TRICKS & TROUBLE - CULLEN PART 3

CHAPTER ONE
TRICKS AND TROUBLE

The human Kingdom, ruled by High King Remus the First was bordered by two things; the sea to the south and a great mountain range to the north. No man had ever crossed the mountains or the sea, at least not any man that history could recall. Recorded human history didn’t go back far enough to determine where the many humans had originally come from. Perhaps their ancestors crossed those mountains to arrive in the Kingdom of Holdfast.
The mountains, named the Everwinter Mountains since most of their tops were covered in snow all years round, ran from one end of the continent to the other, bordering Holdfast to the west, Vess in the middle and the largest land, the grasslands of Rath in the east.
Legends warned man about creatures that dwelt beneath the mountains. Goblins that were known as Redcaps because of their habit of dipping their caps in the blood of their victims. They were large for Goblins, standing as high as most men and they carried weapons as well. They were crafty and kept to the edges of the mountain or the lower slopes, but were mostly thought of as rumors or ancient stories as were any about the Faery races.
More than one hundred miles beneath the Everwinter Mountains, Bluudfang, the leader of the Redcaps, walked with his fighters in search of an old chamber, carved out by rushing water from an underground river.
Goblins have excellent vision in the dark and see quite well in their tunnel homes, but at this depth, even they feared the dark. Lichen and mushrooms glowed with phosphorescence and lit the path the Goblins followed deeper and deeper into the ground.
Bluudfang entered a large cavern and looked around at the smooth walls. In the far side was the only other exit from the chamber, a black hole that went even deeper. Carved against the side wall of the tunnel was a symbol that caused great worry in the Goblins that accompanied their leader.
The warriors spread out around Bluudfang and brandished their weapons, nervously waiting and watching the dark hole ahead of them. Soon scratching and clicking sounds emerged from the dark tunnel and the Goblins twittered with anxiety.
Bluudfang stood strong, fearless in the face of even this unknown. Soon blinking lights could be seen in the tunnel, reds and yellows, some blue as the creatures inside communicated to each other soundlessly. But the clicking and chittering was clearer as they approached.
Two hulking creatures came out first, into the soft light of the glowing lichen. They stood six feet tall and were covered in shell like great black beetles. The clicking sounds came from their small mouth parts that were constantly moving, like massive insects. They each had a pair of horns that stuck out from the faces and they were imposing to even Bluudfang.
From behind them came another figure, smaller and delicate. A female elf walked into the chamber to stand in the middle of her two guards. She was beautiful and all black, covered in tiny scales like a snake. Her eyes glowed red and a ripple of color went across her skin as excitement registered in her body.
“Greetings Chieftain of the Shuc’tac,” she said in an alluring voice, using the old tongue for Goblins. She was a member of the Dark Fae, legendary even to creatures of Faery, thought long lost and a danger gone for good. But here she stood, conversing with the Redcap Chieftain.
“I greet you in return Dark One. How are you called?” Bluudfang asked in his deeper scratchy voice. Fangs protruded from his lower jaw and he flexed them in a sign of respect.
“I am Sister Shiv of the Host. I am pleased you agreed to meet with me again.” She stood with complete confidence, glancing around at the other Goblins, making them twitch nervously and wave their swords about. Dark Fae were known to use terrible magic and the Goblins wondered what good their weapons would do.
“It is an honor to see a legend come to life, as it was the first time you came to me,” Bluudfang answered in all honesty, finding the female alluring and dangerous.
She wore only a loin cloth colored deep red to look almost black and her hair was dark blue, also dark to blend in with the tunnels of her kind. She wore no jewelry but carried a small globe that looked like glass or onyx. Dark shadows or clouds swirled inside, barely noticeable in the deep dark.
“Have the humans taken the bait?” she finally asked after watching the Chieftain for a moment.
“They have. The human King assembles his forces as we speak. He will search out the Faery folk wherever he can find them.” Bluudfang gave a toothy grin knowing his report was favorable.
“Very good. And your people are prepared to make a sacrifice if necessary?” Sister Shiv asked. More colors rippled across her lithe body in anticipation. The two hulking monstrosities clicked and chattered along with her, sensing her excitement.
