Learning a Hard Trade: Leave them wanting more

By Jim Webster

When the Urlan knight, Dengan, was killed for the belt he wore his death was swiftly avenged. But some years later his son, Trulor Dengankin tries to discover the secret of the belt. This leads him to attempt to finish the task that cost his father his life. In solving the mystery he has to face such perils of war, savage beastmen, lawyers, and young ladies wishing to purchase ribbon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AUK Authors
• Release date: Jun 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781783331413

Jim Webster

I can cope with being described as fifty-something. During the course of a reasonably quiet life I’ve done a number of things. I’ve farmed cattle all my life, and at the same time have been a consultant and a freelance writer. I also fit in being a husband and father. My life has included some intriguing incidents, at the age of twelve, my headmaster was somewhat put out to discover that not only was I selling ammonium nitrate to other boys to make bangers, it wasn’t actually forbidden by the school rules. I’ve watched Soviet troops unload coffins from a transport plane at Tashkent; been questioned by an Icelandic gunboat captain, not so much at gun point as at 40mm Bofors point, and according to the nice man at Frankfurt airport, I inadvertently invaded Germany. I was perfectly happy to believe him, I am happy to believe anyone who points a Heckler & Koch MP5 at me. Brought up on the classic masters of SF, I bought Jack Vance, ‘The Dragon Masters,’ in the early 1970s and that book taught me that the world or society the characters lived in was every bit as important as the plot. I’ve also written Supplements for Pelgrane Press to go with their ‘Dying Earth’ role-playing game, inadvertently contributed to the design of the FH70 Field Howitzer and living where I do on the outskirts of Barrow-in-Furness most of my mates have at one time or another built nuclear submarines. Me, I tend to seasickness on a particularly bracing bus trip.

Book preview

Chapter 1

There are safe ways to kill Urlan. No, let me rephrase that, there are ways to kill Urlan that do not lead to their kindred hunting you down like a rabid dog. These mainly involve meeting them sword in hand, face to face, or even in the confusion of a skirmish. That is where Hillan Gor went wrong. When Dengan Dorkin made cutting but probably accurate remarks about Gor’s character, Gor should just have shrugged it off. He shouldn’t have stabbed him in the back an hour later as Dengan helped a lady into her carriage.

Hillan Gor might have been a fool as well as a lawyer but he knew that it was now unwise to linger in North Vale, so he rode north with his three hired bodyguards. He was secure in the expectation that in Colbig he’d be safe. He might even have been right. But he stopped at Colbridge because it was late and they’d seen no sign of pursuit, and he and his bodyguards could spend the night in the Iron Orid. Indeed he felt at home in Colbridge; he was a big landowner along the River Col, mainly due to his skill in writing land contract forfeiture clauses.

But his guards would have to boast about what they’d seen done. So when little Filli heard about it she had to tell Trulor. Filli was a charming little girl and because of this she was regarded by some as the third most dangerous person in Colbridge. Trulor was Dengan’s only son at least as far as is known. He slipped quietly out of the house with a long knife hidden under his shirt, because in Colbridge they dislike blood feuds, even when justified.

Trulor took the path along the river to the Iron Orid, and slipped in through the kitchen door. The guard dog, Grip, half trail hound, half erret, wagged his tail; every dog in Colbridge knew Trulor. No one was about so Trulor picked a bone from off the table and passed it to Grip, who retired under the sink to enjoy this delicacy.

Trulor tiptoed into the corridor that led to the bar, and hearing someone coming, hid behind the cloaks hung on the coat hooks; whoever it was went past him, shutting the bar door behind them. Trulor moved silently down the short corridor after them and was about to open the door when he heard shouts ahead of him in the bar. Carefully, he turned the handle and pushed the door open a little. Looking in he could see Gor’s three body guards running out through the main door; someone had obviously arrived. His bodyguards out of sight, Gor stood up, looked round and spotted the back door. Swiftly he ran towards it, pulled it open, and saw Trulor. At the same moment Trulor saw the broad belt with silver plaques Gor was wearing. This belt Trulor had last seen being worn by his father. With that Trulor thrust the knife forward with both hands, driving the weapon deep through Gor’s stomach and up towards his heart. The lawyer reeled, clutching the hilt, and fell backwards. Trulor stepped forward and pulled the knife out. He was contemplating whether to stab the lawyer again when the main door crashed open and Farrier Sergeant Warbold burst in, bloodied sword in one hand and his battered shield held in front of him. A young Urlan knight, wearing the colours of the Zantkin family followed him. Trulor suddenly felt very alone. Everyone in the bar had drawn aside and there was no one between him and the two Urlan.

