The Vanguard Part 1 of 2

            The cold winter wind blew through the White Mountain peeks. The small town of Wolfpeek was miles from any other town or settlement. Anyone who traveled through the mountain pass would stop at Wolfpeek to rest before continuing on their journey. The town population was very small, only a handful of determined people lived there all year round. They were the ones who maintained the general store, the Inn and the stables that the visitors relied on. The town population was low but visitors were so frequent that the town never felt empty.

            Jillian Cole was a woman with medium length black hair, pale skin like the snow and reddish brown eyes. She was not a towering figure or even an extremely muscular one, yet she still managed to be an intimidating figure. Jillian walked into the horse head Inn, he black metal armor clanked and rustled with each step. Her whole body was armored but it wasn’t the bulky suit of armor knights had, this was designed for mobility. The joints and under the arms had thick black leather instead of metal plate to improve on speed and flexibility. The only color she had on her armor besides black was the red scarf that was wrapped around her neck and hung down to her midsection.

            The horse head Inn was a large, dimly lit room full of tables and chairs. There was a bar and in the back was a set of stairs that led to a second floor. The second floor was more of a large loft with a row of beds. Night had passed over the land and the Inn was full of travelers drinking and laughing. Even the most seasoned traveler could find an interesting story or bit of new information in the Horse head Inn due to the number of people that passed through on a regular basis.

            Jill walked toward a chair in the far corner of the room, she undid her weapon strap and removed a large battle-axe from a holder on her back. She set the axe against the wall and sat down with a heavy clunk. Just as she sat down a barmaid walked up to Jill and with a bright smile asked “What can I get for you today, Sir?” Jill brushed her hair out of her face and stared on the bar maiden. The Barmaid was pretty enough, with blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair.

“Don’t see many women in armor? In such a well traveled place like this, I thought you would have seen it all” Replied Jill, she smiled in her best attempt to be friendly. The Barmaid looked surprised “Oh I am sorry Madam. I-its dark and your hair was in your face and I thought, well don’t mind me now. What can I be getting’ for ya?” She said nervously. Jill tried to smile again but had reached her limit. “Just an ale, thanks” She said. The Barmaid nodded, gave a nervous smile and ran off.

            Jill wondered why she was trying to be nice. She wasn’t one for small talk and rarely let things slide. The barmaid reminded Jill of someone she used to know. The barmaid returned and set the beer down on the table and gave a smile and Jill smiled back. Jill figured she must either be exhausted or had spent too long on the road alone because she was never this friendly.

           Jill tried to focus on the journey ahead, she pulled maps, papers and letters from her bag. She had letters from all kinds of people, Lords and kings to farmers and sailors, every letter asking for her help with a battle, fight, war or just asking to scare off some local gang. The maps were covered ink, little notes about places she had been and drawings of landmarks.

            The night continued on and Jill mostly kept to herself, drinking her ale and thinking about her journey. But as she made plans for her trip ahead her mind kept bringing her back, back to a simpler time. A time when Jillian didn’t always wear armor and she still had people she considered friends. The peaceful days when she had a hometown and made plans to settle down.

            “Excuse me Madam, will ya be needing anything else?” Asked the Barmaid. Jill looked up from her drink and her pile of papers. She had maps, letters and scraps of paper spread out on the table in front of her. Most of the night she was studying the map but the last half hour she was just staring at it as her mind drifted into memories.

            When Jill looked up she saw the Barmaid’s expression had softened. She no longer looked afraid of Jill and her smile was warmer than ever. Jill was pulled so suddenly from her memories she had to assume her own expression must have been pitiful enough to make a once timid Barmaid now feel sorry for her. “What is your name?” Jill asked. “Andrian” Replied Andrian the barmaid. Jill smiled. This time it was a smaller yet more genuine smile.
”Andrian would you like to have a drink with me? Its been ages since I have had someone to talk to that wasn’t a brutish man” Jill asked. Andrian giggled “Yes we do get a lot of those” She replied. Then she smiled and hesitated before speaking again. “I think my shift is almost over, most people be needin’ sleep more than they need beer right now anyway” Andrian replied.

