Cedric of RoseThorn: Book Three: Cedric of RoseThorn, #3

By S. Thomas Kaza

After a deadly battle that claims the lives of friend and foe alike, Cedric realizes he must offer his sword to save the Empire from a growing rebellion. He sets out to get ahead of the bandit army lumbering across the countryside, destroying all that is good in its path. But he soon discovers he has other obstacles to overcome- a doomsday prophet, a rain-swollen river, and foolish leaders. In the midst of all the chaos and confusion, Cedric begins to feel an inkling of love. Love that he thought he left behind at RoseThorn when he lost his wife to Death. Will Cedric be able to meet the growing bandit threat head on? Will he be able to protect his friends? And will he find love or disappointment in a world turned upside down?

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. Thomas Kaza
• Release date: Jul 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223937692

S. Thomas Kaza

S Thomas Kaza was born in blue collar Michigan, grew up along the Maumee River in Ohio, went to school in the cornfields of Iowa and the great city of St. Louis, before spending several years living in Japan and China. He returned to the U.S. to raise a family. He is the author of a medieval dystopian series, a middle grader fantasy series, and short stories in several genres (realistic fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and ghost stories).

Book preview

Chapter 1 - Breaking Camp

Cedric woke early. Before he opened his eyes, he heard the old man, humming to himself, moving around the fire. He heard wood crackling and popping in the fire. He smelled the smoke from the fire, felt its warmth on his side nearest to it. He was still sore and tired from the previous day's battle with the bandits. His body begged him to roll over and go back to sleep. But there were too many unanswered questions. He could not wait. He pushed himself up into a sitting position. His whole body seemed to ache in protest. But Cedric pushed through it, stretched first to the one side, then to the other. He started slowly rolling his head around on his neck until it cracked. The old man noticed him.

Ahh, good morning, my lord, he said cheerfully.

For a moment Cedric felt like telling the old man to not call him lord, especially out here in the wilderness where one didn't know who was watching or listening. But then he remembered how observant the old man was. Cedric realized there probably wasn't a squirrel within a half mile that the old man didn't know about. He decided to let it go for the moment. He now lifted his arms and stretched. His back cracked.

Cedric noticed Jess, the young woodfolk scout, lying under a blanket a few feet away. He seemed to be sleeping. But if Cedric had learned anything about the woodfolk, it was that they could sleep with one eye open. Still not ready to get up on his feet, Cedric started working on his neck again, twisting it a little further this time until it cracked again. As he did he caught sight in the light of the fire of the foot of one of the three dead bandit's sticking out from behind a log just beyond their campsite. He and Jess had been tracking these bandits through the forest, when they came across the old man. Somehow he had managed alone to kill all three of the bandits and lay their bodies face down neatly side by side.

Would you like some tea before breakfast?

Cedric turned to face the old man. He was bald, his head clean-shaven like a monk. He had wrinkles on his brow and at the corners of his eyes. He even sat a little slouched over in the manner of someone who had lived to a ripe, old age. But there was a spark in the old man's eyes. And Cedric sensed a balance to the man, a toughness, and a reserve of energy that might be called up at a moment's notice to do the work of a much younger man.

He is not one to be underestimated.

Yes, thank you, Cedric replied. He finally got up off the ground and began stretching the cold, sore muscles in his legs.

Come closer to the fire and warm yourself, the old man said.

Cedric brushed leaves and a few bugs off of his clothes. He was a little chilled. But he wanted to walk the stiffness out of his legs first, get the blood flowing, before he sat back down. He also wanted to find a place to relieve himself.

I'll be right back.

As he stepped beyond the light of the fire, his eyes adjusted better to the darkness, Cedric noted how the clearing they camped in was on a small hill. He remembered that the stream he and Jess had been following the day before was about a hundred yards off to his left. There was fresh water nearby. Several logs had been rolled up on each side of the small hill. And there were big trees on the perimeter of the camp. Plenty of places for cover in the case of an attack. The old man chose the spot in the forest well. Feeling loose and more relaxed, Cedric returned to the campfire. The old man was now sitting in front of the fire with his back against the tree behind him in exactly the same place they had found him the day before. He had sticks and a few logs in a pile on his right and a pack on his left. Cedric came forward forward until he felt the warmth of the fire on his face. Then he sat down across from the old man.