Warbold stomped across followed by the young knight. He looked down at Gor, and then carefully wiped his sword blade on the lawyer’s cloak. He looked at Trulor.

And you are?

Trulor Dengankin.

Warbold sheathed his sword and said to his companion. Well you cannot say he didn’t have the right.

The knight knelt down and looked Trulor intently in the eyes. How old are you Trulor? He asked, attempting to keep his voice neutral.

Seven, sir.

***

Obviously the law had to intervene and in Colbridge the law looked calmly upon the situation it discovered. Two Urlan gentlemen had been in hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect and this suspect had been killed resisting arrest. On close inquiry it seems that the killer of this suspect was another Urlan gentleman, a fact vouchsafed for by the aforementioned two Urlan gentlemen, who could be safely presumed to know this sort of thing. The law nodded wisely, and regarded the matter as closed. Still this sort of thing takes time, so it was four days later before Trulor’s kindred could gather for a family conference.

Trulor’s father was dead, his mother had died some years previously and he was currently being raised by his mother’s older sister, Erminette, along with her own son, Phisguay.

Erminette was present, along with her husband, Ulfanoray, a merchant, land owner and town councillor. Also present was Telil Zantkin, Warbold having abandoned them all for the delights of the Iron Orid. Here the landlord’s dark cellar ale was nearly as heavy as Warbold’s own. Potentially present, his arrival hanging over the gathering in much the same way that the stench of a tannery hangs over a small town, was the lawyer Mr Gleitz, of Kirthoem, Kirthoem, Gleitz and Kirthoem of Colbig.

It was Erminette who was the immediately practical one; she had sent Trulor and Phisguay up to their room. Once they were safely out of the way she poured small glasses of infusions for the three of them, and pushed a plate of iced cakes across to Telil. Then she asked, So what do we do with Trulor?

Ulfanoray tried sipping his drink, made a face and commented, The boy needs taking in hand. He wants only to be Urlan like his father.

They both looked at Telil who had his mouth full of iced cake. He swallowed hastily before replying. If you want I can arrange fostering. It will not be difficult, there is no doubt as to his father, he has been well brought up, and his actions have been perfectly acceptable.

At this Erminette cringed somewhat and Telil added hastily, If a little precocious.

He paused. He needs two sponsors; Warbold and I will be happy to serve, and Lord Eklin will accept him, especially when he hears the full story. Ulfanoray, with the pragmatism that comes to every father with experience asked, What about money?

That isn’t a question; he is his father’s son.

Ulfanoray looked bleak. "That’s what I mean. I liked Dengan, we all did, but beyond his horse, arms and one suit of clothing, I doubt he had an alar to his name.

Telil waved a hand dismissively as he spoke. Trulor will train as a sergeant, which means he will be supported by Lord Eklin. Later on, if he proves himself, he could win knighthood.

Erminette looked doubtful, A sergeant?

Ulfanoray on the other hand seemed positively cheerful, his voice almost jovial as he replied. Absolutely dear, think about it, what else can he do? In his reading and numbers he is far behind Phisguay, but on the other hand he is good with his hands and absolutely honest, even to his disadvantage.

But surely even an Urlan sergeant ought to read and write.

Telil nodded his agreement and, realising the other two seemed to expect rather more of him, decided to make a suggestion. He’s only seven. What if we tell him that I will come and collect him in two years time, provided he can read, write, and cope with numbers. Will that encourage him to greater efforts in the classroom?

It was now Erminette’s turn to look happier. Not much happier, though; her voice trembled a little as she spoke. Without a doubt; but will we ever see him again? I realise he isn’t our son, but he’s very much part of the family and he’s good for Phisguay, who’s so delicate.

Telil reached for another iced cake and spoke decisively. That isn’t a problem. Once he has his own horse and duties, he’ll be expected to ride up to Colbridge at regular intervals. He grinned, We’re Urlan, and family is important, even when family aren’t Urlan.

They carried on sipping their bitter herbal infusions, making small talk and waiting for the lawyer. Eventually there was a knock on the door and the maid escorted Mr Gleitz into the room.

He was a tall man, still angular but with the spreading paunch expected of a successful lawyer in his middle years. His britches and jacket were of a rich plum colour, the slightly darker tone of his britches indicating that he was a gentleman who habitually bought two pairs of britches with each jacket. His knee stockings were the purest white, his cravat, held in place by an amethyst headed stud, was a cascade of scarlet flowing across a pale yellow shirt. The whole outfit was set off with a cummerbund in cloth of gold. On his right hand he wore two rings, and in his left he carried a large bundle of papers. He was indeed the very image of a Colbig lawyer and an Upper of some distinction.