            Jill stayed at the table and put away her maps as Andrian talked to the Innkeeper. Andrian came back to the table with two fresh beers. Jill found it surprisingly easy to talk with Andrian, Jill didn’t have to intimidate anyone or keep up her guard. The barmaid was a genuinely nice person, a little simple maybe, but nice. Plus if Andrian did try something, Jill was pretty sure she could win in a fight. Cheerful, little strawberry blonde trying to fight a heavily armored traveler with a battle-axe. The thought of Andrian trying to pick a fight with anyone made Jill laugh.

            The sun was starting to come up and the two women were still at the table talking and having a great time. Jill was drunk and tired but kept drinking and didn’t want to sleep. Andrian reminded her of someone and the thought of this mystery person kept weaving in and out of her head. Andrian was in the middle of a funny story when she noticed Jill lean forward like she was going to fall over. Before Andrian could react Jill kissed her on the lips. Andrian’s eyes went wide and she froze. Jill pulled back and drunkenly began to apologies. “Sorry, I had a nice time but I think I should go to bed. I didn’t mean to…uh, Sorry again. I should go to sleep” Jill said sounding flustered. She tried to stand up and as she did she almost fell right over. Her armor clanked and rustled as she slowly got to her feet. “I am just gonna…” Jill said to Andrian as Jill motioned to the upstairs. Again mentioning she needed sleep.

            Jill began to stumble off, embarrassed and angry. Embarrassed that she kissed a person she just met and angry that she let her guard down. Getting this drunk and exhausted was dangerous when you traveled alone. Andrian caught up with Jill and smiled. “here let me help” She said to Jill. Jill nodded and smiled again. Andrian waved to the barkeep as she led Jill away from the main room, through a door and into a small room with a bed. “I don’t want you getting robbed or something in your weakened state…so you can stay here in my bed. I live here at the Inn so...” Andrian said nervously. Jillian leaned in and kissed Andrian again. This time Andrian wasn’t shocked and Jill didn’t pull away.

            Morning came too soon as the light of day shined through the shutters of the small bedroom. Jill woke up to find she was naked in bed with Andrian the barmaid. “Shit shit shit” Jill muttered. She was relieved to see that her armor and all of her possessions were not stolen or lost while Jill was in her drunken state. In fact all of Jill’s things were neatly piled in the corner of the room. While most would consider it a victory to end up in a pretty girls bed after a night of drinking, Jill didn’t. She had to be careful, so many things could have gone wrong and she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

            Andrian rolled over and put her arms around Jill. Jill blushed as she began to remember the things they did together. Drunk Jill was as fearless and bold in bed as she was in battle. Sober Jill could handle the carnage of battle but having a naked woman next to her made her embarrassed and nervous. “Maybe I have been alone for too long if this is how I am acting” Jill told herself. 

            “I had a great night” Andrian said with a giggle. Jill blushed again and then turned to Andrian. “S-so did I” Jill replied. Jill realized who Andrian reminded her of. To her surprise Jill realized that Andrian reminded her of Delana, Jill’s previous girlfriend. Delana had red hair, not strawberry blond, her eyes were different and in many ways looked nothing like this Barmaid. But there was something about Andrian that made Jill think about Delana. “Maybe I am going crazy and every girl is starting to look like her” Jill thought. Andrian had similar mannerisms and her behavior was close to Delana, but Jill didn’t make the connection right away because they two didn’t actually look alike. It also explained why Jill let her guard down so quickly to a stranger.

            “I am still on a journey. I don’t think I can stick around. I am sorry if that upsets you” Jill said rigidly. She felt guilt from letting her guard down and now risked hurting someone who reminded her of Delana. Andrian stretched and got out of bed. “What? No, don’t worry about it. I know better than to expect a traveler to stick around. Besides I am looking for a husband, not a wife. I got to keep my body pure so I can’t have sex before I am married. So this helped keep my urges at bay until I find the right man” Andrian said.