Have you camped here before?

The old man nodded.

It is a good place, Cedric said, looking off into the darkness of the forest.

When he looked back the old man was poking the fire with a stick. Cedric noticed the bed of glowing coals in the pit on which a small, blackened steaming kettle sat. It was a hot fire. He guessed the old man had been up most of the night feeding it, keeping watch while they slept.

Did you not sleep?

I slept enough, the old man said, their eyes meeting.

He then turned and retrieved a couple tin mugs from a small pack next to him. He set these down on the ground nearby.

Ahh, the tea is almost ready.

Cedric was hungry. He knew the tea would help to allay some of the grumbling in his stomach. But he was already wondering what they would end up eating for breakfast.

Thank you for your hospitality.

The old man smiled and poked the coals in the fire some more.

The pleasure is mine.

Cedric stared into the flames. For a moment his mind wandered, and he recalled that morning he woke in the Hermit Forest just north of RoseThorn. He remembered the first time he saw Dawella. She had her hair pulled back tight and her eyebrows stood out. He smiled. He remembered how he had not considered her pleasant to look at and certainly not a woman for which he could ever have feelings for, but he was proven wrong. Dawella was kind and fiercely loyal. She had stirred something in Cedric's emotions. He wondered if it was only admiration or something else which he now felt.

The old man lifted the kettle with a small towel from the coals and poured a cup of steaming tea. He handed it to Cedric who quickly got up to take it from him. Cedric settled back into his place opposite of the old man. The tin cup was already becoming too hot to hold. He sipped at the tea before setting it down on the ground in front of him to keep his fingers from being burnt.

The old man poured himself a cup and set the kettle back on the hot coals. He raised his cup and nodded at Cedric.

A little tea first, he said, then we'll have some breakfast.

Cedric raised his own cup and nodded back. This time he took a bigger sip, and the taste of the tea lingered on his tongue.

Dragon's root, isn't it?

Ahh, You know your tea well, the old man laughed. At first glance you did not give me the impression that you were...... how should I say it? Knowledgeable of such things."

Cedric laughed. You mean because of who I am you expected me to care only about hunting and wine?

And women, the old man added with a chuckle. But then he shook his head. No, I did not mean it as an insult.

No insult taken, Cedric said with a smile.

Perhaps I should have started our conversation by saying I've not known many castle lords in my time. Never shared a campsite or a cup of tea with one either.

We put our pants on the same as any man, Cedric said, As for my knowledge of your excellent tea, my mother taught me about herbs and plants. She died when I was still young, and I guess I kept learning about them to feel close to her.

Cedric stopped and looked away. He did not know why he made such a confession to this strange, old man in the wilderness. The words seemed to have spilled out of their own volition. It wasn't that he was embarrassed, just a little surprised.

Jess sat up. He rubbed his eyes and looked around.

Do you drink tea, woodfolk lad? the old man asked him.

No, Jess mumbled.

Cedric took another sip of his tea. He could see the old man's interest in Jess. But he did not want the boy to feel uncomfortable. He decided to steer the conversation in a different direction.

We have shared a fire and now some tea with you, Cedric said, But I don't think you have told us your name.

Call me Larn, the old man said, although I have gone by other names.

Cedric chuckled. You don't look like a thief, he said. It was well-known that thieves and robbers changed their names many times to try and keep their crimes from catching up with them.

The old man shook his head. No, I have been many things in life, but never a thief. For years I travelled the roads of the Empire as part of a troupe of actors and musicians.

Really? Is that where you learned how to dispatch three armed bandits? Cedric asked.

The old man laughed. No, my lord. I learned that at another job. For as I took to the stage in various roles as an actor, I was also secretly playing at another role on a much larger stage.

For the Great Father? Cedric asked with a puzzled look on his face.

No, for the Empire.

I see, Cedric said. But he quietly wondered. He knew the Lord King had observers, spies, in all parts of the Empire in all trades and professions. Some were even in the pay of one of the High Lords.

Jess looked over at them. He seemed to be taking an interest in their conversation.

Larn smiled. Ahh, it is a little complicated to explain. And although the Messenger of Fire has foretold the coming of the end of the world, I am still bound by an oath I took many years ago...... still bound even though many of those to whom I gave my oath are already in their graves.

