That first day set the pattern for many other days to follow. The Commander had a ritual of bathing every morning. I had assumed the responsibility for drawing up the bath water from the river each morning as soon as I awoke. Using the bucket affixed to the tower it really didn't take very long to fill the tub with a serviceable amount of water. He would mostly wash himself, but frequently he asked me to wash his back for him-- a task I always accepted with great pleasure. The Commander's body was a thing of fascination to me, especially his back with its myriad muscles slowly rolling under the smooth skin. One morning, in a mad moment of boldness, I had asked to wash his hair for him. He shrugged non-commitally and handed me the soap. From then on I was always permitted to wash his hair for him each morning. It felt just as it looked-- spun of sun and air, incredibly soft.
When my many new clothes and shoes had arrived at the keep at the end of that first week the Commander had insisted I start bathing every morning myself, using the water left over from his own bath. "I don't want these things so quickly becoming rags like your previous clothes, Tanas," he had said. They were the finest things I had ever owned, and I knew he had spent a large amount of money on them. I was eager to show him my respect by doing as he bade me. Still, the first time I disrobed and bathed with him in the room I had felt extremely self-conscious. I had even seen him gaze at me side-long several times. But eventually my unease passed with the familiarity and regularity of the event each morning. I even came to desire for him to look at me while I bathed-- I hoped I looked half as desirable as he did when he was wet. He never offered to assist me in my bath and indeed I should have thought it beneath him if he had.
The Commander would shave his face once every day. This was much more frequently than I needed to shave myself. (I was hard-pressed to grow enough hair to require shaving once a week.) He had a special type of blade that seemed fashioned just for this purpose. I often watched him like a hawk while he shaved. There was something very intimate in his willingness to allow me to observe. On some mornings, when he was in an especially good mood, or when I had done some mysterious thing or other that had pleased him, he would allow me to perform the task myself. These were without question my most treasured moments shared with him. I always performed the task slowly and deliberately, and I was extremely proud of the fact that I never cut him. (When he shaved himself he was always rather quick about it and would often cut himself.) As I shaved him I had free license to gaze as openly as I liked at his beautiful visage, to touch his handsome face and absorb its textures through my fingertips, and to gaze into his eyes. It even offered opportunity to stand over-close to him and smell him. However I never touched him inappropriately, no matter how much I desired to do so. I had a great deal of respect for him and I would never insult him in such a crude way.
Sometimes we ate our breakfast down in the great hall with the knights and soldiers, but more often we would eat together in his quarters at the wooden table next to the hearth. I enjoyed this time alone with him. It offered an opportunity for us to speak together casually-- often about my training, but sometimes about other things as well. He was freer and more open with me at these times, more apt to laugh and talk to me about his homeland. I felt during these moments that he was my friend as well as my mentor, neither of which I had had before. He always seemed interested in what I had to say to him, though I was careful not to say too much. I knew I had not seen or experienced anything of note in the world, especially in comparison to the adventures that such a man as he would have experienced. I did not wish to weary him with the simple tales and ignorance of a former slave boy.
During those meals when we ate in the great hall he was more serious and would mostly talk with von Richten or the other knights in German, and for the most part would not acknowledge me much. I was not offended by this behavior-- I knew my place. It was enough for me to be permitted to sit next to him. I think that at times he must have been weary of speaking in a foreign tongue to a simple boy who understood little of the world from which he came. Perhaps he simply wished to converse in his own tongue to others who understood his ways and customs better, and who knew of and shared his world. And of course sometimes he surely just had business to discuss. But still there was always that selfish part of me that was happy to have him to myself.
My training always began each day immediately after breakfast. I would head down to the stables and saddle up both my mare and the horse of my riding companion for the day. Sometimes this would be von Richten, and on very rare occasions it was the Commander himself. But usually my riding companion was Evert, a kind and handsome dark-haired knight who had sat across from me in the great hall on my first night. Together we would ride out through the gates of town and travel about as our fancy took us. Some days we would visit the outlying villages. Some days we would only ride along the wild riverbank for several leagues. And yet on other days we might ride the woods and fields of the countryside. The Commander had specified I spend a great deal of time on horseback in order to build up my proficiency and so these morning rides were always long, even when the weather was not agreeable. It was not uncommon for us to arrive back at the keep just as the mid-day meal was begun.
It was during our daily rides that Evert had begun teaching me German. During the course of our rides he would point to an object and speak the word for it. I in turn would repeat the word and commit it to memory. It started simply enough: tree, rock, water, sky, bird; but it turned out that I had a knack for learning German, and it was not long before my curiosity and my thirst to learn more words had me seeking out Evert at all times of the day all over the keep, asking him to teach me. Sometimes he would shoo me away out of sheer exasperation at my persistence.
The latter half of each day was spent in martial training. This was broken up into several different aspects. First was usually a form of physical exertion, such as swordsmanship, agility training, sparring, lifting of heavy stones, training in spears and lances, and learning how to fight with maces. Later it would lead to training of a more intellectual manner, such as learning common military tactics, memorization of knightly codes, and learning the name, purpose and use of each type of armor commonly used by a knight. The Vice-Commander was almost always my instructor during my physical lessons, although the Commander would usually come down halfway through the lesson to watch my progress and offer me helpful tips. Afterwards the Commander would take over my tutelage in my intellectual endeavors, for which the Vice-Commander did not know enough of my own tongue to teach me properly.
As the summer slowly led into autumn and the sun began setting behind the westward hills earlier each evening, the Commander and I began to have more time to ourselves in his quarters after the evening meal. Evert had finally had a conversation with the Commander about my desire to learn more German, and so it had been decided that the time we spent in his quarters before going to bed each night would be a time to formally teach me that language. We spent many hours sitting at the wooden table in the room, a warm fire in the hearth. He taught me many words, including those that went beyond mere objects-- words that described ideas, events, even time. More importantly he taught me how to put all of these words together into proper sentences which others could understand. I was such a quick student that it was not yet November when I had finally left off speaking Lithuanian altogether and henceforth spoke in German. (Admittedly a crude German to begin with, but steadily improved throughout the winter with constant use.)
The Commander also began to teach me how to read at this time. I confess I was terribly intimidated at the prospect in the beginning. I believed that it would be impossible for a common boy like me to learn how to read, convinced that only the wisest of men, such as priests and noblemen like the Commander, could learn such a skill. But when it came down to it I also picked this skill up rather quickly. The Commander had a book written in German which was a treatise on swordsmanship, and he used this as a guide in teaching me all of the letters and how to decipher them. In fact it was rather an ideal book for a boy such as me, since it was useful in teaching me how to read, how to speak German, and how to be a better swordsman all at the same time.