            Jill’s eyes went wide, she didn’t know if she was more hurt, surprised or relieved. “Well g-good. Because I can’t stay so that makes things easier. But, uh, we did have sex, so you can’t call yourself a virgin who is waiting till marriage” Jill said, trying to speak carefully so as to not show emotion. “heheh, you’re so silly. No I mean real sex. Like with a man. you’re a girl, we can’t make babies or nothing so you don’t count” Andrian said as she got dressed. “I-I don’t count?” Jill stammered feeling hurt. “No, its just like girls helping each other out…” Andrian said then paused. “We are all just looking for a husband right? I mean you are a soldier so you must do stuff like this all the time just to get by. You can’t end up with a girl, how would you have babies?” Asked Andrian.

            Jill stared with unblinking eyes. “I guess you can’t have babies. But no I am not looking for a husband, I want a wife and to settle down. This isn’t a game. I don’t just sleep with strangers while I wait for prince charming to show up and put babies in me! And yes that did count! You aren’t a virgin you are a whore” Jill said. He anger grew as she spoke and couldn’t hold it in at the end. Jill put on her clothes grabbed her gear and stormed out.

            Jill wasn’t looking to start a life with anyone right now and this worked in her favor. Jill could leave without any guilt. This worked out. Jill was still upset though. She might have slept with a stranger in a moment of weakness but it still meant something to her. Andrian might have been a stranger but having traits similar to Delana, who Jill loved, made Jill feel like there might have been a connection. Jill wasn’t planning on staying but that doesn’t mean that night they spent together couldn’t mean something. Two ships passing in the night, but still a memorable night. “Oh it was nothing eh? Just wait in the mountains for a man to come rescue you?” Jill muttered as she angrily marched down the path, slowly putting on her armor as she went. Jill was also annoyed that she let her guard down for someone so foolish. Jill wouldn’t insult marriage or starting a family, but the thought of waiting for a man to come swoop and start making babies together seemed like weakness. Jill wasn’t about to wait for the woman of her dreams to swoop in and carry her off to a perfect life of marriage and happiness. Everything in life takes work

The Fall of Conspirators

Cold wind blew in from the north and clashed with the warm air settling over the land below. It was the beginning of fall, the start of festivals, harvests and feasts. It was the time for thinking back on the year and preparing for winter. The beautiful fall scenery mixed with the chilly air and the cozy fires burning brightly in fireplaces.

This season was loved by many and tolerated by others. The villagers across the land lived their daily lives while enjoying the small pleasures of life.

Under the King’s rule most of the land prospered but there were forces at work which would undermine the King's progress. Many of the nobles and lords preferred laws that favored the few over the many. Several of these high ranking generals and lesser lords conspired to seize power for themselves. 

The world carried on unaware of the brewing battle and grasp for power. The delicate light of day shone brightly through the newly yellow and orange changing leaves of Fall. Far from the delicate light and tucked away in a dark room where men hunched over a table, plotting their dark design.

That autumn was important for the kingdom, but very few knew it. That autumn was the time for preparation for the winter, when the King’s soldiers would be spread out and hindered by the snow. When the lesser lords and generals could use snow and cold as a reason to spend longer days and nights at the castle.

In the small fort, located on the eastern side of the kingdom, in a small room sat several of the conspirators.  A tall knight dressed in black armor stepped into the room from a darkened doorway. The knight wasn’t wearing the traditional kingdom seal and the armor wasn't made from any distinguishable metal. Since it was a military fort seeing a knight wasn’t cause for alarm.
“What are you doing soldier? This is a private meeting” said the captain at the table. Captain Humford wore the blue, white and yellow kingdom colors, decorative armor, no helmet and had a large mustache. Anyone would assume he was important just by looking at him. The others at the table were lords of the surrounding lands and villages. They wore clothes made of fine silk and cloth and fancy hats with feathers sticking from the brim. They owned armor but felt safe enough to not wear it on this occasion. 