“I know my part Sister. We will lead the humans to the Daoine Sidhe as soon as they are ready. You shall have your revenge.”
“The humans must believe that you are part of the Seelie Court! That is most important!” Her voice came out as a hiss with the threat clearly sounded.
“I understand. It will be done Mistress.” Bluudfang didn’t enjoy being berated, but he would do nothing to cross the Host. They were just too dangerous.
“We have waited a thousand years for revenge. We have evolved into something greater than our kind ever knew before. Our armies are ready to reach the surface again and darken the sun and rule as we were meant to. Your people will have a place of honor.”
“The human’s have grown strong. There are many more of them then there are of us,” the Chieftain cautioned.
“We are worth more than them Bluudfang. We are Darkness and Power. We shall destroy the surface Kingdoms and man will fear us once more as they did when they were savages, before the hated Seelie Court drove us underground. We will have our revenge!” Her voice hit a higher pitch of fanaticism, clear and strong.
“We await your rise Dark One,” Bluudfang responded.
Sister Shiv turned on her heel and walked back into the darker tunnel behind her. The two massive creatures turned with her and still clicking made their way down into the darkest depth with the mistress.
Bluudfang breathed a sigh of relief and motioned for his fighters to leave the chamber. He grinned to himself at the idea of war with the elves and humans. His Goblins were great in numbers and he had one of the Four Creations.
Soon they would emerge from their tunnels and strike. Soon the Kingdom of man would fall to their might.

***

The Traveling People, or Rom as they called themselves were uniquely suited for travel. Their colorful decorated wagons were small houses on wheel with everything inside or strapped to the outside for easy access. The Rom were not well liked by villagers or those who lived in cities. They couldn’t understand the transient nature of the Rom.
They were accused of being thieves, which quite often they were and they showed no loyalty to the High King, which made them easy victims. But they made a life out of being useful. They were tinkers and entertainers, storytellers and mysterious.
They camped near villages so people had access to them, but they kept to themselves in small tribes and raised their families as best they can. The local tribe to Cullen’s home was well known to them, and the youngest of their group, Tik was a dear friend to Cullen.
Cullen was of average height for his age, wearing simple linens and breeches tucked into his boots. He wore his hair long and tied back with a small leather thong. His face was round and he had piercing green eyes that reflected the forest around him.
Tik was shorter and thinner, wearing wide legged breeches and a small colorful vest, just like his father. He also wore his hair long but let it hang loosely about his shoulders. His complexion was dark, like his hair and his eyes, but he was a clever boy and a good friend to Cullen.
Cullen had always felt alone, being abandoned at birth by unknown parents and found in the forest by a villager. He was raised by a man known as the Outsider and while it was a good life, he often had conflict with the man despite his gratitude at having a home.
He searched for meaning in everything, going to the old Dreamweaver in the village for lessons and stories and keeping close to the Rom to learn their ways and woodlore. The Rom had also taught him how to hunt and fight, to protect himself and he found that he took to it immediately. He was quick and strong and could fight some of the men in practice.
Today Cullen and Tik stood by a riverbank, watching Tik’s father and uncle sink a pig. The pig had been stolen from a local villager and he was sure to come looking for it. The Rom tied stones to the pig’s legs and sank it in the river, letting it hide there until the angry farmer gave up searching. Then it would feed the whole tribe.
There were about twenty men and women who made up the tribe, led by Tik father, a man named Alex. Alex was waist deep in the river, wading in the drop the pig with his brother.
He was a tall man and broad shouldered. He wore a bright blue vest over a white linen shirt. His boots were on shore waiting for him. His brother and he let go of the fat pig and let it sink into the bottom before turning around to climb back out.
Another Rom, possibly a cousin of Tik’s ran into the encampment, clearly alarmed and out of breath. He ran to Alex, leaned on his knees for a minute to get hold of himself and then spoke.
“The King’s soldiers have come back to the village and taken men to join!” he cried out, making the whole tribe tense up.
“You’re sure?” Alex asked. “Are they coming this way?”
The boy nodded and the camp exploded into action. The wagons were cinched up with all their loose items and the horses were gathered to pull the wagons. The Rom would retreat deeper into the woods than soldiers would explore. Rom were easy victims of such forced labor since there had no citizenship anywhere.