On Sundays I accompanied the Commander and the other nights to mass in the town church. No longer was I relegated to the back benches-- I now sat on the second-nearest bench to the altar, just behind the Commander. I caused a stir amongst the congregation on that first Sunday when I walked into the church in my new fine clothes. There was a good deal of neck-turning and tongue-wagging when the townsfolk caught sight of me walking down the aisle. I was sure nearly everyone had already heard the story of my elevation, but those who hadn't were quickly being told the tale. Knowing the Slavs as I did I was sure most did not see my situation favorably. In their eyes, though the Commander had proven to be a good lord, he was still a German, and I had made myself a servant to him. It was something akin to treachery in their eyes, I suppose. But I did not care. I knew the Commander and I knew I served a good and honorable man.
After Sunday services each week I was given the rest of the afternoon to myself. That first Sunday Jeska had quickly sought me out in the churchyard. He pulled me over behind an elm tree so we could speak. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm and spoke so quickly it was hard to pick one word out from the next.
"There are a thousand and one stories being told each night at the tavern about you!" he spoke. "Of course I've heard about your trip into town with the lord, and I even caught a brief glimpse of you then. How did this happen? Why didn't you say anything about it to me?!"
"I had no foresight that such a thing would happen! Truly I don't quite understand how it's happened, Jeska, except that Fate has finally dealt me a kind coincidence," I answered in explanation. Then I told him the story of that fateful morning at the smithy, and of my brief captivity, and the Commander's generosity which all led to my becoming not just free but also a squire. Jeska had a faraway look in his eyes as I spoke. He looked both happy and sad. I thought I understood how he felt. To be free, to belong somewhere, to have a destiny... he still yearned desperately for these things, even as I had done until recently. He was both praying Fate would give him such an opportunity, and doubting that ever it would. Hope and Despair are always at battle with each other in the heart of a slave, and neither ever vanquishes the other.
Although Jeska and I had not been particular friends before, I now became aware of a bond that perhaps had been between us-- one of common situation and understanding. I had not previously been conscious of this connection with him. Only on that Sunday afternoon did it become obvious to me and only then because I sensed its absence. We had traveled on the same path through life until then, but now a fork had come in the road, and we had gone different ways. Things would not be the same anymore.
He and I walked for a long time that afternoon in the fields outside Klatovi. He asked me many questions, often asking them several times in slightly different ways to be sure he gleaned every last detail from me. I was patient with him, answering everything as best I could. I thought it only kind to do so. Eventually the sun became low in the sky and he had to return to his mistress, but not before he made me swear to meet with him again the following Sunday afternoon. (As our lives then stood, it would have been impossible for us to see each other at other times.)
Jeska was my faithful companion every Sunday after that, even more so because my other playmates would no longer speak to me. Jeska said the freeborn boys often spoke ill of me. "I'm sure it's only because they now wish they were you, though," he added with a laugh.
Weeks and months passed, each day similar to the previous. I poured all of my effort into being the best pupil and servant I could be for the Commander. Foremost in my mind always was the desire to please him.
One cold evening in mid winter, returning to our quarters from my dinner in the great hall, I found the Commander sitting at the wooden table. The windows had been shuttered up for months, and now a large fire was lit in the hearth to keep the chill out of the room. The light of the candles and of the hearth gave the room a warm, bright glow. He had on the table before him a large piece of parchment which I assumed was going to be an aid to my studies that night, but when I stood behind him and looked over his shoulder I saw that although it had some words on it, it was mostly just colors and lines. I did not know what it was.
"What is that, sir?" I asked him in German. (By now most of our conversations were in German.)
"It's a map, Tanas."
"Map?" This was a new word to me. I studied the parchment closer. If it was a picture then it was so poorly drawn that I couldn't make heads or tails of its subject.
"Yes, a map," he replied, taking a moment to spell the new word for me.
"I don't understand what it is, sir. Is it a picture?"
"Yes and no, Tanas. A map is both a drawing and an idea. It is a representation on parchment of a region of the earth."
"I don't see any trees or rocks in this map," I replied. He chuckled at this.
"No, Tanas," he answered with a smile. "It does not show as much detail as each individual tree and rock. Instead it is more a picture of the land as it might appear from the vantage point of the Heavens, looking down upon the earth from far above."
"How could any man know something such as that?"
"There are men who collect knowledge from others about the situation of certain lands, and who observe and put down on parchment what they see and learn. Do you see this line here? This represents the path of a river through the countryside. And here where there is the word 'Cesis,' that represents the location of an actual town by that name. The purpose of a map is to guide a man in an unfamiliar region. Though I have never been to the lands which this map depicts, I would still know my way on the roads between towns and know where a bridge might be found on a particular river after studying it."
"I have never heard of Cesis before, sir. Is that near here?"
"It is many leagues north of here, in the lands of Livonia" he replied.
I knew something of Livonia. It is a land in the north which is populated by Esti, Finns, Balts and Varangians, but which is governed by the Danes. It is bordered on the east with the lands of the Rus, and on the north and west with the sea. Balts and Finns are dark of hair and eye, and have a dusky skin tone like myself. They are unlike the Danes, Varangians, Slavs and Rus who commingled in their lands and who are all for the most part fair of hair, eye and skin. If I was indeed a Finn (as many townsfolk suspected) then I or my parents had most likely come from Livonia.
"Why do you wish to learn the lands of Livonia, sir?" I asked. At this he was quiet for a moment before letting out a sigh.
"I have had a letter from Litauenstadt today, Tanas." Litauenstadt was the new German name which the Teutons had given to Vladice. A letter from Litauenstadt was not particularly noteworthy. The Commander was always receiving correspondence which came from there. Once Duke Bohuslav's seat in this region, the Teutonic Knights now used it as a base of operations for cementing their control over the land. The Commander's superior officer, Grand Marshal von Draufel, presided from that city and was always sending letters. Usually these letters concerned subjects like provisions, troop allocations, and rules for the Germanization of the populace. However I sensed from the Commander's sudden reticence that this particular letter did not contain the usual fare. I remained quiet and waited for him to continue.
"The Grand Marshal has written me in his own hand. He honors me for my service to the Order, and says that he commended me in particular to the Grand Master at Acre for my leadership at Bolvida Fields." (I had learned some time ago that the Commander had been the commanding officer for the left flank of the German army, and had in fact been responsible for annihilating Bohuslav's cavaliers.) He continued with a sour look on his face, "He has commanded me to report to him in Litauenstadt in a fortnight's time. It seems I have been elevated to the rank of Marshal and he seeks to invest me with the symbols of that office."
This was very exciting news indeed!
"Marshal!" I exclaimed. "My lord! This is wonderful news! I am so excited for you! The Grand Marshal has done you a great honor! Of course you have earned it-- how could you not!" I couldn't contain my excitement. Without thinking I suddenly grabbed him and hugged him to me. He tensed up, and I quickly released him. "I'm sorry, sir," I said sheepishly.