The old man's words intrigued Cedric. He could be refering to any number of groups that Cedric knew about. There was the Order of the White Oak, the Blind Servants, and even the royal guards were known to take oaths for life. But judging by the size of the old man, he did not think it was the latter.

Then you are a man of honor, Cedric concluded, I will ask no more questions about it. But you have to understand my curiosity. It is quite remarkable for us to find you waiting here in the middle of the forest with three of our enemies dead at your feet.

Larn laughed as he took out a black iron pan with a wood handle from out of his pack. And you should understand I find it equally remarkable that a castle lord would come walking into my campsite exactly as the Messenger of Fire foretold.

Cedric was intrigued by this talk of the Messenger of Fire. He realized they would have to put their plans to meet up with the woodfolk back on hold for another day. He wanted to meet this prophet and find out more about him. Perhaps there was a way he could help in the fight against the bandits.

Or perhaps he is just another fanatic.

Cedric promised himself that he would be careful.

Chapter 2 - Town at the End of the World

Cedric had heard of the town of HarDham. But he had never been there. The town was located south of the Kings Highway, the main East-West road through the Empire, on the southern shore of a lake the locals called Long Lake, but which appeared on official maps as Crown Lake. Merchant vessels plied the narrow lake from one end to the other, bringing goods from HarDham on the south side of the lake to the smaller town of NarDham nine miles away on the north side of the lake. There were no rivers flowing out of Crown Lake, but all rivers and streams in the surrounding area flowed into it. At this point in his journey Cedric realized he was now closer to King's Crossing than he was to his home, RoseThorn, which lay far to the west.

As they left the forest behind them and started down a road which Larn seemed to know well, Cedric decided to ask the old man a few questions.

How many people remain in the town?

Hundreds. People keep arriving every day. They come to listen to the Messenger of Fire speak. Many are touched by his words, and they decide to stay.

Was there no plague in the town?

There was. It killed a number of the townspeople. But then the Messenger of Fire arrived.

And people stopped dying?

No, Larn said, but people stopped panicking. Before the Messenger of Fire it was every man for himself. After he came, we began to work together.

Cedric nodded.

That is a good thing.

Cedric was starting to feel hopeful that there mught be an opportunity to gain some help against the bandits.

Who is protecting the city?

Larn smiled. Why the Great Father, of course.

The Great Father?

Larn nodded. You see, Lord Cedric. As the end of the world draws near, men sense it in their hearts. Events prove it true. Most people are devoting themselves to service of their fellow man. There is little time for sinful thoughts or actions.

Cedric frowned. And all the people of the town have devoted themselves to service of their fellow man?

Larn chuckled. "Ahh, you may find a few who persist in their selfish ways, Lord Cedric. I cannot speak for everyone. But most of the people of Hardham are preparing for the end of the world.

And do you have many visitors like those three you left on the ground back in the forest?

Not as many as you might think, Larn said. Then he added. That was unfortunate.

There was quiet between them for a moment. Larn looked over at Cedric.

What about you, Lord Cedric? What kind of people have you met on your travels?

Cedric thought about the bandit army on the other side of the NightWood, a great foul beast lumbering across the countryside, trampling and devouring everything in its path.

I have been fortunate in my travels. I would say that it is 50-50 for me. I have met as many good people as I have bad people. But the good are being attacked and killed. And the bad people seem to be increasing in numbers. There is a great evil taking hold of these lands.

The Messenger of Fire would say that those evil people need to understand the end of the world is near. Once they understand it, they will stop their evil thoughts and start to do good. There are many examples of those kind of people in Hardham. The Messenger of Fire convinced them to change their ways.

Cedric nodded.

We shall see.We shall see.

Cedric did not believe the end of the world was near. He wanted to do what he could do now to effect what he saw as the balance of good and evil in the world. At the moment he felt that evil was winning. But once the Empire got back on its feet, he felt it could drive evil out of the land, as it had so many times in the past. He believed history was on his side.

The road came to a small, abandoned village. There was a woodmill near a stream. Freshly-cut logs were piled up off to the side. Past the mill the old man directed them down another road that led them further away from the edge of the forest. This road appeared to have been reworked recently with crushed stone and packed dirt. Despite the improvements Cedric noted the worn ruts from wagon wheels. It appeared that plenty of traffic had been passing this way. Past another bend in the road, the lake came into view. It stretched off to the north, but they could not see very far as a morning mist hung over it and hid even the opposite shore.