“Father, I’m going to see Cullen home then I’ll catch up,” Tik announced, trusting in his ability to keep ahead of the soldiers.
“Come back soon and safe boy,” Alex said, waving them off.
The two boys turned on their heels and darted into the trees, headed towards the Outsider’s farm. The woods were alive with cicada and birds, with forest animals scurrying out of the boy’s way.
“I wonder why the King is gathering so many soldiers?” Cullen asked as they ran down old deer trails.
“I don’t know but you should sleep in the woods tonight Cullen,” Tik responded, knowing the soldiers would check the farm.
“Right. And tomorrow I’m going to the Dreamweaver to ask what he knows. He should be able to tell me something.”
Shortly after the boys cautiously approached the small farm the Outsider owned. It took up about three acres, with two thirds of it for crops and the rest for animals. He had pigs and sheep and two old cows that still gave milk. Chicken and ducks ran around free.
Tik gave Cullen’s hand a shake and he left, headed back into the forest to meet up with his family. Cullen moved through the fields of crops, passing tomatoes and corn and sunflowers.
He entered the house to find his adoptive father packing a bag with food and books for Cullen. He clearly thought Cullen should spend the night in the forest too.
“Have the soldiers come yet?” Cullen asked.
His father was tall like Alex and had a wiry strength from days of farming, but the years hadn’t been kind to him and his blond hair was fading to a light gray and his eyes always looked tired.
“Not yet, and you must be away before they come!” he responded.
The Outsider’s house was a small cottage, built with eight sides with one large room inside that held the kitchen and a living space. Off of the large room was another square structure that was the Outsider’s bedroom. Cullen’s room was the tiny upstairs that had once been storage and still had that look.
“I’ll be by the waterfall for the night and I’ll return in the morning,” Cullen said as he took hold of the proffered satchel.
“Be careful son, I don’t know how deep into the forest they’ll go looking. Are the Rom safely away?” the Outsider asked.
“Yes, Tik brought me home and then went back to join them. I’ll leave now, thank you for the bag.”
Cullen accepted a hug from his father even though it made him uncomfortable. He had respect for his father and a certain amount of love but he couldn’t forget that he was just not the man’s son. It had always stood in the way of them becoming truly close.
Cullen left the house and entered the forest. It was a forest of deciduous trees, elms, oaks, maple’s and birch trees. Some evergreens grew in large clumps throughout the forest as well. The wood was called the Danaan Forest, another name for the Daoine Sidhe or elves that were believed to live in the deepest parts of the forest.
The wood was vast and took up a large part of Holdfast. It ran from halfway through the Kingdom all the way to the border of the Everwinter Mountains. Laborers worked the edges, taking down the large trees to use for crafting furniture, houses and bridges.
The walk to the waterfall where Cullen was found as a baby was about an hour from the farm. It was nestled in a small valley, with evergreen trees on one side and birch trees on the other. Large boulders were strewn about and tall ferns curled between them.
The waterfall was small and quiet, coming from a thin stream above the valley and crashing against the rocks to form a small pool of water. It was Cullen’s favorite spot in the woods. It was so calm and peaceful there; he liked to camp there often.
Just behind the waterfall was a small cave in the rocks and Cullen slipped past the rushing water to enter the mostly dry chamber. He unpacked his satchel, spreading out the food and books that his father had packed.
He had some bread and cheese, apples and oranges and some dried meat. A flask of water was inside too, which he could refill from the waterfall. He set his food aside and pulled the books closer to him.
One book was about the history of the Kingdom and although Cullen didn’t always enjoy history lessons, he flipped through the book to look for stories about war. He found descriptions of the battles the High King had fought to claim the known land.
The current High King’s father had begun the enterprise, but it was his son, Remus who completed the quest. He brought peace after those battles and the land was quite safe, with contingents of Kingsguard soldiers in every land.
The land next to Holdfast was Dustan and was mostly marshlands. The people built houses on stilts and used boats for transportation. To win battles there, the High King had his soldiers build tall roads to pass through the marsh. Dustan was ruled by the Thane Adrian and his family. Their crest was a heron on a green background.
