Asgoleth the Warrior

chapter SEVENTEEN

Agoleth sat astride a fine stallion, saddlebags filled with provisions and gold. He glanced behind him at the walls of the city of Torr. They were being rebuilt by an army of willing workers and he smiled as he watched. Soon the city would stand tall and proud once more and he knew that the people of Torr would survive and flourish. The war was over, their enemies destroyed and they had no more need of him. At last he felt free to take his leave.

The call of distant lands was strong upon him and he felt compelled to heed its cry. He was weary of responsibility and longed once more to wander free upon the face of the Earth owing loyalty to no one but himself.

He looked down at Amira and smiled. She gazed back at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears and her royal dignity forgotten. She stepped forward and took his hand in both of hers.

‘Must you go, my love? If you leave I shall have no choice other than to marry a noble of Torr. The people will demand an heir to the throne. Stay and let that heir be our son.’

Asgoleth hoisted her easily to his saddlebow and kissed her with fierce passion. He held her gasping form close to him for long moments then he looked deep into her eyes.

‘We both know it would not work, Amira. I am a warrior and the soft and civilised life of the royal court is not for me, I must go. You on the other hand, know no other life. Marry your nobleman and live the life that was intended for you, it is for the best.’

Amira sniffed and looked into his eyes; she knew he spoke the truth. Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

‘I shall never forget you, Asgoleth.’

‘Nor I you’ he replied. They kissed once more and then he set her gently down.

‘Trust Bal Shoteb's judgement, Amira. He is a true and loyal friend. Let his wisdom guide you and Torr will flourish under your rule.’

She smiled and nodded not trusting herself to speak. Asgoleth tore his gaze away and took Bal Shoteb's hand in a firm grip.

‘Farewell, my friend, look after her for me and look after yourself. Perhaps one day we will meet again and share a tale or two about the old days eh?’

Bal Shoteb's voice was thick with unaccustomed emotion as he replied,

‘Farewell, Asgoleth. Know that there will always be a welcome awaiting you among the huts of the Agar Hillmen my old friend.’

Asgoleth stared down at these people who had come to mean so much to him. For a moment as he looked into Amira’s lovely eyes he was tempted to remain. The moment passed and he raised his hand in farewell. The wanderlust was on him and he had to go.

He kicked his heels into the stallion’s flanks and turned its head towards the distant mountains. Ahead of him lay strange lands and new adventures and that, for the moment, was all that he required from life.


THE END.