He bowed slightly in a stiffly formal way, and took the empty seat opposite Telil without waiting to be invited. He laid his papers before him, spreading them out in an order known only to himself, and then looked round at the other three.

Good day. I am here to represent my client, the recently widowed Dame Voluta Gospronten.

Ulfanoray looked surprised. What on earth has it got to do with that woman?

Gleitz picked up one of the papers and passed it to Ulfanoray, who read it and passed it to his wife.

This document shows that my client was in a professional relationship with the deceased, and this document, here he pushed another document to Ulfanoray, Shows that both parties are agreed that Hillan Gor borrowed a considerable sum against the security of various parcels of land along the Col valley.

Ulfanoray read the second paper and then looked up. Whilst interesting, I’m unsure of its relevance to our situation.

Gleitz pushed a third paper across the table. This is my client’s claim for the damages she has incurred due to the loss of her partner, including elements of compensation for loss of income, stress, trauma, and of course the natural sorrow that she feels on the untimely death of a close friend.

Gleitz pushed a further paper across the table. And this is my client’s criminal suit brought against both you and the municipality of Colbridge for shielding a felon.

Ulfanoray carefully looked at all four papers. He looked up and called the maid across. She had been waiting by the door since showing Gleitz into the room, in case she might be needed to serve refreshments.

Ilina, please take these to the town hall, ask if we can have three magistrates in the next, ah here he took a quick look at the clock on the wall, next half hour I think, and make sure they have these papers.

Ilina left with the papers, and Ulfanoray turned to face a somewhat nonplussed Gleitz.

As the municipality is named as a party in one of these papers, this means that matters will have to be dealt with by magistrate. I suggest we make our way to the town hall.

Gleitz looked surprised. I thought Colbridge followed Colbig legal procedures?

We do. Ulfanoray stood up and offered his wife a hand, But with some local variations and one or two exceptions. One of the local variations is that there will normally be at least one magistrate available at any time and on certain auspicious days in the legal calendar, three or even five.

Is there no facility for pre-trail negotiation?

Ulfanoray assisted his wife with her cloak as he answered. Yes, but they are not compulsory and are rarely advocated by those who feel they have a strong case. He turned to his wife, I think we may have to take Trulor with us dear.

Erminette left the room. Telil, who had also stood up when his hostess did, reached across the table and picked up the plate of iced cakes. The two men waited whilst the lawyer assembled his papers again. When Erminette joined them with Trulor and Phisguay, the small party made their way to the town hall, Telil sharing the iced cakes with the two boys.

At the town hall they were shown into the small court room. An usher showed Gleitz to a seat at the plaintiffs’ table; the others sat at the defendants’ table. When they were seated, the three magistrates for the day trooped in and sat at a table facing the other two tables.

The clerk, who sat at the end of the magistrates table stood up.

"We have read the plaintiff’s claims; Mr Gleitz, is there anything that you wish to say in addition?

No thank you.

The Clerk made a note and turned to Ulfanoray.

Would you care to proceed?

Ulfanoray nodded and led Trulor to the chair where witnesses were seated. He sat the boy down and asked, Now, would you please tell the magistrates your full name.

Trulor Dengankin.

And who was your father?

Dengan Dorkin

Gleitz stood up, and the Clerk acknowledged him. Gleitz cleared his throat and asked, Is there any evidence for this unwarranted assumption?

The Clerk looked at Ulfanoray who in turn looked to Telil. Telil looked surprised to be involved. He hastily swallowed the last of an iced cake before speaking. Old Warbold trained Dengan and served with him several times; he would know.

The Clerk nodded, I shall send a messenger to ask Sergeant Warbold if he will answer the question. He summoned one of the staff and whispered something to him. The court sat in silence, and fifteen minutes later the messenger arrived back.

Is Sergeant Warbold coming? the Clerk asked.

The messenger, somewhat out of breath shook his head.

His very words were, ‘Of course Trulor is of Dengan’s get, I was there when he recognised the boy. Now clear off out of the way unless you’re buying the next round of ales’.

The Clerk looked at Gleitz, Is that satisfactory?

Absolutely not, I demand that it be under oath.

If you ask me to summon Sergeant Warbold here to answer under oath, you are accusing him of lying. This grievous insult is something that the Sergeant will doubtless wish to take up with you personally, probably within minutes of hearing of it.

Gleitz paled and muttered something about accepting the Sergeant’s word.