The continent was then divided by two other small domains. Next to Dustan along the coast was Seawatch, ruled by a hard man named Cosmin. His crest was a Seawolf on a blue field. The people of Seawatch were fishermen, much like the people of Dustan, but they brought in larger catches of sea faring fish and shellfish.
They had been particularly hard to battle for the High King because their land was divided by nobles who were powerful Knights. All of them were skilled and led many men in their small armies.
North of Seawatch, dividing the continent in two was Vess, watched over by the royal family of Thane Simon. Their land was bordered in the north by the wall of mountains and they contributed to the Kingdom by mining gold from the rocky passes. They were the wealthiest of land, using a golden eagle on a white field as their crest.
The rest of the continent and the largest domain of all was Rath, called the Sea of Grass. It was vast and occupied by hundreds of clans of wild Horse Lords who roamed the grasslands and fought amongst themselves. There were more people living there than the whole of rest the continent, but because of their tribal warfare, the High King claimed the land relatively easily.
Rathians were known for the horses they bred, swift, long legged beasts or warhorses that stood taller than a man. They were also known for the bows which shot thick arrows that could knock a man to the ground, even in full armor, if the archer was skilled. And most of them were.
Cullen read about some of the interesting battles and the day wore on. As the sun was setting, he ate his meal, savoring the taste of the crusty bread and the dry meat making a little sandwich. He ate an orange and an apple to finish.
After drinking his water, he stepped back out of the cave and refilled his flask from the waterfall. He loved the appearance of the falls at night, when the water looked like milk in the moonlight. Cullen watched the sun go down until the trees blocked his view, then he reentered the chamber and lay down to sleep.
He was thinking of battles and sword fighting as he drifted off into slumber. Soon he was asleep and dreaming. He dreamt that he was standing outside the cave, in the bright moonlight of the full moon. He looked up into the tree tops when he heard rustling and movement.
Covering the tops of every tree, were hundreds of ravens, all flapping their wings and cawing to each other. Many of them were staring at Cullen as he watched them. Their noises started to sound like words to him, he thought he could hear them saying, “It comes, it comes.”
Suddenly, the entire forest of raven took flight, lifting into the night sky like a vast dark cloud of flapping shadows. They flew in ever tightening circles overhead, making little noise now that there were flying.
They twirled and spun until they looked like a small tornado touching down to the ground before Cullen. As the mass of feathered creatures hit the ground they seemed to become solid mass and a form was created while Cullen watched.
When the flying stopped, standing there in the moonlight was a black wolf with red eyes. He was so dark he looked like a void of space, soaking in the available light. He took a step towards Cullen and Cullen backed up.
The wolf opened its mouth and spoke, “It is time Cullen. You are needed and must heed the call. Great danger is ahead but you can defeat it. We have faith in you. Wake now and begin your life.”

***

Cullen sat up as he was startled out of his dream. He shook his head and rubbed his face, wondering at the strange visions of the dream. Begin his life? Wasn’t he already living his life? What had the wolf meant?
Cullen could see that it was light outside and guessed it must be morning. He had slept the whole night and felt quite rested. He stretched and collected his things and exited the little cave.
The forest was alive with its usual sounds, birds singing and hopping among the leaves, squirrels racing around tree trunks and cicada making their loud music. Cullen took a deep breath of the early spring air and started off towards his father’s home.
He walked along deer paths, threading his way through the forest until he could see the farm from between the trees. He approached slowly, taking time to watch carefully to make sure no soldiers we about. The entrance to the house faced away from the wood, but Cullen felt sure that there was no danger.
He entered the house to find his father cooking food for breakfast. Eggs were scrambled in one pan while bacon sizzled in the other. Fresh toasted bread lay on the table along with orange juice that had been fresh squeezed. Cullen smiled as he took in the sights and smells.
“I’m home father,” he announced as he dropped his bag by the door and sat down to eat.
“I’m glad you’re here. How was your night in the woods?” the Outsider asked.
“I had a strange dream about a talking wolf, and lots of ravens!” Cullen explained. “But I slept well and had no trouble.”
“Good,” his father responded. Eat some food and then I have some news to tell you.”
“What news?” Cullen asked, suddenly curious.
“Eat first please,” was all his father would say.