Crown Lake? Cedric asked.

It is, Larn said, pointing down the road, We will be able to see HarDham before long.

He was right. Soon the town came into view. From the distance they could see the wide docks on the lakefront, a business district behind the docks, and rows of houses beyond that. Only two buildings stood above the rest in this town. There was a church on the far side of town and a tower closer to the center.

Are there any town officials remaining? Cedric asked.

Few have left since the Messenger of Fire arrived. So I suppose you could say that those who were in charge before and did not die of the plague are still in charge now, Larn explained, But it seems that people at the end of the world need very little..... some food, firewood. These can be secured for everyone without much need for a town council.

How about a merchant's guild? Cedric asked.

Larn sighed. Ahh, some of the merchants died in the plague. A few were very good friends of mine.

I am sorry to hear that., Cedric said.

Those that did not die stayed, Larn explained, they are now offering their wealth to the service of everyone in town. There is far less traffic on the lake.

Doesn't anyone practice their trade anymore? Cedric asked. He was thinking to maybe have his sword sharpened.

Some go on as before. People still need to eat. Food needs to be prepared. Wood needs to be chopped. Axes still need to sharpened. But the urgency to put in for Winter is no longer there. The need to accumulate more and more and more is gone. Does one really need a new oak wardrobe or a gold necklace as the end of the world approaches? Will the Great Father look on you with more kindness if you wear a shiny, new sword?

Cedric nodded at what the old man was saying, but he found it hard to imagine a town without a government, without a guild, or with tradesman who labor only for the good of others. There would have to be some way to make sure that everyone did their fair share of work. There would have to be rules. But Cedric had to admit that he was intrigued by what the old man was telling him. Nowhere else in his travels had he come across a town where people had done as well despite the plague and the lawlessness it sowed. Cedric felt there had to be a connection to this Messenger of Fire. He began to look forward to what he might learn from him.

A quarter hour later they were at the gates of the town. There were no guards on duty. Only one man with a shaven head like Larn wearing a brown, wool robe and sitting on a stool. The man stood up and smiled at Cedric and Jess as they approached the gate.

May the Great Father bless you in these final days, he said.'

Greetings, Lucius, Larn said to the man at the gate, "any good news?

He was not at prayers this morning, the gate keeper said.

Ahh, then today is not the day, Larn said.

The gatekeeper smiled and agreed. Then he looked at Cedric and Jess. Have you come to join us?

Before Cedric could answer, Larn replied, The Messenger of Fire has sent for them. Do you know where we can find him?

Lucius smiled. You know the saying, find Brother Anselm.....

And you will find the Messenger of Fire, Larn said, finishing his sentence.

Both men quietly laughed. Larn thanked the gatekeeper, then led Cedric and Jess through the gates into the town of HarDham. But before they had gone more than a few steps, Lucius called after them.

You will not need that in there, he said.

They stopped and turned around to see what Lucius was talking about. Cedric realized that the gatekeeper was pointing at the sword hanging from his belt.

You will not need that in there.

Cedric smiled and patted the hilt of the sword. But I may need it after I leave.

Lucius shook his head. But there is no place to go at the end of the world.

At first glance, Cedric thought that HarDham appeared to be like other abandoned towns he had seen in the past few weeks. There were no people on the streets. No dogs or chickens. It was quiet, quieter than a town should be at this time of day. But as they walked further, he also saw that there were also no signs that bandits or robbers had been there. Most of the shops, while shuttered and closed, had not been looted. The streets were orderly. There was no smashed property or items left lying about. It was in fact an entirely different feeling.

And as they drew closer to the tower near the center of town, they began to see people here and there. Many of them, both men and women, dressed in brown robes like the man at the town gate. But others were just dressed in their everyday clothes. Some of them stopped to look as they walked by. Cedric saw that many were staring at his sword. He noticed that nobody else was carrying any weapons. As far as he could tell, he was the only armed man in the town.

The bandits would massacre these people, he whispered to Jess when Larn was busy talking to somebody.

Jess looked at Cedric and nodded.

They turned the next corner and found many people gathered in the street. Some of them seemed to be just talking, but others were in the process of exhanging items with each other. One