He put his hand on his shoulder and looked me in the eye. "Thank you, Tanas. Your enthusiasm and faith in me are reassuring."
To be promoted to Marshal was a great honor. During my nightly studies with the Commander I had of course learned the chain of command in the Teutonic Order. The order was headed by its Grand Master, elected by the ranks of the members when the previous Grand Master died or relinquished his command. The current Grand Master was a man named Hartmann von Helbrungen, who resided in the Order's stronghold in the city of Acre, which is in the Holy Land. Directly below him, and serving as the commander-in-chief of all military forces, was Grand Marshal von Draufel. There were only ever one Grand Master and one Grand Marshal at a time. Below the rank of Grand Marshal was then the rank of Marshal, of which there were usually only two or three. Then there was the rank of Commander, whi ch was a more numerous position; Then Vice-Commander, which was more numerous yet. Th en there were the ranks of Sergea nt-at-arms, Priest, and then Knight. In total there were barely more than 800 members of the Order, though they controlled vast armies of paid foot soldiers, who made up the bulk of their forces.
The Commander's promotion to the rank of Marshal would therefore push him into one of the highest positions of authority within his order. Over the last several months I had grown to understand him as a man, and I truly believed the Order could only benefit from his wisdom, his innate sense of leadership, his humility, and his sense of justice. But then my mind wandered back to the map. What did that have to do with his elevation?
"But sir," I ventured, " Why then do you have a map of Livonia before you? Litauenstadt is not in that land. It isn't even to the north-- it's to the west."
"Of that I am aware, Tanas. But I do not suppose the Grand Marshal seeks to honor me with such a prestigious commission without asking something of me in return." He stood up then and turned to the fire, warming his hands before continuing with a thoughtful tone to his voice.
"Although he was routed at Bolvida, Duke Bohuslav escaped to the west. He has mustered another army under his command, and is being supported by many lords of the Rus in that area who do not want to see my Order prevail in this region.
"Of a similar mind will be the Danish king. Always at odds with the Empire has that lord been, and unwilling to accept the Emperor as his liege. He undoubtedly sees our arrival at the borders of the Duchy of Livonia as a direct threat to his authority. He will gather an army to push us out of these lands.
"Therefore in the spring Grand Marshal von Draufel will require two armies-- one to fight the Danes and their allies in the north, and one to fight the Slavs in the west. He can not command them both... It is the comm on duty of a Marshal to lead armies for the Order."
"I think I understand now, my lord." I replied. "You think he will ask you to lead one of the armies?"
"We shall see, Tanas." Then he looked aside to me with a long look in his eye. His voice was somber. "For now you should prepare yourself for our departure. We must leave Klatovi in ten days time if I am to reach Litauenstadt by the date set by the Grand Marshal. I do not know if you shall see your home again, Tanas. Certainly not for a long time at the least."
"I would gladly follow you to the four corners of the world, my lord. I will not be sad to leave as long as I am with you." I did not want him to worry for my sake. In any case I saw the situation rather as a great opportunity. Had I not always wanted to see more of the world?
"I shall be glad of your company on the long roads ahead, Tanas."
After mass on the following Sunday the Commander stood before the altar and addressed the congregation. He had told me the night before that he would do this. He announced that he had been recalled by his order and that he would be departing the town in the middle of the week. He explained that the lordship of the Klatovi would pass to the Vice-Commander, and that they were still bound by the same laws and rules as previously laid out for them that summer.
I was keenly aware of Jeska's eyes boring a hole in my back as I sat there on my bench. I had thought often on how I would tell him I was leaving. In the end the Commander's speech had done the hard part for me. But there was still the business of saying goodbye, and there was a small part of me that felt I was abandoning him. Jeska, like me, did not have other friends. I could only imagine how lonely things would be for him when I was gone.
I waited for him in the snow near the elm tree in the churchyard. When he came out of the church his face was closed. Gone was the usual smile he wore when we met. He had his hands stuffed into the sleeves of his woolen tunic for warmth. As he passed I joined him and we walked the streets quietly for some minutes.
"Are you angry with me, Jeska?" I asked him once the silence had become too difficult for me.
"No," he replied. "No, not really. I'm sad, Tanas. And jealous, I suppose. I knew this day would come, though I often hoped it wouldn't. I'll be lonely without you to talk to."
"I'll miss you, too, Jeska. You've been a good friend to me these last months."
"And you to me."
"Come; let's not be sad on this last day together. We still have some hours ahead of us, and I have a special treat for you!"
"Oh?" he asked, picking his eyes up from the road where they had been studiously fixed until then. "What have you got for me?"
In reply I only smiled at him and grabbed his hand, beginning to run through the snow-filled streets with him in tow. I led him towards the keep. I had secured the Commander's permission the night before to give Jeska a tour of the keep grounds and the tower. When we reached the bridge to the keep gates he let out a light fit of laughter.
"Am I allowed in there?" he asked.
"Today you are!"
The guard allowed us through without any questions. Once we had passed through the gate Jeska's head began to turn in every direction, taking in the sights.
"To the left are the barracks and the gaol. To the right are the stables and the practice grounds. And of course ahead is the tower. Come, I'll show it to you as it was first shown to me!" I said, pulling him towards the tower.
"Wait! I want to see the gaol where you were sent on that first day!"
"No," I answered. "Be glad that you haven't seen it, Jeska, and pray that you never do. For my part I refuse to go back there."
"Very well then. Show me the tower!"
I led him through every inch of the tower. He was more curious then even I had been. The size of great hall amazed him, the oddity of the privy made him laugh, and the comfort of Commander's quarters left him speechless. I saved the top of the tower for last.
It was bitter cold up there in the winter wind, but the sight was perhaps even more beautiful than in the summer. The whole land for as far as the eye could see was covered in snow and ice. Jeska was thrilled at the experience. We stayed up there until our hands and faces were numb before finally climbing down and warming ourselves in front of the hearth in the Commander's quarters.
"There's something else I have for you," I said to him once my teeth had stopped chattering. I went over to my chest to get what I had planned to give him.
"You don't have to give me anything, Tanas. This day has already been amazing. I won't soon forget it!"
"This is for my peace of mind as well as for your future. Take it, and don't refuse. I'll be sorely hurt if you do." I reached out and handed him my old coin purse. All of the money I had managed to save while living under Dalibor was there. "It isn't much, but I want you to have it. Save it, don't fritter it away on silly things. Put it towards that day when you can buy your freedom back."