Cullen ate quickly, feeling somewhat worried now that his father was stalling. He wondered what news had to wait until he was done eating to hear. Did something happen to the old Dreamweaver or to the farm?
“I’m done,” Cullen said as he stood to put his dishes in the washing water. He scrubbed at them until they were clean and rinsed them off in another sink.
“The soldiers took Tik.” The words hit Cullen like a blow. He stopped moving and whirled around to face the Outsider.
“What?!” he shouted. “What happened, how do you know?”
The Outsider was sitting in his chair, looking at Cullen with deep sadness in his face. Cullen blood began to boil as anger started to build in him.
“He was with them when they came here. They must have caught him in the woods. I saw him get taken away on the road back towards the city.”
Cullen’s mouth opened but nothing came out for a moment. His mind was racing, thinking of running after them and somehow getting Tik back while they were on the road.
“They’ll already be back in Holdfast by now son, there’s nothing we can do.” His father was obviously affected by the news he had to deliver, but Cullen was almost overwhelmed.
“I have to get him back,” he finally said, his thoughts still spinning.
“No!” his father said sharply. “There’s nothing you can do Cullen! He’s gone.”
“Don’t say that!” Cullen shouted back. “I’m going after him and you’re not going to stop me!”
Cullen appearance changed as the anger swelled inside him. His face looked darker and his green eyes burned holes through his father. The Outsider recognized the look because he had seen it before.
The Dreamweaver had told him that when Cullen was like this, there was nothing anyone could do to force him differently. Cullen was fueled by anger and passion and once he set his mind on something, he couldn’t be shook.
“Son, please!” his father pleaded. “You’ll just get caught too and then you’ll have to be a soldier. You won’t be able to come home again!”
Cullen shook his head. “I’m going,” he said, his tone making it clear he wouldn’t tolerate an argument. “I will find a way to rescue him. I will.”
His father sighed deeply. “I know I can’t stop you but I don’t support this at all Cullen. I think it’s dangerous and foolhardy at best and you’re likely to land in trouble and never come back.”
“I’ll be careful,” Cullen promised, “And I’ll see the Dreamweaver and the Rom before I go. They will have to know too.”
While Cullen spoke, he was quickly packing the satchel with more food, enough to last him a few days. He knew it would take a day to walk to the city of Holdfast, along the main road, but he didn’t know how long he would have to stay.
His father went into his bedroom and came back out with a small pouch that jingled as he walked.
“This is the only money I have, but you may need it. Be careful with it, don’t show anybody you have it and by the Gods be careful son. I would be devastated if you didn’t return.”
Cullen nodded his head and looked at his father seriously. “I will return father, you’ll see. I’ll bring Tik home.” His father reached out for another hug and Cullen let him. Then he was out the door and running along the edge of the forest to reach the small village nearby.

***

Cullen approached the village slowly and cautiously, just as he had at home. He came out from the forest and looked carefully for signs of soldiers. Seeing only villagers walking around, he came out from the woods and walked towards the small shack where the Dreamweaver lived.
He reached the front door and knocked loudly. He heard no answer, so he pushed the door open, thinking maybe the old man was asleep. He entered the dwelling and found it abandoned.
Clearly the Dreamweaver had left in a hurry; things were all out of place and haphazardly tossed about. He looked in the back bedroom and saw clothes strewn across the bed. Going back to the front room and sat down at the small table.
On top was a basket that held a fresh honeycomb, a fresh orchid colored a brilliant purple and blue and a small carved wooden wolf. Cullen took the wolf out of the basket and thought about his dream. He took the wolf and placed it in his pouch and stood up to leave.
As he came out of the house and shut the door behind him, he saw one of the neighbors coming outside and walking in his direction.
“You looking for the old man?” she asked as she came closer.
“Yes, do you know where he went?” Cullen asked turning to face her.
The middle aged woman scrunched up her face and looked over Cullen as he stood there.
“Yer the Outsider’s boy aint ye?” she asked. Cullen made a face back at her before he answered.
“I am. The Dreamweaver was my teacher, same as the other children in this village. Do you know where he went?”
The woman shrugged and waved her hand dismissively. “Soldiers took him. Practically dragged him out! He didn’t look none too pleased about it either.”
