Legends: The Knight of Helm (#1)

Chapter 25

Cladius slowly looked about him, the cool Inger Mountains chilling his bones as the snow fell down over his naked body. He walked staggering from side to side. A Hell Hound's skull hung from his waste side, tied to his belt. He tugged on the dear pelt over his shoulders as he stumbled along. He was tired, and hungry. Civilization was near; he could see the village in the distance. His makeshift arrow heads rested by his right leg, and crudely crafted bow over his torso. His facial hair had grown into an untamed beard. His hair fell below his shoulders as the wind blew by once more, freezing his skin.

He placed his left hand against a pine tree as he pushed off against it. He watched as soldiers rushed forward towards him, swords at the ready. One man dropped to his knees as he supported Cladius. The knight simply raised his hand, as he staggered.

"Who are you?" The knight questioned, "And what is of your scarred body."

Cladius looked at the man, standing up strait as he spoke, "That is a long story."

His ribs had been bruised he had been in a fight recently. The Inger soldier nodded his head as he signaled his men to usher him into the town. Each man gave the knight a supportive figure to lean against as he walked on. They brought him to a small cabin as the other town guards looked about. Each citizen seemed to want to know who the strange figure was, as the guards whispered back and forth with the, the three soldiers simple ignored the bunch and brought him into the comforts of a warm fire.

The crackling of wood could be heard as the man was seated down two of the men stood strong, ready to use their swords. The one in charge seemed reasonable as most come, and Cladius cracked his neck as he nodded in thanks.

"Now your story traveler, please elaborate. Ah, but first introductions are indeed in order. I am Noav, and you?"

"I am Cladius Aidrail, of Helm. My story is a long one." Cladius spoke sternly, as one of the soldiers fetched a loaf of bread for him to eat.

"Ah, Sir Aidrail-" Noav began as Cladius interrupted.

"Forgive, me, Sir Cladius. One of the Ninety of the Kings Captains, though the king is now dead."

"What do you mean dead? The King of Helm, how could that be?" Noav replied in shock.

"I have journeyed for over a year now, and five of those months were spent in the wilderness. Recently I have received news that I am heir to the throne, through the messengers of the gods, themselves. I am here to speak with Dagda, the bard of Inger. As for my tail I will go into little detail."

Noav was dumbfounded his jaw wide as he heard the knight speak with authority, "Cladius, of Helm, you wouldn't be the same as The Knight of Helm? The one who single handedly saved Dechoneus from the King of the West? They say that it was through the power of the gods you won the battle. Is such true?"

"You ask many questions Noav. Where shall I begin? With my step father's death, or Dechoneus, perhaps with neither but my departure from Helm?"

"I am intrigued by your tail, Knight of Helm; tell us, your story from the beginning."

Cladius smirked, "If I do so, may I speak to Dagda?"

"Of course, and drink of our wine, and eat of our bread." Noav smiled.

"Very well." Cladius said closing his eyes as he thought of past events.

"My memory is not as strong as I would hope for, so bear with my tale, as the events come closer to today, so will the details be more, vivid."