"Tanas--"
"No, Jeska. Now put it away inside your tunic and we'll not speak of it again." He looked long at me, his eyes wet, before nodding and slipping the purse inside a pocket. Then he stepped forward and embraced me in a bear hug.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Just then the door opened and the Commander stepped into the room. Jeska let go of me and took a step away. He bowed before the Commander. I was glad the purse was now out of sight. I thought the Commander might be angry with me if he knew I had given away every last copper piece I had to my name. (Though that did not make me regret doing so.)
"Ah, there you are, Tanas," the Commander spoke. "I was looking for you. The afternoon meal is being served in the great hall. I thought your friend might like to stay and dine with us."
I turned to Jeska and already I could see his answer in his face. His eyes were wide with wonder and his mouth was hanging open.
"Yes, sir. We'll come down now. Come on, Jeska." The Commander turned and headed back down to the hall, Jeska and I on his heels.
Jeska was all eyes while we dined at the knights table. He was virtually shaking with excitement, so near to so many knights and soldiers. I was thankful for the Commander's thoughtfulness, and I tried to thank him silently several times throughout the meal with very big, very sincere smiles. After the third such smile I think I even made him blush. I was sorry that the meal, and Jeska's adventure, had to come to an end, but it was not long before I was escorting him back out of the tower and through the keep gates.
We stood on the wooden bridge for a few moments facing each other, unsure of what we should say. Finally I stepped forward and kissed him on each cheek.
"Farewell, Jeska. I hope our paths cross again one day," I spoke.
"Farewell, Tanas," he replied. Then he turned and began walking back to the house of his mistress. I watched him until he turned a corner and disappeared from my view before returning to the keep. I felt lousy.
That night, as the Commander sat upon his bed and I knelt before him pulling off his boots, he put a hand on my shoulder and stilled me. I looked up at him.
"I know what you did this afternoon, Tanas," he said.
"Sir?"
"I was standing at the door. It was not fully closed. I did not intend to eavesdrop, but I overheard none the less."
"Are you angry with me for giving away the money, sir?" I would have preferred he not know about it, but I wouldn't pretend not to know what he was talking about either. He had an odd look on his face when I asked him this. It was half a look of pleasure, half a look of sadness. I wasn't sure what he was thinking. Then he put his hand on my head and stroked my hair.
"Tanas... Tanas..." he spoke in an odd, strained tone. "How could I be angry with you for such a deed? Your selflessness and your charity make me proud. It fills my heart with warmth to think someone as pure as you still lives in this world."
I wasn't sure what could be said to such a remark, so instead I continued to pull his boots off and said nothing more on the matter, and neither did he.
I rose early on the morning of our departure as there was much for me to do. While the Commander settled last-minute affairs with the Vice-Commander, I had to make sure all of his belongings had been properly packed and brought down to the courtyard. My own possessions filled only one bag and hardly required much packing at all. Once everything was down in the courtyard I had to harness and saddle not just my mare, but the Commander's charger and his gelding. He would travel on the gelding, the charger being primarily just for battles and for official purposes. (Although for the trip to Litauenstadt the charger would bear the burden of the Commander's weapons and armor.) There was also a fourth horse we were taking with us to serve as a main baggage animal, and this I had to harness and load up with the luggage.
Mistress Rosalinde had prepared several packages of cheeses, breads, and dried meats for us to eat on the journey. She also gave us several bottles of cider. These I packed in the saddlebags of my own mare. When all was prepared I returned to our quarters where I found the Commander performing a last-minute inspection to make sure nothing was left behind which would be needed.
"Everything is prepared, Commander," I told him.
"Very good then, Tanas. Are you looking forward to your little adventure?"
"Very much so, sir!" I answered with a smile.
"Come, girdle me with my sword." I retrieved his sword from where it lay atop his chest and girdled it to his belt. "Now that is better. Although the roads we will be traveling upon are in friendly territory, one can never be too careful. Which reminds me, Tanas-- it is time we girdled you with your own blade."
Although I had been training in the use of swords for months, he had never before allowed me to walk about with my own blade beyond the practice field. I felt as though I were suddenly coming of age.
"Are you sure I should, sir?" I asked, unsure of myself.
"Of course. You have been an excellent student. You handle yourself well with a blade, Tanas. And I suspect that one day you will be a swordsman of great renown ." I blushed at his praise.
"I have no sword of my own with which to be girdled, sir," I pointed out.
"Yes you have, Tanas. And a very fine blade it is. I've been saving it for this occasion." He walked over to the table and picked up a sword which lay upon it. I was sure it had not been there earlier in the morning. It was sheathed in a finely worked leather scabbard.
"It was such a fine blade-- of course it was immediately brought to my attention when it was discovered. Many great lords don't own a sword half as fine. I wrote a letter of commission to a leatherworker of some renown in Lubeck for the scabbard." He held the hilt of the sword out to me. I grasped it and pulled the sword out of the sheath. I gasped in surprise.
"My blade!" I exclaimed. "I long wondered what had happened to it, until one day I forgot it altogether!" It was the same blade I had made with my own hands. The Commander had saved it for me, and now he returned it. "But sir-- I never expected to wear this sword myself. It is too fine for me."
"I see no reason why you shouldn't wear it, Tanas."
Truly it did not feel appropriate for me to wear something so fine, but I did have an idea. Holding the blade in both hands I knelt before the Commander. "My lord, it would give my great honor if you would wear this sword which I have made myself."
"Tanas, I didn't--"
"Commander, please-- accept it as token of my great regard and affection toward you," I said with some insistence. In a sense I had trumped him. He could not now refuse as it would have been un-chivalrous for him to decline an offer made in such a manner. Instead he sighed and took the blade from me.
"Very well, Tanas, though I fear you underestimate the value of the gift."
"The true gift is in seeing you wear it, my lord," I replied. I then helped him remove his own sword and girdle the new. Then he helped girdle me with his former sword. Truly I felt as though I had made out on the bargain. It was an honor to be wearing his sword, a treasure more dear to me than that which I had created with my own hands. I was satisfied.
"Now Tanas, let us be off before the sun is in mid-morning."
There was little fan-fare when we left the keep. Only the Vice-Commander and a few of the knights had come out in the cold to see us off. The old man shook my hand and pat me on the back before wishing me luck and helping me onto my mare. Then, with very few other words spoken, the Commander and I rode out of the keep. In the streets of Klatovi barely anyone paid us any heed. Within a few minutes we had passed through the gates of town and were headed south on the road.
There was a bridge spanning the Dubysa a few miles south of town which we would need to cross before we could move west across the countryside towards Litauenstadt. The Commander was feeling talkative that day, and he began telling me about what I should expect to see when we arrived in that city. He spoke of the buildings, the people, and the action in such a large town. He had a talent for seeing and exposing the ridiculous in some people, and he would sometimes affect the voice of such a person to enhance the silliness of the tale. He had me laughing and smiling for much of the morning.