“What?” Cullen exclaimed, “Why would soldiers take an old man with them?”
“I imagine the King wants him back. He used to live in the castle don’t you know?”
Cullen thought about that. The Dreamweaver told him he once worked in the castle with the royal family many years ago. But why would the High King want him back? For what purpose? Now he needed to find the old man and his friend. He couldn’t not go to find them; it wasn’t in his nature to just let things lie.
“Thank you for telling me,” he said to the woman who seemed to be happy with that even though she stayed silent. Cullen turned and headed back into the forest. He walked for three hours through the trees, making his way to the river Shellpass, then following it deeper into the wood than he would normally go.
Finally he could see the colorful wagons of the Rom tribe and as dogs came out barking and wagging their tails, Cullen came into the camp. Quickly, the Rom gathered around him asking for news of the missing Tik.
“The Outsider saw him get taken by the soldiers,” he told Alex directly, while the others listen. Tik’s mother wailed at the news and Alex took her shoulder to comfort her.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes Alex, but I want to go after him. I hope to get him away from the city.”
Alex, holding his wife and listening to the other Rom, focused a penetrating look on Cullen. Cullen met his stare and kept his eyes focused on the tall man.
“Dangerous road Cullen. Are you sure you want to go down that path?” he finally asked.
“I’m certain Alex. I think Tik would do the same for me. They also took the Dreamweaver and I want to know why.”
Alex nodded then and let his wife go. He motioned for Cullen to follow him while other women took hold of Tik’s distraught mother. Alex led Cullen to his wagon, the biggest one of them all, brightly colored in yellow and green with blue trim.
“You’ll need some things for your journey,” Alex explained when they reached the back of the wagon. He stepped inside and Cullen waited at the bottom of the small stairs.
Alex came back out with a roll of twine to make snares, flint and iron to start fires and one of Tik’s cloaks to keep him warm in case of rain.
“Thank you Alex,” Cullen said. “I didn’t think to bring those things.”
“And I have something more I want to give you Cullen,” Alex said, leading Cullen back out to the group of Rom who were all talking about poor Tik.
Alex had their attention when he walked into the group and he turned to face Cullen and drew from behind his back two sheathes with knives in them. They were made of iron and sharpened and encased in leather sheaths that were lightly decorated with stitched leaves.
Cullen looked at Alex in surprise. “These are for me?”
Alex nodded. “We have taught you how to fight and to hunt and now you are going to save my son. We have seen you grow up from a boy into what you are today, almost a man. You have always treated us kindly and we are grateful for your friendship with our boy.”
Cullen accepted the two knives and quickly belted them on, pulling one out to look at the craftsmanship. They felt sharp and strong.
“And something else Cullen,” Alex added. “Take this band, and wrap it around your arm.” Alex drew out a multicolored cloth that he tied around Cullen’s upper arm with a small knot.
“This will tell other Rom tribes that you are one of us. You may find support that way. Please find our son and bring him home, we will always be in your debt if you can find him.”
Cullen looked at the tribe with a tear forming in his eyes. To be accepted and included in the tribe was more than he ever expected. Always feeling alone in his life, he suddenly felt like he belonged to something, something more than himself.
“Thank you Alex, thank all of you!” he exclaimed. “I will bring him home, without fail!”
The Rom cheered him on and surrounded him with hope and joy. Tik’s mother buried him in a hug and kissed him on the forehead. Alex put out his arm to shake Cullen’s in the way that adult warriors do, holding Cullen’s arm from the wrist to the elbow.
“Be safe Cullen. Good journey.”
With those final words, Cullen left the camp feeling better about having gone to talk to them, and feeling elated from the inclusion to the tribe. He couldn’t wait to tell Tik! It made them practically brothers! But then the reality of where Tik was settled in and Cullen grew serious again.
He threaded his way through the forest until he eventually reached the road. Filled with wagon tracks and horse prints the road would lead straight to the city of Holdfast and the castle of the same name.
He didn’t know what was ahead of him, and he remembered the wolf’s warning of danger, but he would face it and find his friend. He must find him and the old man and bring them home, whatever the cost.
As the sun started its descent from its peak in the sky, Cullen put one foot in front of the other and started on his path to rescue his friends.