The black armored knight spoke, the voice echoed strangely from the slots in the helmet. “The chief advisor to the king suspects treachery and I was sent to handle the situation”
 The captain felt a twinge of nervousness shoot through him but he covered it up with anger. “I am a captain in the kings army, how dare you! You will be hanged, drawn and quartered for this! I’ll see to it personally! I will speak to the advisor and remind him of his place!” Shouted Captain Humford, his face growing red as he slammed his hand against the table. The nobles sat in their place, didn’t move and tried to put on a strong face to show they were upset by this ‘outrage’ as well but the nervousness in their eyes gave them away.

“I am not part of your kingdom and do not fear you judgment. None of you will be alive to pass your judgments anyway” Said the Black Knight. This made the lords cower and the captain stand up with his sword drawn.

The dark knight charged forward, holding a large sword with two hands. The captain flipped the table to block the knight then stabbed his sword over the table.
The knight stopped sharply then brought up the two handed sword blocking the strike from the captain’s sword.
“I am The Vanguard, slayer of men and the demon of the mountain pass. Struggling will just make this more painful for you” Said the knight, speaking through a deep voice and guttural breath.

This declaration terrified one of the lords, who had heard of the Vanguard before and the fearsome tales of his journey. The three lords stood up sharply when the table was flipped and after hearing the Vanguard’s threats, two of them drew their swords while the third ran for the door.

With supernatural speed and strength, the Vanguard crouched down, turned sideways and launched the two handed sword through the air. The sword spun sideways like a spinning buzz saw. It struck the fleeing noble in the back, went through his chest and pinned him to the wall.
The other two nobles and the captain all attacked at once, knowing this was their chance to outnumber and kill the weaponless knight.

The Vanguard raised its metal gauntlets to block the sword strikes, while moving backward toward the sword sticking out of the dead noble.
The Captain and the first noble were blocked by the gauntlets but the second noble was at enough of an angel that the sword went passed the gauntlet and struck the Vanguard in the side, between the gaps in the armor.

Blood trickled from the gap in the armor and marked the nobles sword. “So the Shadow Knight CAN bleed” Gloated the second noble.
The Vanguard stopped moving toward the sword and instead lunged at the noble. Red glaring eyes burned through the darkened slots in the Vanguard’s helmet. The Vanguard grabbed the second noble with its metal gauntlet clad hands. The Vanguard clenched both hands around the coward's neck, sinking the razor sharp fingers of the gauntlet deep into his throat. “That wound is nothing compared to the devastation you and your companions will feel. I will paint this room with your blood as a warming to any who strike at me with their blades!” Roared the Vanguard. The second noble only heard half of the threat before he passed out from blood and oxygen loss.

The other two men were struck with fear from this display. “Let us live, I will give you any amount. I can double whatever you are being paid” cried the remaining noble. The Captain scowled at the noble. “Show some backbone!” 

“I do not bend my will to weakness” said the Vanguard as it moved toward the sword. The captain ran to the side of the room so the Vanguard would have to split its attention between the Captain and the two nobles.
The Vanguard ripped the two handed sword from the dead noble and in one motion swung it at the captain. The blood of the dead noble flew off the blade then splattered the Captain’s face seconds before the Vanguards' sword cleaved the captains head from his shoulders. The captains blood then splattered against the stone wall behind him.

The headless captain toppled to the ground while the spineless noble stood shivering. “It was General Durms idea, we all just followed him. Please spare me” Said the noble. “It might have been his plan, but you followed it and you would have happily claimed any reward for doing so” replied the Vanguard.
The Vanguard walked slowly toward the noble, the two handed sword dragging along the ground and dripping with blood. “Even if your king pardoned you this moment, I would still kill you. Weakness and treachery needs to be punished. You will be punished”

Outside the sun shone brightly, the birds chirped and the trees swayed in the gentle breeze of the day. The cold hard wind of winter had not arrived for most but for the conspirators of the eastern fort, winter had already fallen on their lives and they would not see another spring. The sinister winter plan had not been halted, only slowed.