When mid afternoon came I pulled out one of Mistress Rosalinde's food packages for us to snack upon, though we did not stop riding. I handed the Commander some cheese and a bottle of cider, and we passed that back and forth until we were satisfied. I then carefully wrapped what remained back up in the linen cloth and packed it back away in my saddlebags. Only a couple brief stops did we make that day, and only to allow the horses to drink from streams along the road.
As the afternoon dragged on I began to feel weary and more than a little bored. Weary because I had never ridden for so long before in one day. Bored because the scenery was ever the same-- fields and forests for as far as the eye could see, dotted with farmsteads. I could have seen that at home! The Commander seemed un fazed. He didn't look the least bit tired sitting in his saddle. Of course he was used to this. His military background meant he practically lived his whole life on the back of a horse. He tried to rally me with more stories, but by the time the sun was sinking beyond the hills I was too weary to be a good listener.
With the loss of the sun it also became unbearably cold. Even my fur-lined cap and cloak were not enough to keep the cold at bay. I began to wonder where we would spend the night. We very well couldn't sleep in the snow. But the Commander must have sensed my thoughts, for he spoke up then.
"Just a short while more, Tanas. There is a small roadside inn perhaps a league or two further down the road where we will spend the night in warmth."
"I'm glad to hear it, my lord. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep myself in the saddle. I can't feel my feet anymore."
Thankfully the Commander had been right. It was perhaps only another half hour before we came upon the inn. Actually it appeared to be nothing more than an oversized farmstead with attached barn which sat upon the south side of the road. Light peaked out through the closed shutters of the building, smoke rose from the fieldstone chimney-- promises of warmth inside.
"Take the horses to the barn and unburden them, Tanas. I will go speak with the innkeeper and have a man come out to feed them. Meet me inside."
"Yes sir," I answered. With all of the luggage on the four horses it took me some time to unburden and unsaddle them. A man from the inn came out to feed them while I was still at my task. But finally I had done my duty and I quickly made my way inside the inn.
The inn seemed a bit old, though it was well-kept. The downstairs was comprised of a large common room with some tables and chairs. There was a doorway to the right covered with a curtain, perhaps leading to the innkeeper's rooms or the kitchen. Ahead were stairs leading to the upstairs rooms. The Commander was seated at a table in the corner of the common room near the fieldstone hearth. He had a bowl of stew in front of him, and another sitting across from him, and a jug and two cups between the two. I went to sit with him, making sure to place my numb feet towards the fire.
"Dig in, Tanas. It's simple fare, but warm and good. I'm sure you must be hungry," he said to me. I didn't give any reply, but picked up my spoon and began greedily downing the stew. The Commander was perhaps a little more civil in the consumption of his own. When we were done I let out a satisfied sigh and slouched back in my chair. By now my feet were toasty warm thanks to the fire. An old and toothless woman suddenly appeared from behind the curtained doorway to collect the empty dishes.
"Was everything satisfactory, my lords?" she asked. I was surprised to discover she spoke German.
"Quite, madam. Our thanks. I think we will go now to bed. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow," the Commander answered her in German.
"Very well," she replied before disappearing back behind the curtain.
"What a surprise to find someone who speaks German in these parts!" I said to him once I was sure she was out of earshot.
"Not particularly," he answered. "You will find that all of the inns along the roads between towns and cities are now run by Germans. They are usually the first businesses to be seized after occupation. Don't look at me so, Tanas-- it wouldn't be safe to have messengers and officers at risk in establishments which may harbor ill-will against them. The roads must be safe, and that includes the inns along the way. If this inn had been run by a Slav I should have had you sleep out in the barn with the luggage to keep it safe. I'm sure you wouldn't have liked that!"
"No sir, I wouldn't," I conceded.
When we entered our room for the night I was surprised at its size. It was small, and the ceiling slanted downwards so that the room resembled a triangle more than a square. Neither of us could stand at our full height in the room and we were forced to keep our heads ducked or risk hitting them on the beams. There was only one bed in the room, and it took up most of the space. It had clearly seen better days. The only other furniture was a wooden chair which sat behind the door.
I was sorely disappointed. I had imagined all afternoon that a large, warm, soft feather bed awaited me at the end of the day. I saw now that I would have to sleep on the floor for the night. I was determined not to complain to the Commander, however; I wanted him to believe I was made of sterner stuff than that.
We ungirdled our swords and leaned them against the wall in the corner of the room. Then I assisted the Commander with removing his boots and clothing and laid everything carefully upon the chair. Wearing just his underbreeches he sank with a deep sigh into the bed. Oh, how I envied him! I struggled with my own boots and set them aside next to the Commander's. Then I laid out my cloak upon the floor, blew out the candle, and lay down on the floor, wrapping myself in my cloak. I was not comfortable.
I heard the Commander sit up suddenly in his bed.
"Tanas, what on earth are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm trying to sleep, sir," I answered. What did he think I was doing?
"Why are you on the floor?"
"There is no other place to sleep, sir."
"Don't be absurd, Tanas. Get undressed and get into bed."
"But sir..."
"Please, Tanas, I'm too tired to argue about this. The bed is more than enough for both of us. Now come here."
I wasn't sure how I felt about this sudden turn of events. If I lay in the bed with the Commander I wasn't sure I could control my body's reaction. I was terribly attracted to him. What if my body betrayed my feelings toward him? I didn't wish to insult him and embarrass myself. Suddenly sleeping on the floor seemed a much better situation than it had several moments earlier. Unsure of what to do, I was frozen in place.
"Tanas," the Commander spoke again in the dark, this time more sternly.
"Yes sir. I'm coming, sir," I replied.
Reluctantly I stood up and began to remove my tunic, breeches and hose. When I was down to my underbreeches I laid everything carefully atop his clothes on the chair and then climbed into the bed. I tried very hard to stay as close to the edge of the bed as possible and avoid touching the Commander. Unfortunately it wasn't a particularly large bed and we were still in contact with each other. I could feel the warmth of his body and the hairs on his arms and thighs were lightly brushing against my own skin. The sensation was setting my skin on fire. My heart was beating so loudly that I was certain he would hear it. My only reprieve was that I was too nervous for my member to harden up.
"Now isn't that better?" he asked, rolling onto his side.
"Yes sir," I answered, my throat suddenly dry.
It wasn't long before I heard the heavy breathing which signaled his sleep. I lay awake on my back for a long time before sleep claimed me.
