the lot of them on fire.”

  “Milord” Edmonson said in a half gasp half chuckle.

  “You don't have to put on some play with me” Tanner replied. “I know you are just a farmer who got lucky and found yourself not only with a beautiful Princess, but with a lot of magical talent to boot. It is almost like history is repeating itself, just don’t forget where you came from and the people who helped you get there. And part of doing that is telling stuffy nobles where they can stuff it.”

  “Uncle I would consider it a personal favor if you agreed to it” Prince Tanner asked. “You can’t turn down your namesake, it's bad luck.”

  “Uncle we are only asking you to show your face at a ball and be somewhat respectful” Princess Carolina asked. “You are one of the most powerful nobles in Ket and are definitely amongst the richest despite coming in to your title relatively late. Where is Stephen at, I need him on my side.”

  “Stephen is off visiting the grandchildren” Tanner replied. “He is going to move closer to Daum and look out for my interest there. I’m not just some haughty jeweler or dirt picker, I am still in the hunting, trapping and tanning business.”

  “Of course you are Uncle, why don't you come along so at least people will stop asking me about your love interest” Carolina said and then smiled. “You can even bring that girl you keep denying exists, Tara I think her name was.”

  “What codswallop are you going on about?” Tanner asked. “You can tell anyone who wants to know my business to either have a chinwag with me themselves or bugger off.”

  “I see you didn't bring up Tara in that whole attempt to change the conversation” Carolina smiled.

  “Get control of your woman jinx flinger” Tanner said nodding to Edmonson. “She has too much of her mother in her she does. You remind me of another girl that didn't know how to mind her own business with a mouth too big for her own good.”

  “And what girl was that?” Prince Tanner asked.

  “It was your aunt, my wife Mary” Tanner said and laughed a little. “She never knew how to mind her own business and got pleasure putting the screws to me. Tell you lot what, I’ll go to whatever this dodgy get together is and try my best not to drop a clanger. In return you lot get off my love life or lack thereof.”

  “I agree to that” Prince Tanner replied.

  “Now jinx flinger, when are there going to be other little jinx flingers running around here” Tanner asked. “Whenever there are, you bring em over here so I can at least put a little common sense into em, make sure they don’t grow up all noble like these two dodgy family members of mine.”

  “We are trying on it Uncle Tanner” Edmonson said slightly embarrassed. “You know Uncle, it is difficult calling you that when you look at least ten years younger than I do.”

  “It’s good genes” Tanner replied. “My secret to long life is to not suffer the company of idiots and those who think they are better than everyone else. It’s got me looking good and those blokes under me seem to be having a randy time at it although they are a little buggered I don't allow pleasure houses in this land. Anyone I catch with one gets kicked out along with anyone who would visit such a place.”

  “You outlawed pleasure houses?” Prince Tanner asked.

  “You damn right I did” Tanner said as he finished his drink. “Ran those bastards clean out of town, any of my citizens caught at a place like that even if out of my borders get the boot and my agreement with them as far as work arrangements is nil. I find it easier to kick people out of here, once they find out how life is like on the other side they beg to come back in.”

  “Thank you Uncle” Prince Tanner said as he reached over to touch his Uncle’s hand. “This means a lot to my mother and although I know you and my Da don't exactly get along it means a lot to him too.”

  “You
just remember that I am not some kind of fancy dan who likes to get dressed up all frilly and prance about at these things every week or month. Another four years will fly by before you catch me dead at another get up like whatever this is.”

  Tanner finished his meal and enjoyed his time with Edmonson, Carolina and Prince Tanner. Edmonson was a powerful mage, he was not on the level of king but he could cast quicker than any mage Tanner had ever seen. It was a scandal that Tanner enjoyed when he heard a poor farm boy caught Carolina’s eye. A short, dark haired, tanned skin peasant hooked the Princess. Many nobles were incensed that their sons were passed over for some peasant. Even when it was found out he was at the top of his class as far as dueling went they were still angry, just not angry enough to confront Edmonson with it. Tanner showed him and Carolina to their rooms, his niece reminded him so much of Mary it was heartbreaking at first. She looked like a little miniature Mary since she had her mother’s svelte figure whereas Mary was tall and not at all weak looking. Tanner walked back to his rooms where Tara was waiting for him inside.

  “Well glad that’s over” Tanner said as he looked at the girl. Tara was the daughter of a miner, before Tanner found her she was a part time tavern girl. Tara was 20 years his junior but Tanner had stopped aging at 17 due to his unique ability as a mage breaker and the gifts bestowed upon him by his sword. Tara was a girl who knew what she wanted though and wasn’t scared to get her hands dirty. Tanner figured it was time to find himself someone to settle down with and she was as good as anyone, it was just that he could see she always wanted more. Tara wanted the big house and all the prestige and people bowing and scraping before her. Tanner wanted none of that and preferred to keep his private life private.

  “Those nosy folks have figured out we have something going on” Tanner said as he took a seat in his chair.

  “Well do we?” Tara asked. “You haven't even really touched me aside from a kiss or two here and there. I doubt you have told the Prince and Princess of Ket about your personal life.”