News would spread among the nobles and generals of the grizzly murder of Captain Humford and the three nobles. If the King’s advisor and the Vanguard hoped to stop the plot against the king they would have to work fast and could now expect heavier security around the heads of this scheme.

November thoughts

A pumpkin sat out in the cold, leftover from October. A gentle dusting of snow covered the pumpkin and the surrounding dried leaves that had fallen. The bright afternoon sun melted the small amount of frost leftover from the cold early morning. Chilled wind mixed with the warm sunshine. The Fall was very much a time of hot and cold. The weather was often unpredictable, the mornings were cold with hot cups of coffee traveling to rumbling cars trying to heat up, the afternoon sun mixed with the chilly air, the cold of night was pushed back by the light from homes and the burning fireplaces that kept the humans warm.

            October was always full of crisp air and the promise of spooky fun just around the corner but November is a pumpkin covered by snow. It’s the gatekeeper of Autumn and Winter. Jiggle bells dance in the heads of many while others gloom about the passing of Halloween. Some are more present minded and look forward to or dread the most immediate holiday: Thanksgiving.

            November often feels like the start of Winter but it is full of Fall beauty for those who seek it out. Squirrels scamper through backyards, covered in extra layers of fat and fluff, food associated with a harvest are in full display, the rustic scent of wood smoke fills the air and while some nights feel like one day closer to Christmas, many nights have a cold eerie vibe that is very much the ghost of Halloween coming up to say hello.

            November is Christmas cheer, Thanksgiving turkey and half off savings on Halloween decorations. November is scarf weather and Fall jackets. November could be the start of stress and worry for some, with the expenses of the holiday season or the dread of winter and snowstorms, but if you appreciate the beauty of November while it is here, you just might face the holiday season with a little more cheer.

The last Autumn

            “The cold breeze is nice” said Joe as he laid in bed. Autumn had arrived and the cool air of the season was blowing gently in through Joe’s open window. He lay in bed with a warm plaid flannel blanket covering him. Joe stared at the ceiling, his eyes half open and a drowsy expression across his face.

            “Why do you always mention the wind more than any other detail about the day? How about the trees, sunlight or even the traffic and people” Asked Joe’s brother Bill.

            “I love the wind, it travels across the land, it can go anywhere. It could be a warm breeze, a cool refreshing gust or a bitter winter wind. We can’t see it, but it changes so much of the scenery around us, moving trees and pushing over babies. It carries flower seeds and pollen. Its almost as romantic as rain. And best of all we can all create wind with our breath” Joe explained in a quiet groggy voice then inhaled and blew out air quickly through his mouth causing the thin curtains to shake and dance. “See, we all have it in us. Or bodies are made of water, our atoms are made of stars and we can create wind with our breath” Joe added.

            Bill smiled weakly. Joe made humans sound almost godly and maybe compared to other creatures they are, but gods didn’t die of diseases. Gods didn’t waste away in bed with a head full of medication. Bill didn’t know what to think, he didn’t have words or explanations for life. He just sat with his brother waiting for the inevitable. Bill tried to make himself useful but Joe rarely asked for anything and a nurse came by twice a day with his meds.

            Bill was in turmoil, he was the healthy one but his mind raged against life and he felt like he would cry at any moment. Joe stared peacefully at the swaying autumn trees. The world seemed so beautiful to him and while Bill worried, Joe’s mind was at peace.

            Days passed and little changed day by day. Medication, IV drip, a little tv, contemplation of life, Bill sometimes eats, Joe can’t eat anymore.

The sun rises, Bill opens the window, Joe wakes up and compliments the breeze. This happened every day, until one day, the sun raised, Bill opened the window and Joe didn’t wake up.

            A strong breeze blew in through Joe’s open window. It shook the curtains and knocked the flannel blanket to the floor. Bill’s tears streaked down his face, his hands trembled and he stood by the window unable to move as he muttered “The cold breeze is nice, right Joe?”