I awoke some time in the middle of the night. I was instantly aware that my member was hard as stone, and it wasn't difficult to understand why. I was still lying on my back, but the Commander was asleep on his side facing towards me. His right arm had replaced my pillow and my head now rested on its strong muscle, which was surprisingly soft in his repose. His face was nuzzled close against the curve of my neck and the prickly feel of his unshaven chin and the warm flow of his breath against my skin was a tortuous pleasure. His left arm he had draped over my bare stomach and his hand held my right hip. His left leg he had forced between my own and his knee had come to rest just below my scrotum, our naked thighs intimately connected. My whole left side was in complete contact his warm furry body, and I could feel against my thigh that he too was hard-- the size and feel of his turgid member was unmistakable . The scent of his body was powerful and alluring.
I had never before felt anything as thrilling and intoxicating, so secure and safe as lying in his arms that night. Many times I had fantasized about just such a moment. And yet I was also afraid-- afraid he would wake and find us thus, realizing that it was me he held in his sleep and not some dreamed-of lover. Afraid that he would discover that I enjoyed it, that I fancied him. I couldn't bear to feel his anger and rejection then.
I tried to pull away from him in the bed, but his arm about my waist pulled me tighter against him, and he gave a small growl in his throat. I was terrified then that I had woken him, but after some still moments I could tell that he was in fact still asleep. Unable to extricate myself from him, I instead rolled over onto my side, my back towards him, so that if he were to awaken at the very least my arousal would not be obvious to him. He again pulled me close against him with his left hand against my belly, where it then stayed. We were then back-to-chest. His arousal was now lying against the crevice of my buttocks, just our underbreeches separating us. Its presence sent shivers down my spine. His arm was still under my head, but now his face was nuzzled against the nape of my neck. My member was so hard it ached.
When I next opened my eyes there was daylight seeping in through the cracks of the shuttered windows. The room was bitterly cold. I pulled the wool blanket closer about me. It was then I determined the Commander was not in the bed with me. I missed the feel of his arms about me.
"Good morning, Tanas!" he suddenly announced cheerily from the corner of the room. I turned in the direction of his voice. He had already got his hose and breeches on, and was pulling his tunic over his head. I studied his face for a moment to determine if there was any change, if there were any sign that he was aware of what had happened while he slept. But his face was open and his look sincere. If anything he seemed more cheerful than normal.
"Good morning, sir," was my reply.
"If this cold is any indication then I'll wager the innkeeper allowed the fire in the hearth to go out in the night. Ah well, she's old and we'll forgive her negligence." He winked when he said this. "You surely would have frozen if you had stayed on the floor last night, Tanas. Better that you came to the bed and we could share our heat."
If last night was just an issue of sharing our body heat then I wished every night of the year were a bitterly cold winter night. But I did not say this. I only replied with another, "Yes sir."
"Get dressed, Tanas. We have another long day of riding ahead of us. Best if we start while the morning is young." He was pulling his boots on as he said this. When he was fully dressed he turned to me and added, "I'll meet you down in the common room. Be quick!" And with that he left the room.
I was glad he had left. I didn't want to him to see my hard member when I got out of bed. Although I woke nearly every morning hardened, and on several occasions the Commander had surely noticed, on this morning I was feeling more shy about him. The floor and the air were bitter cold. I donned my hose and other clothing as quick as I could, but it wasn't until I was down in the common room sitting near the newly-stoked hearth that I began to feel warm again.
While we ate our meal of porridge and ham provided by the innkeeper the Commander spoke of the progress he hoped to make during our day's journey. I realized after some minutes that I had not been paying attention, and instead had only been watching his well-formed mouth create the words, remembering the feel of his breath upon my neck.
"...will have passed by the village of Nida, and by early afternoon the village of Skirsnemunas. Then we will follow the Nemunas west and by nightfall we should have reached the town of Jurbarkas. There we will stay in the town's keep with others of my order." He looked up and saw that I was done with my porridge. "Well then Tanas, go and saddle up the horses. I'll settle our account with the innkeeper and meet you in the barn."
"Yes sir," I answered, pulling on my gloves and hat and donning my cloak before stepping out into the cold.
I had only finished reloading the baggage horse and was saddling and burdening his charger when he came into the barn. He made to help me with the task.
"I can do it, my lord," I interjected, anxious that he shouldn't think I was a slouch with my duties.
"I know you can, Tanas, but a helping hand is always welcome company," he replied. The work went faster between the two of us and we were very soon out upon the road again, riding southwest towards the Nemunas, which w e would then follow to Litauenstadt.
He was in an especially good mood this day, and we had not been long on the road when suddenly he broke out into verse. He began reciting the tale of a knight named Roland who gave his life in the course of a glorious battle in service to his liege lord, Charlemagne, during a campaign in Moorish Spain. It was long- it took him nearly two hours to recite- and yet it seemed he had nearly all of it remembered to heart. In some parts it did not always rhyme, and I suspected those were the parts he had forgotten and filled in on his own, but it didn't matter. I sat riveted upon my horse, listening and picturing in my mind's eye the story that was told.
Charlemagne was returning to the lands of the Franks after forcing a Saracen king of Saragossa to capitulate to him. But through the treachery of a jealous knight named Ganelon the Saracens pursued Charlemagne secretly and attacked his rear-guard in the valley of Roncesvaux. Roland was the captain of that force, a knight both brave and handsome. Together with his faithful friend, Oliver, and his men, he stayed off the attack of the Saracens, though he was sorely outnumbered by them. Through the course of an entire day Roland, with Oliver at his side, fought valiantly and slew many heathens. But as the hour became late the superior numbers of the Saracens overwhelmed the Franks until nearly all were dead, and even Oliver had by then died in Roland's arms. Then Roland, in his final moments before being hewn to death, blew upon his mighty oliphant horn to alert his lord to what had happened, and so that the good king could return and give their corpses a proper burial. But when Roland blew his horn three times his temples burst, and the holy saints carried his soul up to the Kingdom of Heaven, cheating the Saracens of his death.
Hearing the horn, Charlemagne and his army arrived- but it was too late. All of the rear-guard was dead. The good king wept at the loss of his friends, and quickly exacted revenge upon the Saracens. Ganelon's plot was eventually discovered, and he was given a traitor's tortuous death. Roland, on the other hand, was made a martyr and now sits at the right hand of Christ.
Of course this is just a very brief summary of the tale. The Commander told the story exceptionally well, and it was wonderful to hear it spoken in that magnificent voice of his. The detail in the story was immense, and by the time he had finished it I half believed I had seen such places as Cordoba and Saragossa with my own eyes. For several hours afterwards I asked him an endless stream of questions about the tale, until finally with a sigh and a chuckle he begged to have no more questions on the matter.