The Clerk looked at Ulfanoray. You may continue with your case.

Ulfanoray led Trulor back to the table and let him sit between Erminette and Phisguay.

Thank you. My contention, which is accepted by this court, is that Trulor is Urlan. Under the ancient agreement the communities of the Col valley made with the lord of Eklin Keep, the Urlan provide what might be described as a policing service for our rural hinterland, and to assist in this, Urlan Law will apply up to the river Col, should any Urlan be involved in the case.

The Clerk nodded his agreement.

Under these circumstances I would ask that this case, concerning the Urlan, Trulor Dengankin, be considered under Urlan Law, but with the same magistrates to rule.

I object.

Gleitz was back on his feet.

On what grounds Mr Gleitz?

Hillan Gor was not killed on Urlan territory.

The Clerk looked at some papers in front of him.

According to the registered account of his death, he died in the bar of the Iron Orid. Are you in agreement with this?

Yes. The Iron Orid is in Colbridge, which shares a common legal system with Colbig.

One thing you have overlooked Mr Gleitz. The Iron Orid may be in Colbridge but it is on the south side of the river Col. Therefore the case may be dealt with under Urlan law.

Gleitz sat down abruptly. The Clerk continued, Master Ulfanoray, have you anything else to say?

Merely that under Urlan law these claims have no validity, and I ask them to be struck down.

The Clerk nodded and turned to the Magistrates. They huddled together, whispering. The courtroom was silent. Then the Magistrates sat up and the one sitting in the middle cleared his throat.

We agree that the matter should be dealt with under Urlan law, and under Urlan law, we feel there is no charge to answer and the claims are struck down.

The Clerk turned to Gleitz and Ulfanoray. Have you gentlemen anything else to say with regards this issue?

Ulfanoray engaged in a muttered discussion with Telil and Erminette. He then stood and formally addressed the Clerk and Magistrates.

Yes, under Urlan law, Hillan Gor killed Dengan Dorkin by stealth. We ask for a blood price.

The Clerk looked at the Magistrates. The Magistrates discussed the matter briefly and one went and took a large tome down from a shelf. They carefully flicked through it and then read for some time.

Their spokesman looked up. I assume there is no doubt as to the nature of the killing?

The Clerk glanced at Gleitz and Ulfanoray and then turned to the Magistrates.

None, his guards boasted about it to the staff of the Iron Orid within Gor’s hearing and he never corrected them.

The Magistrates went back into a huddle. One tapped the page with his forefinger in a significant manner. Notes were written on a piece of paper, and after reading the notes each magistrate signed the paper. Then their spokesman picked up the paper, and ran his eyes over it once more before announcing. Request granted. However there is some doubt as to the nature of the right by which Gor held various parcels of land, and it has been agreed by the Council in session that large landholdings of this magnitude are to be discouraged. Therefore it is the decision of this court that the lands held by Hillan Gor within the valley of the Col shall revert to their previous owners or the heirs and lawful successors thereof. This being so, entry into these lands will be on the payment to the Municipality of a sum of one alar per twenty plough-lands, said sum to be rendered to the account of Trulor Dengankin, held by the Municipality. We instruct the Municipality to advance to Trulor Dengankin the sum of sixty alars, cash, by the end of the week.

The Clerk looked around the court. Has anyone any other matters to raise?

Gleitz stood up. Yes, if it pleases the Magistrates I would like to raise the plight of my client, the recently widowed Dame Voluta Gospronten. She lent considerable sums to the deceased Hillan Gor against the security of these lands, and she surely deserves recompense. In this she is the innocent party, a poor widow unfairly cheated of her small competence.

The Clerk paused as if searching for words. Finally he said, Are we discussing the same Dame Voluta Gospronten, widely recognised to be the richest woman in Colbig?

Gleitz stood up again. If everyone cheats her as she has been cheated here, that recognition will soon be withdrawn.

The Clerk turned to the Magistrates who talked quietly amongst themselves. One beckoned the Clerk, who was included briefly in the conversation. The Clerk took one of the documents that Gleitz had tabled and rejoined the conversation. Finally the spokesman cleared his throat.

"Looking at the documents, Hillan Gor borrowed money from the Dame Gospronten to lend to the owner of the land. So whilst the deeds were held as security, they were not held by Dame Gospronten, but by Hillan Gor. So whilst this court agrees that the good Dame has a claim against the estate of Hillan Gor, that claim is a general one and in no way attached to the lands in question. As this court is a preferential creditor, any moneys we decide to deduct from the estate are withdrawn