Naturally I drew some parallels between the Commander and Roland in my mind. Both were fair and handsome, both were valiant and brave, both were great captains. But I also knew that had the Commander been in Roland's place he would have been more practical and careful in battle and so perhaps a part of the rear-guard may have extricated themselves and survived. I was sure that in a comparison between the two, the Commander was the better man. Upon Oliver my mind dwelt even longer. I saw him as I saw myself-- a man who loved his captain and gave his life in his service. I swore secretly in my heart that, should the Commander ever be in peril, I would without question lay down my life to protect him. It was not the oath of a naive boy who had never seen battle, but the promise of one who truly in his heart loved the man, though he may never know it.
After some time we entered a large old pine forest through which the road cut. It was a dark wood and little of the day's sunlight penetrated the canopy. The air was still and quiet, there was no wind or sound aside from the footfall of the horses. It was so quiet that almost we could have been in a room with a closed door. The Commander's conversation had dropped off after we entered the wood, and it was not long before his good humor seemed to have left him altogether. Discovering a brook which ran near to the road we dismounted to allow the horses a drink. I was chewing on a bit of dried meat and watching my mare drink thirstily when the Commander broke in upon my thoughts.
"How did you become a slave to Dalibor, Tanas?" he asked from his seat some paces away on a boulder. I was surprised. He had never before ventured to ask me that question.
"He bought me, my lord. From a miller, when he was traveling the north regions."
He was quiet for a moment. "And the miller, from whence did he have you?"
"He took me in trade from my mother, my lord, in exchange for milling her crop."
"Your mother?" he asked incredulously. "Do you mean to say that your own mother sold you into slavery?"
"Yes sir," I answered matter-of-factly.
"How old were you then?" he asked.
"I was not yet seven years old. In these lands it is acceptable for a parent to sell a child, so long as it is not the first-born son."
"By God... May Satan take her soul!" he exclaimed. I was shocked-- I had never before heard him make such a curse! I crossed myself at his mention of the Evil One.
"Don't be quick to condemn her, sir. Perhaps she only did what she must. It is Christ whom she will face for her judgment , and I will leave that task to Him alone."
"You would defend her then?" he asked, jumping from his boulder and approaching me. "You would forgive the woman who sold you into misery? A woman who stripped you of a future and of happiness? Who for a lousy rotten bag of flour traded away your very life ?!"
He was working himself up into a state. I'd never seen him angry like this before. I was thoughtful for a moment before stepping forward, placing my hand upon his shoulder in a soothing, friendly manner -- a gesture he had so often made with me before.
I spoke quietly and slowly while looking into his eyes. "If I let my heart fill with bitterness towards her, Commander... If I let my soul be consumed with hatred for her, then there would be no Tanas left. I have forgiven her, sir. Not only because Christ asks it of me, but because there is no other course left open to me. I must forgive her or I would be destroyed."
"Tanas," he spoke, his voice breaking.
"I don't remember much of my life before I was sold, sir," I interrupted him. "But what memories I do have are of cold and hunger. In such circumstances there are never easy choices. I have never supposed that what she did was easy for her. Yes, I was a miserable slave, and often I despaired of ever having any future. But those trials are over--- yes, trials! I have come through them for the better. Now here I stand this morning on a road to an unknown destiny in the company of a great man whom I know I will follow until the end of my days, and I have never been happier in my life. This has only come to pass because she did sell me, Commander-- Who then is to say that my mother did me a wrong, or a right?"
He was quiet then, though there was a struggle upon his face. I could feel his shoulder shaking. He then turned and took a few paces away from me, wiping at his face with his glove. I did not flatter myself that this sudden burst of emotion from him was all solely over my past. I suspected that he was struggling with his own demons and issues of forgiveness. Obviously the Commander had never known a life of slavery, but all men, be they great or low, can be wounded in the heart by life. I did not press him.
After some time he spoke, his voice shaky. "There is a power in your heart which few men possess, Tanas."
I moved forward then and stood behind him, placing a hand on his back. "The power of Forgiveness can be wielded by any man who seeks it. If there is one who does not know where to look, then let him come to me and I will guide him." I pulled away then and walked back to the horses. "Let's continue on this road, Commander. The dark and still of this wood makes us melancholy. Let's ride until we reach the end of it and there is sunlight once again. I think you will feel more yourself then."
He didn't answer but he followed me to the horses and we both mounted up, and then we were on our way again. I had learned some silly songs from the soldiers back in Klatovi and I now decided to sing them (badly) as we rode to lighten the mood. The Commander was more himself again and laughing in no time at all.
By nightfall we had reached the walls of the town of Jurbarkas, which is located at the confluence of the Nemunas and one of its tributaries, the Mituva. Jurbarkas is not quite as large as Klatovi, but it did have much the same feel as that town. Both Jurbarkas and it's lord's keep were encircled by the same walls, but they were also walled off from each other. One had to circle around the outside of the town to find the gates to the keep. This the Commander and I did and we were confronted by the night watch in the guard tower.
"State your name and purpose!" called out one of the guards, brandishing his bow towards us.
"Commander Ulrich von Laubau, seeking a night's respite within the keep along with my aide," replied the Commander from the back of his gelding. At that both guardsmen bowed to the Commander .
"We've been told to expect your arrival, my lord. Please enter. I will send a messenger to alert Vice-Commander von Liebitz of your presence." The gates opened and we rode through.
The main building of the keep was very different from the keep in Klatovi. It wasn't half as big for starters, and it wasn't even a stone structure. It looked to be a fortified building built of wood and plastered over. It had a red tile roof. There was no tower. In fact the extraneous buildings were limited just to a medium-sized stable and a moderate guard house. Both were also made of wood and plaster. I hoped for the sake of the lord of this town that the city walls were thick, because certainly there was no hope of defense in this keep if they were breached.
Vice-Commander von Liebitz, who was the acting lord of Jurbarkas on behalf of the Teutonic Order, met us at the door to the keep. He was a tall and thin, older, serious-looking man. He was very formal when greeting us and the Commander was formal in his return address. I stayed silent. A servant of the household led our horses off to the stables.
Despite the formalities the Vice-Commander was a gracious host. Although the evening meal was over he ordered for something to be brought to us in the common hall. He stayed with us and spoke with the Commander while we ate. When the subject of our accommodations for the evening came up he suddenly sent an odd look in my direction.
He addressed the Commander. "I was aware of course from your letter that you would be traveling with a companion, however I had not expected him to be so young or... comely." I raised an eyebrow in the Commander's direction. "There have been some... indiscretions... of late with some of the men. It would perhaps not be wise to now have him in the dormitory, where I had originally intended to house you. No, no, it would not do at all."
I suddenly wondered what kind of business the boys in Jurbarkas had been up to that their own captain felt I would not be safe housing with them for a night. I looked to the Commander again but I couldn't read his expression.
"Well then," continued von Liebitz, "there are only my quarters left where you may stay without disruption. I shall sleep in the dormitory with the knights."
"Vice-Commander," began the Commander, "we do not wish to put you out. I'm sure we would be perfectly fine spending the night in the stables."
"No, no, Commander," interrupted von Liebitz. "There has been trouble enough these last few days, but it was not your doing. I will have the room prepared for you shortly. I insist."
The Commander did not push the subject further, and with that things seemed settled.
The Vice-Commander's room was not particularly large, but it was nicely furnished. There was a large bed covered with woolen blankets and a warm fire in the hearth. More importantly there was a bath, and it was full of warm water! The Commander was just as thrilled at this prospect as I was.
While he sat in the bath and I washed his hair with my hands I thought back on what von Liebitz had spoken about in the common hall.
"Sir, what could the Vice-Commander's men have done that he felt I wouldn't be safe with them?" I asked.
He suddenly coughed and began to stutter over his response. I could see a blush appear across his bare shoulders. This was most unlike his usual self!
"Why should he have mentioned that he thought I was comely?" I continued. "That was a very odd remark, don't you think, sir?"
After a few moments he seemed finally to have composed himself. "Tanas, there is occasionally a ... issue, that arises at times within the ranks. You must keep in mind that many of the knights are young and in the prime of their manhood when they join. Their vows of celibacy sometimes sit heavily upon them..."
"Celibacy?" That was a new German word to me. "What is that?"
"It is when a man forswears the pleasures of the flesh in order that he may better serve God. All members of my order are sworn to celibacy."
"What? Even you?" I asked, startled.
"Yes, Tanas. I too am sworn to celibacy."
I felt as though someone had knocked me on the side of my head. I had never realized this! The subject had never before come up. I thought back to the previous night. I desired a man who had selflessly sworn himself to God. What a wretch I was! The knowledge shamed me, and yet was not enough to still my desire for him in my heart.
"It would seem, Tanas," he continued, "that some of the men in this outpost recently broke their vows of celibacy. And if I'm not mistaken, it was perhaps with a comely youth."
"Oh," was all I could say.
"The Vice-Commander must now lead the stray sheep back to pasture, as it were. You would be precisely the wrong type of distraction in the dormitory at this time."
I thought I would push my luck. "Do you think I'm comely, Commander?" I ventured. He let out a loud and mirthful laugh at this.
"Well now, Tanas-- I would answer that question except that you may get a swelled head, and that would certainly ruin any good looks you might have!" I splashed him with the bathwater as he continued to laugh.
Later, after we had both taken a bath and had donned our underbreeches, I began to blow out the candles in the room. The Commander was already relaxed in his bed with the blanket pulled up to his waist. Before blowing out the last candle I went to pull my trundle bed out from under the Commander's b ed, only to discover there was no trundle bed.
"There's no trundle bed here, sir!" I said stupidly.
"Well then blow out the candle and climb in with me," he said with a yawn. I did as he bade me.
This bed was much larger than the one in the inn on the previous night. There was ample space for the Commander and I to both lay on our own sides without touching. I was thankful for this now that I knew the nature of his commitment to the Order, but at the same time my body ached to have him hold me again. With these conflicting emotions I drifted off to sleep.
It was the heat and the pressure of his body which woke me. As on the previous night, I discovered that while I had slept the Commander had made his way over to me. He was halfway lying atop me with his arm wrapped around my chest. His breath was soft and warm on my shoulder. He was not fully atop me but still his weight was considerable. At first I thought I would wake him, but eventually the selfish side of me won out and I said and did nothing. Instead I fell back asleep, reveling in the glorious feeling of having the man I loved atop me, even if he were unaware.
When I awoke in the morning he was again already out of bed. In fact he was not even in the room. I rose and dressed myself. As I was pulling on my boots he entered. He held in his hands a plate of pork and a cup of liquid.
"I've brought you your breakfast," he said. "The Vice-Commander would prefer if you ate in here."
"Oh, alright."
He sat upon the bed and silently watched me while I ate at the small table in the room. He had an odd smile on his face. After some time it became too much.
"What is it, Commander?" I asked.
"Nothing," was his response. Still he had that smile on his face. I pretended to be annoyed but secretly I enjoyed having his eye upon me.
When I was done he ushered me out of the room and out of the keep. I had the sensation he was rushing me along. When we stepped out into the courtyard I saw that our horses were already saddled and packed and ready for the day's journey.
"I would have saddled them if you had woken me earlier, sir," I told him.
"It wasn't me," he answered. "The Vice-Commander had a man saddle them up. He'd like you to be on the road at your earliest convenience. It seems he was worried your comely looks might cause trouble." He grinned at his little joke. I rolled my eyes at him, but I couldn't suppress my laughter.
There was nobody in the courtyard to see us off, and so we simply mounted and rode out of the keep without any ado.
We were beginning to come near Litauenstadt, though we were still more than a day's journey from that city. But its proximity meant that we were now seeing more traffic upon the road. We passed all manner of people-- German civilians, soldiers, local Slav peasants, merchants, even some folk who looked to have Balt or Finn heritage like myself. These folk in particular excited me because I had not seen any peoples who resembled me since I had arrived with Dalibor in Klatovi more than eight years previous.
The Commander also kept me entertained with stories of his home in Saxony. I liked especially when he spoke of his home to me. He always got a warm look upon his face. One day I hoped that I would see it. He also told more tales like he had the day before, most memorably a story about King Richard of England and his faithful troubadour, Blondel. If Richard had been anything like the Commander then I could well understand why Blondel would have wandered all of Europa searching for him.
At the end of the day we ended up in another small inn in a large village named Vieskial. The village was rather unremarkable and the food was not particularly good, but it didn't matter. I was eagerly looking forward to going to bed and sleeping in the arms of the Commander. Therefore I was sadly disappointed when I discovered our room held not one large bed, but two smaller beds. I should have known that my luck would not hold!
The next morning after breakfast I went out to saddle and pack the horses. When everything was prepared (I was getting better and faster at this with experience) we once again struck out on the road. The traffic was very heavy now. I suspected that, judging by the number of farmers carts headed towards the city, we would be arriving on a market day.
Finally, around mid afternoon, we crested a hill in the road and suddenly there was Litauenstadt in the river valley below us, perched at a bend in the Nemunas. My mouth fell agape. It was larger than I had imagined. Six or seven towns the size of Klatovi could have fit within its walls! There were so many rooftops visible within the city that one could not possibly count them all. Even more amazing was the city keep. It didn't have one tower-- it had seven! Not to mention a myriad of turrets and gables. I could only guess at how many thousands of people lived within the walls of Litauenstadt.
"What do you say, Tanas?" the Commander suddenly spoke next to me. "Shall we go find our futures together?"
[continued]